Discoveries from my time in the authentic colonial streets of Valladolid, Mexico. I’ve put together a detailed guide, including the best things to do in Valladolid, day trips, cenotes near Valladolid, traditional Yucatan food recommendations and more – plus insightful travel tips.

Valladolid, a lively town that is rich in Spanish colonial architecture, pastel-coloured walls and more importantly, there is a story around every corner.

The cosy little town is a good base to explore some of the best cenotes near Valladolid, not to mention the potential day trips to Chichen Itza, The Balankanche Caves and Ek Balam.

In this guide, we walk you through the best things to do in Valladolid, including how to get around, where to stay and eat – plus insightful travel tips based on our first-hand experiences.

WHERE IS VALLADOLID, MEXICO

Valladolid is located at the heart of Mexico’s popular Yucatán region, and at only a short drive away from the incredible Chichén Itzá complex.

It is good to note that Valladolid is situated in a different time zone than Quintana Roo (Tulum, Playa and Cancun). For that reason, the clock goes back one hour if you’re travelling to Valladolid.

WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID, MEXICO

Given Valladolid’s increasing popularity among backpackers, the lively colonial town is teeming with accommodation options fitting all budgets and travel styles.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly base for your day trip to Chichén Itzá, or a more comfortable hotel to start off your explorations in town, accommodation can be a real treat here.

I’ve listed a few of my personal favourites below, some of which are marked – these are the ones where I stayed myself.

HOTEL 

+ Hotel Casa Bamboo | If you’re looking for an absolute steal, this is the place for you. Situated at only a short walk from Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton, Casa Bamboo offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, a comfortable kingsize bed, and a great boutique style design. The hotel also has a number of complimentary rental bikes at hand. Doubles start at $44 a night.

Hotel Posada San Juan | A super stylish hotel with wooden furniture, air-conditioning, an outdoor pool, and a hammock to relax in. Also, there is a great breakfast included, which makes $111 for a double room an excellent value. Make sure you check the link to see how awesome the design of this place is – unfortunately, I missed out on this one.

+ Hotel & Suites Country | Every now and then, I can’t help to opt for a slightly more luxurious hotel, and in Valladolid, this turned out to be Hotel & Suites Country. Set within a tranquil neighbourhood only just from Valladolid’s main square, this hotel offers excellent rooms, fully equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning, and a dining area. Add their spacious sundeck and a large outdoor swimming pool, and you’ll instantly realize why I picked it in the first place.

HOSTEL

+ Hostal Tunich Naj | Located in the heart of Valladolid, this budget-friendly hostel provides a wide array of comfy rooms, both shared and private. On top of that, there is a spacious common area, ideal for backpackers looking to make new travel buddies. Doubles start at only $18 a night.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Valladolid on booking.com.

1 | PLAZA E PARQUE FRANCISCO CANTON

Most colonial cities in Spanish America are built around a central positioned plaza, this is also the case in Valladolid. Bringing us to Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton.

Whether it is day or night, there is always something going on, which we truly loved.

Mingle yourself among the locals who often gather here to dance to traditional Mexican music. The lively atmosphere makes the plaza an excellent venue for people watching.

The main square is home to a handful of street vendors, who mainly sell souvenirs, churros and drinks.

Also, next to the square, you’ll find great street food stalls at El Bazaar Municipal, where you can eat delicious Yucatan food for little money.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton

2 | ADMIRE THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN GERVASIO

Rising tall above Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton is Valladolid’s most iconic site.

The cathedral of San Gervasio is a charming centuries-old church that magnifies Valladolid’s rich colonial ambience.

Besides its attractive appearance, it has one great additional benefit, the towering cathedral is positioned directly at the heart of town and therefore the best starting point to explore Valladolid.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The cathedral of San Gervasio

3 | VISIT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

The now world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá are, without doubt, one of the best things to see in Mexico, and if you are thinking of visiting from Valladolid, you’re in for a huge advantage.

Tucked away in a dense jungle only 45 minutes away from Valladolid, this former Mayan city was once the heart of Mayan civilization, before being declared a New Wonder of the World.

The impressive Mayan city holds a series of well-preserved architectural masterpieces and is, in addition to its captivating history, a dream canvas for those into photography.

There are plenty of outstanding structures that I suggest visiting, like the mesmerizing El Castillo pyramid (obviously), the Temple of the Warriors, the Wall of Skulls, and the Grand Ball Court to name a few.

But as with most UNESCO-listed sights, keep in mind that you’ll be sharing your experience with many other like-minded travellers. Though this isn’t a problem by any means, it could be slightly harder capturing your next viral Instagram post.

That’s where Valladolid’s strategic position comes in handy.

While most opt to visit Chichén Itzá as part of a guided tour from Cancun, Playa or Tulum, a visit from Valladolid allows you to be there way before those large groups arrive – winner!

+ Read more | A travellers guide to Chichén Itzá, Mexico

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Chichén Itzá

Entrance fee Chichen Itza in 2021 | 481MXN ($24) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 16:30

4 | WALK THE RAINBOW STREET OF CALZADA DE LOS FRAILES

It won’t be long before the rainbow street in Valladolid pops up all over your Instagram feed.

Although the insta-worthy street is home to trendy restaurants, cafes and boutique stores, it is surely not the main reason for travellers to come by.

It is the vibrant colour palette, ornate doorways and colonial architecture that enhances the street to a highlight in your Mexico Itinerary.

The charming little streets at Calzada de Los Frailes are probably the most picturesque streets we’ve seen throughout Yucatan.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Calzada de Los Frailes

5 | VISIT CONVENTO DE SAN BERNARDINO DE SIENA

At the extension of Calzada de Los Frailes, you’ll find the approximately 500-year-old Convento de San Bernardino de Siena.

The monastery is full of authentic elements and we’d deeply recommend taking a look inside.

The centuries-old colonial walls, its peaceful courtyard and the rich history of both the convent and region, made it unexpectedly one of the best things we did in Valladolid.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Convento de San Bernardino de Siena

Cost | Entrance fee 30 MXN, ($1,60) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 18:00

Lightshow | From Wednesday till Sunday. Spanish starts at 21:00, English at 21:20

6 | SAMPLE UNIQUE FLAVOURS AT WABI GELATO

If one thing is true, it would be the love we share for gelato.

One of the first things we do when traveling to a new country is hunting down its best gelaterias.

In Valladolid, this turned out to be Wabi Gelato.

With a great passion for their craft, they realize unique flavour sensations, including our personal favourite, Limón y chile Xcatic.

With only a handful of flavours, varying from time to time, the artisan gelateria lives up to its name.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Wabi Gelato, Valladolid

Cost | 40 MXN ($2,10) per scoop

7 | EXPLORE MERCADO MUNICIPAL IN VALLADOLID

For us, a huge part of our travel experiences is creating a connection with the local people, therefore we always aim to visit at least one authentic market throughout a trip.

The colourful Mercado Municipal is full of positive energy, friendly vendors, and most importantly, unique things to taste, see and discover.

Cheerful vendors sell a wide variety of goods, think of leather products, spices, handicrafts, fresh fruit, vegetables and more.

The profoundly respected Mercado in Valladolid is considered to be the best market in Yucatan.

And to be honest, I believe it’s true. I’ve couldn’t wish for a better introduction to both Valladolid and Mexican local life.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Mercado Municipal, Valladolid

Opening hours | Daily 05:00 – 16:00

8 | DISCOVER CENOTES IN AND AROUND VALLADOLID

For us, Valladolid felt like a gateway. The town’s beautiful surroundings are home to heaps of impressive cenotes, including some of the best in Yucatan.

CENOTE ZACI

Only just arrived in Valladolid, energized by our curious minds, we immediately entered explore mode.

Without an organized plan, we wandered our way through the lively, colourful streets. Suddenly, when Glenn, who is relatively tall, looked over a decayed wall, we’ve stumbled on something we’d never seen before.

We unexpectedly encountered Valladolid’s very own cenote.

Cenote Zaci is a large semi-open cenote that provides a scenic view and an even better place to swim, directly at the heart of the city.

Zaci isn’t necessarily our favourite cenote, however, the price and location are very inviting.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Cenote Zaci

Cost | Entrance fee 30 MXN ($1,60) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 17:30

CENOTE SUYTUN

Cenote Suytun is a picturesque cenote that manifests a mysterious underworld atmosphere.

A small crack in the ceiling, that is formed by stalactites, is largely accountable for the aforementioned atmosphere, making it the cenote’s number one asset.

The crack provides a marvellous light beam, shining directly on a stone platform in the centre of the turquoise water basin.

The Suytun cenote is a true photography playground and looks even more breathtaking in person.

If like us, you take your photography seriously, we’d highly recommend a visit first thing in the morning.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Cenote Suytun

Cost | Entrance fee 120 MXN ($6,40) per person

Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00

CENOTE SAMULA

Cenote Samula is a large cave-like cenote located in a small town named Dzitnup, nearby Valladolid.

The cavernous freshwater basin is a mystic but scenic cenote and therefore beloved among photographers.

The natural sinkhole’s only light source is a small hole in its limestone ceiling, giving it an obscure atmosphere.

A visit to Samula is easily combined with cenote X’keken, that is located on the opposite side of the road.

Both cenotes are accessible and safe for swimming.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Cenote Samula

Cost | Entrance fee 125 MXN ($6) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 19:00

9 | EAT AUTHENTIC YUCATAN FOOD

One aspect we deeply appreciate when we make the acquaintance of a new culture is the ability to try their local food.

We’ve learned that authentic Yucatan food is based on strong native Mayan influence. Despite a few significant similarities, it is noticeably different from traditional Mexican food.

For the best traditional Yucatan flavours, we’d recommend the following restaurants and signature dishes.

WHERE TO EAT IN VALLADOLID

Where others pick a restaurant based on the menu, we prefer venues where locals favour eating.

Las Campanas | Lively and authentic restaurant directly at Valladolid’s main square. Serves a bunch of traditional Yucatan food options, along with one of our favourites, Panuchos. The overall ambience is exceptional and they play live music from time to time.

El Atrio del Mayab | The perfect place to sit down after a long day of exploring. Their charming courtyard ensures a tranquil atmosphere while the waiters provide traditional specialities flavoured by fresh Mayan herbs and spices. Due to its popularity, it is pretty common to wait for a table.

Yerbabuena del Sisal | A trendy restaurant based on fresh Yucatan ingredients. One of the few restaurants in Valladolid that serves organic and vegan options. Perfectly suitable for healthy smoothies, breakfast and brunch.

YUCATAN FOOD YOU CAN’T MISS

Panuchos | A fried tortilla stuffed with mashed black beans. Topped with a variety of ingredients, including shredded chicken, avocado, tomato, pickled red onions and our personal favourite, cochinita pibil.

Cochinita Pibil | Pork marinated with annatto and the juice of Seville oranges, wrapped in a banana leaf and then slowly cooked in a traditional underground pib oven. Often served with tortillas, pickled red onions, habanero chillies and refried black beans. Locally known as the Yucatan version of pulled pork.

Sopa de Lima | A post-colonial Yucatan food based on limetta, a unique bittersweet lime that can be found throughout Yucatan. The soup is a well-blended mix of chicken and tomato, brought on flavour by habanero peppers. Served with crispy tortilla strips on the side.

Al Pastor | Not particularly a Yucatecan speciality, but still incredibly popular in Yucatan. Taco Pastor is a Lebanese Mexican fusion dish based on marinated pork, grilled and sliced off a shawarma spit. The best way to eat it, and our favourite, is on a tortilla, garnished with slices of pineapple, onions, and chopped cilantro. Ooh, and don’t forget to add some spice habanero sauce.

10 | THE BALANKANCHE CAVES

Only just outside of Valladolid you’ll find an approximately 3.000-year-old cave, safely hidden under the soil.

In this case, we’re talking about the Balankanche Caves, the most important caves for Mayan offerings.

Balamcanche was essentially used by Maya people to worship two sacred Mayan Gods – Chaac, the God of Rain and Tlaloc, the God of Water.

The mysterious cave, that is largely formed by stalactite and stalagmite, still houses more than hundreds of interesting artefacts that were used in ceremonies over 800 years ago.

If you’re interested in both the history and culture of Mayan people, we’d deeply recommend a stopover at the 700-metre long caves of Balamcanche.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Balankanche Caves

Cost | Entrance fee 141 MXN ($7,50) per person

Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY IN VALLADOLID

Valladolid is home to an abundance of things to see and do, not to mention the possible day trips in the area.

To enjoy the colonial town in its full potential, we’d recommend making Valladolid your base for at least three days.

The chance is high you’ll find yourself staying a little longer, the tranquil and authentic ambience ensures you to slow down your travels.

MY FAVOURITE DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND VALLADOLID

If you’re after an organized tour to discover Valladolid and surrounds, here are some of my personal favourites.

HOW TO GET AROUND VALLADOLID

ON FOOT | Valladolid is a cosy little town and therefore perfectly explored by foot. The town is abundant with Spanish colonial architecture, pastel-coloured walls and most importantly, there’s a story around every corner.

CAR | When we were planning our day trips from Valladolid, we’d sadly stumbled on the fact that there wasn’t a car rental company established in town. Car rental would’ve made day trips much easier, luckily we found suitable alternatives to visit Chichen Itza, Las Coloradas pink lake, Ek Balam and Grutas de Balankanche.

BICYCLE | With a bunch of impressive cenotes, in and around Valladolid, a bicycle can come in really handy. If you plan to visit cenote Suytun or cenote Samula, we’d highly recommend considering a bicycle. We also profoundly loved biking around town.

Cost | 100 MXN, ($5) for 24 hours.

SCOOTER | With no car rental companies available in Valladolid, renting a scooter is your best option. Our personal advice is to rent a scooter just after lunch. This gives you the freedom to spread your activities over 2 days, making it way more relaxing. If you plan it wisely, you can explore the cenotes near Valladolid in the afternoon and rise early the next morning to visit Chichen Itza, Grutas de Balankance or Ek Balam.

Cost | 500 MXN, ($25) for 24 hours.

HOW TO GET TO VALLADOLID

We’d personally recommend public transport when travelling through Yucatan Penisula, Mexico. We mainly travelled with ADO and found their service comfortable, clean and punctual.

Here you’ll find a few examples on how to use public transport to get to Valladolid.

FROM ISLA HOLBOX TO VALLADOLID

Isla Holbox – Chiquila – Valladolid

Cost | Holbox Express or 9 Hermanos – 150 MXN ($8) per person  | ADO bus – 214 MXN, ($11) per person

Ferry departure times | Daily, 05:00 – 20:40. Leaves every 30 mins

Bus departure times | Once daily – 1745

Travel time | Around 4 hours

FROM CANCUN TO VALLADOLID

Cost | ADO bus – 192 MXN, ($10) per person

Travel time | Around 2.15 hours

FROM TULUM TO VALLADOLID

Cost | ADO bus – 156 MXN, ($8) per person

Travel time | Around 1.30 hours

FROM MERIDA TO VALLADOLID

Cost | ADO bus – 252 MXN, ($13.50) per person

Travel time | Around 2.15 hours

For more information, departure times and online reservations, visit the ADO website.

STAY SAFE IN MEXICO | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Mexico is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH MEXICO GUIDES

After spending nearly a month in Mexico, I created plenty of in-depth guides that might interest you too.

My 3-week Mexico itinerary

11 Wonderful things to do in Tulum

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar

11 Incredible things to do in Mérida

A traveller’s guide to Chichen Itza

A complete guide to Uxmal (Coming soon)