Cerro Zapotecas
The 2,380 m-high volcanic hill is located about 3 km west of Cholula's center. On its main terrace, archaeologists found temple foundations and a ball court; today, locals use the paths for hiking and mountain biking.
Mexico
Cholula
CityCulture
Cholula lies about 10 km west of Puebla and comprises the municipalities of San Pedro and San Andrés Cholula. Its landmark is the Great Pyramid, atop which the church Nuestra Señora de los Remedios has stood since 1594.
by Felix Gillen
Cholula lies about 10 km west of Puebla and comprises the municipalities of San Pedro and San Andrés Cholula. Its landmark is the Great Pyramid, atop which the church Nuestra Señora de los Remedios has stood since 1594.On a clear day, you can see the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl from there.
Sights in Cholula
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Church
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies
The Spanish built the pilgrimage church in 1594 atop the pyramid. A paved path leads to the top, where you'll see Cholula and, on clear days, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
Church
Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel
The Franciscan Monastery on the east side of the main square was founded before 1528 on the site of a Quetzalcóatl temple; the current stone building was constructed between 1549 and 1552. The Royal Chapel belongs to the monastery complex.
Church
The Royal Chapel of Natives
The chapel in San Gabriel's monastic complex was for the indigenous people. Its wide interior has seven naves and 49 domes.
Attraction
Great Pyramid of Cholula (Tlachihualtépetl)
The pyramid was built over in several phases from the 3rd century BC to the 9th century AD and is considered, by volume, the largest known pyramid in the world. Archaeologists excavated around 8 km of tunnels; since March 2026, after six years of closure, a good 800 m of these are again accessible in controlled groups at fixed times, narrow and unsuitable for people with claustrophobia. The Museo de Sitio opposite shows a model of the construction phases.
Church
Temple of Santa María Tonantzintla
The village church a few kilometers south of Cholula is completely covered inside with painted stucco: angels with indigenous features, saints, and tropical fruits like mango and chili. It is considered an example of folk Baroque.
City walks in Cholula
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Cholula's Heartbeat: From Zócalo Splendour to the Pyramid Church
On this roughly two-hour walk, discover the best of Cholula. From lively squares and historic monasteries to the majestic pyramid with its iconic church on the summit, experience the unique mix of pre-Columbian history and colonial charm.
Stops (6)
Essen & Trinken
Restaurant with Mexican cuisine a few blocks west of San Pedro Cholula's main square.
Upscale restaurant with Mexican cuisine at Avenida 2 Oriente 615, a few minutes' walk north of the Pyramid.
Bistro with international cuisine, breakfast and coffee between Main Square and Pyramid.
Churrería on San Pedro Cholula's main square, offering freshly fried churros and hot chocolate.
Food and Drink in Cholula
Cholula shares the cuisine of the Puebla region and has some of its own specialties.
Cold Chocolate
Cold, frothed cocoa, traditionally served in painted wooden bowls.
Cemitas
Large sesame buns with breaded meat, avocado, cheese and Pápaloquelite.
Mole poblano
Dark chili chocolate sauce, which many restaurants offer.
Churros
Fried piped pastries with hot chocolate, for example in San Pedro's main square.
History and Culture
Pyramid and ChurchesThe Great Pyramid, known as Tlachihualtépetl in Nahuatl, was built in several phases from approximately the 3rd century BCE. After the conquest, the Spanish erected churches on pre-Hispanic sacred sites: the San Gabriel convent on the site of a Quetzalcóatl temple and, in 1594, the church on the pyramid. According to legend, Cholula has 365 churches, one for each day of the year; in reality, over a hundred churches and chapels were built in the valley during the colonial era.ExcursionsTonantzintla and Acatepec: two village churches a few kilometers south, one with painted stucco, the other with a Talavera facade.Puebla: UNESCO Old Town about 10 km east.Cacaxtla: pre-Hispanic murals in the state of Tlaxcala.
Nightlife
In Cholula, you'll find a diverse nightlife scene, ranging from relaxed Mezcal bars to lively meeting spots. You'll discover venues specializing in agave spirits like the **Espina Barra de Agaves**, as well as places for craft beer and the **Jazzatlán Club de Jazz Cholula** for live music.
Bar specializing in agave spirits like Mezcal, on the west edge of the pyramid near Calle Ferrocarril.
Pub with Tortas, stuffed Mexican sandwiches, and beer on Avenida 5 de Mayo in San Andrés Cholula.
Bar on Calle Ferrocarril 707 on the western edge of the Pyramid, one of Cholula's nightlife streets.
Jazz club on Avenida 2 Oriente between Main Square and Pyramid, with live music in the evening.
Beer bar with craft beer on tap on Prolongación 4 Oriente in San Andrés Cholula.
Exploring Cholula
The center of San Pedro Cholula, with its main square, convent, and pyramid, is compact and easily explored; it's a ten-minute walk from the main square to the pyramid. City buses and *colectivos* run to Puebla; have small change ready. Taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi are more convenient.Tonantzintla and Acatepec are a few minutes away by taxi or *colectivo*.
Accommodations in Cholula
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