See Why Travelers Are Raving About This Stunning Colonial City in Mexico

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

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

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

2. Have a spa day at Coqui Coqui Valladolid

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 spa@coquicoqui.com 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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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.

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)

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)

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

4. Visit the Parque Principal & Iglesia de San Servacio

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

5. Admire the art in Casa de los Venados

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

6. Buy some art at Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Art

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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

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).

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

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

9. Dine at the best Restaurants in Valladolid

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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

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

Las Coloradas Mexico pink lakes on your bucket list? Book the Pink Pools Flamingos and Swimming Tour now!

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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!).

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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:

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

Valladolid day trip — or overnight trip?

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

Tulum to Valladolid

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.

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

Merida to Valladolid

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

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 Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

Best Valladolid Hotels

The salt cave and lush gardens at Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave, a beautiful hotel in Valladolid, Mexico. (Photos: Expedia)

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

Best Things to Do In Valladolid Mexico

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.