VALLADOLID
Leave the beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean coast behind and get a taste of authentic Mexico in the Yucatan’s charming city of Valladolid. This quaint, quiet city in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, is the perfect spot to get a different travel experience, where you can encounter the region’s culture and history (with Mayan and Spanish influences), meet friendly locals dressed in colorful, traditional dresses from the area, sample delicious, regional food and dishes, learn about the history of the city - with its colorful and colonial architecture, picturesque and cobbled streets, and historic buildings. Valladolid is steadily growing in popularity due to its charm, as well as its collection of breathtaking cenotes, and its proximity to the archeological sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, however, it is still the perfect spot to encounter the real Mexico, with fewer crowds than you may be used to in the Caribbean, and a more local feel. Valladolid is an affordable, compact, and safe city that is great for exploring by foot, or bicycle, and perfect for those seeking more than white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
What is there to do?
Many day trippers briefly visit the city of Valladolid as part of a day trip to Chichen Itza and the cenote Ik Kil, however, many don’t have the time to experience and get a real feel of this Pueblo Magico “magic town”, with its abundant history, and cultural attractions. Valladolid is well known for its picturesque streets and buildings, the collection of cenotes in and around the city, as well as its proximity to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. When you stay for several nights, the city acts as a great point of departure for trips to the two archeological sites, the many cenotes, as well as some of the small towns close by, and Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas. But in addition to the city being a travel hub, there is also so much to do within the city, with museums, markets, cultural shows, and sightseeing to be enjoyed.
Top Activities in Valladolid:
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Getting to Valladolid & Where to go After:
Valladolid is accessible from the cities of Merida and Cancun by Tren Maya®, the “Mayan Train”, both cities have international airports. If you are arriving in Mexico you may be arriving in Merida, Valladolid is only a short trip away. You can explore Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, with its colonial architecture, historic buildings, and interesting culture … a very similar, but much bigger version of Valladolid. Chichen Itza is also only one stop away from Valladolid, go for a day trip by train, and explore the ruins of this once-great, Mayan city. There are also some small towns and cities accessible on the Mayan Train from Valladolid, such as the Yellow City - Izamal. Or you can drive to towns such as Tizimin, Rio Lagartos, and Las Colaradas, these all make great day trips, but you can also stay to explore more of the culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. Another off-the-beaten-track town that you can explore is the town of El Cuyo, a small fishing village and coastal town only a two-hour drive away from Valladolid … truly a hidden gem. The boho island of Isla Holbox is also easily accessible via private transfer or bus from Valladolid.