TOUR 1:  GREAT PYRAMID OF CHOLULA

  • Primary Focus:  Archeology
  • Duration:  1 hr. 30 min.
  • Locations Visited: Great Pyramid of Cholula
  • Transportation:  Walking
  • Terrain and Level of Effort: Level ground, narrow passages in the tunnel. Effort level low.
  • Clothing: Casual and comfortable. Wear sunscreen and a wide brim hat.
  • Shoes:  Comfortable walking shoes
  • Handicap Access: No
  • Restrooms:  Banos available outside the pyramid.
  • Meals/Drinks Provided:  No. Bring your own water and snacks
  • Languages: Bilingual English and Spanish

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

On this tour you will visit three places of the archaeological site, the museum, the tunnel, and the ceremonial courtyard. Your ticket is good for visiting all three.

The museum has three small rooms: room 1 has a model of the archaeological zone; room 2 houses two replicas of murals found during the excavation of the pyramid and room 3 has a small collection of ceramics from the area.

The tunnel, the second place we will visit, is reached through some steps or a ramp. You will be asked to show you ticket. The tunnel is a bit narrow; its height is approximately 2 meters, and we will explore about 300 meters of a total of 10 kilometers. The tunnels were dug in the shape of a Mayan arch, allowing it to withstand tremors. The path is safe, and most of the route is flat. There are few steps, but it is optional to climb them. During the tour, you will be able to see and admire the different layers of construction of the temples. The part of the tour lasts approximately 15 minutes.

The entrance to the ceremonial courtyard, the third and final part of our tour, is 100 meters to the south of the tunnel exit.  This route is flat and longest of the three. There you will see different stages of its construction, some tombs and evidence of human sacrifices. When you clap your hands in the courtyard, the echo sounds like the song of the beautiful bird “quetzal”.

The tour ends at a reconstructed Teotihuacan pyramid that you can climb.