A Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
Although it deserves much more than a day, a day trip to Puebla and Cholula is perfect if you only have a short time in Mexico.
Both cities are awesome to explore. Puebla is one of Mexico’s largest cities and Cholula has the largest pyramid in the world. Yes, you read that correctly.
A day trip to Puebla and Cholula means you’ll learn history, experience culture, enjoy delicious cuisine, and see beautiful architecture.
Even if you only have a few hours to spare, I’m sure you’ll enjoy both of these amazing places near the big city.
Here is how you can have the perfect day trip to Puebla and Cholula.
Table of Contents
Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
History of Puebla
The Spanish founded Puebla in 1531, and it wasn’t built over an indigenous settlement. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated French forces in Puebla. This battle is commemorated annually in Puebla and is known as the famous Cinco de Mayo holiday.
Puebla is the name of the state as well as its capital city. I’ll be talking about the city in this Puebla travel guide. Aside from nearby Cholula, I didn’t have time to explore other places in Puebla state, but there are plenty of destinations to check out.
The other great thing about visiting Puebla is its proximity to Mexico City. It only takes 2 hours by bus from the capital. Along with Taxco and Tepoztlan, it’s one of the best short trips from the incredible Mexico City. I’ll explain what to do in Puebla if you only have one day to spare.
What to do in Cholula
You will start by driving or riding the bus to Cholula. On your way there, you will see beautiful mountains in the backdrop and incredible views of the two volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztacchihuatl.
Breakfast in Cholula
After the long morning drive to Cholula, it’s most likely you’ll be hungry. I recommend eating a delicious Mexican breakfast such as chilaquiles to start your day and a café de la olla (coffee). I recommend Licorería San Pedrito Cholula. This spot is quite awesome. You enter through a sort of secret door or passageway to get to their rooftop terrace.
Cholula Pyramid
Did you know that the world’s largest pyramid is in Mexico and not in Egypt? Yup, I didn’t know this either.
And I’m not talking about Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan, I’m talking about Tlachihualtepetl, Tepanapa Pyramid in Cholula, Puebla.
This archeological site sits only 2 hours away from Mexico City, and unlike most pyramids, it’s not easily visible because the Spanish put a church at the top of the pyramid. This church is bright yellow and has an incredible view of the city.
The base measures 400 by 400 meters and has a total of 4.45 million cubic meters in volume, twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The base of the pyramid stretches to the end of town, and it has tunnels to explore. I recommend visiting if you want to learn the history even more.
It was constructed by the Xelhua around 200 BC and has been rebuilt a few times by different civilizations such as the Toltecs, Olmecs, and Aztecs.
Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) is a 16th-century Catholic Church that the Spanish built atop the Tlachihulteptl Pyramid. You can walk into the church to check out its beauty, and you can walk around it to get great views of the city and the Popocatepetl volcano from afar.
Parque Soria
Parque Soria is the park that sits below the Our Lady of Remedies Church and next to the archeological site of the pyramid. It’s a great area to walk around, have a picnic as a family, or grab lunch at the restaurant.
Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
What to do in Puebla
Once you have explored a little bit of Cholula, it’s time to see the best of Puebla City. Here is what you can do for the remainder of your day. You’ll want to spend more time here because there is more to do.
Stroll the Historic Center and Zocalo
The city has a colorful and well-preserved historic center and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find beautiful churches, colonial architecture, and lovely Talavera ceramic tiles decorating the buildings here.
Strolling the streets of small towns and cities is one of my favorite things to do in Mexico. It’s how you discover the crooks and crannies.
The Zocalo is the main square, and the one in Puebla is a must-visit. In Puebla, the Zocalo is a vibrant and lovely area where you can eat and drink.
You can also walk around to admire the architecture, the cathedral, the colorful streets, and people-watch.
Admire the Cathedral of Puebla
At the Zocalo, don’t miss the Basilica Cathedral of Puebla. It has a beautiful architectural design and is one to admire. It is one of the most important buildings in the historic center.
Check out the Parian Market
This colorful artisan market is next to the historic center and is one of the best things to do in Puebla. You can browse the shops or buy yourself some lovely souvenirs.
Even if you aren’t much of a gift shopper, browsing through the handicrafts is a great way to appreciate the work the locals do.
Buy Talavera Pottery
Different regions of Mexico are known for different types of art and handicraft work. For example, in Puebla, Talavera pottery and ceramic tiles are popular.
You can buy bowls, plates, cups, tile, and other souvenirs that feature Talavera. This handicraft method originated in the 16th century, and Puebla has become the place to find this kind of artwork.
Even if you aren’t much of a gift shopper, browsing through the handicrafts is a great way to appreciate the work the locals do.
Walk Callejon de los Sapos
You will love Callejon de Los Sapos or Alley of the Frogs if you enjoy seeing colorful colonial streets. This street is picture-perfect, and I loved wandering through it and photographing it.
You may be wondering where it got its name from. The story behind it is very simple. One day there was a flood on the street, and it was literally filled with frogs.
Barrio de los Artistas
Barrio de Los Artistas (Artist Quarter) is also near Parian Market. It’s a small and lively neighborhood where you can hang out.
Local artists paint in the neighborhood, and sometimes musicians will play music. There are benches where you can sit back to watch everything going on.
You can also find the Puebla art school, some small art galleries, and great cafes.
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
The Palafoxiana Library is UNESCO recognized as the first public library in Mexico and in the Americas. This historic library is home to over 45,000 books and manuscripts.
The library is gorgeous, so even if you aren’t the kind to read, you can check out this place’s architecture, history, and beauty.
However, if you are interested in finding books, although the building was built in 1646, you can find books that date back to the 15th century.
The library is named after Jan de Palafox y Mendoza, who donated 5,000 of his own books so they could be shared with the public.
Today, you can enter the library for a small fee.
Templo de Santo Domingo & Rosary Chapel
Also near the city center is the Templo de Santo Domingo which houses the well-known Rosary Chapel. The Rosary Chapel distinguishes itself because it’s covered in gold leaf and has a Baroque architecture that attracts visitors worldwide.
It was built in the 17th century and has a reputation of being the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Calle de los Dulces
Mexico is a food lover’s paradise. This country does sweet, spicy, and sour perfectly. Not only does it have the best tequila, mezcal, tacos, and some of the spiciest food in the world, but it also has the best candy!
Even the candy is sweet, spicy, and sour. There are many unique and delicious candies to taste, and I genuinely believe they are the best in the world. Don’t mind me being biased here.
In Puebla, you can find Calle de Los Dulces, which means Candy Street. Here are some candies to try.
Sweet Candies to try
- Mazapan (de la Rosa brand)
- Banderitas de Coco
- Canels (gum)
- Duvalin
- Manita (vero)
- Paleta Payaso
- Bubu Lubu
- Paleta de Cajeta (Coronado brand)
Spicy Candies to try
- Pulparindo (yellow)
- Gusano Chamoy
- Pelon Pelo Rico
- Paleta de Mango (Vero brand)
- Paleta de Elote (Vero brand)
- Lucas
- Rellerindos
Other Candies/Snacks:
- Cacahuates Japoneses (de la Rosa brand)
- Pica Limon
- Dulce de Guayaba
- Jamoncillo
Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
Try the Cuisine
Once you have spent the day exploring the best of Puebla, you will probably be starving! Like most of Mexico, Puebla also has delicious food. Mole is a must-try food in the city because it its the birthplace.
Mole is a Mexican sauce made of nuts, chocolate, onion, garlic, and other spices. It has a strong taste and is usually poured over certain foods like tamales, chicken, or enchiladas.
Another popular food in the region is chalupas. Chalupas are small fried tortillas with salsa and other toppings. They are delicious.
Cemitas are another popular food in Puebla. These are signature sandwiches.
Best Time to Visit Puebla
The dry season is from November to April. This is the best time to visit Puebla. However, Puebla doesn’t get much rain, and you can visit any time of the year. Temperatures also stay pretty consistent throughout the year and stay in the warm 80s°F.
A day trip to Puebla and Cholula gives you a great taste of this region in Mexico, but it’s not enough time to enjoy everything the state of Puebla has to offer.
There is so much more to do, such as visiting the Popocatptl Volcano, Museo Amparo, and more. If you can squeeze more time in, consider spending more time in these cities.
Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
What to Pack
If you’re only visiting for a day, you only need to take a few essential items with you. Here are some items to pack in your day pack while exploring Cholula and Puebla.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
Day Trip to Puebla and Cholula
