8 Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico? Valladolid is a Spanish colonial city that is a hidden gem in Yucatan. Valladolid and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula.

Wondering what to do in Valladolid, Mexico?

Swim in the stunning cenotes, take day trips to nearby towns, see the famous Chichen Itza, and explore the colorful streets of Valladolid.

This ultimate guide to visiting Valladolid includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

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Where is Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is a beautiful colonial city located in the Yucatan Peninsula between Cancun and Merida, not far from Chichen Itza.

Best time to Visit Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is a popular destination to visit all year round due to its tropical climate. The best time to visit Valladolid is usually from mid-November to the end of April. The weather is pleasantly warm during this period, and rainfall is rare.

However, this is the peak season in Valladolid, when prices are higher, and there will be crowds at the main attractions.

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

How to Get to Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is easily accessible by car or bus from Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Merida. The best way to get to Valladolid and explore the area is by car.

It’s easy to rent a car in Mexico. You can rent a car at airports and in major cities or online. You cannot rent a car in Valladolid, so you should rent one in Merida or Cancun.

We picked up our car at Cancun International Airport and made our Valladolid Itinerary. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.

During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

Alternatively, you can travel by the popular ADO buses, which connect most cities and are cheap and comfortable.

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If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use Bookaway.

How to Get Around Valladolid

Wondering how to get around Valladolid, Mexico? Valladolid is a small city, so it is easy to get around and discover the best sights by walking.

For the best experience, add an extra 1-2 days to your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary and use this city as your base for visiting nearby attractions.

Rent a bike or scooter in town and visit the cenotes around Valladolid. You can rent a scooter in many places in the city. Hotels also offer bike rental, which costs around 100-150 MXN (5.5-8 USD) for 24 hours.

Book a private transfer from Valladolid, which includes a visit to Chichen Itza and 3 cenotes.

From Valladolid, travel by car, taxi, or colectivo, or join a group tour to visit Mayan Ruins and nearby cities.

Is it Safe to Travel to Valladolid, Mexico?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

Best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico

1. Walking along the Calzada de los Frailes

One of the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico, is to take a walk around the city and explore the colorful streets and hidden corners. You should visit Calzada de los Frailes Street, home to some of the most beautiful colonial buildings.

The houses painted in different colors make a great photo backdrop, so it is the perfect place for Instagram shots.

There are many cozy cafés, authentic restaurants, and trendy boutiques along the Calzada de los Frailes. So wear comfortable shoes and spend the afternoon wandering the streets.

Recommended post → Valladolid itinerary

2. Discover Cenotes Around Valladolid

The Valladolid surroundings are home to many beautiful cenotes, which you can easily reach by car or rent a bike.

The best cenote in Valladolid is the Cenote Zaci. The Cenote Zaci is a stunning, semi-open cave cenote where you can jump from the cliffs or swim in the refreshing water.

Cenote Zaci is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Valladolid and is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The entrance fee to Cenote Zaci is just 60 MXN (3.50 USD), which is much cheaper than other cenotes near Valladolid, Mexico.

Another beautiful place near Valladolid is Cenote Suytun, which is the most photographed place in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The entrance fee to Cenote Suytun is 200 MXN (11 USD).

See also → Best Cenotes near Valladolid

3. Visit Chichen Itza

The must-see place in Valladolid, Mexico, is Chichen Itza, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Many travelers choose Valladolid as a base to get to the Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is only a 50-minute drive from Valladolid.

Book your Chichen Itza tour through Viator.

Plan your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary to allow enough time to explore the famous Mayan Ruins. If you arrive in the morning, you can avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy a stroll around the ruins without the burning sun.

After Chichen Itza, you should visit Cenote Ik Kil, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Read the full post → Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza

4. See the Cathedral and the Main Square

The Iglesia de San Servacio church is located in the city center and offers beautiful photo opportunities. The centuries-old church was rebuilt in 1706 and has become an iconic symbol of Valladolid, Mexico.

The main square of Valladolid, Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado, is always a lively spot with a charming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy Mexican dancers performing or buy delicious sweets and souvenirs from local vendors.

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Buy a delicious ice cream at Wabi Gelato or try the churros in the park, which are incredibly sweet.

We loved hanging out and walking around the main square during our visit.

See also → What to Do in Merida

5. Take a Day Trip to the Yellow City

The small colonial town of Izamal, known as the Yellow City, is one of the most visited places on the Yucatan Peninsula. Izamal is 1.5 hours from Valladolid and should not be missed during your Mexico trip.

The Yellow City is stunningly beautiful, and every corner provides the perfect backdrop for creative content creators. Explore the charming yellow streets of Izamal, visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, try Mexican food, or see the ancient Mayan pyramids.

Read the full post → How to Visit Izamal

6. Check out Convent of San Bernardino de Siena

The Convent of San Bernardino de Siena is about a 15-minute walk from Valladolid’s main square. The Monastery is one of the oldest historical complexes in Yucatán, built almost 500 years ago.

Walk around the building and watch the evening light show performances.

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Don’t forget to take some photos with the colorful Valladolid sign in Sisal Park.

Keep reading → Tulum Guide

7. Take a short visit to Uayma

Uayma is just a 20-minute drive from Valladolid and well worth a visit in Mexico. Uayma is a quiet, small town that has become popular on Instagram thanks to its stunning church. The unique decoration of the church of Santo Domingo de Guzman makes it one of the most beautiful sights in Yucatan.

In Uayma, there’s not much to do. However, you can walk around the main square, meet the locals, and take some photos of the Uayma church.

Read our → Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

8. Eat some Mexican Food

Tasting traditional Mexican dishes is something you must do in Valladolid. Tacos, panuchos, salbutes, and empanadas are available on almost every corner.

Try the street food, which is delicious and cheap, or visit the Mercado Municipal market and buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Where to Eat in Valladolid, Mexico

Most restaurants are located in the main square or around the Calzada de Los Frailes. But you will find street foods on every corner, which are tasty and cheap.

Best restaurants in Valladolid

Le Kaat is one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Valladolid.
Wabi Gelato has the best ice cream.
You can try some Mexican food and drinks at Las Campanas or Loncheria El Amigo Casiano for a budget price.
The La Casona de Valladolid is a popular restaurant with a buffet service, where you can eat typical Yucatán dishes. This restaurant has a beautiful photo spot with a high altar decorated with colorful ceramics.

Where to Stay in Valladolid, Mexico

There are many places to stay in Valladolid, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique or luxury hotels. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Valladolid

Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo

more hotels in valladolid

How many Days do you Need in Valladolid, Mexico?

Many people take a day trip from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum to Valladolid. But we highly recommend discovering the best of this magical city with a 3-day Valladolid Itinerary.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico, will inspire you to visit this beautiful city. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

8 Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico