Valladolid sits at the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, between the dazzling Chichen Itza ruins and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast. Which, to be honest, makes it the perfect pit stop on any trip through this part of Mexico.
For such a small-scale city, it packs quite the punch.
There are dozens of nearby cenotes to cool off in, tasty food around every corner, and plenty of historical sights to keep you busy for days. And as one of the country’s illustrious Pueblos Mágicos, or “Magical Towns”, you can expect your fair share of art and culture, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Between the daytime visits to more off-the-beaten-path type towns and the must-visit Yucatán highlights, I relished evening walks through the colorful colonial-era buildings. Well, that and street tacos!
In this post, I’ll share some of the best things to do in Valladolid, epic nearby day trips, and of course, how to visit Chichén Itzá. I also give some tips on what and where to eat some delicious Yucatán food, how to navigate the public transport system, and a few hotel and hostel recommendations for good measure.
This is my guide to Valladolid, Mexico.
Check out Iglesia de San Servacio
At the heart of Valladolid, the cathedral known as Iglesia de San Servacio sits towering above the rest of the buildings. It’s a symbol of the city’s history and is probably the most iconic building, too.
Named after Saint Servatius, the church sits on the corner of Parque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado and faces towards the west like most colonial churches found in the Yucatán. Iglesia de San Servacio was founded in 1545 during the initial settler days and stood strong until the early 1700s, when it was damaged. It was rebuilt soon after, and that structure is the same one you see today.
Despite the facade lacking the eye-popping color Valladolid is known for, the church still has that inherent charm with intricate etchings around the doorway. The interior is very similar, with a simple design, but still very captivating.
At night, when the lights brighten up the two towers, the sight of the church is magnificent. And even later on, a gorgeous video mapping is projected onto the front side of the church. Times usually start at 9 pm, but this can sometimes change, so it’s best to ask your accommodation or tourist information about it.
Entrance | Free
Relax in Parque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado
While Iglesia de San Servacio is the main attraction in Parque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado, there are plenty more things that will keep you coming back.
In the evening, the snack carts roll out, and crowds start pouring into the park. This mostly coincides with the sun finally dissipating, but the churro and marquesita vendors are also well loved. If you’ve never tried one of these desserts, then this is a good spot to do so. The lines get long, but you can enjoy your treat next to Fuente Mestiza and wait for the video mapping to start.
During the day, the square is much emptier. Shady areas do exist, but for the most part the heat is unrelenting.
You’re also bound to end up here if you decide to join a Valladolid walking tour. The fountain is the usual meeting place for many of these, starting early in the morning. I’m a huge fan of free walking tours in general as they share details about the city that are hard to come by on your own, of which Valladolid has many.
If you’re looking to book a spot in advance, you can join this ‘Free Tour in Valladolid.’ They have multiple slots in both English and Spanish, either early in the morning or in the evening before sunset. You can usually just rock up and ask to join a free walking tour too, as the guides tend to have noticeable umbrellas and are approachable. If you do this though, make sure you have free time, because you might have to wait a little while for an English tour.
I should also mention that a “free walking tour” is tip-based. The guides are reliant on tips, so only join if you’re willing to give a bit for the information they provide. Typical rates are between $5 and $20 USD, but in local currency. I base the price mostly on the size of the group, attentiveness of the guide, and how much fun I had.
Admire the Art at Casa de los Venados
If you’re at all interested in Mexican folk art, then Casa de los Venados is a requirement during your visit to Valladolid.
The name roughly translates to House of the Deer, and it’s the accumulation and collection of John & Dorianne Venator. These two were a retired American couple who purchased a house in ruins and restored it into a hacienda full of traditional art.
There are more than 3000 pieces in the collection, which started as a hobby and then was subsequently turned into its current iteration. It’s sort of a donation-based museum and art gallery all mixed together, and is one of the largest private collections of Mexican art in the world.
You can see Casa de los Venados by joining a tour.
They usually last around an hour and can get busy. These are donation-based tours, so both Spanish and English are available, but the language depends on the group that shows up. More times have been added, so you can confirm this at the house site.
Guides share information about the couple and the art, while steering you through various rooms that are themed around several decorative pieces. There are some downright stunning paintings and sculptures on display, each with its own reasoning.
Location (maps) | Calle 40 Local 204 X 41
Tour Times | 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm (check the front door for any changes)
Admission | $100 MXN donation
Taste the local cuisine
Just about anywhere you go in Mexico, you’ll find delicious food, and Valladolid is no different.
There are tons of wonderful restaurants around, and that’s before I even get to the street food scene. You can expect a bit of spice, a wonderful amount of flavor in the slow-cooked meals, and plenty of fast-food stalls.
While Yucatecan food is the core identity of every town and city on the peninsula, I find that individual dishes vary from place to place.
POPULAR VALLODOLID DISHES
Tlacoyo | A typical street food made from masa. It’s usually stuffed with fava and/or refried beans, cheese, chicharron, and other ingredients and then fried or cooked up. It’s shaped sort of like an American football and dates back to pre-Hispanic times.
Sopa de Lima | Also known as lime soup, it features a broth with meat (usually chicken), plenty of lime juice, different spices, and is topped with fried tortilla strips.
Tacos de Canasta | Often called “basket tacos,” they are essentially tortillas filled with various stews. Beans, pork rinds, and potatoes are common ingredients.
Panuchos | A refried tortilla, stuffed with refried beans and topped with meat and vegetables. Pulled chicken or turkey is most common, with variations featuring cabbage, tomato, avocado, and pickled onion or pepper.
Elote | Mexican street corn, usually topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, spices, and lime.
Marquesitas | A rolled crepe with either pudding, cheese, condensed milk, jam, or a combination of some of them. It’s a popular dessert found at evening street stalls.
Cocinita Pibil | Tasty, slow-roasted pork that is marinated in a citrus juice and achiote blend.
Some of my favorite restaurants around town include:
Le Kaat | A beloved vegetarian restaurant with a range of Mexican and foreign dishes. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is pretty good, and the service is friendly. It’s one of the best options out there for anyone on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Mesón del Marqués Restaurante | Set in a stunning building, this is a higher-end restaurant with some lovely Yucatecan cuisine. Cochinita pibil and sopa de lima stand out for anyone trying them for the first time.
Tacos & Tortas El Tigrillo | Absolutely delicious street tacos and tortas. The cochinita pibil tacos are pretty much a must. It gets packed, but they fire out tacos quickly and at a reasonable price.
Nena Nena | I stumbled across this eatery and was shocked by how good it was. It’s an amazing spot to try tacos de canasta, tlacoyas, and some other unique quick bites like pambazos and nopalitas. They have some fantastic vegan/vegetarian options, pretty nice cocktails, and board games. Plus, the ladies who run the place are super friendly!
La Joyita Cantina | A classic little cantina that’s great for some drinks and snacks. Most of the staff understand English, which, at times, can really help with ordering.
A FEW MORE FOR GOOD MEASURE
- Restaurante AHAL | For good food and a nice atmosphere.
- El Patio restaurante Valladolid Yucatán | For poc chuc and empanadas de chaya.
- Taquería El Súper Taco | For the tacos.
- Pak’al Restaurante & Café | For a nice meal after swimming in Cenote Zaci.
Walk Down Calzada de los Frailes
The most scenic street in Valladolid, and the one that ends at the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena and the city’s letters, is the picturesque Calzada de los Frailes. The name translates to “Friars’ Causeway,” and it’s lined with a mixture of colorfully painted shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries.
Some of Valladolid’s most beloved restaurants are here, like the aforementioned Le Kaat, Tresvabien, which is known for its empanadas and homemade kombucha, and a craft beer bar called Idilio Folklore Cervecero. For takeaway coffee, I suggest hitting up Bike House Coffee, or for coffee with dessert, you can try ConKafecito Calzada de los Frailes.
If you’re ever in doubt about where to grab some food or a drink, this is a nice street on which to start.
Between the local eateries and cafes, there are several artisan clothing shops and handicraft stores that focus on antiques and souvenirs. Plus, there are some unique buildings like Casa Maya, a small preserved Mayan house.
And for any art lovers, there are several galleries to pop into. Kokone Tochtli is a boutique art store that offers hand-painting workshops. Kuxtal México is part cafe, part handicraft shop.
Visit the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena
As I mentioned above, Calzada de los Frailes finishes at the park where the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena sits. The historical convent is one of just a handful of religious buildings built in the 16th century to convert local Yucatecos to Catholicism.
Built by Franciscans, it is the second largest in the region behind only the stunning Convento de San Antonio in Izamal. The whole complex is rich in history and beauty, with a connecting garden, church, chapel, and the former convent and living quarters. There’s not really a chance to see it, but the property was built over Cenote Ziiz Ha, which was used as a water source by the friars.
Inside the church is also a magnificent Baroque-influenced wooden altar. The architecture of the whole building is stunning, though, and has the colonial charm that is so common in these parts of Mexico.
Every night at 9 pm, the facade of the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena turns into a video mapping stage. This tells a short story of the history and lasts for about 20 minutes. It goes in Spanish first, and then an English version starts just a few minutes afterwards.
You can sit or stand in Parque Sisal (Sisal k’íiwik) for this. The same park is also where the Valladolid Letters (Letras Valladolid) are located. If you want a picture with them, I suggest coming during the day before it gets too busy.
Convent Entrance | $40 MXN
Video Mapping | Free
Wander Around More of the Colorful Streets
The sights I’ve covered so far are the most prominent around town, and I’d consider them the top things to do in Valladolid. However, the pueblo magico has much more to see if you decide to wander the colorful streets.
A few museums and churches are definitely worth seeing for those of you extending your trip past a couple of days. Here are some more noteworthy places around Valladolid:
Museo San Roque | This very small museum is near the Parque los Heroes and has a bit of history about Valladolid and the region. The signs are in Spanish, so if you can’t read the language us a translator app from your phone. They usually cover the information inside on a free walking tour, too. Entry inside is free.
Museo del Chocolate | Or, Choco – Story, is a museum and showroom dedicated to the history of chocolate on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s not a bad place to kill some time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with chocolate making. The showroom where you can purchase sweets is almost always open, while the museum portion is a bit hit or miss
Iglesia de la Candelaria | A small, colorful church is quite beautiful around sunset. The square across the street, Candelaria Park (Parque Candelaria), is a relaxing spot to sip on coffee or have a snack.
Parque San Juan | The quiet local park is surrounded by a few cafes and restaurants and overlooks the pretty Saint John Catholic Church.
Iglesia de Santa Ana | A cute yellow church with a beautiful red altarpiece. Like most of the other churches around town, a small park (Parque de Santa Ana) is just across from it. It’s just around the corner from Cenote Zaci.
Take a Dip in a Cenote
With Valladolid being so central in the Yucatán Peninsula, the easiest way to escape the heat will be to visit one of the nearby cenotes. This part of Mexico is dotted with natural, water-filled sinkholes, which makes a trip to one quite easy.
In fact, at the city’s core, between Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado and Mercado Municipal de Valladolid, is one of my favorites. Cenote Zaci is pretty spectacular, set halfway inside an open cavern with hanging stalactites and deep bluish-green water.
And despite its prices surging in recent years, it’s still on the more budget-friendly side of things. You can expect cool waters, cliffs to jump from, and relatively crowd-free lines if you’re willing to go first thing in the morning.
If you’re willing to head outside of town, your options for cenotes improve significantly. There are dozens within an hour’s drive, all ranging from $100 MXN to $500+ MXN.
SOME OF THE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID
Hacienda Cenote Oxmán
Cenote Suytun
Cenote Dzitnup
Cenote Saamal
Cenote Hubiku
Cenote Xkeken
Cenote Chichikan
Cenote Chukum
Cenote Palomitas
There’s a large range of cenote types to choose from, so there’s sure to be something for everyone’s needs. Whether that means a priority for cave sinkholes, family-friendly ones, or more off-the-beaten-track. With the prices far less economical than even five years ago, I’d suggest picking a couple out and focusing on them.
The best way to reach these cenotes will be a car rental, although you can sometimes manage with a combination of taxis and public transport. If you’re staying at a hostel, I suggest trying to gather a group to make the transport cost more reasonable. Of course, there are always group tours to join, too.
VALLADOLID CENOTE TOURS
Tours from Valladolid to the cenotes usually cover a couple of the more popular cenotes along with another site or cultural experience. Dozens are based around Chichén Itzá, but I’ll cover those later in the article.
Here are a few worth looking into, whose main focus is the cenote:
Tour 1 | Cenotes road trip in classic van around Valladolid
Tour 2 | Biketour Valladolid: local Market – Cenotes – Mayan Families
Tour 3 | All-inclusive Cenotes tour
Be Wowed at Chichén Itzá
The Yucatán Peninsula’s most popular site, Chichén Itzá, is just a short drive away from Valladolid. And for the vast majority of you, this is going to be a must-see when visiting this region of Mexico.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site and modern-day wonder of the world is the most prominent Mayan city, and an easy addition to any Valladolid itinerary. While I personally enjoyed a few of the other less-visited ruins more in the Americas, I was still wowed beyond words here.
The main pyramid is well-maintained and a stunning sight, and if you head out early, you might manage to beat the tour buses and have a relatively empty temple complex to explore.
CHICHEN ITZA SITES TO SEE
Ik Kil Cenote
El Castillo Pyramid
Cenote Xtoloc
Gran Juego de Pelota
Warriors Temple
Plataforma de Venus
El Caracol
El Osario
CHICHEN ITZA NEED-TO-KNOWS
Entrance Fee
$697 MXN for foreigners
$105 MXN for children
Free for children under 3
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday
8 am to 5 pm
The ticket booth closes at 4 pm
Getting To Chichen Itza By Public Transport
My partner and I visited on our own, and if you’re up for a little adventure, it’s easy enough to do. There’s a parking lot called Transporte Colectivo (Chichén Itzá y Piste) that I’ll link below in the transport section where you can grab a minibus to the ruins. They give an option to add on a stop at Ik Kil Cenote too, and go often throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Minibus Price | It’s $50 MXN each way or $100 MXN round trip for transport only, or $130 MXN round trip for the stop at Ik Kil Cenote.
TOURS TO CHICHEN ITZA
Of course, if you don’t want to manage your own transport or just want a more dedicated guide while there, then booking a tour is definitely an option. There are a ton of companies that go here, with most dedicating time to the ruins and a place or two in the surrounding countryside.
The biggest choice is whether you want a smaller, more intimate tour or something bigger and easier to meet people. Here are a few that leave from Valladolid that I recommend looking at beforehand:
Tour 1 | Chichen Itza Tour and 3 Cenotes from Valladolid in a Small Group
Tour 2 | Chichen Itza & 2 Cenotes Sightseeing Tour
Tour 3 | Chichen Itza, Cenote and Ek Balam Tour with Lunch from Valladolid
OTHER RUINS NEAR VALLADOLID
There are a handful of other ruins near Valladolid that are worth exploring besides Chichen Itza. Not all of them are easy to reach by public transport, but if you’re driving on your own, you can see as many as two in a day.
Zona Arqueológica de Coba | The Mayan city of Cobá sits east of Valladolid off the road to Tulum. It has the region’s highest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, and many of its sights can be climbed or seen up close. It definitely has a wilder feel, with animals hanging out in the nearby trees and fewer overall visitors than Chichen Itza.
Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam | Just north of Valladolid is Ek Balam, a quieter temple complex set amongst the Yucatan jungles. It’s well maintained, has awesome views from atop the pyramid, and a nice cenote within the archeological zone. There’s a shared colectivo you can take from Valladolid that I’ll link in the ‘Transport Section.’
Day Trip to Mérida
It’s hard not to mention Mérida when talking about the Yucatán. The state’s capital city is also its cultural hub, and there’s just so much to do. If you have the time, I suggest a multi-day trip to experience the city to its fullest.
But seeing the main sights in a single day is definitely possible, especially if you join a free walking tour that brings you from place to place. Most things are based around the main square and its immediate surroundings, and that includes some of the best restaurants.
Here are a few things worth doing on a day trip to Mérida
- Visit the zócalo for a blend of culture and history. This is where you’ll see major attractions like Catedral de San Ildefonso, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Pasaje de Revolución, Museo Casa Montejo, and Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán.
- Dive into the regional art, Mayan history, and music scene at one of the many other museums.
- Walk the Paseo de Montejo to see the iconic colonial architecture, grand monuments, and former palaces.
- Hop around all the galleries to see Yucatán’s thriving contemporary and Mayan art exhibits.
- Explore the epic food scene and its diverse mix of Yucatán gastronomy, street food stalls, and beloved Mexican staples. The Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy and La Chaya Maya stand out for larger meals, while Taqueria de la Union and Gorditas Doña Gorda are hard to beat for fast food.
Getting There | There are dozens of buses going from Valladolid to Mérida each day. ADO, Central Bus, and several colectivos all frequent this route, which makes it an easy day trip destination.
If you have your own vehicle, you can even add on some more stops along the way. There are some really cool Pueblos Mágicos just off the main road, plus amazing Mayan ruins and cenotes.
For a more detailed look at the city and its surroundings, check out my ‘Wonderful Things to Do in Mérida’ guide.
Other day trip options
While Mérida tops my list for a city break in the Yucatán, there are several other cute towns and beach destinations within driving distance of Valladolid. I think adding one or two of these to your trip allows for a nice overall feel of the peninsula.
Here are some recommendations for more day trips:
Tulum | Once again, another Pueblo Mágico, but this one is a popular beachside tourist destination in Quintana Roo. Tulum is well known for its temple ruins along the Riviera Maya, but there’s a ton to do here. This includes water activities like snorkeling and cenote hopping, plus a decent food and party scene.
Playa Del Carmen | Sort of the Tulum before Tulum, Playa Del Carmen has been a tourist retreat for years and years. The ruins aren’t quite as spectacular, but the beaches are wonderful; there are cenotes not far away, and it’s a place that is well set up for those traveling with family.
Rio Lagartos | The natural reserve is one of the best places to go birdwatching in all of Mexico. Of course, there are also the Pink Lake, tours to see the flamingos, and boats that cruise through the mangroves to see crocodiles.
Izamal | Like Valladolid, the “Yellow City,” is another one of the Pueblos Mágicos. It’s one of the prettiest towns I’ve ever been to, and the yellow facades on the colonial-era buildings are a really special sight to see. The Convento de San Antonio is the most popular place to visit, but you’ll also find some spectacular restaurants, beautiful ruins like Pirámide Kinich Kak Moo, and a chilled-out, artistic vibe all around. Some other nearby Pueblos Mágicos in Yucatán worth adding to the list would be Espita, Maní, and Tekax.
Just about all of these can be visited by public transport, but a rental car will make them significantly easier to visit. If you’re going by bus, I suggest leaving first thing in the morning to give yourself time to explore.
GETTING AROUND VALLADOLID
Valladolid is quite small and laid out in a way that walking around is easy. You’ll have no problem getting to all the main sites in the city on foot, although if you want to explore the local food scene in more depth, then a bicycle or car rental might be in store.
The latter will come in handy, too, if you’re planning to visit many of the historic ruins and cenotes on your own. Although there are usually colectivos going to the better-known ones.
There’s a local bus that goes around Valladolid too, but I’m not so familiar with its routes.
Here are the public transport stations you might come across on your visit:
Estación Autobuses Valladolid ADO (maps) | The ADO bus station gets quite busy in Valladolid, but it’s a necessity if you plan on taking a bus to different parts of the Yucatán Peninsula. It covers all major routes, like to Merida, Cancun, Tulum, and all the long-distance journeys. This is one of those stations where I suggest heading to a cafe or restaurant in the meantime, if you have a longer wait for your bus.
Transporte Colectivo – Chichén Itzá y Piste (maps) | A great alternative to spending loads on a Chichén Itzá tour. This is where the shared minibuses leave from. You just rock up, purchase a ticket for either Chichen Itza or a combo with Ik Kil Cenote included, and wait until the van fills before leaving.
Colectivo Ek Balam (maps) | If you want to visit Ek Balam without joining a tour, then you can head here to catch a shared taxi (colectivo).
Autobuses del Centro Valladolid (maps) | The station for Centro buses. It goes to many of the inland places in Yucatan, as well as the major cities of Cancun and Merida.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID
Valladolid is a popular destination, so you have the choice of just about every kind of accommodation. That includes hostels for the budget backpacker, boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses, and luxury stays.
Here are a few recommendations:
Hostel La Candelaria | A Budget-friendly hostel with a wide range of rooms to choose from. It’s quite social and has been one of the go-to hostels in town for a while now.
Casa Xtakay & Mamachá Natural Residence | Two more awesome hostel options. Casa Xtakay is super relaxed, family-run, and has double rooms and dorms with no more than 4 beds. Mamachá Natural Residence is more like flashpacking, with a boutique hotel feel but with dorms to go along with private rooms.
Casa Fernery | A lovely family-run guesthouse with nice, budget-friendly rooms.
Suucilha & Real Haciendas | Two wonderful midrange options. Suucilha has studio apartments with kitchenettes, clean rooms, and modern facilities. Real Haciendas is well-located near Cenote Zaci and has a gorgeous shared pool and yard, and cute, traditional rooms.
Casa Tia Micha | A stunning high-end guesthouse set in a colonial-style building with modern amenities.
Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave | A stunning property that falls into the luxury category. They have several swimming areas, including a saltwater cave pool and an artistic touch all around the grounds.
For more Valladolid accommodations, check here.
