Valladolid, located in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, charms with cobblestone streets, a thriving cafe and artisan culture, and one-of-a-kind boutique hotels.

It’s small enough to visit for a day—and most do when they’re on their way to Chichén Itzá—but it’s worth staying a night or two as it makes the perfect base to explore other regional attractions, including the Instagram-famous Cenote Ceytun and Las Coloradas.

How to get to Valladolid

Valladolid is located about two hours away from Cancun or Mérida. If you want the flexibility of driving, rent a car from the airport as there are no rental companies in Valladolid.

You can get to Valladolid by direct bus from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Mérida or if coming from other cities, you can make transfers through one of those cities. The ADO bus station is centrally located in Valladolid.

Where to stay in Valladolid

I recommend staying on the most beautiful street in Valladolid, the Calzada de los Frailes which translates to “Road of the Friars”. Dotted with cafes, shops, and lovely, colorful homes, you can’t go wrong by staying here.

• $ Hostel Valladolid 48 offers private double rooms and dorm beds
• $$ Verde Morada is an inn that opens to a beautiful garden in the back where you can enjoy your breakfast surrounded by lush gardens and the sound of running water. The cafe is also open for the day, so stop by for a bite.
• $$$ Meson de Malleville offers luxurious rooms housed in the former house of the Coqui Coqui perfumery founders. Enjoy their home and bath products in your suite or at the spa

Restaurants and bars in Valladolid

Restaurants in Valladolid celebrate the best of traditional Yucatecan dishes, from cochinita pibil to sopa de lima.

You can try these dishes at the Bazar Municipal, a food court conveniently located on the main square with a dozen or so casual eateries (I recommend Loncheria Canul).

IX CAT IK Tradicional Cocina Maya is a little further out of town and worth the trip for the food, friendly staff, and inviting setting complete with a tortilla comal.

For a drink, Terraza Don Diablo overlooks the main town square, El Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado, allowing you to enjoy people- and bird-watching at dusk while unwinding over tableside drinks. You can also grab beers at Idilio Folklore Cervecero which serves gastropub fare in its garden patio.

Things to do in Valladolid

From the main square to historic convent, Valladolid is completely walkable. So stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, with its picturesque cobblestone road full of artisan boutiques and cafes, many of which offer beautiful outdoor spaces to unwind. On Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, you can witness a recreated procession of the namesake Franciscan friars.

At the end of the road is the Convento de San Bernandino de Siena, the former Franciscan convent built in 1552. There’s a light show Tuesday-Saturday at 9pm (9:30pm for English) that tells the history of the convent in Valladolid, from its historic role in Christianizing the Maya people through its destruction during the Caste War. The light show is reportedly no longer being shown as of 2024.

Feeling hot? You can visit a cenote right in the town center. Cenote Zaci is a pool-like swimming hole with a cool skylight effect.

To learn more about Valladolid, take a guided tips-based walking tour to immerse yourself in culture and get recommendations.

Day trips from Valladolid

Valladolid is located smack dab in the middle of the Yucatán. This means that compared to larger cities of Mérida or Cancun, travel time to some of the best attractions is cut in half just by staying a night here.

Visit Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting thousands of tourists a year. In the past it was one of largest cities of the Maya empire, now known now for its ziggurat pyramid, the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, and its annual equinox event (visit to learn why).

Just 45 minutes away from Valladolid, visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the tour groups and unforgiving sun. Chichén Itzá isn’t super cheap, costing around 650 MXP for tourists. You can hire a licensed tour guide for 800-1000 MXP, which I’d say isn’t necessary but recommended to get the most immersive experience.

Visit Cenote Suytun for photos and snorkeling

Cenote Suytun, located about 15 minutes from town, is the Instagram-famous underground cenote.

While you can swim and do other activities here, most are just here for the picture and you’ll have to wait in a queue. Book in advance online to save money on admission.

Make a trip to the salt lakes at Las Coloradas

Las Coloradasare the stunning pink lakes you would have seen on Instagram. The town itself is tiny, built around one of the largest salt production factories in Mexico, Sal Sol.

In 2021 you can’t go into the lake and must be accompanied by a guide. For the same price you can rent bikes or for a bit extra take a safari tour to cover more ground. There’s construction nearby – expect this to become more developed in years to come.

It’s a two-hour drive from Valladolid, so it’s best to also visit the surrounding Rio Lagartos Nature Reserve while there (try a mangrove boat tour).

With so much to do in and around Valladolid, I could not recommend here more for an escape to a quiet town that put you in proximity to popular destinations. Be sure to make it part of your next Mexico trip.