Cholula

Home to the largest pyramid by volume in the world, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, topped with a colonial church that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. This ancient pilgrimage site blends pre-Hispanic history with colonial charm in a walkable town center.

Things to do

• Climb the Great Pyramid of Cholula — Ascend the massive pre-Hispanic pyramid, the largest by volume in the world, and visit the Spanish colonial Church of Our Lady of Remedios perched on its summit for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and volcanoes.
• Explore the Pyramid Tunnels — Walk through the archaeological tunnels carved into the Great Pyramid that reveal its internal structure and multiple construction phases dating back to 300 BCE.
• Visit the Cholula Archaeological Museum — Learn about pre-Hispanic Cholula civilization, including ceramics, sculptures, and artifacts that document the city's role as an ancient religious center.
• Wander the Historic Town Center — Stroll through Cholula's colonial streets lined with whitewashed buildings, local shops, and the main plaza, experiencing the blend of indigenous and Spanish architecture.
• Visit the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios — Experience the 16th-century parish church at the base of the pyramid, featuring indigenous-influenced baroque architecture and interior murals.
• Tour the Convento de San Gabriel — Explore one of Mexico's first convents, built in the 16th century with distinctive open-air chapel and cloisters that showcase early colonial religious architecture.

Food to try

• Mole Poblano — A complex sauce made with chocolate, chiles, spices, and sometimes nuts, traditionally served over chicken and considered one of Puebla's most iconic dishes.
• Cemitas Poblanas — Crusty sandwich rolls filled with breaded meat, avocado, cheese, and chipotle served at local panaderias throughout town.
• Chile en Nogada — A seasonal poblano chile stuffed with meat and fruit, topped with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.
• Pulque — A traditional pre-Hispanic fermented agave drink still served in local pulquerias as an authentic cultural beverage experience.
• Pan de Muerto and Regional Sweet Breads — Seasonal bread available year-round from local bakeries, with a slightly sweet flavor and traditional sugar topping reflecting Oaxacan and Puebla traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Site — Remember that the Great Pyramid remains a significant spiritual location to indigenous communities; approach the summit and tunnels respectfully and consider hiring a local guide for deeper cultural context.
• Visit During Fiestas — Cholula celebrates its patron saint festivals in August with processions, traditional dances, and market activities that showcase authentic local religious traditions and community life.
• Learn Basic Spanish — While some vendors cater to tourists, speaking basic Spanish shows respect and opens doors to deeper conversations with locals in markets and small family restaurants.
• Explore Beyond the Pyramid — The surrounding towns of San Andrés Cholula and Tonanzintla (famous for its ornate baroque church with indigenous interior decoration) offer authentic experiences away from main tourist areas.