Cholula Pyramid & Temples: Tram Tour from Puebla with Guide

Summary

Discover Cholula’s pyramid, vibrant temples, and lively plazas by tram

You’ll ride a classic double-decker tram from Puebla to Cholula with a local guide who brings history to life along the way. Explore vibrant baroque temples like Santa María Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec, then enjoy free time in Cholula’s lively zócalo or visit its legendary pyramid—moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the tram rattled as we left Puebla — not loud, just this gentle clatter that made everyone smile at each bump. Our guide, Mariana, waved her hand toward the horizon where the Cholula pyramid sort of blended into the hill. Honestly, I’d seen pictures but didn’t expect it to look so… hidden? She told us it’s actually the largest pyramid in the world by base — bigger than Giza — but you’d never guess from a distance. The air smelled faintly of tortillas and something sweet drifting in from a street vendor we passed.

We stopped at Santa María Tonantzintla first. The outside is pretty simple but inside — wow, it’s like someone poured every color in Mexico onto the walls. Angels with indigenous faces, corn motifs everywhere (Mariana explained Tonantzin was a maize goddess), and gold leaf catching bits of sunlight through tiny windows. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it doesn’t capture how crowded and alive it feels in there. San Francisco Acatepec was next — covered in Talavera tiles so bright they almost hurt my eyes. I joked about sunglasses and one of the older ladies on our tour laughed; she said her grandmother used to bring her here as a kid.

After that we rolled into San Pedro Cholula’s zócalo. There were kids chasing pigeons and someone playing guitar near the Portal Guerrero arches (Mariana counted them for us — 46!). We had time to wander on our own, so I ducked into the old San Gabriel Convent. It’s quiet inside, cool stone underfoot, faded frescos on the walls — you can almost hear centuries of whispers if you stand still long enough. I skipped climbing up to the church on top of the pyramid (maybe next time), but grabbed a tamal from a street stall instead. Still thinking about that tamal now, actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cholula Tram Tour and Visits

• Tram ride with views of Cholula Pyramid
• Visit Santa Maria Tonanzintla Temple
• Visit San Francisco Acatepec Temple
• Free time to explore San Pedro Cholula Zocalo, Portal Guerrero, Ex Convento de San Gabriel, Capilla Real, Casa del Caballero Aguila, and Pyramid

Top questions

How do you get from Puebla to Cholula on this tour?

You travel by double-decker tram with a local guide included.

Is entrance to Cholula’s pyramid included?

No, admission to the pyramid is not included; you have free time to visit it on your own if you wish.

What main attractions are visited during this day trip?

You’ll see Santa María Tonantzintla temple, San Francisco Acatepec temple, San Pedro Cholula zócalo, and have time for other sites like San Gabriel Convent.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; you have free time to try local food in Cholula.

Are children allowed on this tram tour?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

How much walking is involved during free time?

You can choose how much you walk during your free time in Cholula; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is there a dress code for visiting temples?

The dress code is smart casual for comfort and respect at religious sites.

What’s included

Your day includes a panoramic tram ride from Puebla with commentary from a local guide throughout each stop; visits inside Santa María Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec temples; plus free time in San Pedro Cholula’s zócalo for exploring or sampling local food before returning together by tram.