Journey Information on Greatest Issues to Do + Eat (2025)


When you’re planning a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, you would possibly first consider the favored seaside cities of Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.

Valladolid, Mexico could be a little bit off the crushed path however it must be added to your bucket checklist! Actually, the Journey in You group has spent a yr touring and residing in Mexico which suggests they’ve a ton of nice suggestions, particularly in relation to visiting Valladolid so that you’re in nice arms.

Valladolid is a hidden gem stuffed with cenotes, museums, and eating places. Visiting Valladolid is a should for anybody that desires to expertise Mexican tradition together with conventional colonial structure and among the greatest cuisines within the Riviera Maya. 

Valladolid Mexico can be centrally situated to a few of Mexico’s most well-known websites together with Mayan ruins and the pink lakes. 

Discovering one of the best issues to do in Valladolid Mexico may be overwhelming particularly for those who’re solely there for a day journey or a brief weekend. This information has all the highest issues to see in addition to restaurant and lodge strategies! 

The place Is Valladolid, Mexico? 

Valladolid is within the central state of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s 100 miles from Cancun and 65 miles from Tulum making it an important day journey for those who’re already in one other metropolis within the Yucatan. From Playa del Carmen, Valladolid is just a 2 hour drive.

Valladolid can be situated near the favored colonial metropolis of Merida.

Valladolid has sufficient websites and points of interest to refill a week-long journey although if you wish to keep awhile! Town lies deep throughout the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and is extremely wealthy in pure points of interest and historical past.

Beneath is an summary of the Map of Valladolid to provide you an thought on the place issues are situated.

Map of Valladolid via Google Maps

✨The 1 Factor We By no means Go away Residence With out…

Travel InsuranceTravel Insurance

Coming from somebody who has been touring the world for the final 8 years AND has been within the hospital 2x, journey insurance coverage is one thing everybody NEEDS to get. Get a quote under!

Valladolid, Mexico Highlights 

Making a Valladolid Mexico bucket checklist is without doubt one of the greatest methods to arrange for the journey forward. Whilst you can tour town by yourself, reserving just a few excursions can enrich your expertise on this nice year-round vacation spot. 

Issues to Do in Valladolid 

Able to enterprise round Valladolid Mexico? After spending a while on this stunning metropolis, listed below are my prime suggestions on one of the best issues to do in Valladolid.

Psst…Need in on a Secret? 🤫

Tropicfeel

We have scoured the web for one of the best ALL-AROUND journey shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We have taken ours by rivers, jungles, and cities and so they’re nonetheless alive and kickin’. Examine them out under.

1. Swim in a Cenote close to Valladolid

Going for a dip in a cenote is a should so as to add to your Valladolid itinerary. Cenotes are pure sinkholes  full of freshwater excellent for cooling off on a scorching day. The Yucatan has the most important quantity of sinkholes wherever on earth with over 6,000 within the area!

So, you positively have a ton to select from. Listed here are the most typical ones to go to:

  • Cenote Zací: You may stroll to Cenote Zací from downtown Valladolid. It’s just a few blocks. You’ll discover many locals right here because it’s shut by. You may bounce into the water from one of many many platforms if you wish to get your coronary heart racing. Since Cenote Zac so near town middle, it will get fairly crowded. Strive going early within the morning or within the night. 
  • Cenote Maya: Go to this cenote to expertise Mayan tradition. It’s situated within the Cenote Maya Native Park. Together with swimming within the cenote, it’s also possible to expertise a Mayan blessing ceremony and eat conventional Mayan meals. 
  • Cenote Ik Kil: This cenote is without doubt one of the most well-known ones within the area. You may mix visiting Cenote Ik Kil with a day journey to Chichen Itza since they’re situated in the identical space. Reserving a tour is an effective way to discover each areas with an expert information.
  • Cenote Suytan: Go to Suytan for a cenote in an underground cave. In addition they have a platform within the center you possibly can bounce from and take stunning pictures of the water and rock formations behind you. 

Take a look at our article on the greatest cenotes within the Riviera Maya for extra info.

Cenote Ikkil
The Founders of Journey in You swimming in one of many cenotes in Valladolid

2. Go Artwork Buying 

Valladolid has quite a few artwork galleries and boutique outlets. Shopping for Mexican artwork makes for an important memento or reward for somebody again residence. Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Artwork (Kuxtal Galeria de Arte Widespread Mexicano & Cafe)  is without doubt one of the most well-known spots for purchasing artwork. 

It’s proper subsequent to Casa de Los Venados. The house owners of the house open up their doorways day by day for folks to come back in and think about over 3,000 items of conventional Mexican paintings. You may tour the gallery after which head to the cafe to purchase some items to take residence. 

Casa de los Venados has items representing each area of Mexico making it the most effective locations to purchase souvenirs. Yow will discover work of Mayan ruins, stunning Mexican seashores, and well-known church buildings. In addition they have pottery, magnets, and hand-woven baskets. 

Kuxtal Cafe is contained in the artwork store. It’s small however is thought for having among the greatest espresso and snacks in Valladolid. 

3. Go to the San Bernadino de Siena Convent 

This is without doubt one of the most stunning convents within the space with pink partitions and a surprising altar space. The convent took eight years to construct between 1552 and 1560. A waterwheel was added in 1613. Each the waterwheel and the convent are the second largest within the Yucatan. 

The convent of San Bernadino de Siena is extraordinarily peaceable. It’s a pleasant place to go to within the early morning earlier than it will get too crowded. Whereas a lot of the structure in Valladolid is colonial, the convent has extra of a medieval flare. 

Once you’re performed touring the church and convent, be sure that to go to the park simply outdoors the place you’ll see the colourful Valladolid letter signal. Most Mexican cities together with the coastal cities in Riviera Maya have comparable indicators the place town’s title is spelled out in giant letters. 

You may stroll alongside the favored Calzada de los Frailes avenue which is lined with colourful homes and cobblestones.

Ensure to snap just a few photos to commemorate your day! When you’re touring to different cities within the Yucatan, be sure that to take pictures with all town’s indicators to make a set. 

San Bernadino de Siena Convent

4. Tour the Close by Mayan Ruins 

Whereas there aren’t any Mayan ruins in Valladolid, you possibly can take a brief drive and go to Chichen Itza and the Ek Balam Ruins situated near Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. When you solely have time to discover one, head to Chichen Itza to see one of many seven wonders of the world. It’s solely a few 30-minute drive from Valladolid. 

When you don’t have a rental automobile, you possibly can guide a tour to get to the ruins. Most excursions additionally embody a information that may clarify the historical past of Chichen Itza to you. 

Ek Balam shouldn’t be as well-known however it’s nonetheless value visiting in case you have additional time. In contrast to Chichen Itza, you possibly can climb the ruins at Ek Balam. Because it’s smaller and fewer in style, it’s also possible to get higher views of the temples and higher pictures with out so many vacationers crowded round. 

Widespread Chichen Itza Excursions:

Most Chichen Itza excursions come from both Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun. It’s also possible to discover it independently by renting a automobile and driving there your self.

Mayan Ruins

5. Day Journey to Izmal, The Yellow Metropolis 

The Yellow Metropolis or La Cuidad Amarilla in Spanish is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys within the Yucatan. The entire buildings are painted the identical shade of brilliant yellow making for a good looking picture op. 

Town isn’t very large, so this can be a nice alternative for a half-day journey the place you possibly can head again to Valladolid within the late afternoon. You may tour the small convent within the metropolis and still have conventional Yucatan meals in one of many many eating places within the metropolis middle. 

Within the central plaza, there are additionally the Kinich Kakmo Mayan Ruins. It’s not as large as Chichen Itza or among the different ruins in Mexico, however it’s not often busy and is value trying out when you’re there. 

It’s about 1.5 hours from downtown Valladolid and is without doubt one of the solely cities on the earth the place all the downtown space is painted the identical colour. 

The Yellow City

6. Go to the Iglesia de San Servacio 

That is in all probability some of the well-known buildings in Valladolid Mexico. It’s an enormous church that towers over all the downtown space. You’re welcome to go inside, however they ask that you simply gown modestly and don’t take an excessive amount of noise. 

It’s also possible to take pictures inside though the surface of the church is a way more well-known picture op. Most individuals that put up on Instagram or different social media websites have a canopy picture of the Iglesia de San Servacio, so that you’ll in all probability acknowledge the constructing as quickly as you see it! 

One of the best views of the church are from Parque Principal. Across the park, you’ll discover tons of eating places and cafes you possibly can calm down in to take a break from strolling across the metropolis. 

Iglesia de San Servacio

7. Discover the Caldeza de los Frailes

Calle de Los Frailes or Caldeza de Los Frailes is without doubt one of the most well-known streets in Valladolid. It’s solely a few 5 to 10-minute stroll from the central plaza. Ensure to convey your digicam as the road has beautiful colourful buildings. 

The convent de San Bernadino de Siena and Coqui Coqui Yucatan are each on this avenue so that you go to all three locations in at some point. 

Calle de Los Frailes

8. Pamper Your self at Coqui Coqui Yucatan 

After strolling the Calle de Los Frailes, you possibly can have a spa therapy on the Coqui Coqui Yucatan. You want an appointment to even enter the spa and the on-site fragrance store so be sure that to plan forward for this exercise. 

The spa has all of the companies you might dream of together with quite a few facials and massages. You may even expertise a conventional Yucatan therapeutic ritual. 

9. See the Pink Lakes of Mexico 

Las Colorados is without doubt one of the solely pink lakes on the earth and is just a bit over an hour from Valladolid. Sadly, you possibly can’t swim in Las Colorados (it’s unlawful so don’t strive) however you possibly can benefit from the stunning surroundings. The water is pink due to the pure purple algae and brine shrimp. 

Earlier than attending to Las Colorados, you’ll have to drive to Rio Lagartos and take a ship to the pink lakes. Throughout the boat cruise, you’ll see loads of flamingos and alligators!

Pink Lakes of Mexico

10. Head to the Central Sq. for a Dance Efficiency

Each night round 5:30 p.m. you possibly can immerse your self within the tradition of Valladolid Mexico by watching a conventional dance present in Parque Franciso Canton Rosado. You’ll see Mayan dancers doing the Jarana, some of the in style dances of the Yucatan. 

11. See the Native Life on the Mercado Municipal 

Buying at a neighborhood market is without doubt one of the greatest methods to immerse your self in Valladolid Mexico tradition. Valladolid’s major market is the Mercado Municipal. When you’re staying in an Airbnb or trip rental and plan to cook dinner your personal meals, procuring right here offers you one of the best collection of recent greens and meats. 

There are additionally just a few distributors which have craft stalls for those who aren’t inquisitive about shopping for any meals. 

Mercado Municipal Mexico

12. Eat at Conato Cultural 1910 

That is persistently voted the most effective eating places in Valladolid Mexico. Head to Calle 40 to search out Conato Cultural 1910. It’s exhausting to overlook with the colourful exterior. They’ve all of the native meals favorites in addition to a terrace on the roof the place you possibly can get pleasure from among the greatest views of town. 

13. Cease by the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo 

Simply 20 minutes from Valladolid Mexico you’ll discover town of Uayma with Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Uayma). Whereas the unique church was accomplished within the seventeenth century, it burnt down through the Yucatan Caste Conflict. 

Since then, components of the constructing have been restored together with among the unique work that had been inside. Take a self guided tour of the church after which discover Uayma for a pleasant day journey from Valladolid.

Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo

14. Have a Drink at La Joyita 

Valladolid doesn’t have an enormous bar or nightlife scene, however there are nonetheless loads of little native locations to seize a drink. La Joyita is without doubt one of the greatest locations to fulfill locals and follow your Spanish all whereas consuming a neighborhood beer or margarita. 

15. Go to the Iglesia de San Juan

Mexico is stuffed with small church buildings and the Iglesia de San Juan is without doubt one of the prettiest. You may stroll simply 10 minutes from downtown Valladolid to achieve the church. The neighborhood is quiet and one of many extra native components of Valladolid Mexico. 

It’s also possible to purchase ice cream and pastries from the distributors outdoors the church. 

Iglesia de San Juan

The place to Eat In Valladolid 

Attempting the regional delicacies of Valladolid Mexico is without doubt one of the greatest methods to expertise the number of Mexican meals whereas wandering round this historic city.

Just a few regional dishes to strive are Lomitos de Valladolid, longaniza de valladolid, native conventional candies, conventional ice cream, cochinita pibil and extra. Listed here are one of the best six eating places in Valladolid to strive throughout your journey!

  1. Yerbabuena del Sisal has all of your Mexican favorites however all made vegetarian and vegan. Together with vegan tamales and chilaquiles, in addition they have some non-Mexican decisions like veggie burgers and pasta. Ensure to additionally order one of many freshly squeezed juices with no matter meals you order! 
  2. El Meson del Marques is a lodge in Valladolid with an incredible restaurant inside. It’s a lot pricier than a lot of the different eating places however makes an ideal spot for a date evening or celebration. Strive the mole enchiladas for dinner or the brioche buns with papaya jam for those who go for breakfast. 
  3. La Casona de Valladolid is just one block from town middle. You may sit outdoors within the stunning courtyard and order from the menu or serve your self from the buffet. All of the meals is conventional Mexican together with empanadas de chayote and panuchos. 
  4. L’OSteria della Nonna is a good alternative for those who’re craving Italian meals whereas in Valladolid. The do-it-yourself ravioli is the preferred alternative on the menu. 
  5. Las Campañas is a small restaurant principally full of locals consuming pork tostados and queso fundido. The meals and drinks are low-cost and so they have stay music through the evenings. 
  6. Laville Bistro is a pleasant spot for breakfast as they provide an enormous menu of various omelets and recent bread. The cafe additionally has a lunch and dinner menu with steak, pasta, and hamburgers. 

Greatest Time to Go to Valladolid 

Simply  like the opposite cities within the Yucatan Peninsula, Valladolid’s local weather can get very humid resulting from its inland location. For one of the best climate, strive visiting Valladolid between November and March. These months are the main vacationer season in Mexico although, so that you would possibly wish to guide your accommodations and flights nicely forward of time to keep away from hovering costs. 

Mexican monsoon season is often from June to October.

The excellent news is that Valladolid Mexico continues to be underneath the radar in comparison with different Mexican locations. Even through the excessive season, Valladolid is considerably much less crowded than Cancun or Tulum.

The way to Get to Valladolid, Mexico

Since Valladolid doesn’t have an airport, you have to to both fly into Cancun or Merida. From the airport, you possibly can both take one of many native buses or you possibly can hire a automobile to get to Valladolid. Listed here are extra particulars on each choices. 

Lease a Automotive 

Having the choice to drive your self round Valladolid and the encompassing areas offers you a ton of freedom whereas on trip. Renting a automobile additionally makes it simpler to take day journeys and get to the extra distant cenotes within the area. 

Driving across the Yucatan is fairly straightforward for the reason that roads are nicely labeled. When you’re coming from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, the roads are principally highways and toll roads with indicators telling you precisely the place you’re going. 

Bus 

When you’re not snug driving otherwise you’re on a good finances, the bus is an ideal option to journey to Valladolid Mexico. It’s secure and handy. When coming from giant vacationer locations like Cancun or Mexico Metropolis, you’ll discover a bus leaving for Valladolid each hour. 

From Cancun, you possibly can catch the bus from the downtown bus station and be in Valladolid in about 2.5 hours. From Tulum, the journey is just one.5 hours. There may be additionally a bus from downtown Merida to Valladolid that  takes about 2.5 hours. 

If you wish to purchase tickets forward of time, you possibly can from the ADO web site. You may see all of the journey fares and occasions. Most cities additionally will let you purchase same-day tickets on the bus station. 

The place to Keep in Valladolid 

  1. Le Muuch Lodge Boutique: Massive out of doors swimming pool, a bar, and a good looking backyard. It’s close to every thing you want together with supermarkets, points of interest, and cafes. 
  2. Lodge Zentik Undertaking & Saline Cave: Full with a heat pool in a cave and out of doors hammocks. The rooms are giant with sitting areas and spacious beds. 
  3. Casa San Roque Valladolid: Provides free parking and free WIFI. You may stroll to many various eating places and cafes making this some of the handy accommodations in Valladolid. 
  4. Lodge Meson del Marques: Superior central location. They’ve free breakfast and exquisite gardens together with a restaurant on web site serving conventional Mexican dishes. 
  5. Lodge Posada San Juan: Positioned within the metropolis middle with an out of doors pool and terraces outdoors each room. Breakfast is free and so they have a pleasant backyard space with hammocks. 

FAQ on Valladolid, Mexico

Is Valladolid secure? 

Valladolid is a magical city recognized for being one of many most secure cities within the Yucatan Peninsula. You may expertise the allure and historical past of Valladolid with no worries or points along with your security!

Is Valladolid Mexico value visiting? 

Valladolid is 100% value visiting for those who’re searching for an genuine Mexican city. It doesn’t have the identical hustle and bustle as Cancun and Tulum,  however it presents guests a option to expertise Mexican tradition away from the bigger vacationer locations.   

What’s one of the best time to go to Valladolid? 

To expertise one of the best climate, go to Valladolid from late November by March. Since Valladolid is off the crushed path, you received’t expertise too many crowds though these months are the excessive vacationer season in Mexico.  

What’s the closest Valladolid Airport? 

Valladolid doesn’t have an airport, so that you’ll have to fly into one of many close by airports after which drive or take a bus to Valladolid. The closest airports are Merida Worldwide Airport (MID) and Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN). 

Is There Uber in Valladolid? 

Uber is an effective way to get round Mexico for those who don’t wish to hire a automobile. Sure, there may be Uber in Valladolid. Because it’s a small city although, you would possibly discover it extra handy to simply stroll all over the place or hire a motorbike or scooter. 

What are one of the best day journeys from Valladolid? 

From Valladolid, Mexico, you possibly can take fast day journeys to the Yellow Metropolis (Izmal), Las Colorados, or the close by metropolis of Uayma. All these locations supply extra possibilities to tour Riviera Maya’s most charming spots. The favored seaside city of Playa del Carmen can be solely 2 hours away.


Planning a Journey to Mexico? Learn these Guides:

Impressed? Pin it!

Valladolid Mexico Travel Guide | Ready to explore Valladolid Mexico? After spending some time in this beautiful city, here are my top recommendations on the best things to do in Valladolid.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *