Valladolid is a beautiful, colorful, and charming colonial city situated in the state of Yucatan. Most travelers don’t know that Valladolid exists. One’s that do, use it more of a stepping-off point to other destinations in the area such as Chichen Itza or heading north to Rio Lagartos. But this colonial city is one of the most vibrant, authentic places you’ll visit in Mexico. It reminds Cindy and me a little of Antigua in Guatemala.
What you need to see and do in Valladolid is immerse yourself in its character and beauty. The city of Valladolid offers a great opportunity to experience authentic Mayan culture and Colonial Spanish History. Take a walk in the center of town and experience Valladolids’ stunning beauty. Colorful buildings of a time long gone but not forgotten. Valladolid has been a designated Pueblo Magico, which means the Magical City. Due to its charming buildings, interesting local arts, craftsmanship, and surrounding natural beauty. Furthermore, Valladolid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Before we came to Valladolid, we had spent about 4 1/2 months in Progreso enjoying this seaside community and getting away from Canada for the winter. Progreso was a good choice, but it was time to see and experience other parts of Mexico before heading back home to Canada.
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History Of Valladolid
Valladolid was founded by the Spanish in 1543 by Don Francisco de Montejo “El Mozo”. Acquiring the title of a city in 1823. Valladolid is the setting of two of Mexico’s most significant events: the Caste War in 1847 and the “first spark of the Mexican Revolution” in 1910.
Getting To Valladolid
Getting to Valladolid is relatively easy. If you travel from the Mayan Rivera or Merida, buses or car rentals are available; the roads are excellent to travel. You may run across a toll on the road, which is best avoided as they are a cost easily avoided.
- Cancun to Valladolid 2hrs 152km or 95 miles
- Tulum to Valladolid 1.5hrs 102km or 64 miles
- Playa del Carmen to Valladolid 1.75hrs 140km or 88 miles
- Merida to Valladolid 2hrs 160km or 100 miles
- Progreso to Valladolid 2.5hrs 197km or 123 miles
Valladolid What You Need To See And Do
What you need to see in Valladolid is the downtown center. This colonial city’s area holds many beautiful and interesting historical sites, such as Convento de San Bernardino. Iglesia de San Servacio is located just off the main square and offers a glimpse of the church’s importance. The beautiful Calzada de Los Frailes, a colonial street from the 16th century, carries you back to the Spanish of old. As you walk this street, you’ll feel the influence left behind by the Spanish that once ruled this lovely city. This street is an outstanding location to take unique, interesting, and beautiful pictures with magical backdrops and colors.
The central square and where everything is happening in Valladolid is the Parque Fransisco Canton Rosado! Here you can enjoy the most beautiful colonial buildings and, of course, the city’s symbol, the Cathedral de San Gervasio!
What you need to do in Valladolid is explore the unique mix of cultures and influences over this incredible city. The Spanish influence over architectural buildings from majestic and religious Convento de San Bernardino and churches such as Iglesia de San Servacio to the everyday structures of homes and shops. Now add in the Mayan culture with its amazing foods, art, and people you have all the ingredients to make this a wonderful place to visit.
Exploring Valladolid
Exploring Valladolid, there are many options. Stroll through its colorful streets and visit cafes or explore Zaci cenote located downtown and maybe sample Mayan food from some of the street vendors located around. Additionally, you can also enjoy walking tours; Valladolid offers a Free Walking Tour every day, where you will learn more about this city’s history. Another enjoyable option is to rent bikes, this not only makes touring the city easier and quicker, but it allows you to explore the surrounding outskirts, where you will find many Cenotes within a 30-minute ride.
Calzada de Los Frailes is a must-visit; this fully reconstructed colonial cobbled street leads from Plaza Principal down to Convento de San Bernadino. On each side of the street are brightly colored colonial buildings, restaurants, and shops with colorful, decorative facades. A must-visit shop is Fabrica de Chocolate Artesanal Maya Chocol Haa which sells traditional Mayan chocolate in many different flavors.
Located in the park, you can enjoy the real Mexican vibe where people of Valladolid meet, talk, and dance with each other! Every evening you can watch the traditional dance performance at Valladolid’s main square. Colorful Mayan dancers perform Jarana – a traditional dance in Yucatan. The show typically starts at 5:30 pm.
Iglesia de San Servicio
One of the most recognizable buildings of Valladolid is Iglesia de San Servicio, also known as the Cathedral of San Gervasio. The Cathedral is located just south of the main square. The Spaniards built this cathedral over a demolished Mayan pyramid, using some of the pyramid’s stones to build the cathedral.
The Story Behind Iglesia de San Servicio
Church of San Servacio replaced the church that was first constructed there in 1545. Bishop Don Pedro de Los Reyes Ríos, in 1705 demolished the original church. Due to being the site of the murder of the former mayor in 1703. The ruler at the time made sure to execute the newly elected mayor for his involvement in the assassination. Construction of the current church began in 1706. To facilitate having its primary access facing the central plaza, the church was given a new orientation, so the church now faces the north and not the west.
Convento de San Bernardino
Convent of San Bernardino de Siena was founded by the Franciscans who had recently arrived in Yucatán. This convent was the first headquarters of the Franciscans; it still houses some vestiges that served during the process of evangelization of the Mayans, the process of conversion to Catholicism began. The convent complex comprises the church, the chapel, the ex-convent, the atrium, and the garden. At the Convent’s main entrance is the Franciscan coat of arms and Roman numerals, whose construction was completed. Inside the church, there is an altarpiece carved in wood and painted in gold.
At the bottom, there is a waterwheel that provided them with water as it faces the entrance of a cenote; elsewhere, you can admire some hand-made murals in which you can see a procession of saints, which over time have gradually dissolved.
During the Caste War, the church was looted and damaged like other parts of the city; however, the Convent did not suffer as much damage compared to the rest.
Valladolid History Night Show San Bernadino Convent
The place to enjoy the night show in Valladolid is the beautiful stone building of San Bernadino at Parque Sisal! San Bernadino Convent, about a 15-minute walk from the city center and is located at the end of Calzada de los Frailes. The light show is projected onto the convent every evening at 8 pm showing the history of Valladolid. There are two sittings for the sound and light show, a Spanish version at 9 pm and an English version at 9:25 pm.
Where To Eat And Drink
One of the best spots to eat is in El Bazaar Municipal, an open-air food court on the corner of Plaza Principal. The food court has a good selection of inexpensive local foods, from traditional Mayan dishes to Chinese food. The most popular eatery, is Loncheria el Amigo Casiano. Loncheria’s mouthwatering menu includes many Mexican and Yucatan specialties, including tacos, salbutes, sopes, cochinita pibil, and poc chuuc. Menus are all in Spanish, but you can place a mouth water order with a little problem with pictures. You order and pay at the counter, then wait for your meal at one of the picnic tables nearby.
Some of the best food options in Valladolid are the restaurants located on the main square. Valladolid may be small, but there are some of the best places to enjoy the food of Yucatan. Don’t forget to sample some of the simple treats located in the main square, as they can be a delightful surprise. A walk down Calzada de Los Frailes offers many other food options as well, and don’t forget the Mercado area as there are lots of simple food choices here that are flavorful and inexpensive.
Visit the Numerous Cenotes In The Area
Probably the most beautiful cenotes of Yucatan are located near Valladolid. The easiest way to visit the cenotes in the region is by renting a car; many cenotes can be reached by Colectivo or an enjoyable bike ride (bicycle rental). A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. Cenote is specifically associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya and occasionally for sacrificial offerings.
There is a cenote located in Valladolid not far from downtown that we visited and would recommend, Zaci, as it is inexpensive and very nice with a restaurant on site. I believe the cost to visit this cenote was 30 pesos; this is a deal as others in the area can run 150 pesos or better.
We also visited several other cenotes in the area, Kaapeh, Suytun, and Xcanahaltun. Suytun and Kaapeh cenotes are located at the same location, so two cenotes for one price. The cost ticket to enter was 150 pesos (expensive, I think), on your way to Suytun you get a wristband and then a life jacket which you are required to wear at all times. We wanted to visit this site as it has a walkway to the center that is a platform that the sun shines down on you if you arrive around noon.
This, I thought, would lead to a nice picture; it might have if I would have used a real camera rather than our Go Pro. Pictures are just not the same; with pour lighting, I should have gone back to the car to grab it. There is a line up to walk out onto the platform, just saying it can take some time to get your turn. Nice spot, just the same, we always enjoy a cenote.
Xcanahaltun is a stunning cenote that is northwest of Valladolid. Visitors here will find almost empty but picturesque emerald-blue watered cenote rich with stalactites and stalagmites. Getting to Xcanahaltun requires driving 40 kilometers from Valladolid, but well worth the effort.
You will find a small restaurant here that I would recommend that you visit as the prices are fair, tasteful and authentic Mayan flavors. Stairs lead down into the cenote and a wooden platform at the edge of the colorful clear water. With the sunlight shining into the cave, the water takes on a wondrous color, while cave formations line much of the inside. The best part is that this cenote receives few visitors. There are no lifeguards here. Cenote Xcanahaltun is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is MX$100 per person. The water feels very cool compared to most centoes that we have experienced.
Side Excursions While Staying In Valladolid
An advantage of staying in Valladolid is that this city makes a great starting point to visit locations in the area. Such as Ek Balam or Chichen Itza are two Mayan ruins that are incredible sites and worth visiting. Another place to visit for a day or two is Ria Lagartos Biosphere. Here you will find the towns of Rio Larartos, Las Colorados (pink lake and flamingos), and San Felipe. In addition, these small fishing villages are all excellent destinations as they offer a glimpse into a life that is so very different from what we are used to, slow pace, relaxing vibe.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is a great Mayan ruin to visit as it is not crowded and offers you an opportunity to experience a piece of fascinating Mayan history. Take a short 30-minute drive northeast of Valladolid by car (rental, no car rental in Valladolid or taxi), or you can join a tour group; another option that is priced inexpensive is the colectivo (local bus ish).
There is a cenote located at Ek Balam as well. So after touring the ruins, you can cool off before heading back to Valladolid. On your way home, you can stop in Temozón.
Temozón
Temozón is known for smoked meats that are offered in the local butcher shops. However, the origin of smoked meats is attributed to several locals. The marinating of the meats adds to the unique flavors; combine this with Mayan recipes, and cooking with charcoal; you have a taste that has to be savored. We stopped and enjoyed a platter of mixed smoked meats and ended up having enough leftovers for lunch the next day. If you enjoy smoked meat, this is a must-visit.
Furthermore, the local artisans’ woodworkings make this community unique. You can purchase unique furniture or appreciate the designs crafted by the local Mayans.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is the Mayan ruin that everyone has heard of; it’s one of the seven wonders of the world. The best reason to visit Chichen Itza from Vallodolid is to arrive early before the crowds and stay late. Affording you plenty of time to enjoy these ruins before it gets crowded, and it does get very, very crowded. Getting to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is a 45-minute drive; again, there are several options available. Car, be it rental or a taxi, you can join a tour group or catch the colectivo.
Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Yucatán, Mexico, that is over 60,000 ha in size. The reserve is located in the northern Yucatán Peninsula, with the Gulf of Mexico at its northern limit. The reserve features a variety of mangroves, estuaries, lagoons, marshes, and savannah. These are home to varied flora and fauna, plus numerous animal species, including nesting sites for many birds, including the beloved flamingo.
Rio Lagartos
Rio Lagartos is a small fishing and ecotourism village on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, untouched by today’s fast-paced world. A different kind of paradise, more wilderness than beaches. Rio Lagartos is a place to come and unwind. That said, it’s not for everyone. However, if you want to experience life up close, stay a while. Enjoy the lack of crowds, protected biosphere, and the opportunity of seeing thousands of flamingos. The pink waters of the nearby Las Coloradas make this a great travel destination. Life is easier here in Rio Lagartos, so enjoy.
Las Colorados
Las Coloradas is a small fishing village 20km to the east of Rio Lagartos. Flamingos can be seen here by the thousands during the breeding season. In Addition, Las Colorados is known for its pink-colored lakes; ocean water held in large settling ponds is evaporated by the sun, leaving the salt behind. Hence it is these salt ponds that display the beautiful pink colors that Las Coloradas is known for. The colors are reportedly best in July-August and March due to the 6-month evaporation process. Las Coloradas Pink Lake travel tip. Come when the sun is high in the sky as this shows the pink color of the lakes in all their glory.
San Felipe
To the west of Rio Lagartos, you will find San Felipe. A small fishing village that offers a glimpse into an easier-paced life. Here you will find amazing seafood restaurants; we found this restaurant called El Popular Vaselina, where we enjoyed a lovely seafood dinner of Shrimp.
El Cuyo
El Cuyo is a remote small fishing village on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is located in the National Park Ria Lagartos. Area is well known for flamingos, sea turtles, and other sea birds. Calling it paradise is not enough. Located 2.5 hrs northeast of Valladolid, it makes for a nice couple day trip. Situated, in the Ría Lagartas reserve, between Holbox and Las Coloradas. The beaches in El Cuyo are wide with few people; the town has 1,700 residents.
Visiting Izamal
Izamal is a beautiful golden city; a 1.5 hrs drive west of Valladolid. We stopped here on our way to Valladolid, definitely worth a visit. The Mayans settled here first and built many temples for their gods. Pyramid Kinich Kakmó, located in town that looks nothing like the restored temples of other Mayan ruins, has not been restored.
Little remains of what the Mayans built here. The Spanish built an impressive Franciscan monastery here. Robbing building stones to build the new monastery from the Mayan temples and buildings that were here first. Bishop Fray Diego de Landa burned Izamal’s Mayan libraries and writings in the 1500s. Temple remains can be seen as grass-covered mounds, reminders of what was a Mayan city.
A lovely way to see the town is by hiring a horse-drawn cart. You can be found in the center of town beside the IZAMAL sign. The carts are decorated with colorful flowers, along with hats and other accessories for the horses. A very nice way to see the downtown area, they stop at Kinich Kakmó, a pyramid so that you can walk up it. Most buildings in this town are painted a golden color, making for unique pictures.
Final Thoughts On Valladolid
- We enjoyed our stay here, maybe too long but a great city to visit and to use as a home base to explore the many sites located around Valladolid. From Valladolid we made several side excursions. To see where we went and what we saw and experienced follow these links, Rio Largatos, Ek Balam, and Chichen Itza.
Our Positives
- A beautiful colonial city, building colours and history
- Friendly, safe city
- Zaci cenote was a pleasent place to spend time
- A great city to use a a home base to visit sites in the area
Our Negatives
- We found the food to be expensive in the resturaunts
Would have, Could have, Should have
- Should have spent a little less time as we stayed here 10 days
Next Stop
We head to Isla Mujeres next for a couple of days as our stay in Mexico is coming quickly to an end after 5 + months. Isla Mujeres is a location that Cindy wanted to visit, me not so much as I was thinking more along the line of a tourist trap (spoiler, I did enjoy our time here).
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Recommended Travel Essential
Cindy and I call ourselves nomadic, so we use certain essentials to make this way of life easier and more comfortable with our lifestyle. With this in mind, we have composed a list of what we feel are essentials and some tips you might use to plan or take your next travel adventure.
- Travel Packing Essentials to help organize and make this task less stressful
- Travel Safety Essentials to make your life on the road a little safer, giving you peace of mind
- Living essentials to make life a little more comfortable, be this resting, working, or playing.
Accommodation Options While Traveling The World
- Booking.com is one of our go to’s when we are looking for a place to stay for a couple of days or longer
- Agoda.com we find is best to use when in Southeast Asia, but hey you never know what you might find
- Airbnb.com used to be our go-to but some of their cancelation policies are reasonable, give them a try as well
Travel Insurance
We always travel with some sort of travel Insurance be it just medical or complete trip coverage. We use Heymondo as we find their costs reasonable. Remember don’t travel and without coverage, the savings are not worth the possible costs.
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