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Santa María Tonantzintla Church, Puebla

Santa María Tonantzintla Church, Puebla: 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.

Puebla and Cholula 1-Day Tour from Mexico City

2. Puebla and Cholula 1-Day Tour from Mexico City

Puebla, known as the City of Angels, is famous for its colonial architecture and its food. This 1-day tour is a culinary, archaeological, and architectural delight, taking you to Puebla and Cholula, one of Mexico's Pueblo Magicos (Magic Towns) with the largest Mesoamerican pyramid in the Americas. Visit the largest pyramid by base width in the town of Cholula. See Santa Maria Tonantzintla, a fascinating church in Cholula that displays a fusion of indigenous, pre-Hispanic design with colonial Baroque architecture – a truly fascinating and beautiful sight! You arrive in Puebla just in time for lunch, where you can enjoy the culinary delights. Try the Mole Poblano, the Tamales, and some colorful Pepitorias, or Obleas for dessert. Your guide can help you choose your food. Walk off your lunch with a tour around the colonial streets of Puebla, with its 16th and 18th century buildings and craft markets to enjoy.

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.

From Puebla: Cholula Pyramid and Churches Half-Day Tour

4. From Puebla: Cholula Pyramid and Churches Half-Day Tour

After pickup from your accommodation in Puebla, you’ll head straight to the archaeological site of Cholula, home to the largest pyramid in the world. Climb to the top of the pyramid and wander the large plateau of the pyramid, taking note of the ornate church and views of the surrounding volcanoes. Afterward, head to the Church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla in the town of Cholula, a chapel famous for its elaborate interior decorations and significance to local religious tradition. Then head to a pottery studio to taste artisanal spirits, including eggnog and other locally-crafted liquors.  You’ll end your day by heading to the brilliantly colorful Church of San Francisco Acatepec to explore the exquisite details of the mosaics, inside and out. Return back with drop-off at any point in Puebla City.

Puebla: Cholula and Baroque Architecture Private Day Tour

5. 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.

Top sights near Santa María Tonantzintla Church, Puebla

Other Sightseeing Options in Santa María Tonantzintla Church, Puebla

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What people are saying about Santa María Tonantzintla Church, Puebla

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 353 reviews

Beautiful everything, little time. Delighted with our guide Jair, a very kind treatment, a lot of patience to explain and answer our questions, he kindly guided us through places.

Our guide Olivia was extremely knowledgeable and professional. We learnt so much about the area and its history. I would definitely use their services again.

The best tour guide I’ve ever had. Yair switched flawlessly from English to Español and had a true passion for Puebla and Cholula.

Our guide guide Pablo was excellent. He had the knowledge and was very helpful. Highly recommend him. Spoke very good English.

Great tour to get a glimpse of Puebla. You learn a lot about the history of the different sights.