A Year of Travel: Cholula Pueblo Mágico, Mexico

Welcome to Week 17 of A Year of Travel!

Apr 28, 2025

Keeping our promises to ourselves is essential.

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Hello, Fellow Travelers, and Happy Sunday,

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Saying Goodbye to Puebla

Our final day in Puebla is bittersweet. Though I’m unsure exactly when, I know I will return to this beautiful city someday, and that certainty fills me with gratitude.

My time here has been a revelation. I’m deeply thankful to my partner for bringing me here-I hadn’t realized what I was missing. Puebla’s rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and vibrant culture have completely enchanted me. I eagerly anticipate my next visit.

Cholula Pueblo Mágico, Mexico

To mark our last week, we took a short 15-minute drive to Cholula to visit the Pirámide de Cholula, also called Tlachihualtepetl or the Great Pyramid of Cholula. This pyramid is the largest in the world by volume, with a base roughly 300 by 315 meters and a volume of about 4.45 million cubic meters-surpassing even Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza.

Built by multiple Mesoamerican cultures including the Olmecs, Toltecs, and Cholutecs, Cholula was once one of ancient Mexico’s largest cities. The pyramid evolved over time with multiple layers and altars. When the Spanish arrived, locals concealed it with earth and vegetation. The Spanish then built the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios atop the pyramid, which still stands today.

The hike up to the church was short but unexpectedly steep. However, the panoramic views from the summit were well worth the effort.

Regional Museum of Cholula

Before climbing to the church, we visited the Regional Museum of Cholula, established in 2017 in a repurposed early 20th-century psychiatric hospital (Sanatorio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe). I only learned of the building’s original purpose after our visit, but unlike other former psychiatric hospitals turned museums I’ve seen, this one felt calm and welcoming. The staff were extremely friendly, and we encountered two sociable cats on duty. The peaceful courtyard added to the soothing atmosphere, a stark contrast to the negative energy I’ve experienced at similar sites.

The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history across eight exhibition halls, covering pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary eras. One hall is dedicated to Pepita or spirit guides, featuring 35 alebrijes, tonas, and nahuales crafted from copal wood and papier-mâché as part of its permanent folk art collection.

Additional Highlights and Reflections

Puebla’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, impressive churches like the Cathedral of Puebla, and vibrant markets such as El Parián. The city’s culinary heritage, including the famous mole poblano, is a delight for food lovers. Exploring neighborhoods like Los Sapos and Barrio de los Artistas reveals Puebla’s thriving artistic community.

For those with more time, activities include visiting museums like Museo Amparo and Museo Internacional del Barroco, hiking nearby volcanoes, and enjoying panoramic views from the Estrella de Puebla ferris wheel. Puebla’s rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty make it a destination worth savoring over several days.

In closing, Puebla has been a captivating chapter in my year of travel-one filled with discovery, warmth, and inspiration. I leave with a full heart and a promise to return.

Here’s to another week of exploration and discovery!

Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time,
Courtney

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