The tunnels
A route of over 800 m under the pyramid.
Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lievanomx — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0 · AlejandroLinaresGarcia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, also called Tlachihualtepetl or constructed mountain, is the largest pyramid in the world by volume according to Guinness World Records. It looks like a natural hill crowned by a yellow church, but under the grass lies adobe brick, with a base of 300 by 315 metres and a height of only 25 metres. It was built in stages from the third century BC to the ninth century AD and is traditionally linked with the god Quetzalcoatl. The city declined in the eighth century, but the place stayed sacred. The Spanish built the church of Our Lady of Remedies on top in 1594, which is why the pyramid was never fully excavated. The architect Ignacio Marquina began tunnelling in 1931, and the tunnels reached about 8 km. The tunnels take you under the pyramid itself. They reopened in March 2026 after six years, on a route of more than 800 metres in controlled groups. On the south side are excavated stone platforms and stairways that show the layers of building. A small museum holds models and finds. From the top you see the city and, on clear days, the volcanoes. Cholula is 10.3 km in a straight line west of central Puebla. The archaeological zone closes on Mondays. The road up to the church is free, and it is a place of worship and pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep quiet. The climb is exposed, so bring water and a hat.
A route of over 800 m under the pyramid.
Layers of building visible in the stone.
The city and, on clear days, the volcanoes.
San Andrés Cholula, Puebla state
They reopened in March 2026 in groups at set times, so ask at the ticket office.
Visitors and a travel guide say the climb to the church is free and separate from the archaeological zone.