The tunnels of the Cholula Pyramid , closed to the public since 2020, take a key step towards their reopening: the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Puebla has completed the technical rehabilitation project and is now moving on to the cost estimation and resource management phase.
According to Manuel Villarruel Vázquez, head of the INAH Puebla Center , the plan includes comprehensive interventions to reinforce the security of the underground route, optimize the lighting, renew models and improve the access lobby , with the purpose of enhancing the visitor experience without compromising the conservation of the site.
What the project contemplates
The proposal focuses on rehabilitating the interior of the tunnel and the areas where visitors walk, with specific actions on transit elements and protection of archaeological structures.
- Structural reinforcement in passage areas, paying attention to railings and handrails.
- Lighting renovation to improve visibility and reduce impacts on the environment.
- Updating models and interpretive resources for the underground route.
- Lobby improvements and entry spaces for clearer and safer circulation.
In addition , the descriptive labels and signage will be updated so that the story of the site is clearer, more organized and understandable for all types of audiences.
Accessibility and visitor route
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) will evaluate new access conditions to the tunnel network, given that the original ticket booths were removed following the implementation of a digital ticketing system. The aim is to streamline visitor flow and ensure comfort while safeguarding the heritage site.
The improved internal signage , along with more complete and legible information panels, will make it easier for the public to locate relevant landmarks along the route and understand the construction phases of the Great Tlachihualtepetl.
Safety and conservation, pillars of the intervention
The plan includes reinforcements to walkways and visitor contact points, as well as measures to protect health and safety within the underground space. All of this aims to reduce risks and ensure stable conditions for the archaeological heritage.
The National Coordination of Archaeology of the INAH participates in this effort , supporting the technical and evaluation aspects to ensure that each action is compatible with long-term conservation.
“The tunnel, as an architectural space, is destined to be opened to the public ,” Villarruel Vázquez emphasized when explaining the objective of the intervention.
Site museum and immersive technology
The project is not limited to the interior of the tunnels: it also includes the museographic renovation of the Site Museum , with updated content, improved exhibits and the possible incorporation of a room with immersive digital technology.
The aim is for visitors to learn not only about the history of the site, but also about the evolution of the explorations carried out in the area since 1939, integrating interactive resources for a richer understanding of the archaeological context.
Financing and deadlines: what remains to be defined
With the technical project completed, INAH is focusing on cost assessment and approaching entities such as the state Congress and the municipalities of San Pedro and San Andrés Cholula, as well as the government of Puebla, to secure funding.
There is no confirmed reopening date at this time . The schedule will depend on securing funding and the construction work schedule, prioritizing at all times the protection of the heritage and the safety of visitors.
The initiative places the tunnels of the Cholula Pyramid at the center of a necessary upgrade: more security , better interpretation and a reinforced museum , with a view to reopening this archaeological heart when technical and budgetary conditions allow.