A Weekend Escape from Mexico City
Exploring Cholula and Puebla
While settling into my six-week adventure in Mexico City, the urge to explore the surrounding regions hit me. My friend Lesley suggested a quick two-day getaway to Puebla and Cholula, and I am so glad she did.
It’s easy to get swept up in the vast energy of CDMX, but heading southeast offers a totally different rhythm. We were incredibly lucky to stay with some of Lesley's friends, which transformed a simple sightseeing trip into a warm, hospitable experience that felt like home.
Here is a look at our two-day itinerary filled with colorful streets, incredible pottery, and (of course) some of the best mole I have ever tasted.
Day 1: Charm and Chalupas in Cholula
Cholula feels distinct from the moment you arrive. It’s known for having the widest pyramid in the world (Great Pyramid of Cholula), which looks like a massive hill topped by the bright yellow Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The town itself is vibrant, walkable, and packed with history.
Lunch at Meson Garibaldi
After arriving and soaking in the views, we headed straight for lunch. We chose a spot right in the heart of things called Meson Garibaldi.
The atmosphere was relaxed and authentic. Since we wanted to try a bit of everything, Lesley and I decided to share. We ordered a chalupa and a mole poblano dish. If you haven't had mole poblano in the state of Puebla, you haven't really had mole. The depth of flavor—chocolate, chili, spices—is unlike anything you get back home. It was the perfect introduction to the region's culinary fame.
The rest of the day was spent wandering the colorful streets, catching up with our hosts, and just enjoying the slower pace compared to the capital. I managed to find some mole paste so that I could recreate the culinary experience in my Mexico City apartment.
Day 2: Pottery and Palates in Puebla
On our second day, we ventured into Puebla City. The architecture here is stunning—lots of colonial buildings covered in Talavera tiles. Speaking of tiles, that was our main agenda item for the morning.
Witnessing Art at Fábrica de Talavera
You see the beautiful blue and white pottery everywhere in Mexico, but seeing how it is actually made gives you a whole new appreciation for it. We took a tour at Fábrica de Talavera.
This isn't just a souvenir shop; it’s a workshop where they make certified Talavera pottery. The process is incredibly detailed and strictly regulated to maintain its authenticity. Watching the artisans hand-paint intricate designs on vases and plates was mesmerizing. It really highlights the patience and skill involved in Mexican craftsmanship.
A Feast at Mural de los Poblanos
For our final meal of the trip, we went to Mural de los Poblanos. This place comes highly recommended for a reason. The interior features a beautiful mural (hence the name) depicting figures from Puebla's history, setting a lovely scene for lunch.
We decided to go all-in on the local specialty again. We shared a tasting assortment of moles. It was fascinating to taste the differences side-by-side—some sweeter, some spicier, some nuttier.
I have to give a special shout-out to the fresh bread rolls they brought to the table. It might sound simple, but fresh, warm and crusty bread combined with those rich sauces was absolute perfection. It was a genuinely nice experience that capped off our trip beautifully. I even bought one to take back to Mexico City!
*Support my blog and adventures. If you choose to purchase an experience from the links below or within the article, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why You Should Go
If you are spending time in Mexico City, I highly recommend carving out a couple of days for this trip. The bus ride is short, the history is deep, and the food scene rivals the capital. Plus, the hospitality we experienced from Lesley's friends reminded me that the best part of travel isn't just the places you see, but the people you meet along the way.
Visit my Puebla photography collection!