Cancun to Puebla - Cancun Hotel Zone and the Puebla Cathedral

Cancún to Puebla: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Cancún to Puebla?

Most people would immediately think of a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Puebla.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Cancún to Puebla simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

Why Should You Visit Puebla?

Puebla is a large city of over three million people and is the capital of the state of Puebla, Mexico. It’s the fourth-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

You can start your exploration at the Zócalo, which is the busy town square at the heart of the city. Directly opposite, you’ll see the beautiful Puebla Cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic cathedral consecrated in 1649, constructed at great expense over a period of nearly 80 years.

One block further to the south, you’ll find the oldest public library in the Americas, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana. The breathtakingly beautiful library was created in 1646 using 5,000 books donated by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, the same bishop who was responsible for raising funds to complete the Puebla Cathedral.

If you’re keen on rides, you can ride the city’s enormous ferris wheel, the Estrella de Puebla, and enjoy some wonderful views of the city from the top.

Outside the city, you can visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is the largest pyramid in the world and is located just six miles from Puebla. And for the more adventurous, you can take a tour of nearby Popocatépetl, an active volcano that stands at a majestic 17,694 feet and that erupted as recently as May 2023.

Before we jump into getting from Cancún to Puebla, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Cancún in the first place.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

The Cancún hotel zone in Cancún, Mexico, one of the many places where you can rent a car to go from Cancún to Mexico City

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of white, sandy beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re more interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several other archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks within easy reach that your kids will absolutely love.   

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  But if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is pretty close to unbeatable in Mexico.

So let’s look at how to get from Cancún to Puebla and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

1. Fly to Puebla

Gate seating at an airport with a glass wall beside it, outside of which a plane is taking off, similar to the trip from Mexico City to Zipolite

If you think even briefly about how to get from Cancún to Puebla, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly and to get to your hotel afterward.

For those same reasons, unless you book in advance, it’s usually also one of the more expensive options.

Fast Facts: Flying From Cancún To Puebla

  • Starts at around US$35 one way
  • Flight time is around 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Several flights per day
  • Departs from Cancún International Airport (CUN)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Do I Book A Flight To Puebla?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. They will be able to show you the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from downtown Cancún.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at Cancún International Airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Cancún International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has hundreds of different options.

Private transfers will start at around US$40 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Cancún, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$40 to US$50, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Cancún. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Cancún to the airport should cost you around US$40, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

One thing to be aware of is that Uber drivers aren’t allowed on hotel properties of a lot of hotels. This is because there have been cases of local taxi drivers attacking Uber drivers and damaging their vehicles. The violence is due to Uber disrupting the unionised taxi industry, even though a 2023 court ruled that Uber is allowed to operate in the city.

The end result is that you can still take an Uber, but the driver will need to pick you up on the street rather than on hotel property.

Important: there have been cases of violence against Uber drivers by local taxi drivers. While this isn’t directed at passengers, you should bear it in mind when you’re using Uber in Cancún.

5. Public Bus

According to the Mexican government, Cancún had a population of 934,189 at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a great public bus network to help you move around.

ADO runs a service to and from the airport, which you can catch at the downtown ADO bus station in Cancún. You can take one of the local bus routes to reach the station.

The bus station is on Avenida Uxmal and once you board, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the airport. A one way trip will cost US$8 per person.

What’s Great About Flying?

View from the window of an aircraft on the way from Cancun to Puebla

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Cancún to Puebla is around 2 hours 15 minutes, which is a huge time saving compared with the minimum 26 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Puebla. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you head south-west away from Cancún.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Puebla at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the World Health Organisation suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

How to Get From Cancún To Puebla

FAQs: Flying To Puebla

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Cancún to Puebla flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Puebla?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$35 from Cancún.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Cancún?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly non-stop to Puebla.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight is around 2 hours 15 minutes.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Puebla is approximately 758 miles (1,220 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla is a large city with a well-developed transportation system. You can get a taxi, a private transfer, an Uber, or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

You’ll be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30 and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50.

Uber

Uber is also available in Puebla and works the same as it does in the US. Uber is usually a little cheaper than a taxi, and you can expect to pay around US$25 into the city.

Bus

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 7.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00). You’ll need to take the Ruta S25 bus from the airport to Cholula and then take Ruta S16 into the historic center of Puebla.

This option is cheap, but it takes around 3 hours, so unless you’re on a budget I’d recommend one of the other options.

If you want to use the bus, you’ll need to buy a recharge card (tarjeta de prepago) at one of the machines at the bus stop.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

2. Private Jet to Puebla

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Cancún to Puebla.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Cancún to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$13,900
  • Flight time is around 2 hours direct
  • Departs from Cancún International Airport (CUN)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Cancún To Puebla?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Cancún to Puebla route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from Cancún.

The options and prices are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying privately as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a private jet below.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Puebla than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re travelling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Puebla by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Puebla by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Cancún to Puebla?

If you want to fly privately from Cancún to Puebla, you’re looking at around US$13,900 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$41,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Puebla is approximately 758 miles (1,220 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Puebla

3. Helicopter to Puebla

If you would consider taking a private jet from Cancún to Puebla, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Puebla. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Cancún to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$13,000
  • Flight time is around 7 to 8 hours
  • Departs from Cancún International Airport (CUN)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Cancún To Puebla?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Cancún to Puebla route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Cancún International Airport (CUN) in Cancún when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Cancún to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying by helicopter as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a helicopter below.

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than travelling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Puebla By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Puebla by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter from Cancún to Puebla?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Puebla, you’re looking at around US$13,000 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around 7 to 8 hours in total.

You won’t be able to fly that in one journey, because the maximum range of most helicopters is around 400 miles. You’ll need to either stop and refuel at Ciudad de Carmen or split up your trip into two or more flights.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Puebla is approximately 758 miles (1,220 km).

As mentioned above, that’s too far for a helicopter to fly in one journey, so you’ll need to stop and refuel at Ciudad de Carmen or split your trip into two or more flights.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Puebla

4. Rental Car To Puebla

A road trip from Cancún to Puebla is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Cancún to Puebla

  • Starts at about US$975 plus gas, driving one-way
  • Travel time is about 20 hours
  • Cancún (various locations)
  • Puebla (various locations)

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 19 to 20 gallons to get to Puebla.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Puebla when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$975 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Cancún, then you’ll pay around US$30 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Cancún to Puebla?

Despite being a long drive, the route from Cancún to Puebla is quite straightforward.

You’ll set off west on highway 180 and stay on it as you pass through Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa.

About 15 miles after you cross the border from Tabasco into Veracruz, you’ll take highway 1800 further east until a town called Minatitlán, where it becomes highway 1450.

From there you’ll follow highway 1450 until around 30 miles before Córdoba, where you’ll need to take highway 1500 for another 100 miles until you reach Puebla.

What’s Great About Driving to Puebla?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Puebla.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re travelling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

FAQs: Rental Car From Cancún to Puebla

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Puebla by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Cancún to Puebla?

A rental car that you pick up in Cancún and drop off the next day in Puebla will cost around US$975. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Cancún, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$25 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Cancún to Puebla?

The route from Cancún to Puebla starts off heading west on highway 180 before turning onto highway 1800 shortly after crossing from Tabasco into Veracruz.

At a town called Minatitlán, highway 1800 becomes highway 1450 and shortly before Córdoba, it becomes highway 1500. From there, you continue for another 100 miles to Puebla.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 20 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are some great places to stop along the way, including Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Puebla?

The total distance is approximately 930 miles (1,496 km) from Cancún to Puebla.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Cancún?

There are several places in downtown Cancún where you can rent a car. There are Hertz branches on Avenida Xcaret, Avenida Yaxchilán and in the Plaza Las Americas.

You can also rent a car in the Cancún Hotel Zone and at Cancún International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Cancún. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Cancún have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, travelling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

5. Bus To Puebla

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Cancún to Puebla, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Cancún to Puebla

  • Starting at around US$117
  • Travel time starts at 26 hours, depending on the trip
  • Multiple trips per day
  • ADO Terminal, Cancún
  • Terminal CAPU, Puebla

Where Can I Book A Bus From Cancún to Puebla?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Cancún to Puebla are ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos).

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 930 miles (1,496 km) from Cancún to Puebla through the forests, mountains and valleys, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Cancún to Puebla, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Puebla.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Cancún to Puebla

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Puebla by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Cancún to Puebla?

Prices start at around US$117 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Cancún to Puebla?

ADO and AU are the two largest operators.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Cancún to Puebla?

Yes, there is a bus service that can take you the whole way from Cancún to Puebla without a stop in between.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 26 hours, depending on the time of day you’re travelling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Puebla?

The bus route is approximately 930 miles (1,496 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Cancún, the pick-up point is ADO Terminal on Avenida Uxmal for all services.

In Puebla, the drop-off point is CAPU (Central de Autobuses de Puebla), just a few miles north of the historic center.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

What Are The Best Things To Do In Puebla?

Although it may not be the first Mexican destination that you think of, Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico and is full of Mexican history and culture. As a result, there are lots of great things to see and do in Puebla.

I think the best place to start exploring most Mexican cities is at the Zócalo, and Puebla is no exception. If you start at the Zócalo, just opposite it, you’ll find the magnificent Puebla Cathedral. It’s a 17th century building that took nearly 80 years to build and is probably the most beautiful building in Puebla.

While you’re there, you can take a walk just to the south of the Zócalo to see the Biblioteca Palafoxiana. When it was created in 1646, it was the oldest library in the Americas, and it houses 45,000 books in a beautiful 17th century building.

Just a few blocks south-east of the Zócalo is the Callejón de los Sapos (literally, the “alley of the frogs). It’s a very cute narrow street overlooked by colorful two-storey houses built in the Spanish colonial style with some great cafes looking down onto the street.

Three blocks to the north of the Zócalo is the Calle de los Dulces (literally, “the street of the sweets”). You’ll find lots of different local shops selling Mexican chocolates and other sweets, and even if you’re not partial yourself, it’s a great place to get a souvenir to take home.

At the end Calle de los Dulces is the Templo de Santo Domingo and the Capilla del Rosario, which is a chapel inside the church dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary (pictured above). It’s very beautiful with decorations on the walls and in the cupola that are made largely from gold and are incredibly detailed.

If you’re keen to get a great view of the city, you can also head out of the city center to Barrio Moctezuma to take a cable-car ride on the Teleférico. The ride is only short, but you’ll get a great view of the city as you head up to the historic fort zone, which is situated atop a large hill with one of the colorful Puebla signs in case you want to get an Instagram selfie.

And if you’re keen to see some architectural wonders, you can visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It’s not very well known outside of the archaeological world, but it’s actually the world’s largest pyramid and you can go inside it and explore some of its ancient tunnels and courtyards. It’s located just six miles from Puebla, so it’s easy to reach by bus or in a taxi.

All in all, Puebla is loaded with great things to do and you can easily keep yourself entertained over a few days.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Puebla?

Image credit: Expedia.com

When you make it to Puebla, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Within the historic center, there are lots of great places to stay.  The Cartesiano Boutique & Wellness Hotel (pictured) is close to the Calle de los Sapos, the prettiest street in the city. It has a great rooftop pool and an extensive wellness center offering yoga, sound healing and meditation.

Another luxury option is Banyan Tree Puebla, which is on the outskirts of the historic center. Banyan Tree Puebla is a 78-suite hotel set in a 19th century building with three restaurants, two bars and a spa.

For a cheaper option, you can try Hotel Barroco or Hotel Casona Poblano, both situated in the historic center.

If you would prefer to stay outside of the city centre, the adults-only Hotel Quinta Luna in nearby Cholula is a great option and has a full-service spa.

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

When is the Best Time to Visit puebla?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like Puebla don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Puebla, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April and is cooler except for March and April, where the maximum temperature is quite high. The rainy season runs from May through to October, which are all warm months.

Puebla also has an altitude of 7,005 ft (2,136 m), which is higher than Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 66°F (19°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on part of the season in which you’re visiting.

The dry season is the most popular time for tourists, although there are also some spikes at other times such as the end of October during the Day of the Dead festival. The greater demand during the tourist season means that prices of flights and hotels increase as well.

The rainy season typically has fewer tourists, meaning that prices are lower, so its definitely the time to travel if you’re on a budget. Most of the time, it only rains in the afternoons, so if you plan to explore in the mornings, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

What Should I Pack To Go To Puebla?

Woman sitting on a pink suitcase in an airport

Puebla is at a far higher altitude than Cancún, which means that it’s much cooler in both the days and the evenings. It also means that the temperature fluctuates much more throughout the day.

In Puebla, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack depends a little on when you’re expecting to visit the city.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you’ll need a warm coat or jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Puebla will fall as low as 41°F (5°C) in the evenings and then get up to 72°F (22°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally warmer. In May, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 82°F (28°C) during the day and only falls to 52°F (11°C) in the evenings. You’ll still need warm clothes in the evening, but you can get away with warm jumpers rather than needing coats.

If you travel during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring a light, waterproof jacket or buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  The run isn’t usually too extreme, but you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.

Even though the public transport system is great, you’ll still do a lot of walking in Puebla, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A hat for protection against the sun is also a good idea if you’re visiting in the late part of the dry season or in the wet season. 

How to Get From Cancún to Puebla

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Cancún to Puebla beyond just taking a commercial flight.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s frankly probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Cancún to Puebla are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Puebla!

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