Cholula Travel Guide: 12 Best Things To Do & See in the Ancient Pyramid Town

Home to the Great Pyramid

Cholula is a charming ancient city close to Puebla that captivated us from the moment we arrived.

Even though you can easily visit Cholula on a day trip from Puebla, we knew we wanted to really soak up the atmosphere so we decided to stay for a week.

That meant we had time to work online, eat lots of amazing food and just enjoy hanging out in the small and cosy city.

One of the special reasons to visit Cholula is that the city is a magical town (pueblo mágico) – like Tepoztlán which is another famous pueblo mágico we also visited on this trip.

It’s a term used for specific towns and villages across Mexico that offer a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, historical significance and local traditions.

Cholula truly offers that and more – most noteworthy, its ancient Great Pyramid (Tlachihualtépetl) is the largest pyramid by base area in the world!

Apart from that (literally) huge draw, the city honestly isn’t packed with must-see attractions, but Cholula has a special vibe and you will find yourself not wanting to leave this lovely part of Mexico.

In this travel guide to Cholula, we cover the best things to do and see, where to stay, how long to stay, where to eat, how to get around and much more.

Where to stay in Cholula:

Adlinks
• Luxury: Estrella de Belem B&B and Spa – Cholula’s best place to stay is a 19th-century mansion repurposed as a luxury boutique hotel with just 6 rooms.
• Value for money: Santa Josefita B&B – Colourful design with clean, snug rooms at a great price just steps from the Zócalo.
• Budget: Majikal B&B – Stay for cheap in an entire furnished apartment with a kitchen.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Cholula here.

Why visit Cholula?

Whether you want to visit Cholula on a day trip from Puebla or stay for longer, we hope you get to experience this magical city.

Cholula dates back to around 1,000-500 B.C. and it makes it one of Mexico’s most historically important cities. With its extraordinary 2,500-3,000 years as a city, it is the oldest continually inhabited city in Mexico and most likely the oldest city in North America, too. Pretty cool, right?

If that doesn’t convince you alone, here are some of the best reasons to visit Cholula:

1. The world’s largest pyramid: Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cholula; the largest pyramid by base area in the world. You can also explore the fascinating tunnels underneath it and panoramic views from the picturesque church at its top.
2. Charming streets: Stroll through Cholula’s quaint, colourful streets lined with colonial-era buildings, vibrant murals and inviting cafes frequented by university students.
3. Relaxed atmosphere: Enjoy a laidback vibe that’s perfect for leisurely exploration, whether you’re relaxing at the main square or sipping coffee at a local café.
4. Beautiful scenery: Take in breathtaking views of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes and the picturesque landscapes surrounding Cholula, for example from the top of the pyramid.
5. Pueblo mágico charm: Experience the magic town’s cultural and historic heritage being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas and get an authentic glimpse into Mexico’s rich traditions.

Where is Cholula?

Cholula is located in central Mexico, just a short drive northwest from Puebla City in the state of Puebla. Cholula is divided into two municipalities: San Pedro Cholula and San Andrés Cholula.

The city lies in a valley at 2,150 metres (7,050 feet) above sea level surrounded by scenic landscapes, agricultural land and the majestic volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl.

Note: Google Maps doesn’t show the municipality of San Andreés Cholula as a part of “Cholula”, but rather just shows San Pedro Cholula.

How long to stay in Cholula?

The ideal length of stay in Cholula depends on your interests and how much time you have. You can visit Cholula on a day trip or even stay for several weeks. Here are some suggestions.

Visiting Cholula on a day trip

If you’re short on time or staying nearby in Puebla (35 minutes by car), a day trip to Cholula is perfect for getting a taste of the town.

In a single day, you can visit the Great Pyramid, see a few churches and enjoy a meal at one of the many great restaurants.

You can even visit on a day trip from Mexico City but the drive is around 2.5 hours so you might not get a full day of exploring.

Advertisement

Spending 2-3 days in Cholula

For travellers with a bit more time, staying two or three days allows for a deeper experience of the city.

This is what we would recommend to most people.

That way, you will have plenty of time to explore the pyramid and the archaeological sites, hang out at the local square, visit a museum, see the many beautiful churches and, of course, sample lots of delicious Mexican food.

Staying in Cholula for 4-5 days or longer

While most of Cholula can be explored in a few days, we opted for a week-long stay ourselves.

If you are working remotely too, we can definitely recommend using Cholula as a base. As already mentioned, the laidback vibe is wonderful and there are so many incredible places to eat – especially if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Are you travelling for a long period of time (backpacking, full-time nomading or the like), the small city is a nice place for a little break to catch your breath and just be for a while.

What to do in Cholula

Despite the compact size of the city, there are some great attractions and sights to explore.

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Cholula.

1. Zona Arqueológica de Cholula – Visit the largest pyramid in the world
2. The Cholula Tunnels – Explore ancient passageways
3. Museo de Sitio de Cholula – Small museum near the pyramid
4. Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios – Church on top of the pyramid
5. Museo Regional de San Andres Cholula – Art from the region’s cultural evolution
6. Parque Soria Market – Souvenir shopping and street food
7. Plaza de la Concordia (Zócalo) – The centre of Cholula
8. Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel – Yellow church by the Zócalo
9. Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla – A unique fusion of cultures
10. San Francisco Acatepec – Baroque-style church with mosaics
11. Francisco Peláez Roldan Ethnobotanical Garden
12. Get sporty in Cholula

1. Zona Arqueológica de Cholula – Visit the largest pyramid in the world

It would be unfair to call the Great Pyramid of Cholula (also known as Pirámide Tepanapa or Tlachihualtépetl) as great as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt…

But, it is both the largest archaeological site of a pyramid in the New World as well as the largest pyramid by volume known to exist in the world today (according to Wikipedia).

It is, however, not as immediately impressive as the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt or some of the other great pyramids of Mexico like the Pyramid Of The Sun in Teotihuacán or El Castillo in Chichen Itza.

Why? Well, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is kind of overgrown and it’s difficult to grasp the full scale of it. We didn’t really “get it” until we saw the model at the museum.

Even though it looks more like a grassy hill than a typical pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is still a pretty awesome sight. Kind of like a massive ancient secret hiding in plain sight.

You might not get the perfect pyramid photo for your Instagram, but you’ll get to explore a unique piece of history that most people don’t even know exists!

Entrance is 90 Mexican pesos per person (2023) which also grants access to the small museum Museo de Sitio de Cholula.

2. The Cholula Tunnels – Explore ancient passageways

The tunnels of Cholula are a fascinating underground network at the city’s archaeological site.

More than 8 kilometres of tunnels have been excavated, of which around 800 metres are accessible to visitors. Here, you can get a glimpse into the complex engineering and architectural skills of pre-Hispanic civilisations.

You will gain insights into the pyramid’s construction and the various stages of its development over time. A very unique perspective on the archaeological excavations, for sure!

Unfortunately, the tunnels were closed temporarily when we visited the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula. Check the current status of the tunnels before planning your visit to the archaeological site, as they may occasionally be closed for maintenance, safety reasons or archaeological work.

Attention: It’s important to note that these narrow, enclosed spaces may not be suitable for everyone. Those who suffer from claustrophobia are advised to consider their comfort level before venturing into the tunnels as the confined environment can be challenging for some.

3. Museo de Sitio de Cholula – Small museum near the pyramid

Entrance to the small Museo de Sitio de Cholula is included in the ticket price for the archaeological site (the pyramid).

It’s located on the other side of the road, very close to the much bigger Museo Regional de San Andres Cholula (described below).

With its blend of archaeological treasures and educational displays, the Museo de Sitio de Cholula is interesting to stop by before or after exploring the pyramid complex.

4. Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios – Church on top of the pyramid

In our opinion, one of the best things to see in Cholula is the striking church built atop the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

The 16th-century Mexican Catholic church Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (translated to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) is truly a special blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial Spanish architecture.

With its bright yellow facade and ornate twin bell towers, it stands out against the blue Mexican sky and the lush green surroundings of the partially excavated pyramid beneath it.

What we loved the most was the panoramic views from the top. They are simply breathtaking! From here you get a sweeping vista of Cholula, Puebla and the surrounding landscape – including the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes on clear days.

Be prepared for a little workout though. ​​You’ll need to climb up the stairs to reach the church which will take around 10 minutes. The hike can be steep, but the views are worth it.

Consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy fewer crowds.

The church is free to visit.

5. Museo Regional de San Andres Cholula – Art from the region’s cultural evolution

From pre-Hispanic artefacts and colonial-era artwork to displays of modern-day traditions and customs, the Museo Regional de San Andres Cholula offers a comprehensive look at the many cultures that have shaped this fascinating part of Mexico.

You can look at pottery, sculptures and tools from ancient Cholula, which is pretty cool as Cholula is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas. There is also a collection of traditional Talavera pottery – a famous craft in the region.

Most texts are in Spanish, but there is some English information available.

Tip: If you are very interested in the history (and have data on your phone), you can use the camera function in the Google Translate app for a live translation of the texts.

Entrance was 45 Mexican pesos per person in 2023 but is free for everyone on Sundays.

6. Parque Soria Market – Souvenir shopping and street food

For a fun stroll amidst market stalls full of handicrafts, souvenirs and street food, check out the market next to Parque Soria just west of the Pyramid.

While specific hours are hard to pin down, it seemed to start slowly during the day only to gain full traction around sunset when we visited Cholula.

This is where you’ll find the market:

7. Plaza de la Concordia (Zócalo) – The centre of Cholula

If you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque spot to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Cholula, then look no further than the Plaza de la Concordia.

This charming public square (also known as the Zócalo), located in the heart of the town, is a favourite gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

When we visited on a Sunday, there was a big market and a small theme park set up for kids to enjoy.

We also went inside both the Parroquia de San Pedro Cholula church and the larger complex of Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel.

8. Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel – Yellow church by the Zócalo

Cholula is famously known as the “City of Churches” – a title stemming from its incredible number of churches relative to its size.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they aimed to convert the Indigenous population to Christianity by constructing churches over or near the old temples. This includes The San Gabriel Convent (Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel), which was constructed on top of the ruins of a temple dedicated to Quetzalcóatl.

9. Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla – A unique fusion of cultures

Though a bit far from the centre of Cholula, the very colourful Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla (Church of Santa María Tonantzintla) might be worth the trip if you’re interested in checking out a unique blend of cultures.

The church is known for its stunning interior which is decorated with an explosion of indigenous baroque art known as “folk baroque”. It’s covered with intricate carvings, blending Catholic imagery with indigenous symbols. Quite special!

10. San Francisco Acatepec – Baroque-style church with mosaics

Located 20 minutes of walking from Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla, Templo de San Francisco Acatepec (Church of San Francisco Acatepec) was among the first churches established in the region with construction beginning in the mid-16th century and reaching completion in 1760.

The colonial-era building is a beautiful example of Mexican Baroque architecture. It’s particularly renowned for its stunning facade which is adorned with intricate Talavera mosaics and red brickwork.

11. Francisco Peláez Roldan Ethnobotanical Garden

Unfortunately, we only found out about the existence of the Francisco Peláez Roldan Ethnobotanical Garden after our time in Cholula.

But it looks like a pretty nice place to chill out for a little while – and it’s free to visit!

12. Get sporty in Cholula

Cholula is a sporty town, and you can partake in several ways.

The huge open space just east of the Pyramid is a great place to get active. Alex especially enjoyed the running track as well as the adjacent outdoor gym – both publicly available.

For more advanced equipment, head to one of Cholula’s fitness centres. We can vouch for Infitness Zona.

If you want to enjoy a longer hike, trail run or even a mountain bike ride, check out the almost 200-metre-high hill of Cerro Zapotecas located around 4 kilometres northwest of the Great Pyramid.

Advertisement

Where to stay in Cholula

Cholula is split into two charming areas: San Andrés Cholula and San Pedro Cholula. But don’t worry too much about picking one over the other.

The real secret to a great stay in Cholula is to find a spot near the Great Pyramid of Cholula, right where the two areas meet (which is exactly what we did ourselves).

If you’re on the San Andrés side – that’s to the west – you’ll be close to the Zócalo, which is always a hub of activity. Over on the San Pedro side to the east, you’ve got the impressive pyramid and streets that seem to buzz with energy day and night.

In other words, staying near the Pyramid puts you in a sweet spot to explore both sides of Cholula without long walks. You’ll be perfectly placed to sample amazing food, soak up the city’s rich culture and get a real feel for what makes Cholula special.

The best hotels in Cholula:

Adlinks
• Luxury: Estrella de Belem B&B and Spa – Cholula’s best place to stay is a 19th-century mansion repurposed as a luxury boutique hotel with just 6 rooms.
• Value for money: Santa Josefita B&B – Colourful design with clean, snug rooms at a great price just steps from the Zócalo.
• Budget: Majikal B&B – Stay for cheap in an entire furnished apartment with a kitchen.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Cholula here.

Advertisement

The best luxury hotels in Cholula

Adlinks
• Estrella de Belem B&B and Spa – Cholula’s best place to stay is a 19th-century mansion repurposed as a luxury boutique hotel with just 6 rooms.
• Hotel Tila – Stylish rooms, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace with pyramid views define this modern hotel.
• Casa Eva Hotel Boutique & Spa – A cosy boutique hotel with unique decor and a relaxing courtyard located between the Zócalo and the pyramid.

Search for the best luxury hotels in Cholula here.

The best midrange/value for money hotels in Cholula

Adlinks
• Santa Josefita B&B – Colourful design with clean, snug rooms at a great price just steps from the Zócalo.
• Villas Arqueologicas Cholula – Get a taste of the Mexican hacienda life right next to Cholula’s Great Pyramid.
• Quinta Luna – One of Cholula’s most beautiful hotels, and it’s not even that expensive.

Search for the best midrange/value for money hotels in Cholula here.

The best budget hotels in Cholula

Adlinks
• Majikal B&B – Stay for cheap in an entire furnished apartment with a kitchen.
• Hostal Hoja Santa – Simple rooms with ensuite bathrooms at a great price, but don’t expect much in terms of facilities.

Search for the best budget hotels in Cholula here.

Where to eat in Cholula

We were pleasantly surprised by how many small, cute places to eat there were in Cholula. During our week in the city, we tried quite a few of them.

Here are our favourite restaurants and cafés in Cholula.

La Colmena

La Colmena is a cosy spot with a big, mostly vegan menu featuring homemade pasta, hearty burgers and delicious desserts.

We loved the ravioli with almond sauce and the chickpea burger with avocado, though the sweet potato fries were more like chips.

Desserts like cinnamon rolls were excellent, but the brownie was a bit dry. The pancakes and raw mocha avocado cake are also worth trying.

Gru Grú

We stayed in an apartment above this restaurant and of course, had to visit as they had vegan sushi options!

Both the special rolls made with rice paper and the crunchy, crispy ones were fantastic. Perhaps not Japanese approved, but sooo good and sinful.

Barbarista

An espresso bar opposite Gru Grú perfect for your caffeine fix.

El taco loco vegano

El Taco Loco Vegano is a simple Mexican spot with a few tables right by the street.

We tried the torta Cubana, filled with various vegan meats, avocado, tomato and lettuce, as well as a gringa with vegan cheese and cueritos, complemented by excellent guacamole.

9 ó 6 Comida Vegana

For an affordable breakfast, 9 ó 6 Comida Vegana is the place to go.

They serve Mexican-style tortas, enchiladas, molletes and other dishes with vegan meat options.

Our breakfast included a torta with vegan sausages, lettuce, avocado, tomato and vegan cheese, a chickpea omelette with vegan cheese, and extra hashbrowns. A simple place, but really good value.

How to get around Cholula

Cholula is a relatively small and walkable city, making it easily explored on foot. The central area is flat, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Also, most streets don’t see much traffic.

For longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, Cholula has a few public transport options, including buses and combis (shared minibuses). These are inexpensive but may not always be the most convenient as routes can be confusing, especially to non-Spanish speakers.

We solely got around by walking ourselves.

Private transport, such as taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber, is readily available and affordable. This is a good option for getting around quickly or travelling to nearby areas like Puebla.

How to get to Cholula from Puebla

Unless you are arriving from a nearby city, you will usually have to go to Puebla City before venturing on to Cholula.

Getting to Cholula from Puebla City is luckily relatively straightforward and can be done in several ways. Usually, it takes around 30 minutes of driving (depending on traffic and the specific route).

By bus or minivan

Regular bus services run between Puebla City and Cholula. You can catch a bus from the Puebla bus terminals or major transport hubs.

Another affordable option is with the local colectivos (shared minivans).

Unless you’re a seasoned pro using Mexico’s local public transport systems, it’s advisable to ask for help from a local.

By Uber, Cabify, taxi or the like

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are easy to catch from Puebla City and offer a quick and direct trip to Cholula.

This is probably the most convenient way to travel to Cholula from Puebla and we opted for this ourselves since we had a lot of luggage and Victoria was pregnant.

In 2023, we paid 130 pesos (~ 6.26 EUR / 6.83 USD) from central Puebla to Cholula but the price depends on the time of day, availability of drivers etc.

The ride from central Puebla City took just 20-30 minutes.

You might be interested in:Tepoztlán Travel Guide: 9 Best Things To Do & See in the Magical Town Everything you need to know about Tepoztlán, Mexico including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay Read more

When to visit Cholula

Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level, Cholula experiences a temperate climate year-round.

The weather in Cholula is generally mild, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Evenings and nights can be noticeably cooler, especially in winter months – with some nights not far from freezing.

Cholula’s rainy season extends from June to October. Expect afternoon showers or thunderstorms, so packing a light rain jacket or umbrella is advisable.

November to May is the dry season, characterised by lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This is a great time to visit if you prefer sunny, dry weather – although be aware that winters can get cold after sunset.

Given Cholula’s high altitude, the sun can be intense even on cooler days. Sun protection is essential year-round – don’t forget to bring and use sunscreen, hat and sunglasses when exploring outdoor sites like the Great Pyramid.

Tips for visiting Cholula

• Bring your pesos: Some restaurants and most market stalls only take cash.
• ¿Habla inglés? While many people in tourist areas speak some English in Mexico, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
• Use Google Translate: If you have data on your phone, you can use the camera function to translate menus, signs or the like live. The microphone function is useful if you’re communicating with locals that can’t speak English.
• Respect local customs: Although Cholula is a rather progressive town, Mexico still has many traditional cultural practices; be mindful and respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Layer up: At 2,200 metres above sea level, Cholula can be warm during the day and cooler in the evenings, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
• Stay hydrated: The high altitude can lead to quicker dehydration. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly, especially when walking or during warmer months.

What to bring to Cholula

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it.
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink). The UV index in Cholula is high!
• Good walking shoes.
• Swimwear if you plan to swim in a hotel pool.
• Water and snacks.
• Mexican pesos. Cash are still preferred many places.

You might be interested in:What’s in Our Camera Bag? Lightweight Photography Gear for High-Quality Travel Content What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road Read more

Sustainable travel tips

To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
• Be considerate of other visitors.
• Respect wildlife.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope this Cholula guide has been useful. What do you think about the Mexican town?

If you’ve been to Cholula it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re happy to help!