Cholula is a city that offers more than just a giant pyramid—it’s a place where history, culture, and local life blend seamlessly. What makes Cholula especially appealing for tours is its incredible archaeological sites combined with vibrant town atmospheres. These tours give visitors a chance to see the largest pyramid by volume in the world, explore charming colonial streets, and learn about the area’s rich past from knowledgeable guides. We especially like the Walking Tour with an Archaeologist, because it combines expert insights with a relaxed, intimate walk through the city’s most iconic sights.
Many visitors appreciate the variety of options—from full-day excursions that include nearby towns to private adventures focusing on archaeological sites. Whatever your interest, Cholula has a tour to match your pace, curiosity, and budget. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 7 best tours, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Cholula: Walking Tour with an Archaeologist
This walking tour with an archaeologist is perfect if you want an insider’s look at Cholula’s highlights. For around $37 per person, you get two hours of guided exploration led by a true expert. The guide’s 5/5 reviews highlight how engaging and informative this tour is, especially for those keen to understand Cholula’s prehispanic and colonial history.
The tour takes you through the city’s main landmarks, including the Great Pyramid, the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, and other lesser-known sites. What sets this experience apart is the focus on archaeological insights, with the guide sharing stories about how the city evolved from ancient times to today. Perfect for travelers with limited time but wanting a deep understanding of Cholula’s past.
Bottom line: This tour offers rich historical context delivered by a passionate expert—ideal for visitors who love learning on the go without breaking the bank.
2. From Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco Puebla´s Magical Towns
If you’re looking to see more than just Cholula in one day, this tour is a fantastic pick. For $37, you start in Puebla and visit both Cholula and Atlixco, two of the most loved “Magical Towns” in the region. It’s a full-day adventure—roughly 8 hours—that includes round-trip transportation and guided visits to key attractions.
The tour first explores Cholula’s Great Pyramid and two iconic temples, giving you a solid introduction to its archaeological importance. Then, after a scenic drive, you arrive in Atlixco, known for its laid-back vibe, colorful streets, and local markets. Guests enjoy free time to wander, soak in the town’s authentic charm, and visit local shops. A highlight is making traditional jewelry using avocado pits, and tasting local mezcal, which adds a personal touch.
While the guide speaks in SPANISH, the experience is very visual and hands-on. Reviewers praise it for its comprehensive itinerary and the chance to experience two towns in one day.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full snapshot of Puebla’s cultural landscape, especially if you’re comfortable with a guided experience in Spanish.
3. Puebla: Mexico’s Largest Archaeological Site & Cholula
For those who want a deep dive into archaeology and ancient civilizations, this full-day tour is hard to beat. At $166 per person, it offers a private experience that combines visits to Cantona, the largest pre-Hispanic city in Mexico, and Cholula’s pyramid and temples.
This tour is unique because it includes a guided walk through the sprawling Cantona archaeological site, where you’ll learn about the urban planning and cultural achievements of the ancient inhabitants. The highlight is climbing the Mirador Pyramid for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Star Mountain. The tour also features an ancestral Aztec cacao ceremony—an immersive cultural experience that makes this trip memorable.
Guests rave about the personalized attention, noting that the guide shares 25 years of regional expertise. The tour’s flexibility allows you to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for history buffs or those wanting a more private, tailored experience.
Bottom line: This is a top choice if you’re eager to see both the largest city of pre-Hispanic Mexico and Cholula, with a mix of history, culture, and personal attention.
4. Tour Atlixco and Cholula in a Single Day
This tour balances archaeology with local crafts and scenic villages. For $79, you get a 9.5-hour experience that takes you from Puebla’s historic center to two charming towns—Cholula and Atlixco.
Starting with a self-guided walk through a traditional village, the tour then moves to Cholula for a quick photo stop and sightseeing. A highlight is entering a church with a talavera facade and gold interior, showcasing Puebla’s famous ceramic arts. You also get a chance to craft jewelry using avocado pits, and sample mezcal, offering a taste of local traditions.
The itinerary includes scenic viewpoints, markets, and the chance to explore at your own pace, with no pressure. Reviewers appreciate the mix of guided visits and independent exploration, especially the opportunity to see craft workshops and taste local mezcal.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, hands-on experience in both towns, mixing cultural sites with local artisan workshops.
5. From Mexico City: Private Day Tour to Cholula, Tonantzintla, and Puebla
This private tour offers an intimate, flexible exploration of Cholula, Tonantzintla, and Puebla. For $341, it’s a full 11-hour day designed for travelers who prefer a personalized experience. You’ll admire volcano views, explore the Baroque Santa María Tonantzintla church, and walk through Puebla’s historic center.
Highlights include visiting Puebla’s cathedral, tasting local food at Mercado Poblano, and learning about the region’s indigenous and colonial past. The private format means you can customize your day, spend more time at your favorite sites, or skip others. Reviews mention that the guide’s local knowledge makes the experience richer, especially when discussing indigenous art and architecture.
This tour is suitable for those who want a comprehensive, flexible day trip with a mix of archaeological, cultural, and culinary highlights, all in comfort.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a private, customizable day with a focus on Puebla’s and Cholula’s main attractions.
$341 per person
6. From Mexico City: Puebla & Cholula Tour
For a straightforward group experience, this 8-hour tour delivers Puebla’s colonial charm and Cholula’s pyramid at a good price point—$93 per person. It’s designed for travelers who want a balanced overview of the region’s highlights without a long day or private arrangements.
The tour includes visiting Cholula’s Great Pyramid and Puebla’s cathedral and historic Zócalo. You’ll learn about the largest pyramid by volume and see Puebla’s Baroque architecture. It’s a solid option if you prefer a guided group experience with limited time but still want to see the essentials.
Reviews are generally positive, noting that it’s an efficient way to cover a lot of ground in a short time.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers on a budget who want to see the key highlights of Cholula and Puebla without fuss.
$93 per person
7. Tour Puebla: Colonial Town and a UNESCO-Listed City
This full-day tour offers a deep dive into Puebla’s colonial architecture and Cholula’s ancient pyramids, with a focus on food and local traditions. For $159 per person, it combines guided visits with cultural experiences like tasting mole poblano and chalupas, and exploring the Talavera pottery that makes Puebla famous.
It includes visits to the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, the Zócalo, and the archaeological zone of Cholula, with a total duration of 12 hours. The guide shares stories about the pre-Hispanic and colonial history, making it ideal for anyone interested in a comprehensive culture.
Reviewers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. It’s suited for travelers who want a mix of archaeology, history, and culinary delights with a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Best for food lovers and history enthusiasts wanting an all-in-one day experience.
$159 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Cholula
Choosing among these options depends on your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re short on time but want expert insights, the Walking Tour with an Archaeologist offers a rich, guided experience for a reasonable price. Want to see both Cholula and Atlixco comfortably in a day? The Full-Day Tour of the Two Towns provides variety and local crafts.
For those interested in archaeology and ancient urban planning, the Puebla: Mexico’s Largest Archaeological Site & Cholula is a private, immersive tour. If you prefer more flexible, hands-on experiences with local artisans, the Tour Atlixco and Cholula in a Single Day is a great pick.
Budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive group experience will find the From Mexico City: Puebla & Cholula Tour very practical, while those craving a culinary and culture will appreciate the Puebla: Colonial Town and a UNESCO-Listed City.
Final Thoughts
Cholula offers a rich array of tour options that suit different interests and schedules. For history lovers, the archaeologist-led walk offers an insightful introduction, while those wanting a more relaxed, craft-focused day might prefer the Atlixco and Cholula tour. For a deep archaeological experience, the private Puebla archaeological site tour stands out.
Whichever you choose, booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Cholula’s mix of ancient ruins, colonial towns, and lively markets makes it a must-visit for anyone eager to understand Mexico’s layered past and present.