Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is a small colorful colonial town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are some of my favorite things to do in and around Valladolid!

Valladolid is a small town located between Cancun & Merida in Mexico’s Yucatan. It’s one of my favorite towns in Mexico due to its authentic Maya culture and history.

It receives far fewer tourists than places like Cancun or Tulum, but it’s traditional feel and small town charm make it a wonderful place to visit with many things to see and do nearby — ancient Mayan ruins, swimming holes called cenotes, and nature spots are all within reach.

Whether you are an avid nature explorer or are looking to experience more cultural side of Mexico, Valladolid has something for everyone. There are tons of things to do in this area, but today we will cover the top activities you do not want to miss!

Here is my 2-3 day itinerary for the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

Valladolid Mexico Travel Guide

1. Visit Chichén Itzá

The Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico. This important Mayan-Toltec city features some of the best-preserved carvings and temples in Central America.

The ancient city stretches over 50 square kilometers. Among the most iconic sights here is The Temple of Kukulkan, which was dedicated to the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Built on a platform with 91 steps on each side, it’s one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions.

Chichén Itzá is just a 40-minute drive from Valladolid – making it an easy day trip for anyone interested in history or archaeology! Most people visit the city by traveling by tour bus from Cancun, however if you visit these ruins after spending a night in Valladolid, you can reach it early when they open and beat the crowds a bit.

➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Chichen Itza

2. Swim In Cenotes

A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole connected to an underground river system. They are native to this area of Mexico. Originating in limestone and dolomite rocks, cenotes form when the roof of an open cave collapses allowing rainwater to seep down into the groundwater below.

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is covered in cenotes, and they are a great place to go swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and even scuba diving. Valladolid has many cenotes nearby that are fun to visit. Here are my favorites:

• Cenote Zaci – (Pictured Above) Only a 10-minute walk from town and great for swimming. Entry is 30 pesos. Not very busy.
• Cenote Suytun – The most famous Mexican cenote because it’s so photogenic. A beam of sunlight streams into the cave at certain hours. Due to its popularity on Instagram, you’re basically just waiting in line for a photo. A bit of a tourist trap.
• Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman – A Beautiful cenote not far from Valladolid with a rope swing!
• Cenote Saamal – This cenote boasts an artificial waterfall, plus a comfortable hacienda area with food & facilities.
• Cenote Palomitas – About 30min from Valladolid. It’s actually part of a 3-cenote complex. A cave cenote, with a single hole in the top that allows sunlight to stream in.

➜ Read My Guide To Mexico’s Best Cenotes

3. Cathedral San Gervasio

One of the most prominent places in town is the Cathedral San Gervasio (aka Iglesia de San Servicio). It’s located right off Valladolid’s main square, and the church has regular services.

You are free to visit and enjoy the interior when they aren’t having a service, and the cathedral is lit up at night time in a beautiful way. The church was built by the Spanish using blocks from Mayan ruins, so it’s pretty unique.

4. An Evening At The Zócalo

The Zócalo (main square) is Valladolid’s central park area. It’s also called Parque Francisco Canto. A beautiful shaded park with water fountains and gardens. There are many benches for visitors to relax on, while little snack stands offer delicious Mexican food options.

You can also find the iconic “confidant chairs” here which were designed during Francisco Cantón Rosado’s time as governor of Yucatan in the early 1800s. According to legend, these comfortable armchairs were inspired by French Renaissance-era butacas confidantes (confidant armchairs).

Try coming to the park around sunset, when it really comes alive with local families, traditional dancing, and couples on dates hanging out. It’s a very festive atmosphere!

5. Mercado Municipal

Looking for a Mexican cultural experience? Head on over to Mercado Municipal, the town’s local food & goods market. Here you’ll find all kinds of fresh produce, handicrafts, or even a butcher shop.

Even if you don’t need to buy a 10lbs of pork, just exploring the market and wandering the stalls is a wonderful way to experience a side of the town most tourists ignore. It’s easy to walk to from the central square.

6. Ek Balam Archeological Site

While visiting the Valladolid area, be sure to stop by the Ek Balam Archeological Site. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, this site is a must-see for any traveler. Not only does Ek Balam offer visitors an impressive view of its Mayan pyramids, but it’s also still possible to climb to the top!

At 100 feet (29m) high, the Acropolis is the tallest structure in Ek Balam. Midway to the top of the pyramids is the tomb of Ukit-Kan-Lek-Tok, who reigned during the city’s peak in 800 A.D.

The tomb is being restored but you can see carvings, paintings, and murals just by paying $28 USD (494 pesos) per person admission fee. So, if you’re ever in Valladolid and have time on your hands, don’t miss out on this amazing Mayan archaeological site!

7. Drive to Izamal

If you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful weekend getaway, then you should definitely consider renting a car and driving to Izamal. It’s only 1.5 hours away from Valladolid, and once you arrive, you’ll be in for a visual treat.

The town is full of brightly colored buildings that look like they were plucked straight out of a children’s storybook, and there are also several Mayan ruins located in the center of town that is worth checking out.

Whether or not you decide to visit those remains up to you – I just know that spending time here will leave your eyes feeling genuinely happy!

8. Day Trip To Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas

If you’re looking for a nature-focused day trip, then Río Lagartos and the pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas is the perfect destination. This small village located in the Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors beautiful wildlife and stunning pink lakes.

Río Lagartos is known for its flamingos, which can be easily seen from any point in the village. Other animals that can be spotted here include jaguars, ocelots, white-tailed deer, blue herons, and American alligators. The salt flats are also home to plankton and red algae – giving them their distinctive pink color – as well as many wild birds.

The best time to visit Río Lagartos is between July and August due to the 6-month evaporation process; March is also a good month because of the strong sunlight.

9. Take A Bee Tour

There are many reasons why taking a bee tour is a fantastic way to learn about bees and their importance in the natural world. Not only will you learn all about honey production, but you’ll also get to see these tiny creatures at work. The cost of this trip is just $15 USD per person, which includes lunch.

On a typical Xkopek Beekeeping Park bee tour, you’ll spend 5 minutes driving from central Valladolid and then 1.5 hours touring the Xkopek Beekeeping Park (which is located nearby).

The guide on this trip is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Mayan beekeeper who will tell you all about honey production and facts about the bees – including that these bees don’t sting!

What’s more, all the bees are housed inside a magnificent dry cenote.

10. Try Authentic Mayan Food

If you’re ever in Valladolid and want to experience some unique and delicious Mayan food, IX CAT IK is the place for you. This restaurant is a quick 5-minute drive from Valladolid’s center and offers fresh and authentic Mayan dishes for you to taste.

You can expect to pay around 200 – 385 pesos (11 to 22 USD) for a main dish at this restaurant, which isn’t too bad considering the quality of the dishes. So, if you’re feeling adventurous (or just hungry), head over to IX CAT IK and give their cuisine a try!

Alternatively, you can go on a bike tour to visit the Mercado Municipal (local market) to buy tamales and learn how to make tamales from a local Mayan family.

11. Visit the Convent of San Bernardino

If you’re interested in Mexico’s religious history, visit the Convent of San Bernardino in Valladolid’s Parque Sisal. This beautiful 500 year old convent is a vital part of the Mexican background, and it’s well worth your time to visit.

Admission is only 40 pesos (2.5 USD), so it won’t cost you much at all to take a look around. Plus, not only will you be able to see some ancient architecture, but you’ll also get to learn more about Mexico’s religious past.

At night, the town lights up the convent’s facade with a narrated “video mapping” projection show Tuesday through Sunday nights at 9pm in both Spanish and English.

12. Photograph The Town Itself

One of the reasons I love Valladolid so much is because of its colonial charm. A mix of Spanish & Mayan influence, the buildings are painted in bright colors and the streets are often cobblestone.

It’s extremely photogenic, and simply walking around town taking photos of the buildings and people (always ask first!) can be great fun.

13. Enjoy Museo San Roque

Museo San Roque is a hidden gem in Valladolid. It is located near the central square and is a small museum with so much to offer. It’s also free!

Exquisite tapestry-like murals depict Mexican history and Mayan culture in a magnificent way, alongside an assortment of astonishing archeological artifacts. The building is a gorgeous old church with a tranquil garden at the back to escape the busy streets.

14. Visit Zazil Tunich Caves

Zazil Tunich Cave is a natural wonder that has been formed over millions of years by the forces of nature. This cave system is located about 30 minutes away from Valladolid. There are 3 different cave cenotes located here.

The path leading into Zazil Tunich Cave begins at 20 meters below ground level, and within just a few minutes you’ll be able to see some stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Once you enter XIBALBA, one of the cave’s main attractions, you’ll be able to view its sacred cenote before making your way back out again.

Getting To Valladolid

Valladolid is located 156 km west of Cancun, about a 2-hour drive away. However it’s now possible to take the new Mayan Train from Cancun as well. There are also buses that run to Valladolid from different parts of the Yucatan.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive to Valladolid, Mexico.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favorite way to get around Valladolid!

Mayan Train

After many years of construction, the new Tren Maya (Mayan Train) is finally taking passengers! This multi-billion dollar tourism project aims to make more parts of Southern Mexico easily accessible to travelers. Tickets from Cancun to Valladolid cost about $24 USD and the trip takes about 1.5 hours.

ADO Bus

Buses in the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus company. You can use these buses to get from Cancun to Valladolid, or literally anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can buy tickets in advance if you want to, but most times you’ll be fine buying a ticket at the station.

Where To Stay In Valladolid, Mexico

You Won’t Regret Visiting Valladolid

The Mexican hidden gem of Valladolid is not one many think about when considering a visit to Mexico. But it can create a wonderful experience for travelers with its natural beauty, cultural flair, and historic background.

If you have been considering a visit to this city, hopefully, this list has you convinced!

There are plenty of other incredible activities in Valladolid than are not on this list. So do not be afraid to try something different when the moment takes you there! Whether this is a stop on your Mexican road trip or your new bucket list destination, you will not get bored in this beautiful town.

Travel Planning Resources For Mexico

Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance.