Things to Do in Puebla

The city of Puebla, 90 miles from Mexico City, is home to baroque and Spanish colonial–style buildings, including the historic Puebla Cathedral (Catedral de Puebla). Wander through its 14 chapels, admire the 16th century paintings, and marvel at the tallest twin bell tower in Mexico; it’s said angels lifted the three-ton bell in place.

Housed within the Santo Domingo Church (Templo de Santo Domingo), the 17th-century Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario) is a magnificent example of Mexican baroque. Admire the gilded stucco, talavera tiles, and recently restored oil paintings which surround the altar at this chapel that was once considered the eighth wonder of the world.

Behind its understated dark red facade, the 16th-century Santo Domingo Church (Templo de Santo Domingo) hides some of the country’s most ornate interiors. Highlights are the life-sized altarpiece statues and the lavishly decorated, gilded, and tiled Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario), itself a stellar example of Mexican baroque art and architecture.

Marvel at more than 5,000 mostly free-roaming animals from the comfort of your own car or bus at Africam Safari and enjoy the excitement of an African safari without leaving Mexico. Look out for rare white tigers, rhinos, and elephants, before admiring the bat exhibit, botanical garden, and butterfly zoo on foot in the Adventure Zone.

The 263-foot-tall (80-meter-tall) Estrella de Puebla—or “Star of Puebla”—is the largest of its kind in the world, with the Guinness World Record to prove it. It has 50 standard gondolas, each with room for up to eight passengers, as well as four plush luxury gondolas for an extra-special experience; however, each one offers magnificent panoramic views of Puebla.

Situated just a few hours southeast of the Mexican capital, San Pedro Cholula is one of the two municipalities of Cholula proper and a popular day trip from Mexico City. Explore the Great Pyramid of Cholula—the largest in the world—sample traditional Pueblan cuisine, and shop for local handicrafts at the marketplaces before visiting Cholula’s many ornate churches.