Great Pyramid of Cholula
Discover Tlachihualtepetl, the world's largest pyramid by volume, a colossal ancient wonder topped by a colonial church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and sun
Great Pyramid of Cholula
Best Time
Beat the crowds and sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tlachihualtepetl, the world's largest pyramid by volume, a colossal ancient wonder topped by a colonial church.
"It's a very big pyramid mostly covered in dirt. The tunnels perhaps would be interesting but were closed."
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Uncover hidden details and history within the pyramid's tunnels. Essential for a full experience. :bustsinsilhouette:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Pyramid Itself
Cholula Archaeological Zone
The largest pyramid by volume in the world, largely hidden beneath a hill and topped by a church.
Tunnels Beneath the Pyramid
Cholula Archaeological Zone
Explore the ancient chambers and passages within the pyramid's core. A truly unique underground experience.
Church of Our Lady of Remedies
Summit of the Great Pyramid
A beautiful colonial church offering panoramic views of Cholula and the surrounding volcanoes.
Volcano Views
Summit of the Great Pyramid
On clear days, capture stunning photos of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Guided Exploration Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Uncover hidden details and history within the pyramid's tunnels. Essential for a full experience. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense, especially on the open pyramid. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the Views
The church at the top offers incredible photo ops with the volcanoes in the background.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Uncover hidden details and history within the pyramid's tunnels. Essential for a full experience. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense, especially on the open pyramid. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the Views
The church at the top offers incredible photo ops with the volcanoes in the background.
🚫 Avoid Weekends
Weekends mean more crowds and potentially poorer air quality due to traffic. :no_entry:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, recognizing it as the world's largest by volume. The climb to the church and the panoramic views are frequently praised, as are the potential explorations of the underground tunnels. However, some find the excavated areas less impressive than expected, and inconsistent signage or tunnel closures can lead to disappointment.
"What a wonderful site! Great information is given about the pyramid, and it's stunning to see so up close what remains. I also trekked to the church at the top. The church and the view were amazing."
Sara Gonzalez
"It's a very big pyramid mostly covered in dirt. It seems the few things that were excavated were not actually part of the pyramid. The tunnels perhaps would be interesting but were closed. Poor signage resulted in us ascending 300+ steps to get to a church, but have no view of the pyramid (nice city and volcano view, however). Seems the church is the bigger spectacle here."
jeff zeunert
"It says that it was one of the biggest pyramid. Ruins are still you can see from the Mesoamérica civilisation . It will be better to go in the morning to avoid sun."
sabi khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach the Great Pyramid of Cholula from Mexico City is by bus. Companies like Turibus or Capitalbus offer day tours that include transportation. Alternatively, you can take a public bus to Puebla and then a local bus or taxi to Cholula. +1
Yes, a day trip to Cholula and Puebla from Mexico City is feasible, though it can be rushed. Many organized tours combine both destinations.
Local buses and taxis are readily available and affordable for traveling between Cholula and Puebla. The journey is quite short.
Yes, driving is an option, but be aware that parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Public transport or organized tours are often recommended.
Some travelers suggest routes that offer views of the volcanoes before reaching Cholula, though specific details are best confirmed with local tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally affordable, with some estimates suggesting around 100-200 pesos. It's advisable to check for the most current pricing.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance or arriving early is recommended, especially if you plan to join a guided tour or visit during peak times to avoid long lines.
The tunnels are a major draw, but their accessibility can vary. Some reviews mention they were closed due to COVID-19 or other reasons, so it's best to inquire locally about their current status.
The archaeological zone typically has set opening hours, but it's important to note that it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always verify current hours before your visit.
Yes, you can explore the exterior and climb to the church. However, a guide is highly recommended to understand the history and access the tunnels. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see the massive pyramid structure, the church on top, excavated ruins, and potentially access to underground tunnels. The views from the summit are also a highlight.
Many visitors find it fascinating due to its immense size and historical significance, though some compare it unfavorably to other sites like Monte Alban. The tunnels and church views are often praised.
Tlachihualtepetl is the indigenous name for the Great Pyramid of Cholula, meaning 'man-made mountain.'
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the pyramid grounds, climb to the church, and potentially take a guided tour of the tunnels.
The climb to the church involves many steps, and the terrain can be uneven. Access to the tunnels may also be limited. It's best to check for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the pyramid offers stunning panoramic views, especially with the church and volcanoes in the background.
Drone usage regulations can be strict at archaeological sites. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site administration before flying a drone.
Yes, weekends can be very crowded, making it difficult to get unobstructed photos, especially in the main square.
Morning light is often best for clear shots and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful light, especially for volcano views.
Try to frame the church with the Popocatépetl volcano behind it for an iconic shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the immense scale of the pyramid from its base, and explore the textures and details of the ancient stonework. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossal Scale of Tlachihualtepetl
This colossal structure is actually a complex of at least four superimposed pyramids, built over centuries. What visitors see today is largely a hill topped by a colonial church, with much of the ancient pyramid hidden beneath the earth. This immense scale suggests a profound cultural and religious significance for the ancient inhabitants of Cholula. The pyramid's construction is believed to have been a multi-generational effort, with the earliest layers dating back potentially 2,500 years or more.
The fact that this massive monument remained largely unknown to the wider world until relatively recently adds to its mystique. Its discovery and ongoing excavation reveal layers of history, with each superimposed pyramid telling a story of evolving beliefs and architectural styles.
Exploring the Hidden Tunnels
These tunnels are not just simple corridors; they are believed to lead to chambers and temples that formed the heart of the pyramid complex.
It's important to note that the accessibility of these tunnels can vary. Some visitors have reported them being closed due to maintenance or other reasons.
The Confluence of Cultures: Pyramid and Church
From the summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding city of Cholula and, on clear days, the majestic volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
This vantage point offers a dual perspective: appreciating the colonial architecture of the church while contemplating the immense scale of the ancient structure beneath. The contrast between the European design of the church and the underlying indigenous monument is a powerful visual narrative of Mexico's layered history. While the church itself is a significant landmark and a beautiful place of worship, its placement atop the pyramid is what makes the site so historically compelling. It serves as a constant reminder of the layers of civilization that have occupied this land.
Many visitors find the climb to the church rewarding, not just for the spiritual or architectural interest, but for the unparalleled views and the unique historical context it provides. 
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