Things To Do
in Cholula de Rivadabia

A complex, rich sauce made with chiles, chocolate and spices usually served over turkey or chicken; find it in traditional restaurants and at home-style eateries.

Must-Try!

Small fried tortillas topped with shredded meat, salsa, chopped onion and cheese—classic street-food in Cholula and Puebla markets.

A sesame-seed roll sandwich from Puebla typically filled with milanesa, cheese, avocado and chipotle; widely available at sandwich stalls and casual eateries.

Meat prepared on a vertical spit served in soft tortillas or pita-style bread—found at specialized stands and popular night stalls.

The local market offers fresh produce, tamales, chalupas and breakfast stalls; a great place to try authentic flavors and inexpensive meals.

Evening stalls serve tacos, quesadillas, and sweets; ideal for sampling a variety of small plates while strolling.

A polite 'hola' or 'buenos días' goes a long way; handshake or light abrazo among friends. Use 'usted' with elders or in formal situations until invited to use 'tú.'

Dress modestly and behave respectfully in churches; photography may be restricted—look for signage or ask permission.

Bargaining is acceptable in informal markets but do so politely. Always greet vendors before inspecting items.

Be respectful when discussing religion, politics and local traditions; asking questions about customs is usually welcomed when done with curiosity and politeness.

In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary if service is not included; for guides, drivers and hotel porters, small cash tips are appreciated. Street-food vendors and market sellers do not expect tips, though rounding up is polite.

Mexican pesos are the standard; cash is preferred for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, many restaurants and shops, and mobile payment/QR codes are increasingly common—carry some cash for taxis and stalls.

Pleasant days and cool nights with clear skies—great time for outdoor activities and photography; daytime temperatures can be warm, so bring layers.

Afternoon/evening thunderstorms are common; mornings are usually clear and ideal for balloon rides or hikes. Bring a rain jacket and expect lush countryside; humidity is moderate.

Dry, mild weather with good visibility for volcano views; shoulder season crowds and comfortable conditions for walking and cultural events.

Cool to cold nights with mild days; pack warm layers for evenings. Occasional haze or regional air-quality issues can reduce distant visibility of volcanoes.

Trails and routes on the lower slopes offer scenic hikes with views toward Popocatépetl; guided routes are recommended due to variable conditions and safety considerations at higher elevations.

A popular nearby volcano for day hikes and longer treks with diverse ecosystems and panoramic summit views—about an hour’s drive from Cholula.

Short climbs and rural paths around Cholula provide quick hikes for sunrise/sunset photography and close-up views of the valley and volcanoes.

Further afield, the Sierra Norte region offers multi-day hiking and nature-trail options for more experienced hikers seeking varied landscapes and quieter trails.

Closest major airport (~30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic). Serves domestic flights and some international routes; taxis and shuttle services connect to Cholula.

About 1.5–2 hours by car or bus depending on traffic; more international connections and frequent buses or private transfers to Puebla/Cholula.

Cholula hosts university campuses and a sizable student population, contributing to a lively café and nightlife culture.

The majority of residents are mestizo, blending indigenous and Spanish heritage, with deep local traditions and family-run businesses.

Surrounding areas include indigenous groups with Nahua heritage and cultural ties to the region’s pre-Hispanic past; indigenous artisans contribute to local crafts.

A small community of artists, cultural entrepreneurs and some foreign residents who are attracted by the town’s charm and lower cost of living.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available (cheese enchiladas, vegetable moles, soups, and quesadillas). Markets and cafés often have meat-free choices, but always confirm broths and sauces as many traditional moles and salsas may include animal products.

Vegan options are more limited but possible in cafés and some modern restaurants; carry snacks and ask vendors about frying oils and lard in traditional dishes.

Corn-based tortillas and many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination with wheat-based items and sauces thickened with flour.

Communicate allergies clearly in Spanish ("Soy alérgico/a a...") and be cautious with nut-containing mole sauces and dishes that use peanuts or sesame seeds.