14 Best Things to Do in Cholula

A pyramid, churches, and fireworks: It’s said that Cholula has a church for each day of the year. And you’re bound to believe it when walking through the streets and stumbling upon yet another church or chapel. Each has its unique architectural style and invites you to take a peek inside.

Actually, Cholula is divided into two towns: San Pedro Cholula and San Andrés Cholula. In the center of both lies the pyramid, the world’s largest archaeological site by volume. Hidden mostly under a huge hill, a church resides on its very top, overlooking Cholula and providing a great view of the volcano Popocatépetl in the distance.

Named a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in 2012, Cholula is also known for its lively celebrations and frequent fireworks, especially on weekends. It’s common to hear fireworks going off in the background as you walk its colorful streets. Cholula also has many shops and market stalls selling artisanal handicrafts. At the weekends, the street north of the pyramid is blocked for traffic to allow for market stalls and vendors to display their goods and sell typical Mexican snacks. The brave ones try out chapulines, grilled and seasoned grasshoppers.

So, get ready for a journey through time, culture, and color in this enchanting town!

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At a Glance: 14 Best Things to Do in Cholula

1. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula
2. Climb the Hilltop to the Church Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
3. Visit the Regional Museum of Cholula
4. Watch the Dance of the Flying Men in Park Soria
5. Admire the Santa María Tonantzintla Church
6. Admire the Talavera Facade of the San Francisco Acatepec Temple
7. Take a City Tour
8. Visit the Park Plaza de la Concordia
9. Visit the San Gabriel Convent
10. Eat at a Restaurant in the Portales of the Plaza de la Concordia
11. Buy Artisanal Souvenirs
12. Try Mezcal in Licorería San Pedrito

1. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula (Gran Pirámide de Cholula), or Tlachihualtepetl, is the largest archaeological site of a pyramid in the world by volume. However, it’s easily overlooked as most of its structures are hidden under a grass-covered hill. When the Spanish arrived, they only saw a hill and built their church Our Lady of Remedies on the very top of it, unaware of the pyramid underneath. Luckily so, because else they’d likely have destroyed it like many other pyramid-temple structures in Cholula.

The pyramid is a complex built over several earlier pyramid structures. Excavations have revealed up to seven underlying pyramid layers, suggesting a long history of construction and modification at the site. Only a smaller part has been undug by the archaeologists and can be visited. There’s a tunnel inside the Great Pyramid of around 280 m (919 ft), but unfortunately, this is closed to the public until further notice. There’s a set of mural paintings that are recognized as one of the most important in Mesoamerica: Los Bebedores and Los Chapulines.

2. Climb the Hilltop to the Church Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

Built by Franciscan monks in 1549, this Catholic church is dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies. It has a tile-covered dome and in its east, you can see the smoking volcano Popocatépetl. It’s about 250 m uphill, but the view from the top is worth it.

3. Visit the Regional Museum of Cholula

The entrance of the regional museum of Cholula lies at the pyramid’s north-eastern side, at the street Calle 14 Poniente. The museum explains in 8 air-conditioned halls the history of Cholula and its various indigenous tribes, the volcanoes by which it’s surrounded, and it also gives an overview of current artisanal objects. They also have temporary exhibits. You can also find the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan, in which the Quauhquecholtec people gave their account of the Spanish conquest. In the garden inside the museum, you can take a break on benches. Unfortunately, not all plates have an English translation, but it’s worth visiting nevertheless.

4. Watch the Dance of the Flying Men in the Parque Soria

At around 1-1.30 pm, the “Dance of the Flying Men” (Danza de Voladores) takes place in the Parque Soria, to the pyramid’s west side. This is a pre-Hispanic traditional ritual that is still being celebrated in many towns in Puebla (see Cuetzalan). 5 people in traditional clothing climb up a large pole from which 4 of them hang themselves upside down tied to a rope. While the 5th man stays on top of the pole playing a traditional instrument, the other 4 slowly sail down in circles toward the ground. It’s a spectacular view. Tips are appreciated.

5. Admire the Interior of the Santa María Tonantzintla Church

This church is famous for its intricate interior, which blends indigenous and Baroque styles. You’ll find dark-skinned angels, corn, and tropical fruits woven into the design, reflecting the area’s pre-Hispanic roots.

Located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Cholula, Santa María Tonantzintla Church is famous for its folk or indigenous Baroque-style interior. This style incorporates pre-Hispanic elements, so you’ll find dark-skinned angels, tropical fruits, and ears of corn. Before the arrival of the Spanish, this area was sacred to Tonantzin, the mother goddess, who was later replaced by an image of the Virgin Mary in an effort to convert the indigenous population.

This church is located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Cholula. You can get there by taking a city tour bus, or by taxi or Uber.

6. Admire the Talavera Facade of the San Francisco Acatepec Church

Known for its elaborate Talavera-tiled facade, this church is a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque architecture. The vivid tiles make it one of the most beautiful church exteriors in Mexico.

While the building dates back to the 16th century, its renowned façade was completed much later, in 1760. The colorful Talavera tiles—famous in Puebla—that adorn the front of the church create an appearance so amplious that it’s like an altarpiece by itself. Look closely for details like the volutes atop the belfry and tower that resemble delicate pastries.

Even though the interior is beautifully decorated, it’s the façade that truly stands out.

This church is located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Cholula. You can get there by taking a city tour bus, or by taxi or Uber.

7. Take a City Tour

From the Plaza de la Concordia or Soria Park, you can hop on a bus for a 1.5-hour tour of Cholula for 130 pesos (about 8 USD). The bus leaves hourly from 11 AM to 5 PM, and you can hop off at the two famous churches of San Francisco Acatepec and Santa María Tonantzintla (see above).

8. Relax at the Park Plaza de la Concordia

Just two blocks from the pyramid’s exit, you’ll find the Park Plaza de la Concordia. This lovely park is a perfect spot to unwind on a bench beneath the shade of trees. Families gather on weekends to enjoy the fairground rides on the park’s eastern side, and you’ll find vendors selling ice cream and sweets. My favourite thing is watching kids feeding the local squirrels, who are especially friendly in the mornings. On the southern side, you can have your shoes polished by a shoeblack. On the western side, there’s a fountain and the Portales, traditional archways lined with restaurants and cafés (see Eat at a Restaurant in the Portales).

9. Visit the San Gabriel Convent

Just two blocks from the pyramid’s exit is the San Gabriel Convent (Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel). With its large atrium and fortress-like battlements, it’s an impressive sight. Inside the convent, you’ll find beautiful paintings and vaults depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Third Order (Capilla de la Tercera Orden) with its stunning baroque facade and the Capilla Real de los Naturales with its 49 mosque-like domes.

10. Eat at a Restaurant in the Portales

On the west side of the Plaza de la Concordia, the traditional “Los Portales” (built in 1573) stretches for 170 meters beneath 46 arches, home to various restaurants and cafés. Enjoy the view of the main square while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

11. Buy Artisanal Souvenirs

As you exit the archaeological site, you’ll find yourself on Ferrocarril Street, where numerous market stalls sell artisanal products. Across from the pyramid, Parque Soria often hosts fairs on weekends, complete with food stalls and music. You’ll also find vendors selling chapulines—dried grasshoppers, a traditional Mexican snack. If you walk westwards along the street Avenida Morelos, you’ll discover even more artisanal shops. On weekends, Calle 14 Poniente north of the pyramid closes to traffic, creating space for even more market stalls, so you’ll have plenty of options for finding unique souvenirs.

12. Try Mezcal in Licorería San Pedrito

If you’re more about drinks than food, Licorería San Pedrito is a hidden gem. With an extensive drinks menu and a great view of the pyramid, it’s the perfect place to try various mezcal shots or cocktails. Don’t worry—the tacos here are good, too.

13. Go for a Walk at Cerro Zapotecas

If you like going for a walk in nature, drive 20 minutes to the hill Cerro Zapotecas. From its top, you have a great view of the volcano Popocatépetl. There’s also a sports ground where the local baseball team tends to play. The Cerro is a popular destination for Mexicans, especially on the weekends when they go for walks or to ride mountain bikes.

You can start from the Avenida Benito Juárez to the Subida al Cerro del Zapotecas, and then walk uphill. Or you start from the street 15 Sur, turning right into Sendero 1 Tepoya, and walk uphill.

14. Take a Day Trip to Puebla

It’s only a 30-minute drive to the city center of Puebla. Admire the state’s capital stunning colonial architecture and its many museums. Don’t forget to enjoy the culinary specialties, such as mole poblano or chiles en nogada (seasonal).

Where to Eat in Cholula

Meson Garibaldi

If you’d like to try typical Mexican and regional dishes, visit this restaurant at Cholula’s main square with a view of the San Gabriel convent. Be it a typical breakfast like Chilaquiles, or a main dish typical for the Puebla state like Mole Poblano: You’ll get a good impression of the food that’s typical for this region. Another plus: They offer the national dish Chile en Nogada (filled poblano chiles) all year round (this seasonal dish is normally available from August – September only). Be ready to pay the tip in cash, though; the food can be paid by credit card.

XOLO Taquería

If you want to eat tacos with a more elaborate filling, try this taquería. 3 blocks from the pyramid, XOLO’s chef comes up with great combinations for the taco fillings. Try the Porfirio taco with prawns in chipotle salsa, beans, avocado, and gouda; or the Celestina with rib eye, garlic cream, camembert cheese, and corn. Wash it down with a mezcal shot or cocktail. The direction is Calle 6 Nte. 405.

Urucú

A small restaurant that offers the traditional Yucatecan cochinita pibil (specially prepared pork meat) in all varieties. Try also the sopa de lima (lime soup), or the all-time favorite achioroll (fried banana with an almond beef filling). They close early at 6.30 PM, so make sure to not miss out on this one. As it lies conveniently only one block from the pyramid, it’s the perfect stop after visiting the archaeological site.

Los Remedios

The charm of this small restaurant lies in its view of the church Los Remedios and the volcano Popocatépetl from its terrace. The dishes are more basic and affordable. My recommendation: Order a cemita (huge sandwich in a bun typical for the Puebla state) and have a freshly pressed juice or pulque (fermented slightly alcoholic beverage made from agave) with it.

Where to Stay in Cholula

Collection O Las Iglesias, Cholula

This 5-star hotel has an outdoor pool, a garden, a lift, and lots of parking spots. You can have breakfast à la carte in the in-house restaurant Las Iglesias (not included), and at weekends it provides a breakfast buffet. It’s only a ten-minute walk from the main square, and relatively quiet. The beds are comfortable and the showers are great.

Quinta Alhóndiga Galindo Hotel Boutique

This stylish boutique hotel lies directly at the main square Plaza la Concordia, thus the rooms that face the main street can be a bit more noisy. Ask for a quiet room if need be. The building is a three-century-old grain storage shed, and continental breakfast is included, but there are also many cafes, bars, and restaurants close by.

How to Get There

Cholula is only a 30-minute drive from the city center of Puebla. You can take a taxi or an Uber to get to Cholula.

Puebla has its own small airport, but you can also fly to Mexico City and take a bus or taxi from there. The ride takes about 2.5 hours.

So…Is It Worth It?

If you’re into archaeology and pyramids, Cholula is one of those places that’s gotta be on your list. The town itself is really charming, with its colorful streets and stunning churches, perfect for wandering around and just soaking up the atmosphere. What made it extra special for me was seeing the Danza de Voladores (the flying men dance). If you haven’t witnessed it yet, Cholula is the perfect place to experience it. Plus, if you’re already in Puebla, it’s such a quick and easy trip that I can’t think of a good reason to skip it.

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