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Cholula Archaeological Zone

Cholula Archaeological Zone: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla Day trip

1. From Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla Day trip

Enjoy a full day tour to the most beautiful and important historical sites outside Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla. You will start driving from Mexico City and cross the highway with the mountains in the backdrop, towards the east side of the city. Admire breathtaking views and beautiful scenery of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes and get to the town of Cholula. Then, head to Santa María de Tonantzintla, this unique Church combines two religious interpretations that coexist (the indigenous and the Christian) and it its considered the most representative church of the indigenous baroque art. Visit the Cathedral and the historic center of Puebla in a guided walking tour, that will take you to the most important and representative places of this "City of Angels". Before returning to Mexico City, you'll be able to taste the local food, visit Parian Market and have free time to explore on your own.

From Mexico City: Puebla and Cholula Day Tour

2. From Mexico City: Puebla and Cholula Day Tour

Your full-day trip begins with a drive to Huejotzingo, where you’ll visit the Convent of San Miguel and learn about the various cultural origins of the Mexicans, including Spanish, Arabic, and Native American. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Cholula archaeological zone, home to the largest pyramid in the world. The tour continues to colonial Puebla, a cosmopolitan city that has preserved its traditions in its food, art, and culture. As you walk along the city’s beautiful streets, you’ll be drawn in by the splendid architecture of the city’s cathedral, the homes, museums, and other buildings decorated with tiles. Visit Puebla’s majestic cathedral, its main square, the Chapel of the Rosary, the Convent of Santa Monica. Stop at onyx and talavera ceramics factories.

From Mexico City: Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour

3. From Mexico City: Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour

Arrive in the city of Cholula and visit the Great Pyramid, with a basement that looks like an archaeological site (comparable to the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt). Ascend to the Our Lady of Remedies Church, a church built on top of the pyramid. Later, visit the church of Santa María Tonantzintla - unique for its interior decoration composed of indigenous motifs and Catholic elements. Learn about how the Indigenous peoples of Tonatzintla wanted to represent Tlaloc, the god of rain, in the dome of the sky chapel. Witness how every little carved face is not an angel, but rather an Indigenous person who died and was reincarnated in the sky. Finally, visit the church of San Francisco Acatepec - a beautiful and unforgettable church. After this, discover one of Mexico's cities with the greatest cultural heritage during a fascinating tour of “Puebla de los Ángeles”. Admire the extraordinary scenery protected by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. Visit the cathedral, which is cross-shaped and consists of 5 naves. See how the central altar was constructed in an octagonal shape whilst the other 4 altars face in the direction of compass points. Marvel at the bell towers which are the largest in Mexico. Continue on to visit the famous Capilla del Rosario, which in its day was considered as one of the 8 wonders of the world. Step inside the chapel to see a statue of the Virgin of the Rosary, surrounded by numerous saints, angels, and martyrs. At the end of the tour, visit La Iglesia de la Compañia, where you will find the dress style now known as China Poblana - a white blouse and colorful embroidered red and green shirt - which has evolved to include the national symbols of Mexico, an eagle clutching a snake, and a prickly pear cactus. Learn about how women who wear this dress usually braid their hair on 2 sides tied with red, white, and green ribbons. At 4 PM return to Mexico City where your tour will end.

Puebla: Cacaxtla and Cholula Private Archaeological Tour

4. Puebla: Cacaxtla and Cholula Private Archaeological Tour

Explore the history of Mexico with this day trip to two of the most important archaeological sites around Puebla. Learn about ancient civilizations and get a feel for pre-Hispanic life on a private guided tour. Start your experience with hotel pickup in Puebla or Cholula, and head to Cacaxtla. Visit the museum and marvel at colorful murals painted 1,300 years ago. Wander through the ancient fortress to see the ruins of shrines and pyramids, and enjoy a taste of pulque – a pre-Hispanic beverage. Continue to Cholula, home to the largest pyramid base in existence. Explore the museum and the field of altars. Climb to the top of the pyramid to see the beautiful church and views of the surrounding volcanoes. End the tour with drop-off back at your hotel.

Cholula Town & Pyramid Double-Decker Tram Tour

5. Cholula Town & Pyramid Double-Decker Tram Tour

Start your tour from Puebla City main plaza or “Zocalo”, boarding a traditional double-decker tram. Five miles to the west of the city is the “double” town of Cholula, which brings together San Pedro and San Andres. Each of these towns has its own main square and church, but they are so close to each other that the border has been lost and they are both thought of as the same town. This panoramic tour starts in  San Pedro Cholula at the  Plaza de la Concordia, which is flanked by the Convento de San Gabriel built by Franciscans in 1549 on the site of the ruins of a temple  dedicated to Quetzalcóat. Continue towards the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest in the world if you count it's basement. At the top, you will admire the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Temple, built by the Spaniards in 1549. Continue to San Andrés Cholula, where you will stop for a moment so you can visit the beautiful parish. Re-board the tram and stop at the San Francisco Acatepec and Santa María Tonanzintla Temples to admire their Mexican Baroque-style. Continue to San Pedro Cholula, passing by the wizards house, and Copa de Oro cider factory, to finally stop at San Pedro Cholula Zocalo  to visit the Great Pyramid,  the local market, the Royal Chapel, San Gabriel Convent and Concordia Plaza. Enjoy time on your own to have a look around before returing to Puebla around 4.30 pm.

Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco Private Tour with Food Tastings

6. Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco Private Tour with Food Tastings

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Puebla and travels to the ancient city of Cholula. Visit the Great Pyramid, the largest pyramid in the world with a history dating back to the 3rd century B.C. From there, head to the charming city of Atlixco, founded in 1579. Pass by the city’s colorful central park, Franciscan convent and chapel, and the impressive Municipal Palace Mural. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a tasting session of handcrafted beer, homemade bread, cranberry juice, chocolate, and ice cream. Continue the tour to the city’s nursery next where you can find over a hundred species of plant and flower. Soak up the beauty of nature as you explore the nursery and learn about Mexico’s native flora. Finally, stop at a trout farm in Atlimeyaya, where you can meet the local farmer and feed the trout yourself. The tour ends with drop-off back to your hotel.

Puebla: Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour with Visit to Cholula

7. Puebla: Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour with Visit to Cholula

Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Puebla and Cholula on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel, head straight to the Regional Museum and Archeological Zone of Cholula, which is considered the oldest city in America. Enjoy a guided tour of the region, ending on top of the pyramid where the symbolic Remedio's Church is located. Afterward, head back to the historical center of Puebla for a guided tour. First, pay a visit to the Palafoxiana Library, the first of its kind in all the Americas. Later, stroll past the Cathedral, the Zocalo, and the gold-plated rosary chapel. In the "Street of Candies", enjoy a tasting of local sweets and liquors.  Later, visit the artist plaza and an artisan craft market, as well as a visit to the Alley of Frogs, where you will find an antique flea market. Finally, visit the famous Cinco de Mayo forts which surround the city before getting dropped off back at your accommodation.

Puebla: Cholula and Baroque Architecture Private Day Tour

8. Puebla: Cholula and Baroque Architecture Private Day Tour

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Puebla and travels to the city of Cholula. Visit the Great Pyramid, the largest pyramid in the world with a history dating back to the 3rd century B.C. After your tour of the pyramid, enjoy a tasting session of traditional Mexican liquors as well as a popular eggnog beverage. Next, visit the San Francisco Acatepec's Church, best known for its impressive Talavera mosaic and red brick facade. Later, continue the tour to some of the region’s best examples of Baroque architecture. Stop at the Church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, built in the 16th century, to admire its truly incredible and intricate interior. Finally, visit the International Museum of the Baroque, which boasts an unforgettable architectural experience. The tour ends with drop-off back to your accommodation.

Mexico City: Private Tour of Puebla and Cholula

9. Mexico City: Private Tour of Puebla and Cholula

Start your morning with hotel pickup from Mexico City before beginning your full-day tour. Arrive at the Archaeological Zone of Cholula and enjoy a guided tour around the area which is considered the oldest city in America. Climb to the top of the pyramid where the symbolic Church of Remedios is located. Visit the Church of Santa María Tonantzintla where you can marvel at the intricate details of this indigenous baroque Franciscan temple. Your tour continues in the historic center of Puebla. First, you will visit the Palafoxiana Library, the first of its kind in all of the Americas. Later, explore the Cathedral, the Zócalo, and the gold-plated Chapel of the Rosario. Finally discover the smallest volcano in the world, the ‘Cuexcomate’. Finish your tour with a visit to the artists' square and handicraft market before visiting the famous Cinco de Mayo forts that surround the city.

Puebla: Cholula Craft Beer Tour by Tram

10. Puebla: Cholula Craft Beer Tour by Tram

Tour on a traditional tram to Cholula Magical Town. Visit to a craft beer factory and 2 more breweries to taste different types of beers, learn why they are so special, their qualities, flavors and textures. The guide on board the tram will explain the importance of Cholula in Mexico´s history, the history of Cholula and its great pyramid with the largest basement in the world. Take incredible pictures of this unique pyramid.

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What people are saying about Cholula Archaeological Zone

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 127 reviews

Best tour ever !!! Both Juan (driver) and Carlos (guide) provided great detail and insight. They are both happy individuals who appear to enjoy their work. Picked up on-time as scheduled and travelled the tricky roads safely. Buffet lunch was appetizing and lots to choose from. Highly recommend this tour with both Juan and Carlos !!!

Excellent activity. Puebla is a charming place and the rest of the places are not far behind. And also excellent attention from the Guide, Jair, and the driver, Humberto. A 10 for them. Punctuality, good attention and good explanations. recommendable

Very good, the logistics, the professionalism of Jair the guide, the places visited. Everything went according to plan.

Assure to add a message for people to get pesos, as no cards are accepted by street vendors.

A very pleasant day learning even more about Mexican culture.