Cholula, Mexico Travel Guide: 13 Best Things to Do

Welcome to Cholula, Puebla – one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit in Central Mexico!

Despite Cholula’s ancient Great Pyramid (the world’s largest pyramid by volume!), rich and lively culture, ornate Spanish churches, and incredible volcano views, most travelers have never heard of this magical, 2,500-year-old town. (Although everyone loves the famous hot sauce inspired by this gem of a place!)

If you’re one of the lucky few who has heard of Cholula – and if you’re thinking about visiting – then you’re in the right place!

I lived in Cholula for a whole month and fell in love with this tiny, yet unexpectedly cool town. From exploring archaeological ruins and trying traditional Poblano food to hiking in the nearby national park, there are so amazing many things to do in Cholula!

This Cholula travel guide is packed with all of the best things to do in Cholula, Mexico – plus where to stay, where to eat, and must-know travel tips.

Quick, Must-Know Facts about Cholula, Mexico

• Cholula (officially, Cholula de Rivadavia) is located in the state of Puebla, about 30 minutes (by car) from the state capital city of Puebla (de Zaragoza), and about 2 hours away from Mexico City.
• Cholula’s earliest recorded history dates back to around 500 B.C., making it the oldest continually inhabited place in North America.
• Cholula is home to the Great Pyramid – the largest pyramid (by volume) in the world. Yes, it’s even larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza.
• The Mexican Secretary of Tourism has officially named Cholula a “pueblo mágico” (magical town).
• Ancient cultures such as the Olmecs, Mexica (Aztecs), and Toltecs all lived and thrived in the area at different times. At its peak, Cholula was the second largest city in the area (after Tenochtitlan in Mexico City) and a very important religious and cultural center.
• After the Spanish arrived in the Puebla area in 1519, they exerted their power by building ornate churches atop each of Cholula’s sacred temples – and sadly, committing the Cholula Massacre.
• “There’s a church for every day of the year in Cholula,” so the saying goes.
• Authentic Poblano culture and Catholicism are alive and well in Cholula! In my experience, not a day goes by without the constant ringing of church bells and fireworks in celebration of different saints’ days, God, life, or otherwise.
• Cholula is a university town, so there are plenty of cool and modern bars, restaurants, and shops to discover.

13 Best Things to Do in Cholula, Mexico

Okay, amigos. Now that the fun facts out of the way… Here are the best things to do in Cholula, Mexico!

1. SEe the Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula – also known as Tlachihualtepetl (“man-made mountain”) – is the largest pyramid in the world (by volume).

Hidden in plain sight, the pyramid just looks like an ordinary hill, covered in vegetation and topped with a beautiful yellow church.

Most of the pyramid’s history remains a mystery. But so far, archaeologists have discovered three gigantic pyramid structures layered on top of one another, built by different ancient cultures over many centuries. It was built to honor Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent god.

Miles of dark, spooky tunnels snake underneath the pyramid, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in Cholula. But sadly, the tunnels have been closed since 2020. They should re-open soon!

2. Explore the Archaeological Zone & Museo de Sitio de Cholula

Surrounding the “hill,” there’s a small but fascinating excavated archaeological site to visit: the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula. There, you’ll find an Aztec-style altar, large stone slabs, a reconstructed section of the pyramid, tombs, living areas, and more.

Your ticket to the archeological site also includes entry to the Museo de Sitio de Cholula. There, you’ll see a model of the pyramid structure, helping you understand what it looks like inside – and how the different indigenous civilizations built three different pyramids on top of each other, over time. Plus, there are lots of ancient artifacts – from ceramics to art to weapons.

Entry to the ruins and museum costs 95 MXN (about $5 USD).

3. Climb up to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

Next up, walk the paved pathway up to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios on top of the pyramid.

This yellow Spanish colonial-style Catholic church (which is even more beautiful lit up at night!) features incredible stained-glass windows and Baroque altars.

But what’s the best part about climbing to the top? Definitely the views of colorful Cholula, the ruins, the surrounding valley, and the two volcanoes!

For the best experience, visit the church twice. Once in the early morning (before the heat!) and once for sunset.

4. Browse the Mercado San Pedro Cholula

I don’t know about you, but I love exploring traditional markets – watching local life unfold, interacting with locals, learning about new ingredients, seeing beautiful handicrafts, and eating authentic (and cheap!) food.

A visit to the Mercado Municipal San Pedro Cholula will provide that, and more! Full of color, friendly locals, and epic food stalls, you can’t go wrong… This is the best market in Cholula, Mexico.

5. Go Horseback Riding near Volcán Popocatepetl

Every morning, I’d wake up to see Volcán Popocatepetl spewing out ash and smoke across pink skies. So when I discovered that a local family offers horseback riding guided tours near this massive active volcano, I jumped at the opportunity.

It was so fun to get out into nature, spend time with the family’s beautiful, well-loved horses, learn about the Cholula Valley landscape, and get a closer view of this magnificent volcano!

Book your horseback riding tour via Instagram/Whatsapp here. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do when visiting Cholula, Mexico!

6. Try Mole Poblano

While you’re at the market – and exploring Cholula in general – there are so many delicious and traditional Poblano foods to try.

The best, and most obvious, place to start? With mole poblano! Of course.

It’s unclear whether mole originated in Puebla or Oaxaca (both states claim they invented it), but either way, you must try mole in Puebla!

If you aren’t familiar, mole poblano is a dark reddish-brown sauce made with ancho chiles and chocolate, along with dozens of other ingredients like spices, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It’s rich, complex, and one of Mexico’s most celebrated culinary creations.

It’s typically served with turkey in Puebla, but there are many variations these days – including vegetarian ones.

Other Dishes to Try in Cholula

• Cemita poblana: Cemitas are poblano tortas (sandwiches) on sesame-seed bread rolls, piled high with your choice of meat (which, personally, I skip), Oaxacan cheese/quesillo, onion, whole chipotles, avocado, and a delicious fresh herb called pápalo (which is similar-ish to cilantro). They usually cost about 30 pesos (or $1.50 USD).
• Chile en nogada: Only available from mid-August to early-October, after the walnut harvest, chiles en nogadas are a super festive dish, resembling the Mexican flag. They’re poblano chiles, stuffed with picadillo, topped with a walnut cream sauce, pomegranate arils, and parsley.
• Chalupas: A typical street dish consisting of a super small, thin, and crunchy fried corn “tortilla,” topped with either green or red salsa, and things like shredded meat, potatoes, cheese, and onions.
• Tacos Árabes: The culinary invention of a Lebanese family in Puebla in 1933, tacos árabes consist of middle-eastern-spiced lamb (or nowadays, pork), roasted on a spit, and served atop pita bread instead of tortillas. These tacos gave rise to the modern-day, most-loved street tacos: al pastor – tacos of marinated, spit-roasted pork and pineapple, plus fresh onion and cilantro.
• Pipián: A green mole sauce, predominantly made with pumpkin seeds, usually served atop meat, such as turkey. But just like mole poblano, today, there are many variations.

You can find all of these traditional dishes from the state of Puebla around town. Plus, all of my Cholula restaurant recommendations are toward the bottom of this post!

7. Hike in Izta-Popo National Park

If you want to get out into nature, then hiking in the Iztaccíhuatl – Popocatépetl National Park is one of the best things you can do while in Cholula! The park is only a 1.5-hour drive away! That said, I wouldn’t recommend going without a guide.

These volcanoes are the second and third-highest peaks in Mexico (over 17,000 feet!), and some of the highest in North America. Needless to say, the views in this national park are incredible!

There are a handful of challenging hiking trails to choose from – and not a lot of crowds. Experienced hikers can even conquer the summit of the dormant Iztaccíhuatl.

On this guided hiking excursion in Izta-Popo National Park, you can choose your own adventure and difficulty level. Then, get ready to breathe the fresh mountain air at 11,000+ feet, take in the epic volcano views, and learn about the unique flora and fauna from your local guide.

As always, make a solid plan and prepare for anything. Check the weather, pack enough water and food, wear proper hiking boots, be fit for the high altitude, and layer up with thermal clothing.

8. See the Many Beautiful Churches

Legend has it, the infamous conquistador Hernan Cortes ordered one church to be built for every day of the year in Cholula, Mexico. Some also say he wanted a church built on top of every pagan temple.

In reality, the Spanish conquest made Cholula home to roughly 40 churches. Which is a lot, considering how small Cholula actually is!

They range from small and basic, to giant, colorful, ornate, and absolutely striking.

Must-See Churches in Cholula, Mexico:

• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
• Parroquia de San Andrés Cholula
• Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel (home to a small Franciscan library, and three churches: Templo de San Gabriel, Capilla de Tercera Orden, and Capilla Real)
• Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla
• San Francisco Acatepec

9. Stop by the Museo Regional de Cholula

If you want to learn about the geological evolution of the valley – as well as the cultural development of Cholula from pre-Hispanic times until the present day – then you can’t miss the Regional Museum of Cholula.

Located inside the historic Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe psychiatric hospital, this small museum offers an impressive collection of ancient artifacts (from tools and weapons to sculptures and paintings), collected during recent excavations of the Great Pyramid and the surrounding archaeological site.

The museum also features a fantastic historical photographic archive and an exhibition of traditional and modern art – from typical Poblano ceramics to amazing alebrijes.

This museum is right next to the Great Pyramid and will only take up an hour of your time… maximum! You can’t miss it.

10. Hang Out at Parque Soria

Parque Soria is where all the action happens on the weekend! Located right next to the ruins, you’ll find everything in this park, from bustling outdoor souvenir markets and street food vendors to Mexican pole flyers (Danza de los Voladores), indigenous dancing, and traditional healers.

In this general area, you will also find the Ferrocarril Station Markets (next to the old tourist train station) as well as a collection of food trucks. Go to the rock ‘n’ roll bar truck for the best michelada with chamoy rim!

FYI: That’s what you see, from my camera roll, above! And the gummy worms? A must… I made my own “gomichela”.

11. Eat and Party at Container City

Container City is a collection of shipping containers converted into different restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, tattoo parlors, and more.

This hipster, open-air mall is pretty quiet during the daytime, but is the place to be at nighttime – especially when there’s live music on!

12. Take a Day Trip to Puebla

If you choose Cholula as your base (I highly recommend this – you won’t regret it!), then you can still easily take a day trip to Puebla city!

Simply take an Uber there and back. The one-way journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 100-200 MXN (or $5-10 USD), depending on how busy it is when you go.

13. Practice Yoga at Amma Yoga Center

While living in Cholula, I became a member of Amma Yoga Center and was blown away by the quality of the amazing teachers here in this town!

The studio itself is beautiful, and they allow drop-ins anytime. They also offer community classes (usually on Saturday mornings) for a minimum donation of 50 MXN (or about $2.50 USD).

The perfect way to kick off a day of exploring is with a little vinyasa! But not before an epic coffee too. (Find my café recommendations toward the bottom of this post!)

Where to Eat & Drink in Cholula

Even though Cholula is a small town, there are too many amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars to list! After living there for a month, I’m confident that I found most of the best spots, from local joints to hipster spots, and everything in between.

P.S. Everything here is cheap. I’m talking, $1 USD for a street snack, like tamales or esquites. $4 USD for the best mezcal cocktail of your life. $3 USD for mole enchiladas. And $8 USD for an artisanal wood-fired pizza. Life is good.

Best Cafes & Bakeries in Cholula

• Barbarista: The best coffee in town… By far! I went here almost every day for a month. They also serve wine, hence the name.
• Librería El Abedul: Good coffee, in a cute little book shop. A local favorite.
• Sémola Pan y Café: Amazing pastries. Like wow. You’ll be thinking: “Am I in France… Or Mexico?”
• Harina y Sal: Some major competition for the place listed above, Harina y Sal also bakes up some epic artisanal bread and pastries. Their wood-fired pizza is also fab.

Cholula’s Best Breweries, Taprooms & Bars

• Cervecería Cholula: A craft brewery in the heart of town! Good food, better beer, and an awesome outdoor patio. A vibe on an afternoon weekend! They have a DJ too.
• Licorería San Pedrito: Quite possibly the best bar in both Cholulas (San Andrés and San Pedro). Amazing cocktails, such a good vibe, really kind staff, and a lovely terrace. Don’t miss it.
• Bilderberg Taproom: Craft beer taproom with some innovative brews on rotation, plus permanent classics.

• Jazzatlan: A place I’ll never forget, because my best friend, Chloe, thought it’d be a good idea to go up to the stage and try to sing with the jazz band. And so she did. (Help me.) Anyway, the cocktails are great and so is the live jazz.
• Finca Ensemble: They’re always busy on the weekend! They have an extensive selection of bottled craft beer across a few fridges to choose from. So pick your poison and enjoy the outdoor seating in the sunshine!
• Pagana: This tiny bar serves cocktails, beer, and most importantly, wild-fermented organic wine. My favorite.

The Best Local Joints in Cholula

• Pescados y Mariscos Moby Dick: A local friend (shout out to you, Paulina!) took me to this place. Amazing Veracruz-style seafood, from ceviche and tostadas to shrimp cocktails, wow – it’s good!
• San Pedro Tortas y Cemitas: I ordered a quesillo (cheese) cemita with escabeche (pickled veggies) and chipotle from here for lunch most days. Delicious – and less than $2 USD for a big sandwich.
• Jugueria Urbana: Super cheap, delicious breakfasts and fresh juice. I’m still dreaming about their fresh juices… which I had literally every morning for a month. So good.
• Tacos PP: You won’t find their address on Google Maps. It’s on the corner of C. 8 Poniente and Av. 5 de Mayo. For breakfast and lunch, this place serves up cheap, local food: tacos, mole, chilaquiles, and tortas, the whole lot! At night, it turns into two other stalls (I don’t know their names!) but both are amazing. One is all about elotes and esquites (best esquites I’ve ever had!) and the other serves up street tacos.

Best Restaurants in Cholula, Mexico

• Antojeria Nacional: I stumbled upon this beautiful restaurant, feasted on traditional, classic Poblano food and margaritas, and was blown away by the bill (in a good way)!
• La Cobacha: This restaurant has a great vibe. It’s the kind of place you can’t walk past! I’ll call it Mexican-Italian fusion. It’s good.
• Spezzia Pasta Bar: This could be the most authentic, delicious Italian food in all of Mexico (including Mexico City). It’s a real treasure.
• Onoloa Poke House: Fresh poke bowls with amazing views of the pyramid and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora.
• Dang! Noodle Bar: Craving Asian-inspired food? The vibe is cool, NYC-grunge. The ramen isn’t going to blow your mind (if you’ve been to Kyoto or Sapporo), but it will do the trick when you need your noodle fix.
• Le Bóbún: Yummy Vietnamese food, from rice noodle bowls to spring rolls. You won’t be disappointed.

Where to Stay in Cholula

So, you’ve decided to spend a night or two in Cholula? (Great choice!)

There are two sides to Cholula: San Andrés Cholula and San Pedro Cholula:

• San Andrés is the younger, “cooler” part of town with yoga, hip restaurants, and plenty of nightlife due to its population of university students.
• San Pedro is home to Plaza de la Concordia and the town’s main museums, religious and archaeological sites. It’s slightly more traditional, but just as lively and awesome.

To make it easy for you, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in both neighborhoods. And the best part? They’re all super affordable.

Here are the best places to stay in Cholula, Mexico!

What to Pack for Cholula, Mexico

• Comfortable shoes: Between Cholula’s cobblestone streets, steep paths (up to the pyramid), and uneven terrain (at the archaeological site), sturdy, comfortable shoes are a good idea. In the summer, I wear comfy sandals. In colder months, I pack boots like these.
• Hiking gear: Planning to hike a lot? These are my favorite hiking boots and trekking poles. You should also bring a daypack.
• Thermal base layer: Pack thermals, even in the summer. Cholula sits at 7,000 feet, and the summit of Popocatépetl Volcano is 17,880 feet!
• Sunscreen and bug spray: Local shops usually don’t carry natural sunscreen or bug spray, so pack it!
• Sunhat: The sun in Mexico is strong, especially at Chulula’s altitude. Bring a cute sunhat for wandering around town and an adventure sunhat for hiking and horseback riding!
• Scarf: A lightweight scarf offers sun and dust protection and doubles as a cover-up for cooler evenings and visiting religious sites.

Cholula, Mexico Travel: FAQs