Top Things to See and Do in Cholula, Mexico

These are amazing scenes: pine-scented woodlands, views over the plains to the distant twin peaks of smoking Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes and trails for mountain biking and hiking. The Cerro Zapotecas hills are a popular escape from urban Cholula. And since they’re only 3km (1.9mi) from Plaza de la Concordia, Cholula’s main square, they’re easy to reach by cab. Allow at least an hour to reach the summit on the steep path from the trailhead at the HCB Hotel in the Bosques de Tepoya condominium.

There are no technical climbs and the views are jaw-dropping, but summiting Mexico’s second-highest peak is still a challenge. It’s an active volcano, spewing clouds of ash, and it rises to an altitude of 5,426m (17,930ft) – a full kilometer (3300 ft) taller than any mountain in the USA outside Alaska, with dangers of altitude sickness and freezing conditions. Paths are not clear so before setting out, take advice on safety and hire a local guide.

Cholula’s Great Pyramid is what puts this small town outside of Puebla State’s capital on the map. Known as Tlachihualtepetl, its base is the widest in the Americas, but only one staircase on one side this pyramid has been excavated – due to the fact that the Spanish built a church right on top of it. You can visit the archaeological site that surrounds the pyramid though, with several other interesting structures, and even take a walk through the pyramid’s tunnels. There is a small museum that you can wander through and get a complete picture of this area’s importance to ancient Mesoamerica.

Built in 1520 on top of a pre-Columbian temple, this baroque Spanish convent is a striking structure, built in the ornately decorated plateresque style with a large church and ancillary chapel. It’s also one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Americas. Much of the opulent interior was destroyed in a series of earthquakes, most recently in 1999, but the facade retains some baroque decoration. Look, too, for the original elegant corkscrew-shaped columns and murals in the cloisters.

This museum tells the story of Tlachihualtepetl (aka Tepanapa), the largest pyramid ever constructed by ancient peoples. It was destroyed by conquistador Hernán Cortes and his Tlaxcalan allies during a brutal massacre in 1519. The temple burnt for two days and Los Remedios church was constructed on its ashes. The museum houses a few archaeological remnants, mostly ceramics, but more fascinating are the display panels explaining Tlachihualtepetl’s construction, and the corridors leading from the museum into the pyramid.

Puebla is the most famous source of Talavera pottery in Mexico, but Cholula also delivers the goods: there are stacks of workshops abuzz with artisans. Talavera de La Reyna can sort guided tours and painting classes, or take a look around their gallery, where you can pick up some of Puebla’s best ceramics as gifts for friends and family. Try also La Reyna, where the Talavera History Museum has more than 300 pieces on display.

This fine place is a local favorite, serving Mexican specialities in an al fresco dining area dotted with colorful wooden chairs and tables and surrounded with hanging plants. There’s a great breakfast buffet, loaded with Mexican eggs cooked ranch style (rancheros) or scrambled with onions and tomatoes (a la Méxicana). The lunch and dinner menu includes delicious Mole Poblano (chicken in thick spicy sauce), Sopa Azteca (soup with tortilla, avocado and chilli) and parrilladas (barbecue mezzes).

This is a great market for fresh local produce – including tropical fruits, olives, cheeses, tequilas, flowers, bargain-priced clothes, souvenirs and general bric-a-brac. It’s also a wonderful spot for people-watching and candid street photography, particularly at the beginning of the day when much of the produce arrives. While you’re here sample the street food, which includes delicious parilladas (barbecued meats) and quesadillas (cheese-stuffed tortillas made with locally produced blue corn).

Here we are in Cholula’s hipsterville – a makeshift, open-air mall of salvaged shipping containers decorated with industrial flotsam and jetsam (bottle-tops, beer mats, reused tubing) and converted into chic clothing boutiques, bars, tattoo parlors, shops and snack bars selling tacos, quesadillas and salted beef. It’s sleepy in the morning and afternoon but it comes alive in the evenings as a popular hangout for students from nearby UDLAP university. Many of the minibars – like Taxi – host live music on weekend nights.

The Francisco Peláez Roldan Botanical Garden is an educational space – come to get the lowdown on regional plants, their uses and their history. The garden works to conserve endemic plants, birds and insects of the Cholula area and you’ll find classes on soap-making as well as creating edible flowers and perfumes.

For a more off-the-beaten path experience, head to the Museo de la Sidra (Cider Museum) to learn about the history and production of one of the State of Puebla’s most well-known refreshments – apple cider. You can visit the winery where both reds and whites are produced and learn how the company Copa de Oro started out making sodas and liquors in the early 1900s before moving onto sparkling ciders and wine. There is a tasting room if you fancy a dash of bubbly.