Just six miles (10 km) outside of Puebla, Cholula is a great day trip from Puebla.
Here you can see The Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world’s largest pyramid topped by the Virgen de los Remedios church. From the top you have views of the Popocatépetl volcano near Puebla that came back to life in 1994 and is now one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, regularly spewing smoke and ashes. It was my first smoking volcano! The last eruptions were in January and February, 2020.
Make sure you walk to the enclosed market a block from the Zocalo. It was full of activity and well- worth the visit. Also walk through the Zocalo and visit the two large churches on one side. Following your exercise you can then stop for lunch at La Lunita at Av. Morelos 419 which has a fun atmosphere with an emphasis on local, traditional food.
Talavera in Puebla is a type of maiolica (mayolica or majolica) pottery which only comes from the city of Puebla and the nearby communities of Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali, because of the quality of the natural clay found there and the tradition of production which goes back to the 16th century
Make sure to visit Talavera La Reyna which has a spectacular showroom and museum. They produce traditional pieces but their contemporary ceramic pieces are really wonderful. It is located at Lateral Sur Recta a Cholula 3510 in Cholula. It is a very attractive, contemporary space that is well worth the visit. Another good choice is Talavera Santa Catarina. Their store and workshop is located at Prol. 14 Oriente 1402, San Andres, Cholula. Their pieces are very attractive.
I recommend hiring a guide for the day to take you out to Cholula and show you around. I had a great experience with Carlos Rivero of Carlos Rivero Tours. His website has his email and phone contact info.
