Valladolid is a colorful, quiet town located in the Yucatán Peninsula and a must-see during your visit to this region. There are plenty of things to do in Valladolid, Mexico, from gazing at the colonial architecture, taking a dip at the cenote in town, and sampling the delicious Yucatán cuisine.
This charming hidden gem was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and has done well in maintaining its Mayan culture.
Valladolid is a cozy and laid-back town where you can experience authentic Mexican culture aside from the more popular destinations in Mexico.
Without further ado, keep reading to find out what to do in Valladolid and why it should be added to your Mexico itinerary.
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8 Exquisite Things To Do In Valladolid
You will end up leaving a piece of your heart after visiting this gem in Mexico. You won’t want to leave after experiencing this colorful town, welcoming locals, and tasty cuisine. Follow these 8 things to do in Valladolid for a memorable visit.
1| Walk Around Calzada De Los Frailes
Roaming around the cobblestones of Calzada de los Frailes is a must-see in Valladolid as this colonial street dates back to the 16th century.
Walking on Calzada de los Frailes was one of my favorite things to do in Valladolid. Along the road, there are many welcoming cafes, adorable boutiques, art galleries, and much more inside the vibrant and rustic buildings to discover.
Location | Calzada de los Frailes
Admission | Free
Opening Hours | Street is open 24/7-shops and cafes have regular business hours
2| Ride Around Valladolid By Bicycle
Another way to grasp a sense of Valladolid and go a little bit further than on foot is to go by bicycle.
3| Explore Valladolid’s Main Square Parque Francisco Canton
Within the central plaza of Valladolid is Parque Francisco Canton, which has many beautiful paths to walk along. Through the gates are many vendors selling unique and traditional souvenirs, Mexican treats, and creamy ice cream.
Parque Francisco Canton is a charming location to take a brief rest from all the walking and cool off from the heat with a frozen snack.
Location | Calle 41 204A, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Admission | Free
Opening Hours | 24/7
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4| Embrace Culture Visiting Convento San Bernardino
Not too far off from the town’s main square is Convento San Bernardino the Yucatán’s oldest colonial complex and the Franciscan Order’s first home in Valladolid.
This is one of the main attractions in Valladolid and a must-see, as the site was constructed by Franciscan monks and its completion dates back to the 16th century. Convento San Bernardino served as both a place of worship and a fortress.
Some nights you can catch a light show at Convento San Bernardino, so look out for one during your trip.
Location | Calle 50 210B, Sisal, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Admission | 30 MXN (~15 USD)
Opening Hours | Every day 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Monday and Saturday
5| Go For A Swim At Cenote Zaci
There are many beautiful cenotes to discover around the Yucatán that are perfect for a swim. However, Cenote Zaci is one worth making a stop at while in Valladolid. This cenote is located near the center of town, which makes it super easy to visit and cool down from all your sightseeing.
Cenote Zaci is a huge semi-open cenote that’s partially hidden by a cave, and it also has a stunning view. There is a beautiful path that goes around the cenote, but watch your step because it does get slippery.
The depth of Cenote Zaci ranges between 30 to 100 meters, and if you get tired from swimming, but are not ready to leave the sinkhole’s cool water, you can rest on a rope inside the cenobite.
Besides walking down the steps to enter the cenote, take a dive from the 8-meter ledge if you’re feeling a tad bit more adventurous. It’s also a great spot to take a picture!
Location | Calle 36 between Calles 37 and 39
Admission | 30 MXN (less than 2 USD)
Opening Hours | Every day from 9:00 AM to 5 PM
6| Explore Authenticity at Mercado Municipal
To experience true and authentic Mexican culture, take a glimpse inside the locals’ way of living at one of the best places to visit, Mercado Municipal.
Many locals come here to shop and buy local produce, spices, meats, beans, sauces, clothing, and fresh flowers. Take your pick and buy some of the delicious treats for yourself at this Valladolid must-see.
Location | Calle 32 #0, Sta AnaA
Admission | Free
Opening Hours | Every day 5:00 AM to 4 PM
7| Visit Iglesia De San Juan Servacio
One of the top things to do in Valladolid is to visit Iglesia de San Servacio, which is situated on the south side of the main square, Parque Francisco Canton. It’s stunning, massive, and yellow, so you won’t be able to miss this church since it is the highlight of the square.
The cathedral was originally built in the mid-1500s, but Bishop Pedro del los Rios Reyes demolished it in 1705 before it was restored in 1706.
Be sure to walk by and catch a glimpse during the evening, as it’s absolutely beautiful lit up at night.
Location | Calle 41, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Admission | Free
Opening Hours | Daily 8:00 AM to 8 PM
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8| Take A Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Visiting Chichen Itza is one of the most popular and top things to do near Valladolid when visiting the Yucatán. From Valladolid, it takes less than an hour to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, making it a nice, quick day trip.
This is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and was abandoned in the 1200s after being occupied for 600 years. Besides the pyramids, there are ruins, Mayan temples, and even a cenote to explore, so expect this to take a minimum of 2 hours of your day.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and light clothing.
If you’re not driving yourself there, there are other ways to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza.
Location | Merida, Chichen Itza 97751, Mexico
Admission | 533 MXN (~26 USD)
Opening Hours | Everyday 8AM-4 | 30PM
Best Time To Visit Valladolid
Valladolid is located in the eastern area of the Yucatán Peninsula. This state of Mexico has a tropical climate year-round, and the average temperatures don’t vary too much between the months.
January to March is peak season for the Yucatán, so expect a spike in prices and large crowds at the major tourist sites.
Valladolid’s shoulder season runs from April to July, which are the warmest months of the year. Expect lower prices and fewer crowds if you are brave enough to handle the hot weather and possible rainfall.
For more ideal weather temperatures, the best time to visit Valladolid would be between November up until mid mid-May. These months are more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing since this is Valladolid’s cooler season.
Keep in mind when planning your trip that hurricane and storm season in the Yucatán Peninsula begins in June and spans until November. Plan accordingly, as your plans could possibly get interrupted due to inclement weather.
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How Long To Stay In Valladolid
Depending on all the things to do in Valladolid you would like to see and do will determine how long you should stay. If you plan on strictly staying in town, 2 days is an ample amount of time to explore all the sites without feeling rushed.
If you’re wanting to explore more of the Yucatán and see other attractions, which I suggest you do, extend your stay for 3 to 4 days. Valladolid is the perfect hub due to its location to venture off to some other sites in the state as a day trip.
Hotels In Valladolid To Stay
Valladolid has plenty of options for places for those with varying budgets. Right in the center of your town, you can easily book a luxury hotel or something that is a little less expensive. Use the map below for additional recommendations.
Booking.comBudget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel Casa Bamboo | Budget-friendly hotel located near the city center and ADO bus station. Rooms are large and beautiful, and the hotel has a courtyard with a pool.
Review availability and rates for Hotel Casa Bamboo.
Hotel Real Colonial | Located two blocks away from the main square, this hotel has a colorful and rustic ambiance.
Review availability and rates for Hotel Real Colonial.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Peregrina | Vibrant colonial-style hotel just a few blocks away from Valladolid’s central plaza. Large beds and a cozy courtyard with an inviting pool to lounge in.
Review availability and rates for Hotel Peregrina.
IMIX Hotel | Experience tranquility inside this old hacienda-style hotel located near Calzada de los Frailes. All rooms are decorated differently and have a rustic appeal.
Review availability and rates for IMIX Hotel.
Boutique & Luxury Hotels
Le Muuch Hotel | Located in Valladolid’s historic center and just a few blocks away from the main square in Valladolid. This hotel comes with modern-style rooms, an outdoor pool enclosed in a lush tropical garden, and an indoor pool with a jacuzzi. There is also a delicious restaurant on the property.
Review availability and rates for Le Muuch Hotel.
Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave | A Luxury boutique hotel where all rooms resemble a tree house and have multicolored painted walls. What makes this hotel super unique and worth the splurge is the pool located in a subterranean saline cave.
Review availability and rates for Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave.
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How To Get Around Valladolid
Walking
Valladolid isn’t very large, so it is very easy to explore the city on foot. By walking, you can easily do all your Valladolid sightseeing and make stops along the way to browse the many adorable boutiques, art shops, and cafes.
Bicycle
If you would like to go a little further, then I suggest renting a bicycle as another way of getting around and exploring all of Valladolid’s must-sees in town.
Many rental companies are located around town, and you can find options as cheap as 99 MXN (less than 5 USD) to rent for the whole day.
Scooter
Renting a scooter is a great option to visit some of the neighboring cenotes and sites around Valladolid. Scooter Valladolid has super cute Vespa-like scooters that you can rent by the hour or day.
How To Get To Valladolid, Mexico
Getting to Valladolid is quite simple, and there are a few ways to get there if you’re coming from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or even Merida.
By Bus
One way to reach Valladolid is by taking the bus. The ADO buses are clean, comfortable, cheap, and punctual. However, if you plan on staying in Valladolid for a few days, keep in mind it will be difficult to visit other sites without taking a taxi, bus, scooter, or booking a tour.
Keep in mind, there isn’t anywhere to rent a car in Valladolid. So if you plan on getting around to other sites, you will need to reserve a car from one of the major cities nearby, like Cancun.
One-way ticket costs are listed below.
Cancun To Valladolid
Duration | 2 hours, 15 minutes
Price | 199-298 MXN (~10-15 USD
Station | Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2, Centro, 23, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Playa Del Carmen To Valladolid
Duration | 2 hours, 30 minutes
Price | 218 MXN (11 USD
Station | Quinta Avenida Nte. LTE 2, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Tulum To Valladolid
Duration | 1 hour, 35 min
Price | 139-179 MXN (7-11 US)
Station | Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Merida To Valladolid
Duration | 2 hours, 15 min
Price | 199-298 MXN (10-15 USD)
Station | Calle 70 555, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
By Car
Another option to reach Valladolid and highly suggested is renting a car, which will allow you more freedom to visit other neighboring attractions and cities such as Merida, Laguna Las Coloradas, Izamal, Chichen Itza, or even Cenote Suytun. You can reserve a vehicle easily at the Cancun Airport.
Where To Eat And Drink In Valladolid
Some of the restaurants and local dishes I tried in Valladolid still have my mouth watering. You can say there isn’t a shortage of restaurants in Valladolid that are scrumptious for the vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore.
Restaurante el Atrio del Mayab
The traditional Yucatán restaurant is located in the main square and steps away from the cathedral.
Both indoor and outdoor dining are available; however, the garden patio outside is beautiful and has a charming ambiance. Expect soft baked bread and sweet homemade jam if you dine for breakfast.
Location | Calle 41 204, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Casa Maca
Casa Maca has delicious vegan cuisine that would even please a meat-eater. Request to be seated upstairs so you can view the streets of Valladolid from the balcony and enjoy the light breeze while dining.
Location | Calle 37 #199D entre la 42 y 44, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Hostería del Marqués
A restaurant influenced by Spanish decor is located across from the cathedral in Valladolid’s main square. Perfect location for a romantic and authentic Yucatán dinner and a beautiful ambiance paired with dim lighting.
Location | Calle 39 203 X40 Y 42, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
K’uxub
K’uxub is a cozy restaurant tucked inside an adorable boutique hotel. Dine here for the best lunch and margaritas in Valladolid! Enjoy eating outside by the pool and the lush garden. The lunch was so delicious, I returned the following day for breakfast. However, the breakfast at Atrio was far superior.
Location | Calle 42 por 35 y 33, Candelaria, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Yakunaj Cocina Mexicana
Yakunaj Cocina Mexicana is a small hidden gem and can easily be missed on the side of the road if you’re not looking. If you’re craving tacos, head to this spot and order the shrimp tacos served with a soft corn tortilla.
Portions are large, so don’t fill up on appetizers and be prepared to leave stuffed!
Location | Calle 41 # 224A x 46 y 48, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Conclusion: Things To Do In Valladolid
I sincerely hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Valladolid. Follow this guide and you will discover all the best Valladolid attractions and restaurants. Be sure to visit this charming colonial town if you are visiting around the Yucatán or Quintana Roo. Also, before heading off for your trip, read these travel tips for Mexico.
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It is my dream to visit Valladolid when I return to Mexico. I’ve been loving all of your content from there and you inspired me. It seems like a destination with a lot of authentic culture. 🙂
Hey Taylor! I am sure you will be planning a visit soon. Thank you for the compliment. I think you would really love the culture and embrace it!
Cenote Zaci looks incredible! I mean, all of these sound fun, but that one looks like heaven.
I totally get you Josy! The cenote was ah-mazing!
What a pretty place to visit with all of the pastel coloured buildings! I would love to take a dip in that cenote as well – it looks very refreshing!
Thanks for reading Krista! It was such a lovely place to visit. And yes, the cenote was so refreshing!
Never heard of Valladolid but would love to
Visit. Love all of the activities you listed , some really affordable options. The censors looks so refreshing. Thank you for the great guide.