Several years ago, during a visit to Puebla City to capture video and photos for our Mexico tour collection, I had the chance to explore one of the most fascinating (and lesser-known) historical features in the city—the underground tunnels.
These aren’t just old drainage channels or tight crawl spaces. These are stone passageways built with ceilings high enough for people to ride through on horseback. They were hidden for centuries… and now, part of them are open to the public.
A Hidden Network Re-Emerges
For a long time, most locals had heard vague stories about tunnels under the city, but there wasn’t much physical evidence. That changed around 2016 when construction crews accidentally uncovered a section of the network.
Since then, archaeologists and city planners have worked to clean up and restore parts of the tunnels for visitors to explore.
Today, the tunnels are a featured attraction, complete with marked entrances, signs, and a modest admission fee. You can visit with a guide or explore on your own.
For my first time visiting the tunnels, I went with a local guide. I always recommend going with a local guide as they can fill in so many details I would’ve missed otherwise as well as answer any questions I might have.
What It’s Like Inside
The moment you descend the stairs into the tunnels, the sounds of the modern city above melt away. The walls are thick stone, cool to the touch, and worn smooth by time. Soft lighting runs along the path, guiding you through what feels like a secret chapter of Puebla’s story.
Walking through these tunnels, I kept imagining soldiers on horseback or clergy in full robes moving quietly from church to church. Some of these passages likely date back to the 17th or 18th century. Historians believe the tunnels connected important military and religious sites, allowing for discreet movement throughout the city.
It’s quite possible these tunnels may have played a role during the famous Battle of Puebla in 1862 when the Mexican army fought the elite French forces and actually beat them back. That’s the same battle which is commemorated every year on Cinco de Mayo.
More to Uncover
The section open to the public is only a small part of the full underground system. Archaeologists believe there may be many more tunnels yet to be excavated, stretching for miles under the city. There’s even speculation they could connect major landmarks like the cathedral, forts, and former convents.
I filmed a short video during my visit so you can see exactly what it’s like inside. The textures, the echoes, the scale—it’s all far more impressive in person than I had expected. I’ll include that video in this post so you can take a peek for yourself.
Want to See It for Yourself?
If you’re planning a trip to Puebla, the tunnels are absolutely worth checking out. However, they’re just one part of what makes this city special. Puebla is full of beautiful colonial architecture, world-class museums, and unforgettable cuisine (this is mole country, after all).
We have created a 7-day small group tour that really lets you soak up everything Puebla City has to offer. It includes a guided visit to the tunnels plus plenty of time to explore the city’s history, food, art, and lively local culture. You can check out the details here:
👉 Best of Puebla City – 7 Day Tour
Turns out, Puebla City’s charm isn’t just on the surface. It’s also in the layers you uncover when you take the time to explore. And sometimes, those layers are quite literally underground.
About the Author
Mike Vondruska is the founder and director of tour operations for Go Now Adventures LLC. He and his team specialize in creating expert-guided small group multi-day tours for curious and adventurous travelers to explore the country of México.
Mike’s tour company is registered in the United States and also has an office near the city of Pachuca in the México state of Hidalgo. His company website is MexicoVacationTours.com
