9 Best Things To Do in Valladolid, Mexico

9 Best Things To Do in Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Full of color, culture, and history – every street of the vibrant town tells a new story. Dive into the cool, crystal-clear waters of nearby cenotes and immerse yourself in the rich Mayan heritage. Later, wander around the charming, pastel-hued streets, stumbling upon the majestic San Servacio Cathedral. With its blend of colonial architecture and lively marketplaces, there’s plenty of beauty to take in. Here are all the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico .

Best Things to do in Valladolid

Even though many people zoom right by Valladolid on their way to the famous Chichen Itza, the colorful city remains somewhat of a hidden gem. However, there are many things to do in (and around) Valladolid, Mexico, that make it worth a visit. 

city sign things to do in Valladolid mexico

Explore the rainbow-colored alleyways downtown, indulge in traditional Yucateco dishes, and cool off in large cenotes. Add a few of the most impressive Mayan ruins between the jungle trees, and you have the perfect few days on your Yucatan itinerary!

shop in valladolid mexico

1. Explore Colorful Valladolid Old Town

Valladolid is known as one of the colorful pueblos (towns) in the Yucatan. In fact, it’s one of the features that makes this destination so beautiful, with many colorful colonial walls spread across the city.

Here are all your hotel options in Valladolid.

things to do in Valladolid mexico vintage car

As you stroll down the streets, soak up all the different colors and snap some photos in front of the stunning walls (which make the perfect backdrop). Two must-see spots are Calle 43 and Calzada de Los Frailes. With beautiful, colorful houses, these streets are best explored in the morning when the colors really pop in the early sunlight. Plus: It’s not as hot as during the day!

Calzada de los frailes things to do in Valladolid mexico

In the center, you’ll find the main square and park, where people gather to enjoy Marquesitas (a local delight), ice cream, or churros. From here, you can also join a free walking tour of Valladolid that starts from the Tourist Information Center. The tour takes about 1,5 hours, with one starting at 9:35 AM and one at 7:30 PM.

Calzada de Los Frailes

Perhaps one of the prettiest alleys in Mexico is Calzada de Los Frailes, a small pedestrian street where colorful walls and doorways beckon you to bring out your camera. This picture-perfect cobble street dates back to the 16th century and connects to the popular Sisal neighborhood in Valladolid, Mexico. 

sign calzada de los frills things to do in Valladolid mexico

You’ll also find a few restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops here. During the day, it’s very quiet, but once night comes, the street comes alive with more businesses opening their doors. Strolling through this beautiful street is one of the best things to do in Valladolid. 

Hotels in Valladolid 😴

Valladolid Casa San Juan

Candelaria Neighborhood

In the northern part of the town lies the Candelaria neighborhood, a peaceful area easily explored on foot. With more colorful buildings to discover, it also has a relaxing park, perfect for grabbing a snack or people-watching.

Tip: Stay connected by getting a Mexican SIM card (80 MXN/4,60 USD). Telcel is the best data company to buy a SIM card and data plan from. For 200 MXN (11,60 USD), you get 30 days of unlimited data for your socials and 5GB for all other browsing. You can also purchase a sim online .

Cochinita Pibil stand things to do in Valladolid mexico

2. Uayma Church

About 15 kilometers west of Valladolid lies the small town of Uayma. Though it’s not very well known among visitors, it harbors a beautifully adorned 17th-century church worth a glimpse. This Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is one of the most distinct in all of the Yucatán for its beautiful facade and details. 

red uayma church valladolid mexico

The building was originally built by the Spanish , who used stones from nearby Mayan temples. They did this to enforce their culture in Uayma, which, at the time, was an important Mayan center. 

9 Best Things To Do in Valladolid, Mexico

In front of the building, there’s a little peaceful park with a few stands selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Take a moment to soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the small town while enjoying a cold beverage in the shade.

colorful uayma church valladolid mexico

3. Chichen Itzá

It’s impossible to visit Valladolid and not take a day to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Chichen Itzá. This stunning complex of multiple Mayan ruins is one of the largest Mayan cities ever built and the most visited ancient site in Mexico . 

Chichen Itza things to do in Valladolid mexico

Once a vibrant city, Chichen Itzá is believed to have had a population extending well into the tens of thousands! More than 20 buildings remain. The most famous is El Castillo, a massive step pyramid or the Temple of Kukulcan. It was built to honor the deity Kukulcan. You’ll find his face carved in stone structures around the site.

ruins Chichen Itzá things to do in Valladolid mexico

Expect to spend about 2 – 3 hours walking around the large archaeological site, admiring all the different limestone remnants. Though you can view the buildings and carvings from up close, remember that you can’t walk up the structures. Listen to the echoing sounds of tour guides clapping between the temples, showcasing how Chichen Itzá was built to spread sound.

See tickets and availability for a tour of Chichen Itza

valladolid mexico travel

Along the pathways, there are also thousands of vendors that make a great place to buy souvenirs. There are plenty of budget-friendly, high-quality options, from wooden statues to magnets and beautiful Mexican masks. A day trip to Chichen Itzá is one of the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

stall masks Chichen Itzá things to do in Valladolid mexico

Opening Times & Entrance Fee

Chichen Itza is open between 8 AM and 5 PM and costs 614 MXN (±35 USD) to enter. Try to arrive when the site opens, as lines quickly form beforehand. Luckily, the site is large enough that you can explore it with only a few other people around. After 10 AM, the first tour buses arrive, and crowds become larger. 

If you have camera gear, you’ll most likely have to put it in a locker at the entrance (50 MXN). Equipment like drones, tripods, or telephoto lenses is not permitted inside the UNESCO site. Note: There are also no bathrooms inside the complex; they are only at the entrance. 

Tip: Make sure to bring plenty of water as it’s quite expensive to buy inside.

El Castillo Chichen itza things to do in Valladolid mexico

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid

Though it’s possible to tour the UNESCO site from anywhere on the Peninsula, like Cancun or Tulum , most people choose to stay in Valladolid and visit from there. From Valladolid, there are a few options to get to the iconic Chichen Itza. 

  • Option 1: Join an organized tour of Chichen Itza . Many tours include return transportation, the Chichen Itza entrance fee, and a certified guide for the site. 
  • Option 2: Hop on an ADO bus from the main bus station, which leaves only once daily (10:27) and arrives an hour later. 
  • Option 3: Hop on a Colectivo from the small station on Calle 46 between 37 and 39 (40 MXN). 
  • Option 4: Rent a car or motorbike and make your way to the Mayan site by yourself. From Valladolid to Chichen Itza is about a 45-minute drive. 

We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

temple ruins Chichen Itzá things to do in Valladolid mexico

4. Watch a Night Show

As the sun sets in Valladolid, the town’s vibrant cultural scene comes to life with enchanting night shows. From the walls of ancient buildings to lively parks and squares, evenings here are full of enchanting performances that blend history, culture, and local tradition.

night show mexico

The Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, nestled at the end of the picturesque Calzada de Los Frailes, comes alive each night at 9 PM with a captivating sound and light show. This show (Nights of the Heroic Valladolid) illuminates the grand convent’s walls. It tells a visual story of its rich history – a spectacle worth seeing after a day of exploring the city. 

Tip: The show starts at 9 PM in Spanish and at 9:25 PM in English. Come early to grab a good spot in the center where the sound system is.

Nightly Traditional Dance Performance

In front of the main church in the heart of Valladolid, Parque Francisco Canton Rosado turns into a stage for nightly traditional dance performances. Though it feels a bit touristy, the show under the open sky gives a peek into the city’s lively spirit and rich heritage. 

Relax on one of the benches under the beautiful trees with a Marquesita in hand and enjoy the show. These traditional Jarana performances start around 5:30 PM daily.

Read: best things to do in Tulum !

traditional dance performance things to do in Valladolid mexico

5. Templo de San Servacio

In the heart of Valladolid, the Templo de San Servacio stands as a striking symbol of the town’s rich cultural heritage. Originally constructed in 1545, this church has seen Valladolid develop through the centuries. From its origins as a west-facing Yucatecan temple to its current intricately carved stone church, the Templo is a must-see in Valladolid, Mexico. 

Templo de San Servacio things to do in Valladolid mexico

6. Visit Cenote Suytun , Valladolid

With thousands of cenotes spread across the Yucatan Peninsula, some of the best lie close to Valladolid, Mexico. Once fairly unknown, Cenote Suytun has become one of the most famous cenotes to visit due to its long platform in the water. As it lies underground, with only one small opening at the top, Suytun makes for the most magical ( Instagram ) photos when the sun shines through. 

Cenote Suytun things to do in Valladolid mexico

Descend deep into the ground to reach a large cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. If you catch the sun at the right time, the platform leading into the middle of the cenote lights up. The best time is often at noon between May and August, though depending on the conditions, it’s not guaranteed you’ll get the shot.

Book your tickets for Cenote Suytun online

There’s a guard who keeps track of the time each person takes a photo, but you can head out as often as you like. If you’re looking to take a dip in the cenote, make sure to shower first. Cenote Suytun lies only 15 minutes from the city center and is one of the best things to do in Valladolid.

Opening Times & Entrance Fee: Cenote Suytun is open daily from 9 AM till 4:30 PM, and entrance costs 250 MXN (14,50 USD).

Other cenotes worth visiting near Valladolid: Cenote Chukum, Cenote X’ux Ha, Cenote Ik Kil, and Cenote Saamal. See tickets and availability for a cenote tour.

mercado municipal things to do in Valladolid mexico

7. Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal in Valladolid, a vibrant hub of local life and color, is an unmissable destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic atmosphere of the city. Tucked away just a short walk from Cenote Zaci, this market is full of delicious local produce and goods. 

lady mercado municipal things to do in Valladolid mexico

Inside the colonial-style building, you’re greeted with various colors of fruits, veggies, meats, and many homemade hot sauces. It’s the perfect place to watch daily life in Valladolid, allowing you to interact with the friendly locals. Grab a cheap meal at a taqueria, shop for some local ingredients, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. Open: 5 AM – 3 PM.

8. Swim at Valladolid’s Cenote Zaci

Right in the center of town lies a lovely semi-open cenote that captivates with its natural beauty. Located only a short 10-minute walk from the main square, Cenote Zaci makes an easily accessible spot to cool off during the hot day. 

Also discover: Best Things to do in Bacalar, Mexico .

cenote zaci valladolid mexico

As you descend the stone staircase, it’s as if you’ve just stepped into a scene from Indiana Jones! Cenote Zaci has a unique shape, resembling a massive half-open cave that allows sunlight to filter through. Below, a large cenote reveals its stunning turquoise colors, inviting you for a swim. Along the walls, lush greenery drapes down, and the occasional waterfall adds to the tranquility of the area.

Entrance costs only 60 MXN (3,50 USD) and includes a life jacket.

cenote zaci mexico

Cool off in the cenote’s waters, jump off cliffs, and admire natural beauty from different angles. Due to popularity, only one hour is allowed inside. The best time to visit is around noon, when the sun illuminates the walls.

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Cenote Zaci things to do in Valladolid mexico

9. Ek Balam Mayan Ruins in Valladolid

Hidden in the lush jungles near Valladolid, the ancient Ek Balam (‘Black Jaguar’) ruins show the remains of a once-thriving civilization. This stunning site is, just like Chichen Itzá, huge in size and was at one point home to over 20.000 people! However, it’s much quieter than its famed neighbor, allowing you to connect deeply with the Mayan legacy.

climbing ek balam ruins things to do in Valladolid mexico

Visitors can climb the structures to the top to marvel at the different carvings and enjoy astonishing views of the green Yucatan jungle. Take your time to explore the grounds – the centerpiece, known as the Acropolis, is one of Valladolid’s best things to do. 

From Valladolid, it’s a 30-minute drive to Ek Balam, and entry costs 531 MXN (± 31 USD). 

Book your organized tour to Ek Balam

Ek Balam ruins things to do in Valladolid

Where to Stay

Though Valladolid can be visited on a day trip, its bounty of beautiful sites makes it worth spending a night or two. From colorful hostels for the budget backpacker to boutique hotels , there’s something to suit any traveler. Plus, many places include a yummy Mexican breakfast like huevos divorciados!

Candelaria neighbourhood things to do in Valladolid mexico

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Valladolid

Valladolid may be small, but it’s brimming with amazing places to eat. From excellent local Yucatan cuisine to hip Italian bistros, you could easily travel to the city for the food alone. Don’t forget to try the local delicacies like Cochinita Pibil or different tamales – yum! 

Some of our favorite restaurants are:

  • San Giovanni Trattoria (Italian)
  • Sabrositacos
  • La Joyita Cantina (coolest bar)

restaurants valladolid mexico

Note: Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in Mexico, and Valladolid is a town where it’s well enforced. If you’re craving a cold alcoholic beverage, you’ll have to head to a bar and drink it indoors or on their patio.

colorful streets mexico

How to Visit Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid lies in the center of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, which is far from the coastline but perfectly located around some of the area’s best cenotes and Mayan ruins. The closest airport is Cancun International Airport, which lies about 2,5 hours from Valladolid. 

mexican flag

Probably the easiest way to get to Valladolid is to rent a car in Mexico and drive yourself. Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive at your own pace and stop at a few beautiful spots in between. Depending on where you’re traveling from, it takes about 1,5 – 2,5 hours to get to Valladolid. 

  • From Cancun: 2,5 hours
  • From Tulum : 1,5 hours
  • From Playa del Carmen: 1h 45m

colourful town things to do in Valladolid mexico

The ADO buses are an easy way to get around the stunning Yucatan. Though they’re not the fastest way to Valladolid, they’re definitely the cheapest. From Cancun Airport, you’ll first have to make your way to the central ADO station in the city before hopping on the bus to Valladolid. Buses run almost every hour, and the journey costs about 400 MXN (± 23 USD).

Book your bus tickets in advance

valladolid mexico travel

By Taxi or Private Transfer

Another option to get to Valladolid is to hop on a taxi, though expect to spend a pretty penny (about 200 USD). Make sure to agree on a price before getting in or check if the taxi has a working meter. 

Alternatively, if you still prefer a more private experience but don’t want to drive yourself, book a private transfer to Valladolid instead.

taxi driver mexico

Getting Around

Once you get to Valladolid in Mexico, you can easily get around and see the city on foot. The center is relatively small; walking from the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena to the northern neighborhood of Candelaria and the municipal market can all be done within an hour.

authentic street in mexico

If you’re traveling outside the city center to places like Chichen Itza or the Suytun Cenote, it’s best to have your own transportation. We recommend renting a car, but a motorbike is also a good option to get around.

Alternatively, you can book a taxi to drive you some of the things to do in Valladolid outside the city. However, this does cost much more and is a bit time-consuming, as there are no taxis waiting to take you back to town. Instead, you’ll have to call them in advance.

valladolid mexico travel

Best Time to Visit

Though the Yucatan can easily be visited year-round, the best time to visit Valladolid is between November and March. This is during the dry season, with temperatures at their mildest and clear skies.

The late spring and summer months are much warmer and more humid, making it more difficult to travel inland. Rain is more frequent between May and late October, but crowds are much smaller during this time.

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20 Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico (And Around!) 

  • by Nellie Huang

Come for the impressive Mayan ruins, stay for the colonial charm of Valladolid. Get to know the city inside out with my list of fun things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

Calm and unpretentious Valladolid is one of the best kept secrets of the Yucatan Peninsula . Despite being the closest town to  Chichen Itza, Valladolid is surprisingly quiet and laidback. Many visitors pass through Valladolid on their way to see the archaeological sites nearby, but few actually stay and get to know the town.

Listed as one of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos (magical towns), Valladolid is lined with cobblestoned streets, pastel colored houses and old colonial buildings converted into art galleries or indie boutiques. It also has a large Mayan population — you’ll see plenty of locals walking around in traditional dress and lots of the restaurants serving typical Mayan dishes.

Since moving to Mexico , we have made it our mission to explore as much of Mexico as possible, and Valladolid has definitely set the bar high. If you’re an independent traveler like us, we recommend spending a few days here and checking out these things to do in Valladolid.  

best things to do in valladolid mexico

Table of Contents

1. Swim in Cenote Zaci

2. people watch at the zocalo, 3. marvel at the san servacio church, 4. snack at the mercado municipal, 5. wander along the calzada de los frailes street, 6. enjoy lunch at meson del marques, 7. visit the casa de los venados, 8. explore the convent of san bernardino de siena, 9. watch traditional jarana dance, 10. try traditional mayan cuisine, 11. photograph the stunning cenote suytun, 12. explore chichen itza, 13. float in cenote ik kil, 14. explore ek balam archaeological site, 15. swim in cenote x’canche, 16. feel like an explorer at coba ruins, 17. swim in the trio of cenotes at coba, 18. wander around the yellow city, izamal, 19. explore the cultural capital, merida, 20. see flamingoes and pink lakes of rio lagartos, mexico travel requirements , how to get to valladolid, driving from playa del carmen to valladolid, how to get around valladolid, the best time to visit valladolid, where to stay in valladolid, what to eat in valladolid, where to eat in valladolid, further reading on mexico, things to do in valladolid.

Valladolid is unique in the fact that it boasts a cenote right in the center of town: the Cenote Zaci . Unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes are sinkholes filled with natural underground water that you can swim in. The ancient Mayans believed that that cenotes were their portal to the underworld, and used some of them for religious rituals.

While Cenote Zaci is not the most spectacular of the cenotes in Valladolid (scroll down for more), it’s still worth a visit as it’s just a 10-minute walk from the center. There are multiple spots where you can jump in from all different heights.

Cost: 30 pesos to swim

cenote zaci - things to do in valladolid

As with every other town in Mexico, Valladolid has a main square (Zocalo), and it’s known as the Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado. This leafy square features water fountains, trees, lots of benches and little snack stands.  

You’ll also find the iconic “confidant chairs” here, which are commonly found all over Yucatan. It’s said that their design were inspired by the “butacas confidentes” (confidant armchairs) from the French Renaissance period.

valladolid zocalo - things to do in valladolid mexico

Overlooking the main square is the prominent Iglesia de San Servacio. The original church was built by Priest Francisco Hernandez in the mid-16th century, but it was demolished in 1705 and restored in the following year.

The cathedral was built with parts of ancient Maya temples and buildings after the Spanish invaded. The Cathedral itself is incredibly beautiful with many symbolic architectural details.  

iglesia san servacio - valladolid things to do

Just a few blocks from the city center, the Mercado Municipal (main market) is a lively place bustling with activity in the morning. This is one of the best things to do in Valladolid for foodies and market lovers. This market only opens until 1 to 1 pm depending on demand, so you best come early. This market has several sections, ranging from fresh fruit stalls to tortilla stands. Grab an elote (corn on the cob) or tamales for a mid morning snack or almuerzo.

mercado municipal - valladolid things to do

One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to wander around town aimlessly. It’s such a pleasure strolling along the streets, admiring the pastel colored houses and wondering what surprise is in store around each corner.

The most photogenic street in Valladolid is the Calzada de los Frailes, which has been tastefully restored with indie boutiques, museums, and small cafes. Be sure to stop at Idilio Folklore Cervecero , a stylish restaurant that offers a small museum and beer tasting sessions.

calzada de los frailes - things to do valladolid

For a proper meal, head to the hugely popular Meson del Marques (a favorite among locals and visitors). Overlooking the main square, this restaurant is a fixture in Valladolid’s culinary scene.  

The traditional music in the background, lush patio, and the papel picado (banners) hanging overhead, all come together to create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also a great spot to try Yucatan regional dishes like panuchos de cochinita (fried tortilla with pulled pork). Read more reviews here.

meson del marques - where to eat in valladolid mexico

Just off the main square, this art museum is housed in a dark red colonial building. Casa de los Venados is actually not a museum, but actually a large house that the owners open up to the public for tours at 10 am everyday.

Inside you’ll find a stunning renovated hacienda housing one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic Mexican artwork in the country. To visit, it’s a 60 pesos or $5 minimum donation that goes to the Charitable Foundation for the Arts and Education.

Cost: 60 pesos ($5)

casa de los venados - valladolid sightseeing

Considered to be one of the oldest colonial sites in the Yucatan, the former Convent of San Bernardino de Siena dates to the mid-16th century. The building itself isn’t exactly impressive, but the museum inside is quite insightful. There’s even a cenote on-site, which was used as part of an irrigation system.

You can also catch a light and sound show at the convent every night at 9 pm. We didn’t see it, but if you’re a night owl, it can be a fun thing to do in Valladolid since there isn’t much of nightlife here.

san bernadino de siena - valladolid attractions

Every evening at 530pm, you’ll find traditional Jarana dance shows at the Parque Principal (main square). The dancers are usually dressed in colorful garb and they put on quite an entertaining show. Yes it’s touristy, but you won’t find large crowds here. Plus it’s free — you’re only expected to pay a small tip.

jarana dance - valladolid mexico things to do

Ix Cat Ik Mayan Cuisine is a unique place to learn about Mayan staples and try some typical Mayan dishes. It’s not a fancy restaurant by any means, just a simple eatery that hones in on traditional Mayan ingredients and cooking methods. The staff is knowledgable and happy to share what they know about Mayan cuisine.

Ix cat ik is actually a type of chili that the Mayans use in their cooking — be sure to try the i x cat ik margarita which really kicks a punch. I also enjoyed the kaax píbil, chicken wrapped in banana leaf and cooked on a fire pit. The restaurant is about a 10-minute drive from the center, so you’ll need a taxi to get here if you don’t drive.

mayan restaurant valladolid things to do

Things to Do Around Valladolid

As you can tell by now, I’m a big fan of cenotes. They’re amazing creations of Mother Nature, and each one of them is unique. We’ve been to quite a few cenotes by now, but my absolute favorite is the Cenote Suytun . This is my top recommendation for things to do in Valladolid.

Yes, it’s risen to enormous fame thanks to Instagram, but it’s one of those rare few places that’s actually as magical as it appears in photos. I took the following photos with my iPhone (no filter!) and didn’t need any fancy photography equipment.

If you visit first thing in the morning (9am) like we did, you’ll avoid the crowd and be able to capture the famous sunbeam (provided it’s sunny). It’s only a 12-minute drive from Valladolid. Read my guide to Cenote Suytun.

top things to do valladolid - cenote suytun

This is what brings so many people to Valladolid! Easily the most popular archaeological site in Mexico, Chichen Itza is just a 40-minute drive from Valladolid. The important Mayan-Toltec city features some of the best preserved carvings and temples in Central America.

The Temple of Kukulcan is the most iconic landmark here. Dedicated to the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl, the temple has 91 steps on each of its four sides, adding up to 365, the number of days in a solar year. The Temple of Warriors features 1000 columns that represent the Mayan soldiers, and the Temple of Skulls depict intricate carvings that tell the gory events that took place here.

I recommend getting here at 8am, before all the day-trippers arrive from Cancun around 10am. Be warned: there are hundreds of vendors all over the site and they can be pretty relentless. If you prefer to have a guide, check out this private tour that has raving reviews.

Cost: 539 Pesos (US$26)

TIP: Many archaeological sites in Mexico are free or discounted on Sundays for Mexicans and local residents. If you have a Mexican ID or residency visa like we do, be sure to show them to get free entrance! Read my guide on how to get to Chichen Itza.

chichen itza - valladolid mexico

No trip to Chichen Itza is complete without a swim in the Sacred Cenote or Cenote Ik Kil , a sinkhole that is connected to Chichen Itza by a raised pathway. It’s said that this large natural well may have given Chichen Itza (“Well of the Itzáes”) its name.  

The use of the Sacred Cenote was exclusively ceremonial. Over the years, the water has yielded many artifacts including gold, jade, copper, shells and the bones of around 200 people who were thrown in as a sacrifice.

This cenote isn’t my favorite, as it’s the most commercialized that we visited (artificial stairways, lookout points and too many tour groups). But with an almost perfect circular opening and lush green vegetation dangling over the water, the cenote definitely has a stunning setting.

Cost: 150 Pesos ($7.50) per person

travel valladolid - cenote ik kil

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and explore a less-visited archaeological site, I recommend checking out Ek Balam ruins , 30 minutes from Valladolid. It’s equally impressive but far less commercialised (you won’t find any vendors here!).  

It’s also still possible to climb to the top of the pyramids. At 100 feet (29m) high, the Acropolis is the tallest structure in Ek Balam. A spectacular view awaits at the top: ancient pyramids poking above the tree canopy and lush green jungles for as far as the eye can see!  

Midway to the top of the pyramids is the tomb of Ek Balam’s powerful ruler, Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, who reigned during the city’s peak in 800 A.D. The tomb is being restored, but you can see carvings, paintings, and murals. Read my guide to Ek Balam ruins .

Cost: 400 Pesos ($20) per person  

ek balam archaeological site - must do in valladolid

By now you’d have noticed that most ancient cities were built next to major cenotes (as their source of water and/or sacrificial site). Ek Balam is no exception — next to it stands the wild and stunning Cenote X’canche .  

We absolutely loved the wild and atmospheric setting of this cenote. It’s surrounded by the jungle, with tree roots hanging over the spearmint blue water and rickety wooden bridges running along the sides of the cenote. There’s also a zipline over head, which our 6.5 year old daughter loved!  

Best of all, it was actually empty when we visited on a Saturday afternoon, and we had the whole place to ourselves.

Cost: 80 Pesos ($4) per person and 100 pesos ($5) for the zipline

cenote x'canche - valladolid in mexico

Further away from Valladolid is an even larger and far less visited archaeological site. The ancient city of Coba dates back to as early as 100 AD and the huge complex features several different temples and ball courts.  

Similar to Ek Balam , the ruins of Coba have not been fully restored and they’re located within the dense jungle — which really add to the atmosphere. Most people rent bikes to get from one part of the ruins to the next, but you can also hop on a tricycle and someone will take you.

The largest structure here, Noohoch Mul, reaches 137 feet (42m) and it’s the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Every blog I read said that you can climb it, but climbing was prohibited during our recent visit (September 2021). I saw someone climbing it and told him to read the sign! Please do not be the idiot that breaks the rule.

Cost: 80 pesos ($4) per person for entrance and 100 pesos ($5) to rent a bike

coba ruins - best things to do in valladolid

As with the other ancient city, Coba is located right next to three cenotes: Cenotes Tamcach-Ha ,  Choo-Ha  and  Multum-Ha.   All three cenotes are underground caverns accessible by steep spiral stairways.  

Of all three cenotes, Choo-Ha was definitely my favorite one, with hundreds of stalactites hanging from the cavern’s ceiling. I loved the fact that these cenotes were off the tourist trail and hardly mentioned in most travel blogs.  

Cost: 55 pesos ($3) for each cenote or 165 pesos ($8) for entrance to all three

cenote choo ha - valladolid travel guide

Day Trips from Valladolid

A 1.5-hour drive away from Valladolid is Izamal, one of the most photogenic towns in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s nicknamed the Yellow City for good reasons — there are more yellow buildings here than anywhere I’ve seen.

Besides the ridiculously cute architecture, there are also Mayan ruins in the center of town that are worth seeing. Izamal makes a great stop enroute to Merida, the biggest city in Yucatan. Just estimate to spend around an afternoon here, as part of your Yucatan road trip .

izamal mexico - visit valladolid mexico

Further northwest from Izamal is Merida, a 2-hour drive from Valladolid. The colorful city is known as the cultural capital of the Yucatan state, thanks to its treasure trove of historical monuments and rich heritage displays. For culture vultures, visiting Merida is definitely one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula . But I would recommend spending at least a few days in Merida, as the city is definitely worth a longer stay. Check out my comprehensive Merida travel guide .

merida mexico - day trips from valladolid

For a more nature-focused day trip, head 1.5 hours to the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its wildlife, Rio Lagartos is located at a lagoon and natural reserve. This makes it a perfect habitat for wild birds, including flamingos.  

The pink lakes of Las Coloradas are 10 miles (16 km) east of Rio Lagartos – just follow along the beach road. The lakes are actually as bright as they look in pictures. Plankton and red algae live in these salt flats, giving them their distinct pink color.

The best time to visit is in July-August and March, due to the 6-month evaporation process. If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking a daytrip to Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas .

flamingos of rio lagartos - day trips from valladolid

  Valladolid Travel Guide

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane or ferry. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.

However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week.  Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

best places to visit valladolid

Located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , Valladolid is within easy reach from popular beach towns like Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.   It’s easy to rent a car and do a road trip in Yucatan , as many cenotes and archaeological sites can only be reached by car. I always book my car rental online on Discover Cars , as they have consistently given me the best prices and service.

If you can’t drive, the ADO Bus is a good alternative as it’s reliable and punctual. It connects all of the following towns with Valladolid, and you can easily book your tickets online.

  • From Cancun — 2 hours (96 miles or 155km)
  • From Playa del Carmen — 1h 35mins (87 miles or 140km)
  • From Tulum — 1.5 hours (62 miles or 100km)
  • From Merida — 1h 45 mins (99 miles or 160km)

valladolid mexico

The route from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid is an excellent route as the 305 highway is new. There are no portholes or speed bumps, unlike on the other roads. But it’s a toll road and the toll is pricey, at 280 Pesos (US$14) each way.

We drove the route on the way there, from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid, and it took 1.5 hours. On the way back, we took the route to Tulum via Coba as we wanted to visit the Coba archaeological site. It took about 1 hour more (factor in around 2 hours to visit Coba), but it’s definitely worth a stop.

Valladolid is a small town, and you can easily get around on foot. We drove here from Playa del Carmen, but parked our car at the hotel in the center of Valladolid and walked around town.

To get to the cenotes and archaeological sites nearby, you will need to drive, rent a bicycle or catch a taxi. Many hotels offer bike rentals for around 20 to 25 pesos ($1) per hour. If you prefer to take taxis, expect to pay 100-200 pesos for a ride to nearby cenotes or Mayan ruins.

streets of valladolid mexico

With warm tropical climate, Valladolid is considered a year-round destination. In general, the best time to visit Valladolid is between November and March , when the temperatures are at their mildest and skies the clearest.

June to August is the warmest time of the year and it gets extremely humid. August and September are the rainiest months in Valladolid — we visited in September and it rained a lot but it was still hot.

valladolid itinerary - chichen itza with kids

I recommend staying close to the Zocalo (main square), or no more than a few blocks away, as you can then walk everywhere in town.

Budget: Casa Hipil  

A lovely homely budget option, this place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel and even has a lounge and communal kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming with clean and comfortable en suite rooms. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Colonte Hotel Origen

With a boho chic interior, this boutique hotel has Tulum vibes and stylish furnishings that exude rustic luxury. We stayed at this mid range hotel on my birthday and enjoyed the small, intimate setting and delicious breakfast! Check rates here.

Luxury: Le Muuch Valladolid

A gorgeous boutique hotel oozing lots of colonial charm, this is the most luxurious option in Valladolid. The elegant hotel features lush gardens, swinging hammocks, and romantic four-poster beds. Check rates here.

Couples: Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave

Wish we could have stayed here, but it’s an adults-only hotel! This unique hotel has treehouse-style rooms and two 24-hour pools, including a magical saline cave pool. Check rates here.

valladolid mexico travel

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its distinctive regional cuisine. Valladolid is a great place to try them, as well as more traditional Mayan cuisine. Here are some local dishes worth trying:  

  • Huevos motuleños — fried tortillas topped with eggs, red onion, habaneros, refried beans, green beans, cheese, plantains, turkey ham, and a spicy salsa roja
  • Sopa de lima — a lime broth with chicken or turkey, lime juice, topped with fried tortilla strips  
  • Cochinita pibil — slow roasted pull pork  
  • Papadzules — corn tortillas dipped in a sauce made from pumpkin seeds flavored with epazote
  • Panuchos — refried tortilla stuffed with refried black beans and meat
  • Queso relleno — Edam cheese filled with ground beef and pork, almonds, raisins, green pepper, and local spice

panucho from yucatan - food in valladolid mexico

Meson del Marques is our favorite place to eat in Valladolid. This landmark restaurant is a go-to for both locals and visitors. It’s  a great spot to try Yucatan regional dishes like panuchos de cochinita (fried tortilla with pulled pork).

Casa Conato Cultural 1910 is another place we really enjoyed. The yard offers alfresco dining amidst a lush garden and an eclectic mix of ornaments and artwork. On weekend nights, you’ll find Mexican live music playing here.

Restaurante El Atrio del Mayab has a nice lush backyard with great cocktails. The food is fine, but overpriced in my opinion. Just come for drinks to enjoy the gorgeous atmosphere.

Ix Cat Ik Mayan Cuisine is a unique place to learn about Mayan staples and try some typical Mayan dishes. It’s not a fancy restaurant in any way, just a simple place that hones in using traditional Mayan ingredients and cooking methods.

ix cat ik mayan cuisine - where to eat in valladolid mexico

Hope you found this list of fun things to do in Valladolid useful! It’s definitely a place worth adding to your Yucatan itinerary . Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about Valladolid.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • Cenote Suytun: My Complete Guide
  • My Guide to Ek Balam Ruins
  • How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza
  • The Ultimate 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
  • My Recommended 2-Week Mexico Itinerary
  • 33 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
  • 30 Best Things to Do in Merida
  • 30 Fun Things to Do in Tulum
  • 15 Cool Things to Do in Cozumel

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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2 thoughts on “20 Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico (And Around!) ”

valladolid mexico travel

We have stayed in Valladolid a few times – we love El Meson del Marques. So scenic and such a great location.

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We’ve only eaten there but love the restaurant! Thanks for chiming in! 🙂

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22 Things To Know Before Traveling To Valladolid Mexico

valladolid mexico travel

One of the most laid-back cities in the Yucatan Peninsula is Valladolid. A small and charming city right in the heart of the peninsula. This is a complete guide for traveling to Valladolid with things to do, places to see, where to eat, rooftop bars, where to stay and everything else you need to know when visiting Valladolid in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Most of you have probably heard about Merida Mexico and may be you have read my complete Merida travel guide with 45 tips about this charming city, but don't skip Valladolid when traveling to Yucatan.

Valladolid is the second biggest city in the Yucatan state and an undeniable place to visit when making a Yucatan Peninsula road trip . Also great as a stop when backpacking Yucatan  and a must see place if you love cenotes! Check my article with the best cenotes near Valladolid !

visit valladolid mexico

A landlocked quiet and hot town, that stole my heart. For many reasons I visited Valladolid multiple times over the last years. In total I spent more than a month in this little city and these are all my Valladolid Mexico travel tips.

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Somewhere deep inland one can find a small municipality with only 46.000 inhabitants. Indeed, the urban area was called after its Spanish namesake in 1543 and maintained the name after its relocation to where it welcomes guests from all around the world today. The reasons for visiting Valladolid are endless and in this Valladolid Mexico travel blog I am giving you all my tips.

things to do valladolid mexico 2

Craving the beach after visiting Valladolid Mexico? Pick the two places that are not affected by the seaweed! What about a trip to Isla Holbox or check out all the amazing things to do in Isla Mujeres .

1. How to get around Valladolid Mexico

travel to valladolid mexico

Valladolid has a centrally located bus station just a couple blocks away from the main square. There are busses going in any direction pretty much all day long. That makes traveling to Valladolid Mexico very easy. Getting away is equally easy. Great places to travel after Valladolid are:  Rio Lagartos , Costa Maya , Isla Holbox and Bacalar.

Valladolid is very well connected through the ADO bus company . Click on the link to see all routes, time tables and even order your tickets online. The website automatically translates to English.

2. No car rental company

Unfortunately there is still no car rental company in Valladolid Mexico. Which kind of sucks because there are some amazing day trips from Valladolid that are much easier with a car: Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, cenotes, etc. Renting a car is cheap in Yucatan, you can find them for $10 per day already. Sadly not in Valladolid Mexico.

3. Rent a scooter

scooter rent valladolid mexico

A great alternative for a car is to rent a scooter in Valladolid. There are about 3 companies that rent out scooters, but I can recommend you Scooter Rental Valladolid Mexico . They charge 100 Pesos ($5) per hour or 500 Pesos ($25) for 24 hours. One of my personal Valladolid Mexico travel tips is to rent a scooter in the afternoon for 24 hours. In the afternoon you can explore the cenotes near Valladolid and the next morning very early you visit Chichen Itza or Ek Balam. This way you don’t have a full day driving around Valladolid on top of squeezing in all the activities. At the end of the day you are on a holiday. Traveling to Valladolid should be laid-back, in line with the city vibes!

4. Rent a bicycle

You can easily go around the city on a bicycle as everything is flat. Even for visiting some of the Valladolid cenotes a bike would be sufficient. I didn’t do it myself, but I saw lots of other travelers on bikes. Renting a bike is only 100 Pesos ($5) per day. Cenote Oxman, Samula and Xkeken are great cenotes to visit on a bicycle.

5. Best cenotes around Valladolid

cenotes valladolid mexico

A plethora of cenotes scattered around town make this city some of the best places to visit in Yucatan . So there is no need to tell you that visiting cenotes is among the best things to do in Valladolid. The easiest Valladolid cenote to get to is cenote Zaci , as it is just a couple minutes walk from the main square in Valladolid. This centrally located cenote should be a teaser for what is coming as near Valladolid are some of the best cenotes in Yucatan.

Cenote Suytun is the famous cenote to get that epic instagram picture you have probably come across on social media. Cenote Ik Kil is next to Chichen Itza and according to the majority of the tourists the most beautiful cenote in Yucatan.

Cenote Xcanche is next to Ek Balam and has zip lining and rappelling and for stunning closed cenotes head to Palomitas and Agua Dulce .

There are too many to chose from so I recommend you reading my best cenotes around Valladolid article in where I show you all of them and you can make a selection of where you want to go.

6. Great mix of past and present

valladolid mexico 10

One of the reasons you should travel to Valladolid is to feel its charm. Conversion to Christianity with an explicit colonial touch played a crucial role in the formation of the present-day urban center. Boutique shops are popping up in old colonial style buildings and old haciendas serve as open air restaurants. Some doors open to amazing courtyards full of surprises. Valladolid Mexico kept on surprising me and every day I discovered a new hidden gem.

7. Mercado Municipal

mercado valladolid mexico

If visiting local markets is your thing then definitely check out Mercado Municpal in the morning. Just a couple blocks northeast of the city center. A bustling place but one of the best places to visit in Valladolid for your dose of real local culture.

8. Valladolid Cathedral

Needless to say, the San Gervasio Cathedral is the epitome of the timeworn settlement's transition to the new era. Here the Mayan ruins and the Christendom seem to merge together forevermore. The cathedral looks at its best in the sunset and as good as it looks from the outside, the interior is quite disappointing. Just have a look and decide for yourself. There is no entrance fee, you can just walk in.

9. Convent of San Bernardino

places to see valladolid mexico

The uniqueness of this construction is followed in chronology and importance by the Convent of San Bernardino located a little further from the downtown. Having undergone several alterations similarly to the Cathedral, it, perhaps, crowns the architectural layout of the town. And at that, attracts attention due to its ambiguous character serving as a fort and a religious center at the same time.

10. Great Mexican architecture

things to do valladolid mexico

Valladolid’s tangible culture is dating back to the 16th century when the conquistadors did not save their efforts to make their dream happen and embody their power in architecture. Although the Cathedral and the Fort are major tourist attractions in Valladolid, don't miss out on the rest of the town presented by an abundance of Havana-like colonial architecture. All in vivid colors. Corresponding to its title and the status, Valladolid's cultural legacy is genuinely enchanting.

11. Stroll through Calz. de los Frailes

valladolid mexico streets

I named it my favorite street in Yucatan! This is the street that leads you away from the city center towards the fort or the Convent of San Bernardino. On both sides you will only find colonial buildings that house boutique shops, boutique hotels, bars, restaurants and cute coffee places. Some of the houses are painted in bright colors, one of those streets where you will find lots of girls taking instagram pictures. One of my favorite places to visit in Valladolid Mexico for sure.

12. Valladolid sign

valladolid mexico

Taking pictures with the city sign is a popular thing to do in Valladolid Mexico. Find it at the end of Calz. de los Frailes, next to the Convent of San Bernardino. Valladolid is a so called Pueblo Magico, meaning a magical town, according to the Mexico Tourism Board. Well... I agree! Every Pueblo Magico has a sign like this!

13. Casa de los Venados

Valladolid does not abound in museums and art stuff, however, the centrally located San Roque mansion and the Casa de los Venados or simply the Deer House boast a remarkable collection of the local craftsmanship. Find here various rooms in a private home dedicated to a plethora of handicraft pottery, furniture items and colorful textiles. The entrance fee goes to charity. There are guided tours in English available. Casa de los Venados is only open till 1:00pm only.

14. Free Walking Tour in Valladolid

A great way to see Valladolid is to join one of the free walking tours . Click on the link to go to their Facebook Page and find their details. In 2024 tours are available 7 days a week, 4 times a day: 10am, 5pm 6pm and 7pm. The Valladolid Free Walking Tours start near the fountain in the central square and you can recognize them from the dark red umbrella.

15. Great hub for Chichen Itza

There are multiple busses and colectivos going to Chichen Itza and it just takes about 30 - 40 minutes to get there. When you decide to travel to Valladolid Mexico, this should be one of your day trips. If you visit Chichen Itza go early! I mean go an hour earlier than intended! This is one of the 7 World Wonders so expect huge crowds from 10.00am onwards. Chichen Itza opens at 8.00am. No need to tell you that visiting a nearby world wonder is one of the best things to do in Valladolid.

16. Ek Balam day trip

The Maya ruins of Ek Balam are considered the smaller brother of Chichen Itza and lots of tourists prefer the Ek Balam ruins over the busy Chichen Itza. Don’t get me wrong even at Ek Balam it gets busy, but not as much as at Chichen Itza. Another advantage is that you can climb the pyramid at Ek Balam and at Chichen Itza you can not! Ek Balam is 30 minutes north of Valladolid.

17. Try local (street) food

restaurants valladolid mexico

Another reason to travel to Valladolid Mexico is the Yucatan food culture. Who doesn’t like to travel for food? We all want to try the local dishes right? So what is Yucatan food actually? They are based on rich multi-century recipes with conspicuous vegetarian undertones. The Mayans have hugely contributed to this field of the Mexican heritage. The mass use of fruits and vegetables drawn from the surrounding wild nature ensures a healthy dose of ecstasy. Corn, achiote, citrus, habaneros are the basics of the Mayan cooking tradition.

Here are some of the Yucatan’s most mouthwatering experiences.

  • Start with Panuchos or the hamburgers in Yucatan style. These corn tortillas fried in oil are usually served with toppings such as lettuce, meat varieties, tomato, and onion. Carrots, avocados and other ingredients may be added.
  • Salbutes are a variety of Panuchos. These are mostly served as light yet delicious starters.
  • Papadzules or the delicious egg stuffing embraced by the corn tortillas with tomato sauce and habanero promise another must have delight when you travel to Valladolid. Spice up your Mexican adventure but don't get too addicted!
  • Visiting Valladolid you have to try Cochinita Pibil. The marinated pork filling in a banana leaf is going to fully gratify your senses. Enriched with a special sauce made of sour orange, habanero and red onion.

There are many more varieties of soups and meat dishes and also local pastries. Eating street food is a must when traveling to Valladolid Mexico. Most of them you can find around the main square a little later in the afternoon or in weekends.

18. Yerbabuena

yerbabuena valladolid mexico

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Valladolid Mexico. It is a little outside of the city center, but right next to one of the most popular places to see in Valladolid: Convent of San Bernardino. This hip and modern restaurant is where you will find many tourist and some prosperous local Mexicans.

They serve a wide range of vegetarian dishes and juices. Yerbabuena is my best Valladolid Mexico tip for food.

19. Pitagoras Cafe del Profesor

pitagoras valladolid mexico

My favorite places to go for breakfast in the city center. Cafe Pitagoras is located just two blocks from the main square and a gem in Valladolid Mexico. They have delicious juices as well as healthy meals. The homey interior with book shelves made it a great place to hang out for a little while. At Cafe del Profesor Pitagoras  I also met some other travelers. Loved this place a lot.

20. Mercado 43

mercado 43 valladolid mexico

To be honest Im not even sure if this is a real restaurant, it is not on Google Mpas. I stumbled upon it while getting lost in the charming streets. It is called Mercado 43 and is about 2-3 blocks east from the main square in Calle 43. In the garden there was like a local market of 5 stands selling local handicrafts, but also 2 places that sold food. I had a local pasta dish for 80 Pesos ($4) and it was delicious. Totally worth searching for when traveling to Valladolid.

21. Best coffee in Valladolid Mexico

Conkafecito is my favorite place to grab a coffee. Simply because they serve the best coffee in Valladolid Mexico. I tried a bunch of places, but the best one I got at Conkafecito. It is located on the end of Calz. de los Frailes towards the Convent of San Bernardino. It is not the most charming place unfortunately but they do serve the best coffee in Valladolid and I am a coffee snob!

22. Mezcaleria Don Trejo

Another great Valladolid Mexico tip is this restaurant/bar. Although called mezcaleria they serve better things than that! It is a little more pricey but the food is good and this is a great place to meet travelers. They often have live music or a DJ. Mezcaleria is also located in Calz. de los Frailes.

Where to stay in Valladolid Mexico

valladolid mexico travel guide

The tourist-focused infrastructure makes it that there is something for every pocket and taste. There is an abundance of guesthouses, airbnbs and hotels in and around downtown. This is going to make it easy to find your preferred Valladolid Mexico accommodation.

The Hostel Guacamaya s, Hostel Candelaria and the  Hostel Casa Xtakay  are two great hostels in Valladolid Mexico and the best low-budget accommodations with typical Mexican ambiance. Hostels in Valladolid Mexico are pretty scares and highly populated most of the time making an early bird status rather demanded.

Mid-range accommodation

Provided your finances are not so modest, more comfortable accommodations are always at hand in the mentioned area. Casa Sisal Valladolid Yucatan ,  Hotel Casa Rosario and Hotel Peregrina just to name a few with spacious rooms, charming decorations and outdoor or indoor pools are truly a pledge of a memorable adventure.

Luxury hotels

And lastly, luxury lovers are equally going to get their share when in Valladolid. A row of hotels designated for the upper class boasts such mansions as Le Muuch Hotel , Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Caves . Here rustic style merges with genuine bliss.

valladolid mexico travel tips

I hope all the above Valladolid Mexico tips were useful for your upcoming Yucatan trip. In total I spent over 2 months exploring the peninsula, see here my Yucatan itinerary .

It basically touched down at all the cool places to visit in Yucatan as well as many day trips from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, like Selvatica Zip Lining , Tulum and Coba Tour , a Puerto Morelos travel blog  and much more. Also recommended places to vist are of course Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres .

Safe travels and enjoy Valladolid, the jewel of Yucatan!

  • yucatan peninsula

Cenote Suytun at Valladolid, Yucatan - Mexico

© Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Once known as the Sultana of the East, Yucatán’s third-largest city is famed for its quiet streets and sun-splashed pastel walls. It’s worth staying here for a few days or longer, as the provincial town makes a great hub for visits to Río Lagartos, Chichén Itzá, Ek’ Balam and a number of nearby cenotes. The city resides at that magic point where there’s plenty to do, yet it still feels small, manageable and affordable.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Valladolid. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Casa de los Venados

Casa de los Venados

Featuring over 3000 pieces of museum-quality Mexican folk art, this private collection is interesting in that objects are presented in an actual private…

MEXICO - FEBRUARY 16: The Franciscan monastery of San Bernardino, Valladolid, Yucatan. Mexico, 16th century. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Templo de San Bernardino

The Templo de San Bernardino and the adjacent Convento de Sisal are about 700m southwest of the plaza. They were constructed between 1552 and 1560 to…

Iglesia de San Servacio

Iglesia de San Servacio

The original edifice of Valladolid's main church was built in 1545, but was demolished and rebuilt in the early 1700s following a violent atrocity the…

Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal

Locals come to this good, authentic Mexican market to shop for cheap clothing, produce and what-have-you, and to eat at inexpensive taquerías. The east…

Museo de San Roque

Museo de San Roque

Previously a 16th-century convent, San Roque has models and exhibits on the history of the city and the region. Other displays focus on various aspects of…

Ayuntamiento

Ayuntamiento

The upstairs section, the Salón de Los Murales, has an interesting series of murals of figures that illustrate the history of the region.

Iglesia de la Candelaria

Iglesia de la Candelaria

The Virgin of Candelaria, the Patron of Valladolid, is celebrated at this church on February 2 (Candlemas).

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Latest stories from Valladolid

valladolid mexico travel

Jan 16, 2020 • 5 min read

Valladolid is a tranquil bohemian town with stunning Spanish colonial architecture, sacred water holes (or cenotes), and authentic Yucatán cuisine. If you've…

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colorful flags on iglesia de san servacio, one of the most fun things to do in valladolid mexico

Magical Valladolid, Mexico: Things to Do + Travel Guide

If you ask us, there are few more perfect places on the Yucatan peninsula than Valladolid, Mexico–if you’re willing to sacrifice access to a beach, that is.

Between the number of fun things to do in Valladolid (hello cenotes!), the easy access to any number of day trips, and the laid-back and affordable nature of the beautiful city, there is no shortage of reasons to visit Valladolid.

While Merida is arguably a bit trendier and the coastal cities of the Riviera Maya are hard to pull yourself away from, independent travelers find that Valladolid is easy to fall in love with–and for us, it’s one of those cities that we’ve visited multiple times and will continue to return to again and again.

Considering a stop in Mexico’s colorful city of Valladolid? Here’s everything you need to know before you go, from what to do in Valladolid to where to stay and how to get around!

Table of Contents

19 Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico (+ Nearby!)

Getting to + around valladolid, where to stay in valladolid, mexico, where is valladolid, mexico, taking a day trip to valladolid, the best time to visit valladolid, what to pack for valladolid, mexico.

kate storm climbing the main pyramid of ek balam, one of the best things to see near valladolid mexico

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Check out Calzada de los Frailes.

This vibrantly colorful street is one of the most popular places to visit in Valladolid!

Lined on either side with brightly painted buildings, this street dates to the 16th century and is part of the reason that Valladolid is listed as one of Mexico’s “pueblos magicos” , or magic towns.

Colorful street in Valladolid Mexico as seen on a Yucatan road trip

Stroll through the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.

Considered to be one of the oldest colonial sites in the Yucatan, the former Convent of San Bernardino de Siena dates to the mid-16th century and is definitely worth a visit.

It even has a cenote on-site, which was used as part of an irrigation system during the time that a Franciscan order called the convent home.

exterior of Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, valladolid mexico things to do in

Pay a visit to Chichen Itza.

One of the best things to do near Valladolid, a huge part of the reason that travelers choose the city as a base is its proximity to Chichen Itza .

Chichen Itza is less than an hour by car from Valladolid, and with an early alarm clock, you can arrive at the gates right as the site opens–and beat the crowded tour buses that have to drive more than 2 hours from Cancun to the pyramids.

Photo of the main pyramid of Chichen Itza on Mexico Yucatan Peninsula

… and Cenote Ik Kil.

One of the area’s most famous cenotes, Cenote Ik Kil is located near Chichen Itza and is frequently combined with a trip to the pyramids.

It also happens to be absolutely beautiful!

Marvel at the beauty of Cenote Suytun.

Once fairly obscure, Cenote Suytun has risen to enormous fame in the age of Instagram thanks to its incredibly photogenic nature–and if you catch it at the right time, it is indeed as magical as the photos would suggest.

To avoid the crowds, you’ll want to go early in the morning… but to try to capture the famous sunbeam, you’ll want to aim for a sunny day at mid-afternoon (you’ll also need the air to be a bit dusty and cooperate inside the cenote, though–there’s no guarantee you’ll get the shot).

We took the Cenote Suytun photos in this Valladolid blog post as soon as the cenote opened in the morning!

Cenote Suytun is only a 15-minute drive from the center of town and is one of our favorite things to see in Valladolid, Mexico.

Kate Storm standing in the center of Cenote Suytun near Valladolid, an amazing addition to a 10 day Yucatan itinerary

… and Cenote Ka Peh.

There’s a second cenote on-site with the famous Cenote Suytun: Cenote Ka Peh.

You can’t swim in it, and it’s not as beautiful as Cenote Suytun, but it is gorgeous in its own way and well worth the quick walk to see it.

Visit the Iglesia de San Servacio.

Located right on Valladolid’s zocalo, or main square, this beautiful church dates to 1705 and is the most striking building on the square.

Valladolid Cathedral with a motorbike passing by in front of it. Valladolid is an excellent base during this first part of this Mexico road trip itinerary

Climb the pyramids of Ek Balam.

Located just 30 minutes from the city center, the stunning Mayan city of Ek Balam belongs on any list of what to do in Valladolid–and with a fraction of the crowds of Chichen Itza, I’d argue that it’s even more impressive to visit (also unlike Chichen Itza, you can still climb the central pyramid here).

… and jump into Cenote X’canche.

Located in the same complex as Ek Balam, though you’ll pay a separate entrance fee to visit, Cenote X’canche ranks among my personal favorite cenotes in Mexico, and I highly recommend a visit!

Stunningly beautiful, the cenote boasts bright blue water and a waterfall.

There is a small restaurant, changing rooms, and restrooms on-site, as well as hammocks to relax in, and it’s incredibly enjoyable to spend an afternoon here.

Cenote X'canche as seen from the interior of the small cave. Also known as the ek balam cenote. A waterfall is in the left side of the photo and the water is turquoise

Visit the Casa de los Venados.

This beautiful museum in Valladolid features over 3000 pieces of Mexican folk art… and it also happens to be located in a private home.

It’s definitely one of the most unique things to see in Valladolid and is worth a visit.

Snap a photo of the colorful Valladolid sign.

These colorful signs denoting the town names of Mexico’s pueblos magicos can be found all over the country–and for us, they never get old!

colorful letters reading "valladolid"

Shop at the Mercado Municipal.

Whether you want to shop for local ingredients to cook with, grab a cheap meal at a taqueria, browse clothes, or just snap photos of the colorful fruit and vegetable stands, the centrally located Mercado Municipal is worth a stop when you’re looking for the best things to do in Valladolid.

Take a dip in Cenote Zaci.

Cenote Zaci is widely considered to be a lovely-but-not-magnificent cenote (as compared to the other nearby options like Cenote Suytun and Cenote X’canche)… but it does have one major advantage over the others, and that it is that it’s located in the center of town!

If you’re staying within walking distance of Valladolid’s zocalo, you’ll also be able to take a quick stroll to Cenote Zaci.

cenote zaci, one of the best places to visit in valladolid mexico

People-watch in the zocalo.

Valladolid’s zocalo, or main square, is a delightful blend of attractions for locals (helado carts, balloons for sale for children) and attractions for tourists (dancers performing traditional Mayan dances in costume, souvenir stalls). 

It’s a charming, peaceful place, and one of the best places to visit in Valladolid.

In addition to tourist attractions like (arguably overpriced) restaurants and the local tourism office, you’ll also find practical things you’ll likely need for your time in Valladolid here, like the taxi stand in front of the Iglesia de San Servacio, where you can negotiate rates for trips out of town.

fountain in the center of the zocalo surrounded by a green lawn

Take a day trip to Izamal, Mexico’s yellow city.

Featuring a historic convent, Mayan ruins in the center of town, a chance to escape the crowds, and more beautiful yellow buildings than you can imagine, Izamal is arguably one of the most photogenic towns on the Yucatan peninsula… and it also happens to be only an hour and a half by car from Valladolid!

street lined with yellow buildings izamal mexico

Check out the Museo San Roque.

Housed in a former convent, this museum is free to visit and focuses on the history of Valladolid and on Mayan culture more broadly.

Take a day trip to the pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

Years ago, on our first trip to Valladolid, we naively arrived in town hoping to find a tour company that would take us to Mexico’s pink lakes in Las Coloradas, which were then just starting to rise in fame.

As it turned out, there were no tours (still aren’t, as far as we could tell on our most recent visit), but a long taxi ride or an easy 2-hour drive in a rental car will get you there.

We have a full guide to visiting the pink lakes , so I won’t repeat myself much here, but suffice it to say that they’re one of the most unique day trips from Valladolid!

Kate Storm in a black maxi dress standing in front of one of the pink lakes las coloradas mexico

Spend the day at Cenote X’keken and Cenote Samula.

Cenote X’keken and Cenote Samula are located in the same complex, about a 15-minute drive from Valladolid.

Of all the cenotes included on this list of what to see in Valladolid, these are arguably the most developed, with everything from tourist trinkets to snack stalls to lockers available to rent available to you on-site.

Both cenotes are beautiful and worth enjoying, but due to their popularity, we’d recommend visiting on a weekday if you can.

cenote samula as seen from above with a handful of swimmers enjoying the cenote

Getting to Valladolid from hubs like Cancun and Tulum by bus is very easy: ADO bus routes run right to Valladolid.

However, we strongly prefer to rent a car and drive to Valladolid because of the freedom that it allows in visiting surrounding attractions like Chichen Itza, Ek Balam , Cenote Suytun, and more.

If you’re planning on renting a car, it’s very important to note that there are no car rental agencies in Valladolid (a lesson that we learned the hard way on our last trip when we ended up having to double-back to Tulum to pick up a car).

Y ou’ll want to pick up a rental car on the Riviera Maya before leaving–the easiest and cheapest way is generally to rent a car in Cancun (even at the airport), but Playa del Carmen and Tulum are also options.

Check prices & shop rental cars for your trip to Valladolid today!

Jeremy Storm standing in front of a red car parked in front of a church as part of a road trip Yucatan itinerary

If you visit Valladolid without a car, you’ll need to reach the cenotes and ruins through a combination of taxis, collectivos, bikes, scooter rental (for nearby sights like Cenote Suytun) and organized tours. It’s also worth noting that organized tours for attractions that are further away, like the pink lakes, are scarce to non-existent. Tours to Chichen Itza, on the other hand, are easy to find.

It’s entirely doable, especially if you’re comfortable negotiating prices in Spanish–however, having visited Valladolid both ways, the freedom that a car provides is fantastic, and we absolutely prefer it.

Driving to and around Valladolid is fairly easy, and we find driving in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in general easier than in many places in Europe!

The best company to rent a car for your Valladolid vacation from will likely vary dramatically depending on exactly when you’re traveling. Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip.

colorful street in valladolid with some cars on it and a street food stall to the left

Valladolid has a fantastic selection of places to stay, ranging from budget hostels to beautiful boutique hotels.

Here are some of the best, including the hotel we adored on our most recent visit!

Hostel Candelaria  — Featuring a perfect location in the center of Valladolid, colorful decor, hundreds of near-perfect reviews and plenty of dorm and private room lodging options, Hostel Candelaria is a go-to choice for budget travelers to Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Candelaria!

Casa Aluxes Hotel  — We absolutely adored our stay at this boutique hotel. The breakfast is fantastic, the service perfect, the inner courtyard and pools beautiful, and their location excellent. When we return to Valladolid yet again, we’ll definitely consider staying again.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Aluxes Hotel!

Interior courtyard of Casa Aluxes Hotel in Valladolid Mexico

Le Muuch Hotel  — This luxury hotel in Valladolid offers spacious family rooms, excellent service, and a fantastic breakfast, all housed in a convenient location within walking distance of Valladolid’s major sights. The grounds include two beautiful pools, and the hotel’s hundreds of excellent reviews make it a sure bet when visiting Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Le Muuch Hotel!

Valladolid is centrally located in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, far from any beaches but perfectly located for exploring Mayan ruins, cenotes, and more.

It’s about 2 hours (155 kilometers) from Cancun, about 1 hour, 45 minutes (140 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen, 1 hour, 30 minutes (100 kilometers) from Tulum, and 1 hour, 45 minutes (160 kilometers) from Merida .

kate storm and jeremy storm in cenote suytun, one of the best cenotes near valladolid

While you could technically take a day trip from the Riviera Maya to Valladolid, in our opinion, the city is best used as a base–we’d only recommend visiting Valladolid as part of a day trip if you’re combining it with a visit to nearby attractions like Chichen Itza or Cenote Suytun.

If you’d like to visit Valladolid as part of a greater day trip from the Riviera Maya, we recommend this popular tour leaving from Cancun that includes a visit to Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Valladolid.

Book your day trip to Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Valladolid today!

cenote ik kil with no people in it

Though Valladolid can easily be considered a year-round destination, the best time to visit Valladolid is from roughly November through March, when the temperatures are at their mildest and skies the clearest.

The late spring and summer months are extremely hot and humid, and a trip during these months will likely mean more time spent at the cenotes than on average in an effort to stay cool (not that that is a bad thing, exactly). 

August and September are the rainiest months in Mexico’s Valladolid.

Jeremy Storm in Ek Balam facing away from the camera, standing on top of one ruin and overlooking the others

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Valladolid? Be sure to throw these items in your bag!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. Traveling to Mexico is generally safe, of course, but it also likely involves stepping outside your comfort zone and trying out new adventures in a foreign land… where you may or may not speak the language. We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Mexico.

valladolid mexico travel

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

valladolid mexico travel

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

1 thought on “Magical Valladolid, Mexico: Things to Do + Travel Guide”

Thanks for all the information about Valladolid, we intend to spend 10 days there in April at the end of our winter snowbirding in Progreso. Looking forward to it. The information provided will be helpful.

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Valladolid, Mexico: A Complete Travel Guide

valladolid mexico iglesia san servicio

This is a complete travel guide to Valladolid, Mexico. I’m sharing tips of the best places to go, how to get around, where to eat and things to do in Valladolid.

I don’t want to oversell it too much, but Valladolid was probably my favorite place in my entire Mexico trip . It’s authentic, it’s vibrant, and it’s beautiful. I’m sharing a bit of knowledge to guide you through a visit to this amazing Mayan colonial city in the heart of Yucatán .

First things first… why Valladolid?

Apart from beating the crowds on Chichén Itza (more on that later)… because it’s a hidden gem! Don’t get me wrong – Valladolid is in the route of the millions of tourists from Cancún on their way to Chichen Itza. There are a lot of day trippers who stop there in their way back to their giant 5-star resort.

However, once the buses are gone, Valladolid manages to keep an off-the-grid vibe and remains beautifully faithful to its laid-back way of living. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to other busy places in Mexico. It’s also an amazing opportunity to experience the authentic Mayan culture and history in a safe and beautiful little town.

Adding Valladolid to your Mexico itinerary is ensuring you’ll be witnessing the real Mexico.

mexico valladolid yucatan

When to go to Valladolid?

Valladolid is an all-year hot destination. There are essentially two seasons: the wet season, starting in May and ending in October, and the dry season, generally from November through May. If you’re looking for the absolute hottest weather, May to August would be the best time to visit, although the humidity allied to high temperatures (33°C/92°F) can make any kind of sightseeing a challenge. 

I visited Valladolid in March. The weather was incredible and prices were reasonable. However, this also peak season and Chichén Itza was packed with tourists coming from all over. 

How many days in Valladolid?

I recommend staying in Valladolid for at least 2 full days. While the city seems tiny on the map, there is plenty of things to do in it and around. If you want a less rushed trip and extra time to do more hikes, aim for 4-5 days instead and make Valladolid a base to explore the surroundings.

mexico itinerary valladolid yucatan

Is Valladolid safe?

Yucatán is one of the safest regions in Mexico and Valladolid is right in the heart of it. It is safe! We stayed a few minutes away from the main square and had no issues at all. People were always welcoming and we felt safe walking around in the evenings, which didn’t happen in other places in Mexico. To give you some perspective, I felt much safer in Valladolid than in Mexico City , specially at night.

That said, it is recommended to have standard precautions as you would anywhere else – don’t flash anything of value (e.g. shiny jewelry), don’t carry too much money with you, and stick to the main, well-lit streets.

Where to stay in Valladolid

Valladolid is a small town, so aim to find in the streets near the main square. You’ll be in walking distance of the best restaurants, bars, and sights. Here’s a selection of hotels in the best area to stay .

The place I stayed – Colonte Hotel Origen – was definitely the BEST hotel I stayed in Mexico. Could easily stay there for a month!

valladolid mexico travel

Best places to stay in Valladolid

A shortlist of the best-rated hotels, guesthouses and haciendas in Valladolid with Superb rating.

valladolid mexico travel

My choice: Hotel Colonte Origen

Beautiful design with an eco vibe. Delicious breakfast served in the garden. Honestly, the photos don’t do it justice.

Getting around Valladolid

You can reach Valladolid in different ways:

  • By plane – You can fly to Valladolid directly from other cities in Mexico such as Mexico City . 
  • By bus – ADO buses connect Valladolid to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Mérida. It’s cheap, comfortable, and the buses are reliable.
  • Drive there – Renting a car is an option and gives you extra flexibility to visit Valladolid and other places in Yucatán. Be careful though – car rental companies sometimes advertise very low prices only to charge crazy fees for a mandatory insurance. This is particularly common in Cancún . Read more on how to avoid getting scammed on your rental .

Valladolid is a small flat town, which makes it very walkable. You want to be around the main square, in downtown, where everything it’s at a few-minutes-away walk.

It’s easy to explore the main streets on foot or alternatively, on a bike or scooter, as many locals do. There are many bike rental shops throughout Valladolid where you can rent a bike for as little as $80-$100 pesos/day. 

Things to do in Valladolid

 While much of the appeal from Valladolid comes from its laid-back nature and the chance to discover how an authentic Mexican city is like, logistically it’s a great base to explore nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins.

Here is my top 10 of things to do and see in Valladolid:

1 Iglesia de San Servicio

Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Valladolid is the Iglesia de San Servicio (or Cathedral San Gervasio), located just south of the main square. The inside is a bit on the simpler side, but the outside is incredible and it gets particularly beautifully lit at night. It has a fascinating background though – the Spanish built this towering cathedral in the 16th century, over a demolished Mayan pyramid!

2 Cenote Zaci

valladolid mexico cenote zaci

Oh, cenotes . The ancient Mayans believed these were passages to the underworld and it’s easy to see why – A cenote is a giant swimming hole carved into limestone bedrock by spring water. One of the best things in Yucatán are the countless ones this region has to offer.

Valladolid features some of the best in Mexico, including Cenote Zaci , right in the middle of Valladolid urban grid. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the city center and it costs just 30 Pesos to enter. Great place to interrupt your sightseeing and go for a quick refreshing swim.

3 Chichen Itza

chichen itza from valladolid

The massive Mayan ruins complex of Chichén Itza has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, so no wonder (pun intended) is one of the most popular things to do in Mexico. However, it also attracts a HUGE number of tourists, coming from resorts in Playa del Carmen, Cancún, and Tulum on daily tours. 

A big advantage of staying in Valladolid is that you can easily make a day trip to Chichén Itza and get a head start on these crowds. Wake up early, and try to arrive at Chichén Itza before 10am. You’ll be off to explore a stunning archaeological site without tons of people taking away from its beauty. 

Near Chichén Itza, there are several cenotes to explore: the most popular (common pit stop for tours) is Cenote Ik Kil . 

  • By colectivo : Take a colectivo minibus from the station on Calle 46. They leave every 30 min or so, and start as early as 7am. Cost: 40 pesos.
  • By bus: From the main Valladolid bus station (Calle 46 x Calle 39) take an ADO bus directly to the entrance of Chichén Itza. Keep in mind there are “first-class” and “second-class” buses, which mainly differ in the number of stops along the way and the model of the vehicles. No worries, any of them is fine. Cost: up to 90 pesos.
  • By car: Rent a car and drive there.

4 Parque Francisco Cantón

valladolid mexico plaza francisco canton

Valladolid is laid out on a classic grid format that radiates from a central town square, in this case, Parque Francisco Cantón Rosado . This the beating heart of the city! Every day, performances of music, dance, or theatre takes place either in the square or on the streets surrounding the park. An example is traditional Mayan dancers that dance to the sound of jarana yucateca , traditional folk music of the region. 

It’s also a good place for foodies: down one of the carts selling marquesitas (Nutella and cheese crepes). Or just sit around and appreciate the surroundings. I found it to be a fantastic place for people-watching!

5 Cenote Suytun

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb)

This was by far my favourite Valladolid cenote , and definitely the one with the most Instagram potential. The large light beam that enters the cave through a small opening in ceiling is mesmerizing. When it aligns with the circular man-made ledge in the center of the cenote, it’s truly an otherworldly sight.

It’s possible to swim at the cenote , even though I didn’t find it particularly inviting. Life jackets are mandatory. If you don’t want your photos polluted by a bunch of bright orange spots floating in the water, get there first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Keep in mind the most photogenic time of the day is when there’s more light entering the cave though, which happens between 12-2pm.

To get to Cenote Suytun , we coordinated a taxi to get here from our hotel since it’s roughly 8km away from Valladolid.

6 Mercado Municipal

When we talk about Valladolid , we’re talking about the chance of diving face-first into authentic Mexican culture. And what better place to experience this than venturing to the stalls of the local market? 

In Mercado Municipal de Valladolid, you can find everything from local fruits and veggies to honey, clothes, meats and several handicrafts, often cheaper than in the shops that cater to tourists. I was particularly amazed by the many hot sauces, of different colors and smells. It’s a place to soak in everything, even if you don’t buy anything.

7 The streets

valladolid mexico hot weather

Walking through Valladolid is a delight to all senses – the range of colors used in private homes, shops, and government buildings is much larger than we, non-Mexicans, are used to! These vibrant colonial walls make for cute backdrops for photographs, or just a pleasant sight while you wander the cobbled streets of downtown.

Calzada de los Frailles is one of the most iconic and colorful streets and is home to dozens of wonderful handicrafts, cafes, and clothing stores.

8 Cenote Oxman

valladolid mexico cenote oxman

The final cenote on this list! Set in the very local Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman , Cenote Oxman is set in a collapsed semi-open cave where both natural light and hanging tree roots cascade towards its refreshing waters. There’s even a rope swing for some extra fun!

Apart from the cenote , this 18th century Hacienda grounds also feature a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s a great place to escape the Valladolid heat and chill for a few hours.

To get here, I rented a bike (~30 min from Valladolid). While the distance is perfectly doable, the road to get there is in pretty bad shape so it’s better if you rent a scooter or hire a taxi instead (~$100 pesos). Since taxis come from Valladolid, keep in mind you’ll to pay double on the way back as you’ll have to pay the fare for both ways.

If you’re into archaeology, then you don’t want to miss a day trip to Ek Balam . Once home to a city of 20,000 people, this site has an impressive set of 40+ ruins with a fraction of the tourists of Chichén Itza . It’s a golden opportunity to get to know more about the ancient Mayan culture in an intimate setting. I highly recommend getting a guide here.

There’s another plus – unlike other popular ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum , you can still climb the 106 steps of the great Acropolis pyramid at Ek Balam , for dramatic views of the Riviera Maya.

  • By joining a tour: I’m not usually a fan of organized tours, but I open an exception for any kind of ruins. Joining a small group and have a knowledgeable guide explaining what you’re looking at makes all the difference.
  • By car: Simply rent a car. It’s a 30-min drive from Valladolid to Ek Balam.

10 Convento de San Bernardino de Siena

valladolid mexico convento de san Bernardino de Siena

Located at the end of Calzada de los Frailles , a short walk from the main square, this 16th century convent is an unusual combo of a place of worship and a military fortress. For $40 pesos, you can enter the grounds and learn all about the history of this place which used to be the headquarters of the Mayan “reconversion” to Catholicism.

Every evening a video-mapping show lights up the building and tells a bit of the story of Valladolid. It runs Tuesday through Sunday at 9pm (Spanish) and at 9:20 pm (English).

While you are at it, right in front of the convent in Parque Sisal there’s a colorful Valladolid sign (every little Mexican town has it these days). Good place to snap a family photo!

What to do in Valladolid

What else do to in Valladolid? Here are some ideas.

Cenotes in Valladolid

Valladolid is strategically located in an area of many different cenotes that will help cool you off, even during the hottest of the days. In a radius of 10km there are dozens of them, perfect for some cenote hopping .

  • Cenote Zaci – the easiest to get to, since it’s in the middle of the city. Entrance fee: $30 pesos.
  • Cenote Suytun – definitely the most idyllic and Instagramable of them all. 
  • Cenote Xkeken – a beautiful underground cenote with just a small opening where the light shines through.
  • Cenote San Lorenzo de Oxman – stunning scenery with a cool natural swing to jump from. Life jackets are mandatory here. Entrance fee: $150 pesos.
  • Cenote Samula – very closed to Xkeken (you can combine both in the same trip), this is an enclosed cenote with stalactites on top, formed due to the water filtration.
  • Cenote Palomitas – off the beaten path cenote with a bright blue pool where you can swim without crowds. 

Other places to go in Valladolid

Finally, here are other ideas for places you can visit in Valladolid:

  • Museo de Ropa Étnica de México – also known as Murem , this is the Mexican Ethnic Clothing museum. A stylish way of absorbing the local culture.
  • Xkopek Parque Apícola – A beekeeping park that helps remind us how important bees are to our planet. I actually didn’t visit, but it’s saved for my next time in Valladolid!
  • Casa de los Venados – an impressive private collection of Mayan artwork. It’s not a government-owned museum, but it’s actually a hacienda where the owners run tours everyday at 10am.  
  • Iglesia San Juan -small church facing a small park where you can witness Mexican daily life while indulging on a helado (ice cream).

What to eat in Valladolid

valladolid mexico chochinita pibil tacos

You’ll eat very well in pretty much the entire Mexico – honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying things to do ! – but in places like Valladolid you can taste the authentic thing for a much lower price than in the resort towns. These are some of the delicacies to try in Valladolid:

  • Sopa de lima – a personal favorite! Chicken and lime soup, topped with tortilla chips. Freaking delicious.
  • Cochinita pibil – the piece of rèsistance of the Mayan food. Slow-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves, previously marinated in citrus juices. Depth of flavour is insane on this one!
  • Salbutes – deep-fried corn tortilla served open-face with several different toppings: pulled pork/poultry, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, avocados, etc.
  • Chaya – a native plant of southeastern México and staple food of the Mayas, it can be found in soups, juices or as a side dish. Also known as “spinach tree”.
  • Marquesitas – very popular street food dessert which is sort of a crepe made with different fillings (usually chocolate, fruit, and/or cheese), but then it’s rolled into a tube. 

Restaurants in Valladolid

Last but not least – this is where I had my best meals in Valladolid.

  • El Atrio del Mayab  – right in the main square, it’s quite popular with tourists, but it’s a solid choice to indulge in authentic Mayan tastes. Lots of choices. Make sure you sit on the garden area, with beautiful fountains and trees.
  • Casa Conato Cultural 1910 – fantastic restaurant serving local Mexican food, with very reasonable portions. Doubles as a bar, so you can stay for a drink afterwards. Ask for a table in the terrace!
  • Yerbabuena Del Sisal – almost two weeks in of being in Mexico, my body eventually craved non-mexican food. This is a good place to switch things up and eat a salad or hamburger. Lots of veggy options too.

More about Mexico 🇲🇽

valladolid mexico travel

Useful Mexico Travel Tips To Know Before Your Trip

valladolid mexico travel

First-time & Independent Mexico Itinerary

That’s it for valladolid, mexico.

I hope you enjoy this fantastic hidden gem of a town as much as I did. Nested in the heart of Yucatán, it’s a delight to explore and additionally, serve as a great base to venture out to other places around.

If you would like to add anything or just share your experience in Valladolid, please leave a comment below!

My travel tips valid anywhere

  • 🏨 To find the best deals and book your stay with free cancellation, I recommend Booking.com (from my experience, often cheaper than Airbnb)
  • 🚗 Always compare car rental prices before you book anything (and if possible use local rental shops!).
  • ☑️ Travel insurance is a must these days – don’t overlook it! I recommend Allianz or Safety Wing if you’re always on the go.
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Valladolid Mexico | A Complete Travel Guide

Valladolid in Mexico was our favorite town on our Yucatan trip. This is how we imagined a small Mexican town. Colorful houses, colonial buildings, relaxed atmosphere and a green main square in the center of town. After our negative experience on the supposedly quiet Isla Mujeres the days before, we could really relax in Valladolid and enjoy strolling through the beautiful city.

However, most people will come to the city not only because of the beautiful atmosphere, but on the one hand because of the Mayan site Chichen Itza * and on the other hand because of the many beautiful cenotes that exist in and around Valladolid. Since we skipped Chichen Itza (it was too expensive and too crowded for us), in this travelogue we will only discuss Valladolid itself and the, in our opinion, most beautiful cenotes in the area.

We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.

Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers

valladolid mexico travel

Things to do in Valladolid Mexico

We imagined Valladolid in Mexico as a typical Mexican small town and found it exactly the same. The atmosphere of the city reminded us a bit of Bacalar , in the south of Mexico. No comparison to the chaos, traffic and tourists we found in Cancun or Isla Mujeres .

Valladolid is about 150 km away from Cancun and yet it is a completely different world. Sure, it is touristy and there are many souvenir stores in the city center, but this is a very bearable extent and so that it is fun to explore the city. If you’re planning to spend e.g. 3 weeks in Mexico Valladolid should not be missed.

Zocalo Valladolid

The central main square (Zocalo) of Valladolid in Mexico was the meeting place of young and old and also of all the hungry. In the park itself there are a lot of stalls offering marquesitas (a freshly baked ice cream cone filled with all kinds of delicious things ), typical corn dishes and other delicacies. Around the square there are of course the obligatory restaurants.

In the evenings, performances by Mayan fighters in disguise are often held there, and it is easy to stroll past souvenir stands and get to know the country and its people.

Zocalo Valladolid

Convent de San Bernardino de Siena

The Convent de San Bernardino de Siena is an old monastery just outside of downtown Valladolid, but it’s within walking distance. It is one of the landmarks of the city and, since it is not centrally located, not at all crowded. It costs 30 MXN entrance fee (about 1.40 Euro) and you can explore a small garden with its own small cenote, visit a museum with many church exhibits and marvel at the building itself.

Really all very nice to look at. There is also a small courtyard and the whole monastery has been super restored, so you can well imagine how the life of the monks was here a few hundred years ago.

On some days (Wednesday – Sundays) there is a light show here in the evening at 9:20 pm in English (9 pm in Spanish), which shows the history of the monastery in bright colors on the facades of the monastery.

Convent de San Bernardino de Siena, Valladolid

Our Accommodation in Valladolid Mexico

We decided to stay a little bit outside of the city center. We like to stay a little away from the hustle and bustle, so that we have it quiet, but still quickly walk in the middle of the action.

Our hotel was built in a beautiful colonial style and had air-conditioned rooms, a small pool and a Hollywood swing in the courtyard. The staff was also very nice and you felt very well taken care of there.

Hotel Valladolid

Discover our hotel Quinta Marciala at Booking.com*

Day Trip to the most Beautiful Cenotes near Valladolid

There are many beautiful cenotes very close to Valladolid and it is probably not even possible to visit all of them during a stay of several days in Valladolid. But we think you don’t have to.

We have researched most of the cenotes nearby and many look quite similar. Again, some are not that spectacular, so the entrance fee, which is usually around 100 MXN (5€) per person, is not worth it in our opinion.

Zocalo Valladolid

We chose 3 of the most beautiful cenotes around Valladolid for our day trip. In addition, we went to a cenote that is located in the middle of the city. Optionally, we will introduce you to 2 more cenotes nearby that you can visit on an additional day. Or of course on the same day, if you leave very early in the morning and don’t leave so much time per cenote.

How to get to the cenotes?

You can of course book a guided tour * and then be driven comfortably from cenote to cenote by coach. But those who know us know that this is not our way. We prefer to do it on our own . We don’t like to follow a tour guide and prefer to take the chance to have a place all to ourselves in the morning instead of sharing it with a whole group. Our recommendation to you is to rent a car or a scooter to explore the surroundings of Valladolid for 1-2 days.

Day Trip Chichen Itza and Cenotes | Check Prices*

Rent a Scooter in Valladolid

Roller fahren in Valladolid

We found driving a scooter in Valladolid pretty easy, even if on the big interurban roads the buses and trucks race past you pretty fast. But there is almost always a wide shoulder on which you can keep a safe distance from the speeders with the scooter. Some roads off the main roads were quite adventurous to drive, but we have mastered all without punctures. If you dare to explorer the area with a scooter, then we can only recommend it to you. You are very flexible and have a lot of fun driving around on the Mexican streets.

Which are the most Beautiful Cenotes in Valladolid Mexico?

Before we introduce you to the most beautiful cenotes in our opinion, we would like to take a short excursion and tell you what these strange cenotes are and how they were formed.

Valladolid Mexico | A Complete Travel Guide

What are cenotes anyway?

There are over 6000 cenotes in the world and more than 2500 of them on the Yucatan Peninsula alone. The name comes from the Mayan word “Dzonot”, which means hole with water . Cenotes are unique cave formations that were formed many thousands of years ago. Formed by rainwater that seeped through the porous earth, underwater rivers were created. In some places, the ceilings have collapsed, creating access to these underground cave systems.

The ancient Maya, lacking rivers on the Yucatan Peninsula, used the cenotes as wells to obtain drinking water or to hold ceremonies for Chaac, the rain god. All major Mayan cities were strategically built near a cenote. Nowadays, the numerous cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula are one of the tourist attractions in Mexico.

Roller fahren in Valladolid

Our Route for the most Beautiful Cenotes around Valladolid

In this trip report we will limit ourselves to the cenotes that you can reach perfectly in one day by scooter without rushing. Optionally we will add two more if you are faster than us or have more than one day. On the route you will pass about 10-12 cenotes in total. Some of these cenotes are not listed on Google Maps and therefore not really known.

There is simply a sign at the roadside that points to this or that cenote. If you have more time than us, then you can make spontaneous discoveries along the way. But finally, here is our selection of the most beautiful cenotes around Valladolid, which can be reached in one day.

The cenotes are listed in the order we did them. Of course you can do them the other way around, but in our opinion this makes the most sense, because especially the Cenote Hubiki is very empty in the morning and gets crowded at noon. So you should go there first thing in the morning.

#1 Hubiku | The Super Touristy Cenote

Cenote Hubiku can rightly be called one of the most touristy cenotes around Valladolid. And we don’t necessarily mean that in a positive way. At the huge parking lot you think: Oh, they have built generously . But at the latest when you enter the building, where you can also buy the entrance tickets, you realize that this place was planned for a large number of tourists. And that the commercial idea is in the foreground here.

Cenote Hubiku, Valladolid

After you have purchased the ticket, you can by no means go directly through to the entrance of the cenote. No, you first have to zigzag through the small building and meander past liquor tastings and souvenir shelves. It’s almost like an amusement park where, after visiting the roller coaster, you have to walk past all the merchandising and the photo booth to get to the exit. We didn’t think that was so cool and were glad that there was still so little going on so we could just walk through quickly.

There are open air showers and restrooms behind the souvenir building. The entrance to the cenote is then a very nondescript staircase down into the darkness. The sight that awaited us down there surprised us greatly. It looked beautiful! Roughly speaking, we saw a very large cave with a small hole in the ceiling through which a small but bright light shone into the interior of the cave.

Hubiku Cenote, Valladolid

There was a small footbridge leading into the water and ropes stretched across the entire width of the cave at water level for you to hold on to. Perfect for less good swimmers or if you just want to relax in the water without having to paddle constantly. There are also many fish swimming in the water, some of them large, that seem to have little shyness about humans.

Try to be at Cenote Hubiku as early as possible

Agua Dulce Cenote, Fische

By the way, Hubiku means in the Mayan language as much as the great god or nest of the iguana . The cenote has a diameter of about 50 meters and the water reaches almost 27 meters deep.

  • Entrance fee: 100 MXN (approx. 5 Euro)
  • Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
  • Try to be here early in the morning!

#2 Agua Dulce | The Adventurer Cenote

Cenote Agua Dulce was for us the most beautiful, and definitely the least touristic cenote. It is located on an area which is quite large and contains a total of 4 cenotes. The cenotes cost 100 Mexican pesos (about 5 Euro) entrance fee each. The possibility of a combined entrance, where you could visit all cenotes for a reduced entrance fee, does not exist.

After our research beforehand and also looking at the info board (including photos) of the different cenotes, we decided on the Agua Dulce Cenote. First, this one looked the coolest and second, we didn’t want to spend money four times for four cenotes. One was enough for us.

Agua Dulce Cenote, Valladolid

After we bought our tickets at the ticket booth, which is located at the very back of the area, we drove with our scooter to the entrance of Agua Dulce. The cenote has 2 entrances of which one can be described as “normal” (a normal wide staircase ) and the other as really spectacular (a free floating spiral staircase attached to the corner of the cave ). Of course, it is clear which entrance we have chosen.

Want to learn more about Mexico?

Our friends at ADV_Travelbug have written a great overview of which region in Mexico is the best for you.

WHAT IS THE BEST REGION OF MEXICO TO EXPLORE?

We descended into the cenote via the narrow spiral staircase. The spiral staircase ends on a platform attached to ropes, from which you can jump directly into the water. The space to put your things there or to sit is very small. The other platform, where the normal entrance ends, can only be reached by swimming. So many people do not fit on this platform.

Agua Dulce Cenote, Valladolid

On the ceiling of the cenote there are also two climbing ropes where you can climb up and plop down into the water. A lot of fun, if you make it up there. In addition, there are also two kayaks, several floating hoops and the obligatory ropes on the water surface. We had a lot of fun in this cenote and could also shoot very great photos before we fought our way back up via the wobbly spiral staircase.

  • Entrance fee: 100 MXN (about 5 Euro)

#3 Suytun | The Instagram Cenote

The Suytun cenote is not really the most beautiful or spectacular on this list. It’s not even particularly deep or has particularly clear water. But it is pretty damn picturesque . Cenote Suytun is rather small and also quite dark , as there is only a small light inlet. The water is also only a maximum of 5 meters deep and not very clear. So you can’t come here to swim.

But what can be called the highlight of this cenote not far from Valladolid is the platform that leads into the middle of the cenote and the beam of light that shines through the hole in the cave ceiling directly to the end of this small platform. This looks mega cool. And so the tourists also literally queue up in front of this platform to take the perfect Instagram photo here.

Cenote Suytun, Valladolid

If you also want to have such a photo, then you should visit the Cenote Suytun. But if you don’t care about such photos and prefer to swim in a deep, spectacular cenote, then you should skip Suytun and rather include one of the two optional cenotes described below in your itinerary.

  • Price: 120 MXN (about 6 Euro)
  • you don’t come here to swim, but to take pictures

#4 Zaci | The City Cenote

This cenote is definitely the easiest to reach in the Valladolid area. In fact, it is located right in the city and is within walking distance from the main square of the small Mexican town. Zaci is not a closed cave, but an open/collapsed cenote, which makes for a great view from above. It has a diameter of almost 45 meters and a water depth of 30 up to 100 meters.

Cenote Caki, Valladolid

The water is wonderfully clear and from above a small, artificially fed, waterfall pours into the cenote. You can walk around the cenote on a small path and in the back area, if you dare, jump into the water from a height of about 10 meters.

Zaci Cenote, Valladolid

A visit to the Cenote Zaci is an essential part of a walk through Valladolid. Be it to cool down from the heat or to end the day trip to the cenotes in and around Valladolid.

  • Price: 30 MXN (approx. 1,40 Euro)
  • within walking distance from the city center

Here are 2 additional cenotes that you can optionally add to your route. We unfortunately didn’t visit these cenotes in Valladolid ourselves due to time constraints, but have researched them enough beforehand to recommend them. So if you have more than one day or are just done with the other cenotes earlier, we can still recommend the following two cenotes.

#5 + #6 Cenote Xkeken & Cenote Samula

These two cenotes are quite similar and generally less visited than e.g. Cenote Hubiku. They are enclosed cave cenotes that both have a light entrance through a hole in the ceiling. Both are right next to each other and the owners have taken heart and created a combined entrance where you save some money if you want to visit both cenotes.

There is also a funny legend about Cenote Xkeken: It is said to have been discovered long ago by a pig that always came back to its owner covered in mud. At some point the farmer followed his animal when it went off again and found the cenote with the crystal clear water in which the pig always bathed. If you still have time on your day trip around Valladolid, you should include these two cenotes in your itinerary.

  • Entrance fee: 125 MXN (about 6 Euro) for both cenotes / 80 MXN (about 3,50 Euro) for one cenote
  • Opening hours: 08:00-19:00

Do you think another cenote belongs in this list? Then write us a comment below our Valladolid Mexico travelogue!

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15 brilliant things to do in valladolid (mexico) in 2024.

Cazzy Magennis

Valladolid is located in the Yucatan state of Mexico, which is known for its natural beauty, thousands of cenotes and the iconic Chichén Itzá.

Most people who visit Valladolid only go there for a day trip, but it is definitely worth staying for a couple of days.

There is so much to do here and to prove it, I’ve created this post on the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico!

It’s probably one of my most favourite places in Mexico due to its cobbled streets, cute coffee shops, restaurants and delicious food!

And actually, it wasn’t even on Bradley and I’s radar until we met a woman in Guatemala who suggested we definitely go and thank gosh we did!

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Valladolid, Mexico?

The best time to visit Mexico in general is during November to March/April. Bradley and I visited in March and Valladolid was perfect!

It was a wonderful temperature, no rain and everything was open and ready to see.

This is known as the dry season, and is best for those who want clear blue skies and uninterrupted weather during their travels. Average temperatures range from 73-81°F, with highs of 95°F and lows of 64°F (it’s generally more tolerable in terms of temperatures when compared with the hotter wet season).

You can expect anywhere from 1-2 inches of rainfall falling throughout each month, which is barely anything and won’t affect your daily plans.

The wet season begins in May and lasts until late October. Whilst it’s less popular (given there’s more rain and all), there are benefits of visiting during this time. This includes the fact that there are less overall crowds (especially in May and October), as well as getting to enjoy novel cultural events like the Mexican Independence Day and the Day of The Dead.

Average daily temperatures in this season increase to between 78-83°F, with highs of 96°F and lows of 71°F.

Rainfall increases to between 3-6.5 inches per month, and can spontaneously fall in heavy showers at any time (although these are pretty quick and everything dries up quickly). 

Please note that the hurricane season is most active between the months of August and October . Whilst it probably won’t affect Valladolid so much as it’s more in-land, it’s worth considering if you will be traveling throughout Mexico and along the coast.

You can check out the full weather for Valladolid here on WeatherSpark .

How long should I stay in Valladolid?

walking tour valldolid

In order to gain the most from your trip to Valladolid in Mexico, I recommend you stay at least 2 nights.

You could easily stretch to 3 nights and that’s how long Bradley and I stayed.

We found it to be the perfect amount to see all the top things to do in Valladolid, and take day trips to nearby cenotes and of course, Chichén Itzá.

Go ahead and book your day trip right here (which includes Tequila tasting- yes please!)

Where to stay in Valladolid?

When it comes to hotels in Valladolid, you’re truly spoilt for choice.

There is something to suit the budget backpacker and those with a comfortable budget!

Bradley and I choose to stay in Gayser Apartments as we liked the idea of having our own space to cook (although we didn’t cook much in the end - food is cheap here!). But the apartments are lovely and I can highly recommend them.

They are only a 10 minute walk to the centre of town too.

The same company also has a boutique hotel, and a hostel , so they really do have something for everyone!

I’ve also included 3 other hotels in Valladolid that I think are great. I came across them whilst researching where to stay in Valladolid myself.

  • ‍ Casa Valladolid Boutique Hotel : Fabulous and beautiful hotel with a swimming pool, gorgeous rooms, great location and it’s highly rated!
  • Hotel Fundadores : Wonderful hotel in a great location, swimming pool, stylish rooms and again, very highly rated.
  • Hotel Meson del Marques : Housed in a 17th century house, this is a luxury pick for those looking for something special in Valladolid. 5 star service, pool, rooms and much more. In an excellent location too!
Read More: Where To Stay In Valladolid

What is the best way to get to Valladolid?

If you’re coming from Mexico City, Cancun , Tulum or Playa Del Carmen , then the best way to get to Valladolid is via the ADO bus.

It’s not expensive and it's a comfortable journey.

You can check the ADO website for bus timings, but you cannot book your tickets online unless you have a Mexican credit card.

**2021 update - We received a comment stating that it was possible to book using a German credit card. It may now be that you can book okay with foreign cards but we cannot personally confirm this.

Alternatively, car rental in Mexico is super cheap, so I would recommend renting a car for a couple of days and heading to Valladolid, then you can use it to discover other coastal resorts of Mexico!

For more info, check out our in-depth guide on Cancun's best car rentals .

Tours: If you are coming from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen then you’ll be given the option of a day trip to Valladolid.

Whilst I think it’s better to stay a few days, if you’ve only got a day spare, then I think it’s still worth visiting.

Lots of the trips will combine Valladolid with a trip to Chichén Itzá.

Avoid buying tours in Cancun or Playa del carmen as all they do is rip you off. I think buying online is better and below are a couple of tours which look good from Get Your Guide and Viator!

  • ‍ From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Valladolid and Coba ruins ‍
  • From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, cenotes and Valladolid - all inclusive tour with tequila tasting!

I use Get Your Guide or Viator for tours simply because I hate people trying to rip me off.

If you don’t want to book via an online platform then that’s fair enough, but I do suggest you look at what the price of a tour should be, so when someone is quoting you at an agency or on the street, you know what’s a fair price.

So if it tends to be around $40-50 online, and someone is trying to sell it to you for $70-90, then you know they’re laughing behind your back.

15 Top Things To Do In Valladolid

Okay, so now for the part you came for: the top things to do in Valladolid.

1. Visit the Convent of San Bernardino

church in valldolid

Costing only a couple of dollars for entrance, the Convent of San Bernardino is well worth the visit.

It’s a lovely walk through cobbled streets to get there, and if you go around lunch time you may find you’ve got the entire place to yourself!

You can choose to go inside and explore the beautiful covent itself, which is full of surprises and hidden gems.

This includes a small museum inside which explains the discovery of cenotes and items left behind in them underground, which is pretty cool.

The grounds around the convent also house the classic “Valladolid” sign which is colorful and a little worn down, but of course you’ve got to get your picture taken there!

The Convent of San Bernardino is located next to the Parque Sisal , which is around a 15 minute walk from the Parque Principal. It’s open all days of the week from 9:00am until 5:00pm, aside from Saturday and Monday where the convent is closed. 

You can join this guided tour which departs from Mérida, or also link-up with them later when they arrive in Valladolid (if you are already here in the city). You’ll have a professional guide show you around the place, and you'll visit other key sites in the city as well as in Izamal (such as the Uayma Convent and the Pyramid of Kinich Kakmó). 

valladolid

2. Explore Cenote Zaci

Cenote Zaci, Mexico

Cenotes are by far one of the most incredible sites that you can visit, which is a hollow limestone cave filled with green and bright-blue water. It easily makes our list of top things to do when backpacking Mexico!

Cenote Zaci is the only cenote that’s basically in the town of Valladolid.

No need to get transport there, since you can easily walk within just 10 minutes from the town center.

There are many signs leading you here, or you can head to the tourist information center which provides really great maps (and free information) to help guide you!

You can also swim in this cenote if you wish, or just simply view it from the platform.

It costs 30 pesos to enter, which is about $1. ‍

If you do decide to swim or take pictures, please make sure you have something waterproof for your camera!

You can view here for directions to the Cenote Zaci , which is open all days of the week from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

3. Have lunch by the fountain

water fountain in valldolid

The main “square” in Valladolid is where all the tour buses stop and there is a little park in the center which is super cute.

Known as the Parque Principal (it’s full name is the Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado), it serves as a really great reference point when exploring the streets of Valladolid).

Here we can find a simple white fountain, which whilst it isn’t all that impressive, it does certainly add to the romantic atmosphere the little square exudes.

You can get an ice cream and lounge on one of the seats, or do what Bradley and I did which was buy a couple of sandwiches and drinks and create our own little picnic.

The Parque Principal is located within the heart of the city , with a crossroads of four main roads at each flank (making it really easy to find). It’s open 24/7, however you’ll find the hours of 3:00pm-7:00pm the very best for enjoying the park.

Given its fantastic location, we also think that it’s worth staying close to the Parque Principal. You can check out our article on the Best Hotels for a Stay in Valladolid .

4. Dine at one of the many restaurants along the Main Square

Cochinita Pibil tacos

Speaking of the main square, along its periphery we’ll find plenty of fabulous little restaurants dotted around .

You’d think they’d be overpriced considering the location, but they are actually quite inexpensive!

They also serve up excellent Yucatan cuisine, which I absolutely loved!

Bradley and I dined in these ones, so we can personally recommend them:

  • Las Campanas (open 8:00am until 10:30pm all days of the week)
  • Restaurante El Atrio del Mayab (open 8:00am until 11:00pm all days of the week)

In this area we’ll find all kinds of restaurants, including both international ones as well as local Yucateco dishes . 

We recommend trying the latter at least once during your time in Valladolid, with dishes like Cochinita Pibil and Papadzules among the very tastiest.

And who knows - maybe you’ll come away with a new favorite dish from this part of Mexico!

5. Wander the cobbled streets and discover quaint coffee shops

coffee shops in valladolid

If there is one thing I love, it's a cute coffee shop.

Combine that with cobbled streets then you’ve stolen my heart.

What I love about the coffee shops in Valladolid is that they’re quirky, independent and serve great coffee.

We went to one with an awesome outdoor garden area, and another which served up delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

There is so much choice here in Valladolid, so I suggest you go for a wander around and stumble across one that you like.

A good starting choice is the Café Arte , which is located on the north wing of the Parque Principal. Highly-reviewed and serving some delicious brews, it’s open from 8:00am until 7:00pm, Wednesday through to Monday.

6. Take a walking tour around Valladolid

wander streets in valldolid

We personally didn’t do this, but I did see it advertised at the Tourist Information Centre which is located within the main plaza .

It’s an evening walking tour, and the best part of all is that it’s free (other than your tip you can choose to give).

So if you want to find out more about Yucatán culture and Valladolid in general, then I think this is a really good option!

Those who prefer having everything organized (with a professional guide leading you) can choose to join this memorable walking tour . Here your expert guide will teach you everything you need to know about the city, whilst  also visiting many iconic sites such as the Casa de los Venados, The Convent of San Bernardino as well as the Cenote Zaci.

7. Discover nearby cenotes

cenote suytun

Valladolid is located close to some amazing cenotes, and I’ve written a whole post about the fantastic Cenote Suytun which I'm sure you will recognise from social media.

Valladolid is a 10 minute moped ride away from Cenote Suytun, which is open from 9:00am until 4:30pm all days of the week ( although it’s much better to go on weekdays to avoid overcrowding ).

As well as Suytun, this city is super close to many other cenotes in the area so it’s a brilliant place to base yourself.

This includes the infamous Cenote Ik Kil (which looks like something out of a prehistoric film), as well as the stunning Cenote Xkeken .

You need about 2 days to see ALL the cenotes in the area , and you’ll be surprised at how many there are.

We recommend booking this flexible day tour which has hotel pick-up and drop-off all throughout the Riviera Maya region. Here you’ll get to visit the legendary Ik Kil Cenote, as well as Chichén Itzá.

This alternative day tour is perfect for those who like seeing more hidden gems. As well as having all private transport included, you’ll visit various cenotes such as Cenote Chichikam and Cenote Uayma Ha. You’ll also get to visit Chichén Itzá, which leads perfectly onto our next point…

8. Take a day trip to Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza

Out of all of the things you can see and do in Mexico, Chichén Itzá is a major highlight and really puts Valladolid on the map as a must-visit city .

Chichén Itzá is a wonderful place to visit, and if you’ve only got time to see one set of Mayan ruins in Mexico, then this is your choice.

It has to make the list of the very top things to do in Valladolid, because people associate the two of them so much!

However, since it’s become so popular nowadays, it’s STUPIDLY expensive and this is all for the sake of charging more money. I’ve been to better ruins in Mexico and they are 1/12 of the costs!

Anyway, mini rant over.

Tours to Chichén Itzá can be reasonable, and depart from all over the Riviera Maya (many leave early and have pick-up points all over).

The benefit of doing a tour from Valladolid is that it’s super close ( just a 45 minute drive from the city ), so you’ll pay much less compared with those traveling hours here and back.

We recommend booking this tour from Valladolid , where your certified guide will walk you through what life was really like during these ancient times. As well as including all transport, you’ll also have all entrance tickets supplied (including to two beautiful cenotes).

Now if you still want to cut costs further, then you can definitely visit Chichén Itzá independently from Valladolid.

You can either get there via moped (rental is $20 for 24 hours), or take the local colectivos (shared mini buses) for a couple of pounds. These are found next to the bus station and leave quite frequently.

Or of course you can also get a taxi or organized tour there.

Either way, it's up to you!

Bradley and I visited via moped with a combined day of discovering cenotes and the drive was wonderful (until the rain started to pour from the heavens and even our little plastic raincoats couldn't save us haha).

As well as visiting from Valladolid, you can easily get to Chichén Itzá with day tours from all over the Riviera Maya region.

These are plentiful, and often combine stops in Valladolid, a variety of cenotes and include lunch, so they can be excellent value!

There is a lot to choose from, so I've done the research and narrowed it down to these tours.

  • ‍ Chichén Itzá Tour from Tulum ‍
  • Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún
  • Chichén Itzá Tour from Mérida  

If you want to avoid the crowds at Chichén Itzá then I suggest you arrive as soon as it opens.

We went about an hour before it closed (thinking that would reduce the number of people) but it is still VERY BUSY!

If you want a picture of you and that famous pyramid without lots of people in it, then I suggest you use the far side of the temple as it’s a little more worn , so there are less people there.

Chichén Itzá is open from 8:30am until 4:30pm all days of the week, so it’s best to try and get there in the queue around 7:30am.

Also the one thing that kind of ruins the atmosphere at Chichén Itzá is the thousands (perhaps a slight exaggeration for effect) of people selling the same crap. But it’s not the selling that bothers me, it’s trying to sell a piece of plastic to me for $30 when I’ve bought one before for $1, then acting shocked that I’ve even suggested that…..

I blame the people that have paid stupid amounts of money for bad quality stuff as it drives the price up for everyone else which then leads me into a haggling match I simply can’t win even a little..

Sorry if you’re one of those people...but you should have known better!

9. Drink Cocktails

margarita alcoholic beverage

Haven’t had a margarita in Mexico yet? 

Well, that’s basically a sin, so you’ll want to fix that ASAP with a variety of great options on offer here in Valladolid!

Head to the Parque Principal where there are many small bars and restaurants serving up a nice selection of drinks.

The Condesa Cocina Bar is great for those who love a good atmosphere, as they change their drinks weekly to include extra Mezcal and Tequila varieties. It’s open from 1:00pm until 1:00am all days of the week.

El Mesón de Marques is another solid option, which is a luxury hotel that has a more intimate feel. As well as sipping on tasty cocktails, they also do some really great food.

10. Rent a bike and explore

markets in valldolid

If you don’t feel brave enough to rent a moped (Don’t blame you, I make Brad drive!), then you can easily rent bikes in Valladolid.

This city is really bike-friendly , and I think it’s a great idea to just get a bike and cycle around and see what you discover.

Renting a bike is also a great way to tick off the many things to do on this Valladolid list!

You’ll find plenty of bike rental companies all over the city, and there’s a good chance your accommodation may even have some to borrow too.

If not, then you can head to the Bicicletería Silva to pick-up your own bike, which is located just a block from the Parque Principal . They are open from 7:30am until 7:00pm all days of the week.

11. Explore Colonial Art at the Casa de los Venados

Valladolid as a whole is full of culture, and has a really interesting past with both its occupations from the Spanish and Mayans. 

A lot of this can be seen in the colorful streets and ancient ruins located in and around Valladolid, however you can also enjoy a more intimate experience too here at the Casa de los Venados . 

This museum is actually situated within a colonial home, and is one of the largest private museums that feature colonial art in all of Mexico . 

Here you can find over 3000 pieces of art, which show how Mexico has developed over the last few centuries with all kinds of contemporary paintings and folk art.

Every day you can head on their private tour around the complex, which begins at 10:00am. 

We think it’s a must when in Valladolid - both for the beautiful art you will see as well for the novel experience. 

The Casa de los Venados is located just a block south of the Parque Principal , and is open from 10:00am (when the tour starts) until 4:00pm.  

12. Head on a Day Trip to Las Coloradas

The Yucatán region is known for its incredible variety of sites, which include crumbling ruins and refreshing cenotes. 

However the pink lagoon of Las Coloradas has recently become a more popular site to visit, and for good reason too! This pink lagoon has its infamous colors due to the various salts and microorganisms that are present in the waters.

It’s important to remember that you cannot swim in the lagoon , given that the high concentration of salt (and other minerals) can easily burn skin, even if only for a short period of time!

Las Coloradas is located close to the town of Río Lagartos , which is around a 2 hour drive north from Valladolid. 

Those heading independently will want to know that the site is open from 9:00am until 5:00pm, and the entrance ticket costs roughly 120 MXP. 

Those who like having everything organized for them can head with this day tour that leaves from Valladolid . Here you’ll visit the Pink Lagoon, see wildlife in nearby Rio Lagartos as well as get to visit the ruins of Ek Balam. Speaking of which…

13. Visit the Ancient Ruins of Ek Balam

Ek Balam Mayan ruins

Whilst Chichén Itzá tends to steal all of the thunder, it’s easy to forget that there’s many other incredible ruins located in the Yucatán (both around Valladolid and near Mérida). 

Visiting these other sites is great since they won’t be as touristy, and will offer you more ways to learn about the ancient Maya culture. 

One of the very best has to be Ek Balam , which translates as “The Black Jaguar”. Here we can explore many giant buildings, such as El Torre ( which is one of the largest structures in the Riviera Maya region ) and other defensive structures. 

This site is also infamous for its intricate sculptured details, such as the decorated facades that are located all around the site. 

Remember to bring lots of water as it can get really hot here, and also sunscreen to avoid getting burnt. 

Ek Balam is located roughly 28 km from Valladolid , and can be reached within 30 minutes of driving. The site is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week. 

You can join this half-day tour of Ek Balam Ruins , which includes your entrance, private transportation as well as your own knowledgeable guide who will show you around the site.  

14. Experience a Honey Tasting Tour

stingless bee in Mexico

When traveling you’ll find that most tourists stick to the “must-visits” of the region, however often miss out on the more authentic experiences available. 

Going honey tasting definitely ranks amongst one of the more unique things you can do in Valladolid , and we highly recommend trying it out! 

On this half-day tour you’ll visit a dry cenote which is known as Xkopek, which is home to many colonies of ancient bees. Here we can try different types of honeys, learn about the various species that live here as well as understand the importance that bees played to the Maya who once flourished in these areas. 

Given you’ll be walking through the jungle too, be sure to bring a good mosquito repellent.

It’s also good to know that many of these bees don’t actually have stingers - so if getting stung is a big fear of yours then there’s no need to worry! 

The great thing about this site is that it’s actually located within Valladolid, right on the outskirts of the city . This makes it an easy item to tick-off whilst staying in Valladolid, and reaching it independently is simple as well. 

The Xkopek Beekeeping Park is open from 8:00am until 11:00pm all days of the week.

15. Go Birdwatching around Valladolid

Yucatan woodpecker in Mexico

Valladolid is well-known for its colonial buildings and colorful streets, however it’s a good idea to break it up a bit by getting into nature. 

And those who love birdwatching (or just fancy a nice change of scenery) will want to head on this tour whilst in Valladolid. Here you’ll head to the Mayan town of Tzumuc, which is known for its awesome hiking paths. 

Along the way your knowledgeable guide will point out all kinds of rare and exotic birds that are endemic to this region . This includes the Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Woodpecker, Orange-backed Calandria as well as many other migratory species.

You’ll have binoculars provided for you, however remember to bring your own camera as well to catch these birds in all their glory.

It’s a really memorable experience, and also a good way to change things up between visits to ancient ruins, cenotes and visiting sites within the city. 

On this full day tour you’ll also get to meet the local people of Tzumuc, and see a more humble way of living compared to the big city lifestyle in Valladolid. As well as having your own private guide, you’ll also have a traditional Mayan lunch prepared for you and round-trip transportation is included.

Is Valladolid safe?

Valladolid is pretty safe, we never had any issues and everyone was super friendly.

Just be sensible, don’t flash the cash, don’t make yourself vulnerable etc and you should be just fine!

Where next?

If you’re wondering where you should visit after Valladolid, then I suggest you check out all the amazing things to do in Cancun and the beautiful beaches of Playa Del Carmen.

However, if you want to experience more of authentic Mexico (not the tourist illusion), then head up to my favourite place in Mexico: Palenque .

Final notes

Just so you are aware, the time zone in Yucatan is one hour different from Cancun before daylight saving changes. So we basically arrived too late to our first bus and too early for our second because we were switching time zones so much. As of April, it’s all the same, but just be wary!

So there you go!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my post on the great things to do in Valladolid, Mexico! It’s truly a unique place and it’s one that will stay in your memory.

With amazing people, cheaper prices, and beautiful sites, it will give you a different insight into Mexican life than the coastal resorts give.

Check out my full backpacking Mexico guide here .

Happy travelling!

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10 Best Things to Do in Valladolid Mexico in 2024

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Planning to visit valladolid Yucatan mexico?

Great choice! Valladolid Mexico, located in Yucatán state, is an increasingly popular Mexico travel destination.

It is also one of the country’s 175 or so  pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns), and known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico — so get that camera ready.

Aside from all the pretty pictures you can take in Downtown Valladolid, there’s also great shopping on the gorgeous Calzada de los Frailes, amazing restaurants in Valladolid to sample authentic Yucatecan cuisine, cenotes near Valladolid, Mayan Ruins just outside of town, and much more!

Though many only visit Valladolid as a day trip, this town really does warrant at least two or three days to really explore and appreciate it.

If you have the time in your Mexico itinerary, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful and relatively inexpensive all the best hotels in Valladolid are.

In short, the info you’re about to read below is your Ultimate Guide to Valladolid, Mexico — complete with everything you need to know for a Valladolid day trip or weekend getaway. Ready to discover Valladolid, Mexico? Let’s get to it!

Top 10 Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

For your convenience, use this Valladolid map below to find all the places mentioned in this article, so you don’t miss out on any of the best Valladolid things to see, do and eat.

Map of VALLADOLID things to do

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

1. stroll the caldaza de los frailes.

colorful buildings and colonial architecture on the Calzada de los Frailes in valladolid, mexico

The Calzada de los Frailes (AKA Calle de los Frailes) is known as the prettiest street in Valladolid. It is located a few blocks from the main square, and makes the perfect place for Instagram worthy Valladolid, Mexico photos.

On one end of the street, you’ll find the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena and the sign with the big, colorful Valladolid letters.

From the convent, walk northeast down the Calle de los Frailes, and stop for photos and in all the boutique stops and cafes along the way.

Highlights on the Calzada de los Frailes include:

  • Restaurante El Jardin de los Frailes for a casual bite to eat
  • Kuxtal Galería de Arte Popular Mexicano & Café to buy Mexican folk art and enjoy a coffee
  • Coqui Coqui Yucatan, which is the next can’t miss Valladolid site on this list

2. Have a spa day at Coqui Coqui Valladolid

valladolid mexico travel

Coqui Coqui is a perfume shop, that also a has the Meson de Malleville, a boutique one-room Valladolid resort, and the Coqui Coqui Spa.

🛀 Email [email protected] to book.

Everything about Coqui Coqui is exclusive — you even need an appointment to enter the perfume shop itself — and with only one room, the resort is often sold out far in advance.

For many, the best way to see Coqui Coqui is by booking a spa treatment. They offer everything from massages and facials, to entire holistic healing rituals, which make the perfect relaxing complement to any Valladolid trip.

3. Swim in the best Valladolid Cenotes

Valladolid is hot for the majority of the year, so luckily there are gorgeous cenotes near Valladolid to cool off in.

In case you’re wondering,  What is a cenote? — cenotes (sen-no-tays) are swimmable sinkholes with freshwater. For additional cenote info, check out the FAQ below.

  • Cost: Cenotes have entry fees, though they are minimal. The more popular ones that provide amenities like restrooms, on-site restaurants, etc., should still cost no more than $200 pesos ($10 USD) to enter. Most are closer in price to about $50 pesos ($2.50 USD).
  • Cash Only: Bring cash to cover both your entry and food, as most cenotes don’t take credit cards.
  • Accessibility: Different cenotes have different levels of accessibility. Many will have well-maintained stairs with handrails, especially the more popular ones. Some have make-shift stairs, and some have ladders.
  • Water shoes: Water shoes really help you enjoy your cenote time! As cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc. Water shoes also help you not slip in general, especially when walking down any staircase entryways.
  • Life Jackets: By and large, all cenotes provide or rent life jackets; however, if you can’t swim, you might want to do additional research on the cenote(s) you’re visiting.
  • Sunscreens and Lotions: Don’t apply sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent — anything — before getting in a cenote. Many require you to rinse off before entering, so even putting anything on will be a waste. If you need to put some on after getting out, this eco-friendly Bullfrog Anti-Bug Sunscreen Cream has sunscreen and also insect protection, which comes in handy at cenotes.
  • Photos: Want Instagrammable cenote photos with no people in them? Go on a weekday, and arrive early! You’ll also might want to bring one of these waterproof phone holders that go around your neck, unless you’re planning to bring a GoPro Camera .

There are abut 6,000 Yucatan cenotes, which is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth.

Some of them are completely above ground, like a swimming pool, some are partially covered with a limestone rock roof above them, and some are located underground in caves.

🧜‍♀️ Prefer to visit cenotes on a group tour? Check out this Bike, Cenotes, Mayas, Market Tour in Valladolid .

Though all the cenotes are beautiful in their own ways, some of the most beautiful and most popular are located in Valladolid, or within 45 minutes of town.

These include the six best cenotes in Valladolid seen below.

1. Cenote Zaci : Located only a few blocks from downtown Valladolid, this is a popular cenote with locals and visitors alike. 💸 Entrance cost: $30 pesos ($1.50 USD)

2. Cenote Maya : More of a whole Mayan cultural experience than just a cenote, visiting the Cenote Maya Native Park is a daylong experience, complete with an authentic Mayan blessing ceremony, a traditional meal, rappelling, rope swings, the cenote itself, and more! 🎟 BUY YOUR TICKET HERE

3. Cenote Xkeken (AKA Cenote Dzitnup ): As far as underground cenotes go, this one is unique in that you can host a party in it with all the cool colorful lights! 💸 Entrance cost: $80 pesos ($4 USD)

natural swimming pool with waterfall - day trips from Merida

4. Cenote Ik Kil : One of the most famous cenotes in Yucatan, pair your trip to Ik Kil cenote with the trip to Chichen Itza, as they are right next to one another. 💸 Entrance cost: $80 pesos ($4 USD)

5. Cenote Oxman : Located at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, this cenote offers the beautiful Cenote Ik Kil look, but with a much smaller crowd. 💸 Entrance cost: $80 pesos ($4 USD)

6. Cenote Suytun : This Instagram famous cenote is located underground in a cave, with a platform in the center to take beautiful photos on. 💸 Entrance cost: $120 pesos ($6 USD)

cenote natural swimming pool - day trips from Merida

4. Visit the Parque Principal & Iglesia de San Servacio

tall old stone church with colorful flags flying in front of it - day trips from Merida

If you’ve ever seen photos of Valladolid, Mexico, you’ve likely seen one of its gorgeous Iglesia de San Servacio, the large Valladolid church that towers over downtown.

To see it in person, head to the center of downtown to the picturesque Parque Principal (Main Park).

Here, you’ll also find the iconic Iglesia de San Servacio church, as well as several shops, cafes, restaurants, and even the Choco Story Valladolid chocolate museum!

While many just photograph the outside, you can also take pictures inside — provided there’s no service going on, and you’re quiet and respectful.

If you need a break from walking around, this park is the perfect place. Sit on one of the pretty white benches and be on the lookout for vendors selling nieves (sorbet), the perfect treat on a hot day.

5. Admire the art in Casa de los Venados

valladolid mexico travel

Love art — especially colorful, festive Mexican folk art? Then save some room on your Valladolid itinerary for the  Casa de los Venados (House of the Deer).

This is a private home-turned-gallery, which is said to house a collection of Mexican folk art so large that it rivals some museums in the country.

Home owners Dorianne and John Venator, open their home once a day at 10am for a tour to see their 3,000-plus piece collection.

The tour of Casa de los Venados is FREE , but they do accept donations; all proceeds from the tours are donated to local charities.

6. Buy some art at Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Art

valladolid mexico travel

If after touring the Casa de los Venados, you decided you want to take some Mexican art home with you, head to Kuxtal Galería de Arte Popular Mexicano & Café on Calzada de los Frailes.

This boutique shop is filled art pieces representing all types of Mexican art from many of the states and regions in throughout the country.

👩‍🎨🎨 Make some art of your own in this Paint an Alebrije With Your Own Hand Experience .

While there are plenty of tourist shops around the Parque Principal (Main Park), Kuxtal Gallery is the place to buy authentic Mexico souvenirs in Valladolid.

If you get hungry after shopping, there’s Kuxtal Café right in the store — which is known as the best cafe in Valladolid.

7. Visit the San Bernardino Convent & Photograph the Valladolid Sign

valladolid mexico travel

The Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena is an ancient Franciscan Monk church and convent that dates back to about 1555.

It is the second largest convent in the Yucatan Peninsula, with architecture reminiscent of medieval fortresses.

Just outside of the church, you’ll find a beautiful park and the Valladolid letters sign. You’ll see similar signs in cities and pueblos (small towns) throughout Mexico, each spelling out that town’s name

Valladolid video mapping at the cathedral

On Thursday to Tuesday nights, enjoy the free video mapping in Valladolid show on the San Bernardino Convent building.

Head to the convent, blanket in hand, and grab a seat in the grass and enjoy this impressive, colorful light and sound show explaining the history of Valladolid, Mexico. Shows are 25-minutes long, and take place in English from 9:25pm-9:50pm (Spanish shows are from 9pm-9:25pm). There are no shows on Wednesday nights.

8. See the Mayan Ruins Near Valladolid: Chichen Itza & Ek Balam

chichen itza, a mayan pyramid and wonder of the world - day trips from Merida

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza likely needs no introduction!

It is one of the best Mayan Ruins in Yucatan, and among the most important ruins in Mexico, and located only about 30 minutes from downtown Valladolid.

As one of the most important and historic sites in Mexico, you’ll want to hire a tour guide at Chichen Itza.

When you’re paying for your entrance ticket, there will be several English-speaking guide there who you can hire for about $1,000 pesos ($50 USD).

Chichen Itza admission is $486 pesos ($25 USD).

stone temples at Ek-Balam Best Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan

Besides Chichen Itza, there’s the lesser-visited Ek Balam Mayan Ruins .

With limited travel time, many have to choose between the two, and it’s often in favor of Chichen Itza. However, don’t overlook Ek Balam simply because it lacks the name recognition of Chichen Itza.

🗿 Planning to climb some Mayan Ruins in Mexico? Don’t forget to purchase Mexico travel insurance before your trip!

Ek Balam is a smaller site that provides a totally different experience than Chichen Itza for four reasons:

  • The temples look very different than anywhere else
  • You can climb the ruins at Ek Balam but not Chichen Itza
  • Ek Balam is less crowded and less touristic
  • Ek Balam admission is $413 pesos ($21USD), so it costs less than Chichen Itza admisson

9. Dine at the best Restaurants in Valladolid

valladolid mexico travel

While tacos and Mexico go together like milk and cookies, tacos aren’t technically a part of traditional Yucatan cuisine.

Now, don’t worry, you can definitely eat tacos in Valladolid , they just aren’t what this region of Mexico is known for!

In fact, most people don’t know just how regional Mexican food is until they visit Mexico — Case and point: Yucatan food .

In Valladolid, make sure to try local specialties like sopa de lima (lime soup), cochinta pibil (slow cooked sucking pig) and papadzules (egg enchiladas in pepita sauce).

Here are some of the Valladolid restaurants where you can try those, and more:

• La Casona de Valladolid : This Valladolid restaurant serves up traditional Yucatecan cuisine, in an old school hacienda-style restaurant. After eating, head outside to see giant  talavera  tile fountain.

• IX CAT IK : Located 15 minutes from Downtown Valladolid, Ixcatik is worth the trip! Pronounced eesh-ka-teek , and named after a sweet Yucatan chili pepper, Ixcatik is a foodie favorite, where you’ll get a true taste of Yucatan flavors and cuisine, all made by hand the old school way.

• Yerbabuena del Sisal : Enjoy an eclectic style menu with local Yucatecan and Mexican favorites, and also several healthy vegan choices. In fact, Yerbabuena del Sisal is known as the best vegan restaurant in Valladold, a town with only a few vegan options.

• El Atrio del Mayab : Beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating in their lovley atrio , which mean atrium. Enjoy classic Yucatecan cuisine at El Atrio, located right next to the Iglesia de San Servacio Valladolid cathedral.

• El Jardín de los Frailes : For a quick meal in a cute setting, head to El Jardín de los Frailes, an outdoor cafe-style eatery on the Calzada de los Frailes. They are known for their quesadillas, so make sure to order one of those.

10. Do some Valladolid Day Trips: Las Coloradas & Izamal

valladolid mexico travel

izamal “the Yellow City”

Izamal has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and like Valladolid, is one of Mexico’s 177 amazing  pueblos magicos   (magic towns).

The Yellow City of Izamal Mexico , is, well —  yellow — as in the whole downtown City Center is painted just one color!

Izamal is about 90 minutes from Valladolid, but makes for such a fun day trip if you have the time.

As one of only a handful of monochromatic cities in the world, Izamal is truly a site to see on a day trip when visiting Valladolid.

Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos

valladolid mexico travel

Located only about one hour from Valladolid, you’ll find the Mexico pink lakes of Las Coloradas . These Instagram worthy Mexico lakes occur naturally because of the red algae, plankton and brine shrimp that live in this salty water.

Wondering, Can you swim in Las Coloradas? No, it’s actually illegal to do so.

💖 The easiest way to see Las Coloradas is on this Pink Pools Flamingos and Swimming Tour .

To access Las Coloradas on your own, you’ll have to take a boat from the closest town, Rio Laragtos, Mexico.

Rio Laragtos means “Alligator River” in Spanish, and you will likely see a gator or two on a boat cruise around the river, but also plenty of birds, including flamingoes 🦩if you get lucky!

Valladolid Mexico Travel FAQs

Where is valladolid mexico located.

Valladolid, Mexico, is located in Yucatan state — one of three states making up the Yucatan Peninsula . As you can see on the Valladolid map, it is located in the central part of the peninsula.

🗺️ Valladolid Mexico Map

At about 100 miles from Merida and Cancun, and 65 miles from Tulum, many Yucatan Peninsula travelers will often also visit Valladolid. Though it makes a great day trip — many stay overnight in one of these best Valladolid hotels .

Is Valladolid, Mexico safe for travelers?

Short answer: YES — for the vast majority of travelers, Valladolid is safe for travel.

Longer answer: Valladolid is located in what’s considered the safest state in Mexico, Yucatan state.

Beyond that, Valladolid is a pueblo magico (magic town), one of the small towns highlighted by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, recommended to visitors for it’s quaint charm and historic significance.

RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 SAFE Solo Female Travel in Mexico: 20 Tips & Safe Destinations

What’s the best time to visit Valladolid?

The cooler months of November to March are the most pleasant weather-wise, as temperatures drop to about 78°F during the day and the humidity’s at bay.

This is also the high season for Mexico travel, but since it’s still up-and-coming, this doesn’t effect Valladolid as much as other destinations ( yet! ).

What’s the closest Valladolid airport?

To visit Valladolid, you will need to either fly into the Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) or Merida International Airport (code: MID), and then drive your rental car or take the bus to Valladolid.

Below, you’ll find detailed information on both of these options in the How to Get to Valladolid section below:

Valladolid day trip — or overnight trip?

underwater sinkhole called a cenote to swim in with blue water and vines going into the water - day trips from Merida

If you can swing it, stay the night in Valladolid. To be in a smaller, more relaxing area just outside of Downtown Valladolid, there’s even the beautiful Hotel Posada San Juan .

Not only are Valladolid hotels amazing and inexpensive, there’s a lot to see and do in and around town.

Located about 30 minutes from downtown Valladolid, you can visit Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik-Kil and Cenote Suytun , among other best places in the Yucatan .

In town, you’ll fall in love with the colorful streets and colonial architecture, especially Calzada de los Frailes (AKA Calle de los Frailes), for some Valladolid shopping.

There are also great restaurants in Valladolid, historic sites, and even a cenote minutes from downtown, Cenote Zaci.

Is Valladolid worth visiting?

Valladolid an up-and-coming, yet off the beaten path Mexico destination that live up to its hype.

For visitors to places like Cancun, Tulum , Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen looking for a more authentic Mexican cultural experience away from the Mexico beaches , Valladolid is it.

How to Get to Valladolid, Mexico

When traveling to Valladolid from all other parts of the Yucatan, you have two options: drive your rental car or take the bus . Either one you choose, with Valladolid’s relatively central location in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s always an easy trip.

Mexico Car Rental

The easiest, most convenient way to travel Valladolid, Mexico? A rental car, of course. However, not all Mexico rental car companies are created equal!

When I rent a car in Mexico, it’s always with Discover Cars . They check all Mexico rental car companies at once, so you get the best price.

RELATED ARTICLE 🚙💨 Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

Cancun to Valladolid

straw umbrellas on the beach in cancun mexico

Cancun to Valladolid Bus

You can catch the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid at the Cancun Centro (Downtown) station. The trip time is about 2.5 hours each way.

Ticket average $250 pesos ($12 USD) each way, and you can buy tickets online , or be at the bus station 30 minutes before departure to buy there.

Cancun to Valladolid Drive

Navigate to Highway 180 and head west. After about 30 minutes, be on the lookout for the turnoff to Highway 180D and take that.

In about an hour, you’ll see the signs for Valladolid/Highway 295 South, and you’ll take that right into Downtown Valladolid.

If you want a map, download one from Google Maps or Maps.Me before the trip, as you’ll likely lose cell signal for a while.

The drive time is about two hours from Downtown Cancun, and 2.5 hours from the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Tulum to Valladolid

woman at the van a la luz tulum sculpture of a wooden man

Tulum to Valladolid Bus

There’s only one bus station in Tulum, which is located in Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum).

The best way to get to Valladolid is by the ADO bus; you can buy your tickets online , or head to the bus station 15-30 minutes before your departure and buy in person.

Tickets from Tulum to the Valladolid Centro (Downtown) station average $150 pesos ($7USD) each way, and the trip time is about 1.5 hours each way.

Tulum to Valladolid Drive

This is an easy drive, as you’ll only take one road the whole way.

From Downtown Tulum, head northwest on Highway 109; when you cross into Yucatan state (Tulum is in Quintana Roo state), the road name changes to Highway 180, which takes you right to Valladolid.

If you want a map, download one from Google Maps or Maps.Me before the trip, as you’ll likely lose cell signal for a while. The drive time is about one hour.

Merida to Valladolid

colorful sign that reads MERIDA, one of the safest cities in Mexico

Merida to Valladolid Bus

You’ll depart from Terminal de Autobuses de Merida (TAME) on Calle 69 in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida). This is the main bus station in Merida, which you may see abbreviated as CAME instead of TAME.

The trip time is about 2.5 hours each way.

Ticket average $250 pesos ($12 USD) each way, and you can buy your tickets online , or head to the bus station 15-30 minutes before your departure and buy there.

Merida to Valladolid Drive

valladolid mexico travel

Navigate to Highway 180 and head east.

After about 45 minutes, be on the lookout for the turnoff to Highway 180D and take that. In about an hour, you’ll see the signs for Valladolid/Highway 295 South, and you’ll take that right into Downtown Valladolid.

Since you will likely lose cell signal for a while during the drive, download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me before the trip. The drive time is about two hours.

Best Valladolid Hotels

valladolid mexico travel

Planning to spend the night in Valladolid? Smart choice!

As you’re about to discover below, there’s so many amazing things to do in Valladolid and the surrounding areas. Below is a list of the best hotels in Valladolid, with great options for any travel budget.

  • Best overall Valladolid hotel: Le Muuch Hotel
  • Best boutique hotel in Valladolid: Saastah Hotel Boutique
  • Best spa hotel in Valladolid: Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave
  • Best splurge hotel in Valladolid ($$$): Verde Morada
  • Best mid-budget hotel in Valladolid ($$): Hotel Casa Hipil
  • Best hostel in Valladolid ($): Hostel Candelaria

What do I pack for Valladolid?

Wondering about Valladolid weather? It, and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, have a tropical climate.

Common of the tropics, it is hot and humid for most of the year, so definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle . These help to keep you hydrated, and also filter your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico .

As far as what to wear in Valladolid, think flowy, tropical, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing; bonus points for anything that doesn’t show sweat!

Besides all your summer-wear, you may use a light cardigan at night, but this the place for sundresses, sun hats and sunglasses.

🧳 Need more Mexico packing tips? Head to Packing List for Mexico: Outfit Ideas & FREE Printable Download , and grab your FREE Mexico packing checklist below.

valladolid mexico travel guide

Final thoughts: traveling to valladolid mexico.

The Valladolid pueblo magico , or magical town, really earns its name.

As more and more people discover it through colorful Instagram photos and YouTube videos from travel vloggers, Valladolid is quickly becoming a must visit Yucatan Peninsula destination.

For now, though likely not for long, it still retains a small town feel.

Those vacationing in nearby Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Playa del Carmen who want to experience Mexican culture off-resort and in a more authentic way, will absolutely fall in love with Valladolid.

Though downtown is quaint at only about 35 square blocks, there are still many fun things to do in Valladolid.

After about two days, however, you’ll may to head to other parts of the Yucatan, like Merida , another amazing colonial city, or even Isla Holbox , a Mexican Caribbean island.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

Let's Travel To Mexico

17 Amazing Things to Do in Valladolid Mexico: Local Tips

Valladolid sign

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

If you are planning to visit Valladolid, as you should, this post on the most unique things to do in Valladolid will help you plan your itinerary to the gateway to the colonial Yucatan.

Read more to find out why you must visit Valladolid and all the amazing things to do that you cannot miss.

Valladolid is the third-largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula and it’s s definitely one of the best spots to visit whether it is on a do-it-yourself-road trip or with an organized tour.

This beautiful colonial city has so much to offer in terms of activities, cuisine, culture, and history and I’ll be covering all of that in this post.

A lot of people, when they think of visiting Mexico, picture parties, serene beaches, and water that’s all shades of blue which is true in some way. Yet, Mexico is so much more than that.

And if you’re someone who wants to see and experience the authentic side of Mexico you will want to step out of the beaten path and follow my advice starting with these best things to do in Valladolid.

Valladolid Mexico street

By all means, once you land in Cancun, make sure you spend a couple of days on the Cancun beaches , splurge in one of the spectacular Cancun hotels , and take a day trip to Isla Mujeres .

Then you will be ready for an amazing itinerary in the Yucatan Peninsula which will start with the charming colonial city of Valladolid.

So without further ado, here are some of the amazing things to do in Valladolid.

What to do in Valladolid: top 3 things

If you are in a rush, here are the top 3 things you cannot miss

  • Visit the San Bernardino da Siena Convent and its night show
  • Take a dip in the cenote Zaci in the heart of town
  • Walk around the plaza and along the Calzada de Los Friles, where the best restaurants and shops are. (a free walking tour is available even in English – check at the Tourist information center

Where to stay in Valladolid: my favorite hotels

Hotel Sisal – Great mid-range option near Parque Sisal – Check rates & availability on Booking.com  

Refugio 41 – Great laid back luxury option in the historical center – Check rates & availability on    Booking.com  

Verde Morada – Luxury option on the trendy Calzada de los Frailes – Check rates & availability on    Booking.com  

Where to eat in Valladolid: my favorite restaurants

  • Elela Vegan and Organic food – tiny cozy place with a delicious variety of healthy vegan food – see location on Google maps
  • Conato – traditional cusine with vegan option in a beautiful patio garden – See location on Google maps
  • Paparazzi – Italian cusine – great for dinner with live music – see on Google Maps

►► Also check how to get to Valladolid from Cancun !

The best things to do in Valladolid Mexico

1. walk around valladolid historical center.

Shops in calzada de los frailes

Valladolid has a very rich history, and nowhere is this fact more evident than in the city’s historical center. You’ll find colorful colonial buildings that serve as hotels, cafés, shops, and even homes.

You don’t even need to visit someplace in particular to enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture of the city.

A high end shop in the calzada de los frailes

If you’re only visiting Valladolid for a day or two and don’t have much time, you can arrive at the Central Plaza. From there, you can walk towards Parque Francisco Canton Rosado; there are multiple vendors in this area selling delicious and very affordable food.

Afterward, you can walk the Calzada de los Frailes to the Ex Convento of San Bernardino da Siena in Parque Sisal.

Things to do in Valladolid Calzada de los Frailes shop

You will find delicious cafes and restaurants along the way, together with trendy clothing and vintage stores as many companies based in Tulum brought their ateliers here.

Keep in mind that it can get quite hot during the summer. So, if you’re not up for walking, you can rent a bike for MX$100/day. You’ll find many rental places spread throughout the city.

2. Visit the Iglesia de San Servasio in Valladolid historical center

While walking around Valladolid historical center you should make a stop at the beautiful Iglesia de San Servasio in the main square.

The original Church was founded by priest Francisco Hernandez around 1630, but it was demolished in 1705 and rebuilt in the following year.

Iglesia San Cervasio

“Today, the facade has two beautiful towers in front of three bodies, which have turrets and large bells, which when ringing are heard from the most remote places of the city, and finish at the top with two large crosses carved in stone.

Above its main door, you can also admire a coat of arms with fine reliefs, a Spanish royal coat of arms that corresponds to the first Bourbon king, Philip V, grandson of King Louis XIV, who exercised the monarchy from the end of the fifteenth century to the middle of the sixteenth”. (translated from Informefracto.com )

3. Visit the former Convent of San Bernardino de Siena

This ex-convent of San Bernardino da Siena has an important place in Valladolid’s history. It was commissioned by the Franciscan order in 1552, and the construction was completed in 1560.

San Bernardino da Siena Convent

During the Caste War of 1847, it was taken over by the Spaniards and repurposed as a military base.

Today, it serves as a museum where you can admire many pieces of art showcasing its rich history.

The entry cost is only MX$40, which is well worth it.

4. Hang out on the main square

The main square in Valladolid is full of life. You can just hang out here on the famous love seats and relax for a bit during your exploration.

The street food here is simply delicious and I recommend trying out the Marquesitas sort of hard crepes full of cheese and Nutella; unless you’re watching your weight, in which case I recommend an exquisite which is boiled corn with lime and salt, and you can add mayonnaise and grated cheese.

Main square in Valladolid love sits and fountains

At night, the atmosphere here turns simply magical. Make sure you walk around, especially if your hotel in Valladolid is close by. It’s quite safe to be around at night on the main streets.

5. Join a free walking tour

Valladolid road

The tourist information center at the main square advertises a walking tour of the city. This tour is conducted at 7 PM every day and 9 am, and you can join it for free. But check the time before to make sure the time hasn’t changed.

An expert local guide will take you through all the exciting spots of the city while also giving information about its history.

6. Enjoy the show of light and sounds (Convento de San Bernardino da Siena Light Show)

San Bernardino Convent Valladolid Mexico

Throughout the week, except Monday, there’s a show of light and sounds at the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. It lasts around 20-25 minutes and covers key aspects of Valladolid’s history.

The Spanish show starts at 9 PM, and the English version starts around 9:20-9:25 PM. In the high season which is from December through April, the show is almost every day, while during the summer it’s only from Wednesday through Sunday.

However, since the schedule may vary make sure you confirm the time by the municipal building in the main square.

There you can also find the tourist informaiton office where they tell you about the walking tours available.

Best of all, it’s completely free to attend, so don’t miss it!

7. Take a dip in the cenote Zaci

With more than 300 natural sinkholes around it, Valladolid is quite famous for the cenote experience it offers, but Cenote Zaci is the one that is actually within the city. It’s located in the center of Valladolid.

Valladolid Cenote Zaci - things to do in Valladolid Mexico

The entrance fee for Cenote Zaci is around 30 MXN (USD 1.5) and it’s open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

The cenote is one of the cheapest, but it offers a delightful experience.

It’s an open cenote with lots of greenery around it, and a swim in it is a revitalizing break from the hot sun.

8. Rent a bike and explore the nearby cenotes

As I mentioned above besides cenote Zaci, which is right in town, Valladolid is surrounded by many other amazing cenotes most of them fascinating cave cenotes, and at an easy distance from the city center.

Therefore even if you don’t have a car you can still rent a bike and get to them.

The best time to visit the cenotes near Valladolid is very early during the day when almost nobody is there. I used to just rent a bike and go out early in the morning, around 7 am or so, to go exploring Valladolid.

Tzukan cenote

If you need suggestions on the best Valladolid cenotes , I’ve got you covered as well. Some of the cenotes I mention in my post are at a larger distance and require a car but keep in mind that there is no car rental in Valladolid.

So if you want to rent a car in Mexico you will need to do it either from Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.

9. Visit some of the Valladolid Museum

Valladolid is considered the gateway to Colonial Yucatan, so it’s no surprise that the town has some very amazing museums worth visiting despite its small size. If you’re interested, here are a few suggestions.

Valladolid Street

Museo de Roqu e

A museum dedicated to archeology, with lots of curious artifacts dating back to the Maya and Colonial eras.

Choco Stor e

A whole museum dedicated to chocolate! You can choose from a good selection of locally made chocolates here.

Museo de Ropa Étnica de México is a museum in Valladolid that focuses on the heritage of the region. It contains a lovely collection of ethnic dresses that you can check out, and the overall experience is nice.

Casa de los Venados

This one is a small and private home with lots of traditional Mexican art and offers private tours of the place.

10. Join a bike tour

Bike tours in Valladolid are quite fun. I regret not having gone on one when my friend suggested it with a tour company now that I have seen where they take you. Mostly, they include cenotes around Valladolid and the scenic routes leading there.

You can also go on a night tour and explore the churches.

Valladolid Main plaza

It’s a local company that does that and I love to support local people who want to share their passion for their land. You can find them on Facebook .

11. Go visit Chichen Itza, one of the world’s seven wonders

Chichen Itza is one of the most famous places in Mexico. Sadly, that’s one of the reasons it has become an excessively bustling place where an overwhelming number of tourists and vendors dim down the historical charm of the surroundings.

Despite how crowded it gets, I still believe you should visit Chichen Itza Mayan ruins at least once in your lifetime if you’re going to Mexico—after all, it’s one of the seven wonders of the world!

Chichen Itza El Castillo

I checked it out recently, but I was there very early in the morning so the crowds weren’t so bad and I got to walk around thinking about life back in the day and saying a prayer to the Gods of old.

If you are staying in Valladolid you should take advantage of the short distance to Chichen Itza Mayan ruins and get there at 8 am when it opens so that you can avoid the crowd.

Believe me, you don’t want to be there with another 5000 people in the sun. It’s overwhelming.

How to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid

Chichen Itza is relatively less crowded early in the morning, so try to get there by the opening time (8 AM). The site is about an hour from Valladolid.

You can cover the distance in a colectivo that leaves at 7 in the morning from outside the Bus station. The departure timing may vary so arrive a bit earlier and confirm.

You can also check out my post on how to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun .

Chichen Itza Columnas

What to bring to Chichen Itza

As I said, there are a lot of vendors at Chichen Itza, so you can buy plenty of things there, including food and drinks but keep in mind that they cost 3 times more inside the site. So it’s never a bad idea to bring some handy items of your own for the trip. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Sunscreen (better if eco-friendly).

Car rental

Discover Cars Mexico Review

Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:

✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

The best day trips from Valladolid

The below destinations that I am going to share are about 1-hour distance from Valladolid Yucatan and they all make nice day trips from Valladolid. This is why I suggest you should stay in Valladolid and make it your base while visiting the Yucatan peninsula and its beautiful natural gems.

12. Take a day trip to Merida

Yucatan’s capital, Merida is an elegant (and very hot) city where you will experience the colonial feel of the historical heritage and a modern lifestyle.

On the famous Paseo de Montejo, you can admire the exquisite luxurious mansions most of which have been restored and turned into museums and luxury hotels.

High-end shops and restaurants, together with ancient churches will make your time in Merida more than worth it.

Merida Mexico Paseo Montejo

You can either join a tour with a local guide or get on an ADO bus on your own.

There are so many things to do in Merida that maybe one day doesn’t seem enough. So if you have the time you can plan a couple of days and enjoy your stay in some of the exquisite boutique hotels in Merida .

13. Visit Ek Balam archeological site

If Chichen Itza seems a little too crowded for you, you can check out the archeological site of Ek Balam. From Valladolid, it’s only 40 minute’s drive and yes, in this case, you should have a car.

You should know that after a visit to the interesting site of Ek Balam you can rent a bike and get to another cenote close by where you can cool off after a tiring day around the site in the heat.

14. Admire the pink lake of Las Coloradas

The pink lakes of Las Coloradas have become famous all around the world thanks to the spectacular picture shared on Instagram.

And let me tell you, on a sunny day they are that pink, but you should know that it’s not just a pink lake.

Las Coloradas

These small pink lakes are part of a salt mine and that’s where the water is filtered to become salt.

Before it was very easy and cheap to visit but since it become such a popular attraction it became a little more expensive and with a variety of packages available to get in.

Las Coloradas is located about 2 hours drive from Valladolid and although you may find ADO busses to get there I would suggest you go by car.

It’s easier and more practical. And you can visit pink lake after a boat tour in Rio Lagartos. (see below)

15. Take a boat tour in Rio Lagartos

If you are a nature lover you will fall in love with Rio Lagartos , a small town on the Yucatan Peninsula coast and the departing point of the boat tours to a protected natural area, home to the graceful pink flamingos and many other bird species. In my dedicated post, I will tell you all about it.

Combine Rio Lagartos with Las Coloradas and Ek Balam and you will have a great full-day trip from Valladolid.

Rio Lagartos Flamingoes

16. Check out Izamal the yellow city

Izamal is one of the most picturesque cities of the Yucatan peninsula, located between Merida and Valladolid, one hour’s drive from each.

It has become very popular for its yellow building in its historical center that revolves around the San Antonio Convent, built on an ancient archaeological Mayan ruins site.

The town is quite small but it has quite an interesting variety of attractions, including old haciendas, Mayan Ruins, and delicious restaurants offering traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

Izamal Yellow town

If you want to learn more you can read my guide to Izamal, the Yucatan yellow town .

From Valladolid, there are frequent buses to Izamal from the ADO bus station in the city center.

17. Visit El Cuyo an hidden oasis on the beach

At only two hour drive from Valladolid, you can find this cute small port town on the beach. It was founded by kite surfers but it soon became people’s favorite getaway from the (often too busy )Riviera Maya.

El Cuyo is ideal place to relax or walk on a beautiful endless beach and swim in the ocean, chill in your beach hotel and enjoy good food. WIFI is not the best, if you are thinking of moving there 🙂

How to get to Valladolid Mexico

Finding your way to the colorful city of Valladolid isn’t very complicated. You can either drive to it on your own or just hop onto a bus if you don’t feel like driving.

How to get to Valladolid Mexico by car

Valladolid is connected to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen through direct routes, so you can make your way here from either of the three destinations.

If you arrive in Cancun, you can choose either the highway(Cuota) or the statal road (Libre) to get to Valladolid.

The statal road has lots of towns and other charms on the way, so if you’re not in a hurry, I recommend taking it and exploring authentic Mexico. You can also stop by and take a dip in some of the cenotes that come on the way!

Please keep in mind that if you take the highway which is a toll road, they will only accept MXN pesos in cash!

Car on the road near Valladolid

How to get to Valladolid Mexico by bus

Just like the driving options, you can take a bus from either Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen that will take you to Valladolid. From the ADO terminal, you can get on a bus going to Merida and get off in Valladolid.

Also, if you don’t feel like going to Chichen Itza on your own, you can join an organized tour from Cancun or Riviera Maya and visit the site along with a few other attractions.

Tip: Whether you go alone or on a tour, make sure to dress lightly and bring a pair of gym shoes.

Best restaurants in Valladolid

I wrote a full list of the best restaurants and cafes in Valladolid. But I thought I should share my favorite ones in this post as well.

Pitagora Cafe del Profesor – a nice cozy place with a homey feel and a beautiful garden where you can appreciate light dishes and dessert and great coffee

Yerba Buena – delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Valladolid right by the popular Parque Sisal

Valladolid elela vegan cafe

Elela Vegan and Organic food – a cute little cafe in Parque Sisal with a variety of delicious vegan dishes, juices, and desserts. Go hungry because there is so much you will want to try.

Paparazzi – in the Calzada de los Frailes, it’s an Italian-Mexican restaurant in a beautiful colonial mansion, elegant but laid back. Make sure you make a reservation during the weekend.

Valladolid Mexico FAQs

Is it safe to visit valladolid mexico.

Valladolid is very safe to visit. The whole state of Yucatan is considered one of the safest in Mexico.

The city being in the heart of the state is a gateway to the Yucatan, and the people here are extremely hospitable and friendly as well so you don’t need to worry about anything.

However, I should mention here that common sense is never unnecessary, so use it here as you would anywhere else. You can read more in my detailed article on safety in Mexico .

Valladolid main plaza

Is Valladolid Mexico worth visiting?

Definitely. When you finally step out of the resort cities to explore the authentic side of Mexico, Valladolid is your first stop for it.

The Colonial era itself wasn’t very charming because of all the oppression people of this region faced, but the culture, architecture, and art that have survived it are truly worth admiring because they remind you of the native people’s hardships and keep the beauty of their culture and traditions alive.

Are Valladolid Mexico and Cancun close to each other?

Valladolid Parque sisal

Cancun is not far from Valladolid. The drive from one city to another is usually around 2 hours if you have a car rental, and an ADO takes around 3 hours to get you here.

In case you do have a car rental, I suggest you take the statal road instead of the highway if you have time.

It’s a bit slower, but you get to see local towns and enjoy amazing views before arriving in Valladolid!

What is Valladolid Mexico known for?

Valladolid is known for being the first colonial city that you will encounter coming out of the Mexican Caribbean Zone and the first city in Yucatan.

It’s famous for its historical feel and the traditional Yucatan cuisine, the craftsmanship, and the Zaci cenote located right in the city historical center and open to the public.

Valladolid Church

Can you drink water in Valladolid Mexico?

No, never. Make sure you never drink water in Mexico.

The main reasons why you should not drink water lies mainly in the heavy metals that it contains that can be dangerous for your kidneys in the long run, but also because generally speaking the pipes where the water runs are most likely old and rusty.

That’s why you don’t want to drink the water that comes from there.

Valladolid Mexico weather

Valladolid weather is similar to the Riviera Maya and Cancun, so when it comes to travel planning you can plan accordingly – check out my post on the best time to travel to Tulum for reference.

However, keep in mind that because you are not on the beach you won’t benefit from the cool breeze and therefore in the summer it’s hot as hell, just like in Merida. Starting from March you can reach 40°C (104°F) which feels like 122°C, just to give you an idea.

So make sure you stay hydrated and wear a hat and sunblock especially when you go visit the Mayan ruins where there is no sunshade around.

Sometimes we get lucky and feel the north winds (which locals call “Norte”) and it gets chili (24°C/75.2 ° F) and we can breathe again.

Xkeken

How long should I stay in Valladolid Mexico?

You could really stay in Valladolid for a week and still need more time to explore everything.

It is really up to you. Keep in mind that to visit the Valladolid historical center one day is enough, then you can consider a couple of extra days to visit the surroundings, a couple of cenotes, and Chichen-Itza.

Valladolid can be a great base to stay a few nights and then check out the spectacular cenotes and archeological sites in the surroundings.

Here below I am sharing a few hotels in Valladolid if you decide to follow my advice.

✅ Hotel Sisal – Great mid-range option near Parque Sisal – Check rates & availability on Booking.com  

✅ Refugio 41 – Great laid back luxury option in the historical center – Check rates & availability on    Booking.com  

✅ Verde Morada – Luxury option on the trendy Calzada de los Frailes – Check rates & availability on    Booking.com  

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, you do, is the short answer. I always sign up for travel insurance when I travel because you just never know what can happen.

Even if you are careful, and you carry all the positive vibes in the world, things can still happen.

Private healthcare is expensive in Mexico and the public one, oh well, I wouldn’t want to go to a public hospital.

But travel insurance also covers flight or luggage loss and other travel-related mishappenings.

I usually use World Nomads or Safety Wings depending on my needs. You should check them out and choose the one that best fits your trip.

What to pack for Valladolid

Always go with the comfortable stuff but make sure it’s light. So here is my packing list essential:

  • light linen dress
  • hiking shoes
  • hiking pants
  • a few tank tops
  • eco-friendly sunscreen (I use Raw Elements and love it)
  • mosquito repellent
  • swimsuits – I love Cupshe – they have great quality swimsuits that suites all sizes and shapes
  • a good camera – I have a Canon Mark III 5D and before I had Canon 6D both are amazing!
  • smartphone with a good camera
  • smartphone waterproof case

The best things to do in Valladolid: final thoughts

That being said, this post on the things to do in Valladolid comes to an end. Hopefully, you know a bit about this vibrant Colonial city and have it on your itinerary of places to explore in the Yucatan Peninsula .

I always recommend renting a car once you arrive in Mexico and enjoying the Yucatan peninsula freely at your own pace, and of course, using my guide as a reference! you know I will take you on incredible adventures on and off the beaten path!

Whatever you decide to do and wherever you go, be careful and have fun!

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Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Mexico

Is Valladolid Mexico Safe? Your 2024 Guide by a Local Expat

Is Valladolid Mexico safe? Yes. The charming pueblo magico is not only one of the safest cities in the country but it is also located in Mexico’s safest state. This is not somewhere where you need to worry about crime, violence, or any other dangers. This article, written by a local expat will run through all the things that you need to consider during your time in Valladolid (and the wider Yucatan region) to ensure that your vacation is a trouble-free and enjoyable one.  

Valladolid is a historic colonial city located close to the archeological sites of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in the beating heart of the Yucatan state. Until recent years, it was overlooked in most Yucatan itineraries. 

However, more and more people are choosing to stop in Valladolid as they adventure through the region. Valladolid was founded by Francisco de Montejo in 1543. (The same person who founded Merida)

He named it after the city of Valladolid in Spain. Originally, the Spanish conquistadors built the settlement of Valladolid close to a lagoon, before moving it inland to its current location and constructing the city over an existing Mayan settlement. 

This caused a great deal of violent clashes between the Spanish and the Mayans which would go on for centuries. The Spanish even demolished important Mayan temples, pyramids, and shrines in order to build their own catholic churches. 

Today, Valladolid is a peaceful, sleepy place and a designated pueblo magico. This is a marked difference from its violent beginnings. 

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Is Valladolid Mexico Safe?

Is Valladolid Mexico safe?

Valladolid Mexico is one of the safest places in Mexico. The Yucatan state in general is the safest region in the country. 

While Mexico generally doesn’t deserve the negative ¨dangerous” image it often receives, the Yucatan is very culturally different from the rest of the country. Violent things that you hear of happening in other places in Mexico simply don’t happen here. 

Many cities in the Yucatan, including Valladolid, are places where you can comfortably go for an evening stroll or dash out to the convenience store at night and never feel that you have to keep looking over your shoulder. In fact, this is somewhere that you can easily completely forget that you are in Latin America. 

Check your government travel advice before traveling to Mexico

valladolid mexico travel

It is a good idea to check your government travel advice before traveling anywhere in the world for the first time and the same rings true when visiting Mexico. The US government travel advisory appears quite sternly worded but it provides a useful state-by-state breakdown of the security situation in each part of Mexico. 

Mexican states are divided into four categories. The Yucatan state (where Valladolid is located) and Campeche state are the two safest states in the country and they are recognized as places where you should ¨exercise normal precautions¨. 

Other states are recognized as places where you should ¨exercise increased precautions¨, ¨reconsider travel to¨ and ¨do not travel to¨. There are no restrictions or warnings in place for Valladolid or the Yucatan state which should speak volumes about the safety of the area compared to other parts of the country. 

Crime rates in Valladolid 

Crime rates in Valladolid are very low. Locals and expats alike are not worried about the risks of someone breaking into their homes, robbing them on the street, or committing any other type of crime like vandalism or harassment/abuse.

While crime waves have rocked other parts of Mexico in recent years, crime rates in Valladolid and the wider Yucatan state have remained low. (Indeed the nearby city of Merida is the safest city in Mexico and one of the safest in North America on the whole).  

Valladolid Mexico Safety Tips 

valladolid mexico travel

Despite the fact that Valladolid is a safe and culturally-rich place to explore, it is still useful to use the same common sense precautions when traveling here as you would at home or anywhere else in the world. Some hand Valladolid safety tips are detailed below for your information. 

Always watch your personal belongings 

While crime rates are relatively low in Valladolid, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can still happen. Always be mindful of your surroundings and use caution when in crowded areas or on public transportation.

There is a small food court opposite the Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado which isn’t dangerous, but which is often crowded with tourists. Other mercados are usually equally hectic and may attract opportunists. 

In busy places, try and walk with your backpack in front of you rather than slung over one shoulder, and always keep an eye on your belongings. If you travel a lot, you might want to consider investing in a theft-proof backpack or money belt.  

Is Valladolid safe at night?

Valladolid is usually pretty lively at night, particularly at weekends and in the area surrounding the Zocalo (central square). There is a police station a short distance away from the ADO bus station and central square which adds to the overall feeling of safety in the city. 

By nightfall, you can round off a perfect day in Valladolid by indulging in some traditional Yucatecan food at a local restaurant and treating yourself to artisanal bars and cocktails at one of the city’s bars. 

If you want to experience something uniquely Mexican, stop by Cantina La Joyita (C. 41 193B, Centro). This is a traditional cantina with saloon-style swing doors that is frequented by locals rather than tourists. 

Order yourself a michelada (Mexican beer cocktail made with tomato juice and hot sauce) and indulge in some botanas – small complimentary tapas-style dishes that you are given with every drink order. For something a little more upscale, join a well-heeled crowd for cocktails at Condensa Cantina Bar. (Calle 40 #201E between 41 and 43). 

Of course, you should still be aware of your surroundings at night as you would in any unfamiliar city. Don’t leave your drinks unattended and be wary of any over-friendly strangers.

It’s safe to walk between bars and restaurants in the city center as the streets are very well-lit and filled with people. But don’t wander off down dimly lit side streets alone. 

Is Valladolid safe for solo travelers?

valladolid mexico travel

Yes. Valladolid is a very safe destination for solo travelers, including solo females. The city sits on a well-trodden route through the Yucatan and is a popular stopping point for people traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza or Merida and wanting to break up their journey. 

If you are traveling alone and want to socialize and meet other travelers, you will probably bump into plenty of other people on the ADO bus into town or in the local hostels. Tunich Naj Hostel, Hostel Candelaria, and Mamacha Hostel are all modern, affordable places that often organize social events and are worth considering. 

You can also use Couchsurfing to see if any other travelers/locals are around and are looking to hang out. This is a tourist hotspot (without yet being overcrowded and a victim of over-tourism) so there are always plenty of people around.

Is Valladolid safe for women traveling alone?

Solo female travelers can also feel safe traveling in Valladolid. (This entire website has been written by a solo female traveler in Mexico!) 

Rest assured, you won’t get any weird looks for being by yourself as people are accustomed to seeing tourists. Although local women often prefer to dress conservatively or wear jeans/trousers to avoid male attention, a lot of Yucatecan women wear shorts and dresses daily.

(This is one of the hottest parts of the country after all!) Don’t worry about what to wear as a solo female traveler. Dress however you are most comfortable. 

Don’t wear expensive items

valladolid mexico travel

To avoid attracting unwanted attention, try not to wear expensive jewelry or display valuable items while exploring the city. This will help minimize the risks of becoming a target for petty thieves.

People don’t really wear expensive designer labels in Mexico. By the same token, it is also a good idea to keep your electronics and expensive gadgets out of view just in case. 

In other words, no expensive DSLR hanging around your neck, and no Go Pro tucked under your arm. 

Public transport and getting around Valladolid

You don’t really need a car in Valladolid as the city is compact enough to explore on foot. The ADO bus station provides frequent, comfortable intercity bus links from Valladolid to Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other cities in the region. 

ADO and Noreste buses are the main intercity bus providers in the Yucatan. Both are perfectly safe to use. 

Buses run multiple times a day between most destinations and services are usually always on time. The seats are comfortable and the buses are airconditioned. Some of the newer ADO buses also have complimentary wifi installed on board. 

To get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, you may also want to consider taking a colectivo. Colectivos are mini-vans that run from one destination to another and depart when full. 

This is the cheapest method of transport. A ticket to Chichen Itza 45km away costs just 40 pesos (circa $2 USD) per person. 

For this reason, a lot of locals prefer to use colectivos. The minivans are perfectly safe and provide another local experience. However, they are not air-conditioned and can often be full and cramped which may not be what you are looking for on a hot, humid day when it’s 105 degrees. 

Relax and enjoy Valladolid! 

If you spend all your time traveling in Mexico feeling skittish and worried, you won’t enjoy your trip. Relax and focus your energy on finding the best places to eat and the best things to do here. This is one of the safest places in Mexico after all! 

The central square and the little streets that veer off from it are great places to base yourself. Valladolid is also a very affordable travel destination and you can easily find a comfortable, modern hotel here for as little as $30 USD per night. 

The church of San Servacio in the central square is a charming structure – despite the controversy behind it. Be sure to stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes (Causeway of the Friars). 

This colorful little street is a photographer’s dream. It was built in the 16th century to unite Valladolid with the Indian village of Sisal. 

There are some gorgeous colonial and palapa houses here, many of which once housed famous merchants and notable figures in Mexican history. Today, many of these buildings have been converted into quirky artisanal stores, cafes, and guesthouses. 

Nearby, be sure to visit the colorful Convent San Bernardino – one of the oldest convents in the Yucatan. 

Is Valladolid Mexico safe? Final thoughts 

Valladolid Mexico is a very safe place. While safety is a very personal thing, even the most inexperienced traveler can feel comfortable here. 

It is not somewhere that you need to be anxious about visiting. I have been living in Merida nearby for the last 18 months and have visited Valladolid numerous times as a woman alone. 

Do you have any further questions about visiting Valladolid or staying safe in Mexico in general? Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. 

If this is your first time traveling to the Yucatan, you might also find the below related articles useful. 

  • Is the Yucatan safe to travel to?
  • Best time to visit the Yucatan
  • Best places to visit in the Yucatan in 202 4
  • Yucatan pueblo magicos 

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Melissa Douglas

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A New Train Is Opening Up the Yucatán, for Better or Worse

When it’s a quick trip from the schlocky pleasures of Cancún to the remote cities of the Maya, is something lost along the way?

Cenote Zaci near Valladolid, Mexico. Credit... Matthew Pillsbury for The New York Times

Supported by

Photographs by Matthew Pillsbury

Text by Nicholas Casey

  • March 21, 2024

El Tren Maya, which links five states in southern Mexico, is one of the country’s most-debated infrastructure projects. Carved through the Yucatán Peninsula at great expense, the 966-mile loop pits the megaproject ambitions of Mexico’s departing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, against the will of environmentalists and Indigenous leaders seeking to preserve a pristine environment of jaguars, ancient ruins and sacred underwater caves.

The route, which partly opened in December and is expected to be in full service this year, includes a stop at Cancún International Airport, the second-busiest airport in Mexico and a gateway for international tourism, making it possible for sightseers to journey quickly from the schlocky pleasures of Señor Frogs to remote cities of the late-classic Maya. Along the way, they might stay over in the likes of Mérida, a city of stately limestone palaces once called the Paris of Mexico, or spend the night en route in private sleeping cabins traveling at nearly 100 miles per hour.

valladolid mexico travel

In the 19th century, the British artist and explorer Frederick Catherwood portrayed Uxmal, a gorgeous ancient city with pinkish stone structures, with only a few human figures gracing the landscape. This year, the photographer Matthew Pillsbury traveled the Tren Maya route to document the changing sites along the way, including Uxmal. An archaeologist there told him that thousands of people visit every year now, and that the train is expected to bring millions in the years to come.

Pillsbury has long focused on the ways technology changes our lives. He often uses long exposures to show how some people, marked by long, ghostly shadows, move through their environment and how others stay put. “Often the people who stop,” Pillsbury said, “are themselves in the process of photographing or being photographed.”

One picture that inspired him during his journey was a photo of his great-grandfather ascending an Egyptian pyramid with just a few friends, something that is no longer possible because of the crush of tourism. Pillsbury thought of his own recent experience climbing a temple in a remote site called Edzná, also on the route of El Tren Maya. He saw only three other tourists that day. There is going to be a time, he said, when we are going to have memories of some of these places and think back and say, “That’s crazy that I was at Edzná then, and there was no one else that day.”

On the Route of El Tren Maya

Matthew pillsbury visited stops from valladolid to palanque to cancún, a circuit of nearly a thousand miles. this is what he saw., ● valladolid.

Traveling the Tren Maya loop counterclockwise, starting and ending in Cancún in the northeast, Pillsbury first came to Valladolid, a bustling colonial city. Travelers often stay overnight as they visit sites like Cenote Oxman, one of the thousands of natural sinkholes connected by underground rivers across the Yucatán Peninsula.

● Chichén Itzá

One of the “Seven Wonders of the New World,” Chichén Itzá is about 45 minutes by car from Valladolid, the nearest major town. Many tourists take the bus in the early morning from Cancún and back again that same evening — about six hours round-trip. Spectacular ruins like El Castillo, above, have already made it one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.

Izamal has been continuously occupied for more than a thousand years, first by Maya, then by Franciscan monks, who built their monastery on the foundation of an ancient citadel . Visitors to the bustling central marketplace can walk to some of the most important sites in Mayan history within just a few minutes.

One legend has the Pyramid of the Magician, in Uxmal, being built overnight by supernatural means. The ancient city, a short drive from Maxcanú, was abandoned after the 10th century A.D. for reasons unknown. The UNESCO World Heritage Convention notes that many of its impressive architectural features remain well preserved because of “ the region’s remoteness and sparse population. ”

Edzná re-emerged from history slowly, first as a mere mention by the German explorer Teobert Maler in 1887, then in a report by local workers in 1906 and finally by way of a formal investigation by the Mexican archaeologist Nazario Quintana Bello in 1927. On the day Pillsbury visited, he saw only a handful of visitors.

Palenque — in Chiapas, at the southernmost end of a long spur of the Tren Maya loop — is one of the best preserved cities of the Classic Maya era. It first came to the attention of the Spanish in 1567, when a missionary named Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada heard rumors of an abandoned city from the Chol Indians he was attempting to convert.

Rancho Encantado, a low-key hotel on Bacalar Lagoon in Quintana Roo, near Mexico’s border with Belize. The pace of development here has not yet reached the fever pitch of beach towns farther up the Riviera Maya.

Tulum, on the other hand, has quickly developed from a quiet escape from the tourist bustle of Cancún to its own, somewhat higher-dollar major destination. Now the ancient Mayan city is walking distance from a thriving beach scene.

● Playa del Carmen

The display over this shop in Playa del Carmen, once a quiet fishing village and now one of Quintana Roo’s biggest cities, is made up of hundreds of little sombreros.

● Cancún Aeropuerto

In the late 1960s, technicians with the Mexican government began feeding data into a computer program to help determine the best place to build a resort town from scratch . The answer came back: Cancún. From an empty beach in 1972, the planned city has become a wildly popular tourist destination. Now millions of visitors every year can travel back into history on the Tren Maya — or enjoy more modern pastimes at Coco Bongo Beach Party and its partner, Coco Bongo Nightclub.

Nicholas Casey is a staff writer for the magazine. He was previously the Madrid bureau chief for The Times and a foreign correspondent based in Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Israel. Matthew Pillsbury is an American photographer known for long exposures. He has photographed big cats in Philadelphia and natural cityscapes in Singapore for previous Voyages issues.

Nicholas Casey is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. He has spent a decade as a foreign correspondent in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East and wrote about national politics during the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign. More about Nicholas Casey

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