Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
María Regina Díaz, Pexels
Valladolid, Mexico, is a vibrant colonial city located in the Yucatán Peninsula, offering an authentic Mexican experience away from mass tourism. It serves as an excellent base for exploring significant Mayan ruins and numerous natural swimming holes called cenotes.
The city's heart is Parque Francisco Cantón Rosado, the main square, which is ideal for relaxing, people-watching, and experiencing local life, with vendors selling food and crafts. Calzada de los Frailes, a picturesque cobbled street leading to the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, is lined with colorful colonial houses, boutique shops, cafes, and bars, providing opportunities for socializing. There are also various cantinas and a gastronomy market with local Yucatecan cuisine vendors, offering places to connect with locals and other travelers.
Top 9 Things to do in Valladolid
Visitors can engage in a blend of historical exploration, natural refreshing swims in cenotes, and immersive cultural experiences.
1. Explore Chichen Itza Archaeological Site
Discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Walking through this extensive site, you can marvel at iconic structures like the Temple of Kukulcan. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to experience the site with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. While climbing the main pyramid is no longer permitted, the scale and history are still breathtaking.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 671 MXN (about $37 USD).
Transport: Chichen Itza is about 40-50 minutes from Valladolid. The most economical and frequent option is a colectivo (shared minivan) for around 40 MXN (about $2-3 USD) one way, departing from Calle 39 between Calles 44 and 46. Colectivos leave when full, typically every 30 minutes starting at 7:00 AM. ADO buses are available for 114-121 MXN (about $6-7 USD) one way, but are less frequent. A taxi can cost around 600 MXN (about $35 USD) one way. Tours that include transport from Valladolid to Chichen Itza and cenotes start from about $56 USD per person, excluding entrance fees.
2. Visit Ek Balam Archaeological Site
Journey to Ek Balam, a less crowded Mayan archaeological site where you can still climb to the top of the main pyramid, the Acropolis. From its summit, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the lush jungle canopy. The site is also notable for its unique stucco sculptures, offering a different perspective on Mayan art and architecture compared to other ruins.
Cost: Colectivo transport is 70 MXN (about $4 USD) per person, one way, but drivers often wait for four passengers or you can pay 280 MXN (about $16 USD) for the entire car if you prefer not to wait.
Transport: Ek Balam is about 30 minutes from Valladolid. Colectivos depart from the corner of Calle 44 and Calle 37 (near the ADO bus station). A taxi may cost between 80-300 MXN (about $5-17 USD). Driving a rental car takes about 30 minutes, with parking available for 100 MXN (about $6 USD).
3. Swim in Cenote Zaci
Experience a refreshing swim in Cenote Zaci, a semi-open cenote conveniently located within Valladolid's city center. This large natural sinkhole features deep, clear waters and impressive stalactite formations. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a cool respite from the heat.
Cost: Entrance fee is typically 30-60 MXN (about $2-4 USD). Life vests can be rented for an additional 30 MXN (about $2 USD).
Transport: Cenote Zaci is easily accessible by a 7-10 minute walk from the main square. Bicycle rentals are available for about 150 MXN (about $9 USD) per day, or a short taxi ride costs around 50 MXN (about $3 USD).
4. Discover Cenote Oxman at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman
Venture outside the city to Cenote Oxman, a breathtaking open sinkhole characterized by its dramatic hanging vines and a fun rope swing for jumping into the cool water. The cenote is part of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, which also offers a swimming pool and a restaurant, making it suitable for a half-day visit.
Cost: Entrance to the cenote only is typically 150-200 MXN (about $9-11 USD). Options including a restaurant credit and pool access range from 250-400 MXN (about $14-23 USD).
Transport: Cenote Oxman is not within walking distance of Valladolid. A taxi ride costs around 100 MXN (about $6 USD) one way, but it is advisable to arrange a return trip as taxis may not be readily available outside the hacienda. Alternatively, bicycles can be rented for about 150 MXN (about $9 USD) per day, or scooters for around 500 MXN (about $29 USD) per day. Driving a rental car takes about 9 minutes, with free parking available.
5. Stroll Calzada de los Frailes and Visit Convento de San Bernardino de Siena
Take a leisurely walk along Calzada de los Frailes, a charming pedestrian street renowned for its vibrant, colorful colonial buildings. This picturesque street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and bars, offering a pleasant atmosphere. At its end stands the impressive 16th-century Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, an important historical landmark that provides insights into Mexico's religious past and houses a small museum.
Cost: Admission to the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena is approximately 40 MXN (about $2-3 USD).
Transport: Both are within easy walking distance of Valladolid's city center. Calzada de los Frailes leads directly to the Convento.
6. Experience Local Life at Parque Principal and Admire Iglesia de San Servacio
Immerse yourself in the local rhythm at Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado, Valladolid's main square. It's an ideal spot for people-watching, relaxing, and observing daily life, with vendors selling local food and crafts. Overlooking the square is the striking Iglesia de San Servacio, a significant colonial church with a unique northwest-facing orientation, a result of historical events. You can explore its interior and appreciate its architecture.
Cost: Free to enter the park and church.
Transport: Both are located in the heart of Valladolid and are easily accessible on foot.
7. Discover Art at Casa de los Venados
Explore Casa de los Venados, a private residence housing one of the largest private collections of Mexican folk art in the country. This vibrant home is adorned with countless pieces, from paintings and ceramics to textiles, showcasing Mexico's rich cultural heritage. Guided tours are offered daily, providing insight into the collection and the history behind it.
Cost: A minimum donation of 100 MXN (about $6 USD) per person is requested, which supports local charities.
Transport: Casa de los Venados is located within walking distance of the city center.
8. Taste Authentic Yucatecan Cuisine and Visit Mercado Municipal
Savor the unique flavors of Yucatecan cuisine, a delicious blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Try regional specialties such as cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) and longaniza de Valladolid (local sausage). For an authentic culinary experience, visit the Mercado Municipal, the bustling local market where vendors sell fresh produce, local foods, and crafts.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the restaurant or market purchases. A main dish at a local restaurant might range from 200-385 MXN (about $11-22 USD).
Transport: The Mercado Municipal is centrally located and walkable. Various local restaurants are found throughout the city, many within walking distance of the main square.
9. Take a Bee Tour at Xkopek Beekeeping Park
Engage in a unique educational experience at Xkopek Beekeeping Park. This tour offers a fascinating insight into the world of Melipona bees, a stingless bee species native to the Yucatán Peninsula, and their importance in Mayan culture and the ecosystem. You will learn about honey production and enjoy a honey tasting.
Cost: Approximately $15 USD per person, which may include lunch.
Transport: The Xkopek Beekeeping Park is a short 5-minute drive from central Valladolid.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
