This main square fills up every evening with locals and tourists enjoying street foods and lazy walks around the shaded walkways. But we can still recommend exploring these more off-the-radar places. Valladolid is 156.2km (96 miles) from Cancun and can be reached by car or bus. Just meandering the cobblestone streets and soaking in the colorful walls is part of the charm of visiting. After nearly a year traveling the Yucatan peninsula, Valladolid remains my absolute favorite place to travel in Mexico. Yerbabuena de Sisal (has some great vegetarian options), Taberna de Los Frailes (this is a beautiful restaurant that offers some traditional dishes). (Chichen Itza and Ik Kil are also commonly visited on the same day). Discovering Northern Thailand: A 2-Week Itinerary for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, 6. WOTW Tip: check Google reviews to see if it has been opened, or just walk 5 minutes from the main square to get an update. When the sun is high, a beam of light enters the cenote to create an undeniably unique image. Convent San Bernardino de Siena, Valladolid, Mexico. Which Is Better: Merida, Valladolid or Campeche? We actually visited Izamal while visiting Merida, but it is easy to explore from either spot. Here are the best things to see and do when you visit Mexico, including blog posts to help you plan your next big Mexico travel adventure holiday! Valladolid is a beautiful and vibrant little colonial town located a short distance from the Peninsulas popular beach resorts. Visitors come here for the unique opportunity to explore the biosphere while searching for various bird species (including flamingos), crocodiles, and dolphins if you are lucky. 10 What airlines fly to Merida Mexico? Valladolid is known for its amazing cenotes and Chichen Itza . And youll walk away understanding why there is really only one word that truly describes Valladolid: >> Check out our Ultimate Valladolid Travel Guide here <<. Getting back well, thats an entirely different story. The truth is that, despite all the sensational media stories, most of Mexico is pretty safe for travel (you should still look intoMexico travel insurance, though). Surrounded by the stunning San Servacio Church, impressive colonial buildings, and several cozy restaurants, where you can enjoy the squares energy while sampling some regional foods. It is also conveniently located directly next to the awesome Ek Balam ruins! Monterrey; 5. Due to its high salt concentration, this lake is a breeding ground for reddish algae which gives the lake its bright pink color. Visiting Cenote Suytun is no longer one of the lesser-known things to do in Valladolid. From Bacalar to Tulum, the journey takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Valladolid - 2023 (with Photos I would usually associate cenotes with peace and tranquility. This private Cenote Maya experience will give you access to the largest vaulted cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula! Valladolid was the last of the three colonial cities we visited while exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Located in Yucatan state and known for its beautiful natural landscape, Valladolid was once the capital of the Maya east. Ek Balam Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. 1. Besides the famous Chichen Itza, there are more amazing Mayan archeological sites near Valladolid. Its one of those moments where you look around and think, yep, now we really are in Mexico! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Literally every building is painted a deep yellow color! Is Valladolid Mexico worth visiting? - Tracks-movie.com From our personal experience, we walked in the streets (not only in the center) at night with our kids and felt very safe. Its totally worth it to add some culture to your Mexico vacation! Valladolid is a charming small city of 48,000 people with a compact town center, colorful homes, historic colonial homes, and authentic Mexican culture. Required fields are marked *. With delicious food and excellent service, its a must-visit when in Valladolid. Is it loud, boring, polluted and overpriced? The sweet spot for drinks and music here is between 2 4 pm. Do you love beautiful beaches? The only advice I can give you is to stay hydrated! Read More: Tulum, Mexico Travel Guide: Tips For Planning Your Dream Trip. Fun Alert! We got lucky and got a good deal on a taxi colectivo heading back to Valladolid ($7.50 p/p). Is Valladolid worth visiting? This is, quite simply, a place thats probably safer than your hometown. Make sure you know what you are paying for! Is Izamal, Mexico worth visiting? It is a charming small city of 48,000 people with a compact town center, colorful homes, historic colonial 'iglesias' and authentic Mexican life, free of many outside influences. Learn About Valladolid's Fascinating History On A Walking Tour, 6. Calzada de Los Frailes is the most manicured spot to find beautifully colored colonial buildings. Yucatan Peninsula travel series on YouTube! Definitely book your tickets ahead of time though, as it can get quite busy during peak seasons. The thermostat regularly topped 100 degrees (37 C) during our visit. A walking tour of Valladolid is a great way to see the city and learn about its history. There is some kind of conflict happening between Mexican-state owned Chichen Itza and the locally owned Coba. This cenote has a fun rope swing where you can Tarzan your way into the water. We recommend visiting Ek Balam and Coba. Keep in mind though that this is actually a private area, and swimming is not allowed. Still, Cenote Ik Kil is an incredible natural wonder. 16 December 2022 View This stunning town in Quintana Roo sits next to a beautiful blue lagoon that offers the ideal space for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Well, what if I told you there is a stingless Mayan bee that produces a special kind of honey that is sweeter and healthier than the traditional kind you get in stores!? And for good reasons! The Yucatan Peninsula is full of cenotes, actually, it has around 6,000 cenotes. Where did you catch the taxi colectivo from Coba to Valladolid? Learn About Mexican Folk Art At Casa De Los Venados, 5. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list, but you get the picture (pun intended). Hopefully the answer is yes. Credit: exit45travels.com. Valladolid is an excellent city for spending several days, with lots to do and see close by as well. No wonder why this city is one of Mexicos pueblos magicos. Just head to Calle 44 (a few blocks from the main square) to discover a foodies dream. September 20, 2022 Valladolid, Mexico is an incredibly charming colonial city. By Isabella Biava Updated on November 30, 2022 In this post, you will find the most unique things to do in Valladolid Mexico, the colorful colonial town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula which you could visit on a day trip from Cancun and the Riviera Maya, or, even better during a road trip around the beautiful Yucatan! What did you like about this post? Valladolid, Mexico is one of the safest cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. The following are great options if you dont want to share your cenote with many other people: We had our remote cenote fix after visiting Homuns ring of cenotes, so we didnt end up visiting all the cenotes on this list. This is an excellent off-the-radar spot to enjoy the Yucatans beautiful beaches as they should be undeveloped and pristine. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright [oceanwp_date year=2018] Down to Earth Travelers | All Rights Reserved. Visit the Main Square and Wander the Streets Valladolid's charm lies in it's squares and streets. Valladolid recently won the 2019 Travel Lemming Reader Choice Award for North America and its not hard to see why. Try the papazules (rolled crisp tortillas covered in a creamy and cheesy sauce) or panuchos (kind of like an open face taco laden with shredded meat and all sorts of toppings). Take A Day Trip To Izamal The Yucatan's Famous Yellow City, 22. 23 Incredible Things to Do In Valladolid Best Things To Do In Valladolid Town 1. Explore the Caldeza de los Frailes 8. Don't Miss The Traditional Folk Dancers In The Main Square, 3. 33 Best Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico In 2023 - Stories by Soumya The walls frame a dramatic 90-foot drop into a pool of crystal clear waters. 3 Days in Merida: The Perfect Merida Itinerary - Road Affair You can also pay extra for the opportunity to zip-line over the cenote before dropping in like a Navy SEAL. So if you take the time to stay overnight and soak in the town (see a list ofthe best Valladolid hotelshere), youll find that you have plenty of space to explore without pushing through crowds. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While visiting a protected habitat checks a lot of the boxes for us for what we like to do, we ended up skipping the tour. Visiting the Yucatan Peninsulas stunning cenotes is one of the coolest things to do in Valladolid. A line forms in order the get the photo, which stinks. Calzada de los Frailes, Valladolid, Mexico. Its really that easy! While generally fairly quiet, 41A is full of restaurants, hotels, boutique shops, and so much more. But trust us, there are also many incredible attractions found in town. Your email address will not be published. Our initial impression of the town wasnt extremely positive. The experience focuses on how regional culture is expressed through folk art. Punta Laguna is known for being home to a huge family of spider monkeys. sinkholes with fresh water that you can swim in. Coba Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. They have a ton of pride in their town and are eager to share their homes magic with visitors. Mexican Folk Art Museum - Valladolid Mexico. We visited Calzada de Los Frailes on three different occasions (different days & times), and there was never much energy or any kind of vibe. Its probably a good idea to hit the gym and shed a kilo or two before coming to Valladolid. The food and the atmosphere were outstanding. These traditional dances happen nearly every afternoon before sunset. It is inside a forest which means you have shade the whole time. Just keep in mind, its not fancy. Its not all about one-of-a-kind day trips when thinking about what to do in Valladolid. From traditional Yucatanic food to more sophisticated dishes, oriental food, and breakfasts, everything was just delicious. That award goes to the giant central market in Merida. We have a full Yucatan Peninsula travel series on YouTube! The cenotes are. WOTW Tip: if you get to Chichen Itza early, then it is possible to also make it to Ik Kil before the major crowds arrive. Security on motorcycles zip around to kick people off a mound of sand in the parking lot where you can get the best picture. Punta Laguna Spider Monkey Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Enjoy Coba's Raw Beauty If You Need More Mayan Temples In Your Life, 15. Visit More beautiful archeological sites, 9. For more information visit their website: Besides the famous Chichen Itza, there are more amazing Mayan archeological sites near Valladolid. WOTW Tip #1: go to El Tigrillo for AMAZING roasted pork tacos, pibihuas or polcanes. Buy some local spices in the Mercado Municipal, 10. Opening hours: from 8 to 5 but if you wish to stay longer until 7.30 you can do so by paying 220 pesos per person.You also have the opportunity to go early morning . Things to Know Before Visiting Lake Bacalar, Mexico - Culture Trip Now the next step is finding where to stay in Valladolid? You arent required to pay for a package of activities. Mexico Travel | Exit45 Travels | A Midlife Fulltime Travel Couple Valladolid is authentic Mexico at its best. His travel advice and musings have been featured in high-profile publications like NBC News, Lonely Planet, & Mic. He is the founder & CEO of Travel Lemming. It has a distinct flair that sets it apart from other Yucatan cities and has a ton of great things to do. But most visitors appeared happy that the bike taxis could take them around in the searing heat. It is without a doubt one of the more memorable things to do in Valladolid! Its one of the things to do in Valladolid that has heavy vacation vibes! It is busy and expensive, and there are vendors everywhere (even inside). This little slice of paradise is only a short drive from Rio Lagartos. This small city is authentic and unique with lots of natural beauty and special charm. WOTW Tip #2: Valladolids square gets packed with tour buses bringing day-trippers from around the Riviera Maya. Valladolid is the third-largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula and it's s definitely one of the best spots to visit whether it is on a do-it-yourself-road trip or with an organized tour. Beach resorts will be more expensive, ranging anywhere from $100 to $500 a night. *Note: this post contains affiliate links. Swimming in a cenote is a must when visiting Valladolid. Chichen Itza is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Most cenotes have heavily shaded areas, so its not like you need the sunscreen anyways! Swim in a Cenote near Valladolid 2. Chichen Itza is a must-see as it is one of the most famous archeological sites not only in Mexico but worldwide. Check out these other articles to help plan your trip: Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). It's a sight not to be missed! So while its a convenient and comfortable place to stroll around, we wouldnt consider this one of the unmissable things to do in Valladolid. There are so many incredible attractions and activities in and around Valladolid that you will probably run out of time before seeing everything this place has to offer. Honey was one of the main products traded around the Mayan empire. Consider visiting Chichen Itza on a self-guided tour! Let's groupie out together! CASA SISAL. We discovered that Valladolid, Mexico is the perfect base for travelers who want to explore the regions most epic sites, including Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Cenote Ik Kil, and more! 4. The dishes are with modern twists on classic and Yucatantic dishes. Its definitely worth checking out while visiting Valladolid! In our opinion, having sunset drinks from the Don Diablo rooftop is the most repeatable of all Valladolids wonderful activities. Absolutely! Your email address will not be published. Best Things to do in Valladolid Mexico / Full Guide Your complete guide to the charming town of Valladolid in Mexico. Get lost in Valladolid and a friendly local is sure to help you find your way. Even though a list of things to do in Valladolid can not be complete without including Chichen Itza, be aware that it is hugely commercialized. Its much less commercial than Chichen Itza, you can still climb the main pyramid, and the ruins are absolutely stunning. Valladolid is a charming city that offers a more authentic Mexican experience, especially when compared to mega tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Valladolid is one of Mexicos pueblos magicos (Mexicos magic towns), and it is also considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. If interested, you can take a look atwhere we stayed in Valladolid, Mexico. Enjoy The Less-Visited Cenote Xcan Che Near Ek Balam, 17. The Convento de San Bernardino de Siena is at the end of this street, as also the Valladolid giant letters. After 3, Our Malaysia travel guide is LIVE! Even if youve been to some of the cenotes around the Riviera Maya, youll find that the cenotes around Valladolid are a qualitatively different experience. Its also much cheaper than going with a guide . We are Aimara & Gordon. She was just chilling in her hammock when we went to buy longanizas. And dont miss out on getting a taco from here theyre some of the best in Valladolid. Their schedule varies per season. But get there early to experience Suytun without the crowds! So much so that there is even a temple in Coba dedicated to the honey bee god! Head up to the Don Diablo rooftop for beautiful views of Valladolids main square. Visit The Awesome Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) Ruins, 14. How to Get to Valladolid In fact, it's one of the best bargains I have found in Mexico so far. Whats even cooler is that all the proceeds go towards philanthropy projects in the local community. This place is a certified scam! The day we visited, the town was pretty empty and it didnt seem that there were many tourists around to share the cost of the tour. Located only a few steps from the pretty Parque Sisal, this cute little hotel is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for style at a low rate. Plaza Central is such a beautiful spot to hang out. Visiting Ek Balam is no doubt one of the most incredible things to do in Valladolid! Photo by Alvaro Rosado. From Valladolid: Easiest is to take a colectivo from Valladolid between Calle 44 and 37. The people behind me paid at least $30 US to get the exclusive opportunity of seeing Las Coloradas 20 feet closer. The two-hour tour is a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people. 25 Incredible Things To Do In Merida, Mexico (With Videos), 21 Perfect Things To Do In Beautiful Bacalar (With Videos), 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Isla Holbox: Paradise Lost (We Didnt Like It Here), How To Visit Punta Allen: The Yucatans Best Kept Secret (With Video). The show gives information about the history of Valladolid and its importance for the peninsula of Yucatn. In full transparency, this wasnt the most exciting market we visited in the Yucatan Peninsula. You might even have trouble convincing your friends that your inevitably incredible Instagram shots are real! Valladolid is located in the Yucatn peninsula, about a 2-hour drive from Cancun, and it is slowly becoming a popular travel destination. In order to explore Valladolids historical center one day is enough. Dont forget to subscribe while youre there to follow along with the adventures . Valladolid is a dynamic city in Mexicos Yucatan state that is full of stunning cenotes, top-notch restaurants, invigorating markets, traditional art, and colonial architecture. Xcan Che is not as famous as Ik Kil, which means you will share this incredible natural wonder with far fewer people. What makes this pueblo mgico worth visiting is the incredible Cenote Zac, which is located easily in the centre of the . Read More Is Mexico Worth Visiting? Mexico. 11 Epic Reasons to Explore the Country [2023] . Valladolid is truly a gem of a city and a great place to add to your Mexico itinerary. Everyone knows about the famous Ella to Kandy trai, Were back on YouTube with another tuktuk travel, Did you know that Sri Lanka is an amazing place to, The beaches along Sri Lankas Southern coast are, The day G became my hero Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Longer answer: Valladolid is located in what's considered the safest state in Mexico, Yucatan state. How to visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in One Day - Stories by Soumya Especially if the other stops on your itinerary are limited to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel. The pink-colored lake is an artificial byproduct of the salt plant next door (which is ugly and you can also see from there). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The simple answer is yes! Mexicos Yucatan peninsula is one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet and for good reason. This covered cenote has a small circular opening at the very top. 13 Safest Cities In Mexico Worth Visiting - Insider Insights Hey there, I'm Taylor! Somehow drinking beers while listening to two gentlemen sing mariachi music felt like one of the most cultural things to do in Valladolid. Just a heads up the main structures in Coba are located a decent distance away from each other. We combined it with the great cenote that is just near the ruins. Visit the Iglesia de San Servacio 7. Valladolid and its surroundings have a hand full of beautiful and famous cenotes. take a look atwhere we stayed in Valladolid, Mexico. This is not true. Most of the tourists to Valladolid only come for very brief visits as part oftours to Chichen Itza. by Taylor On A Trip | May 17, 2021 | Mexico, North America, Travel, Uncategorized | 0 comments. An attractive place with a very Spanish character, the city's appeal is in its sprinkling of striking monuments, the fine Plaza Mayor and some excellent museums. Mexico generally gets a bad rap on the safety front. 7 Is Merida worth visiting? The detailed stone carvings made in honor of the powerful chief are really mind-blowing. From Wednesday to Sunday you can enjoy a sound and light show in the San Bernardino de Siena Former Convent; Nights from the Heroic Valladolid. Lets outline why: Similar to nearby Isla Holbox, Las Coloradas is one of those places that travel writers promote because you can take nice (and heavily-edited) pictures. They might be the best that we tried during our 70-day trip! One important advantage is that the place is not packed with tourists at all. Because, once youre here, youre sure to put that weight back on quickly sampling the delicious flavors of Yucatan cuisine. With a name that translates to the black jaguar, Ek Balam was in operation for over 1000 years, with construction starting around 100B.C. Valladolid, Mexico, is a charming colonial city with a neverending list of things to do and see. How crazy to find an amazing cenote right in the middle of town!? Is Valladolid Mexico Worth Visiting? WOTW Tip #2: try to find some fellow travelers willing to split the guide fee if you are sure you want to go on a guided tour. You wont find any chain hotels or Uber here. I recommend booking with Rio Lagartos Experiences if you really want a passionate guide who will teach you about the areas unique habitat. The best time to visit the Mercado Municipal is early morning (7 am 9 am). There are seemingly infinite things to do in Valladolid. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? El Meson del Marques, Valladolid, Mexico. Many people quickly pass through it on the way to the bigger and more popular Mrida or make a brief stop after visiting Chichn Itz. What a coincidence! the area remains crime-free, expect a peaceful experience when you visit Valladolid. The 11+ most unique things to do in Valladolid Mexico - Boundless Roads What Ive read is that the word tour gets thrown around pretty liberally in Rio Lagartos. Ek Balam is in the running for best Mayan ruin that we visited during our entire trip. 20 BEST Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico + COMPLETE Guide Valladolid is absolutely worth visiting. 2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary Mrida; 2. Cool Off In Cenote Zaci Near The Center Of Town, 8. Stroll the beautiful Calzada de los Frailes 11. And exploring epic Mayan ruins around Valladolid is sure to blow your mind. Stroll around Valladolid's leafy main square. Theres a new video tonight! Not the Ek Balam Ruins, but how cute is this Valladolid building?! We booked a table for our daughters birthday and we werent disappointed. 11 am would be an ideal time to see it without dozens of other people and with enough sunlight entering the cenote to experience it in all its glory. The historic fortress of San Felipe offers impressive views of the lagoon and will transport you back to an age when pirates were a constant threat to the region.