Valladolid (Mexico): Top 27 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in Valladolid: The 27 Best Places to Visit

Valladolid is a charming colonial city in Yucatan, surrounded by stunning cenotes.

It’s also close to Chichen Itza, and many other attractions in Yucatan. That’s why you should visit Valladolid on your trip to Mexico!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 27 best things to do in Valladolid. In addition to the best places to visit, it includes fun activities for the whole family and my best tips to make the most of your stay!

And, at the end of this guide, you will also find itineraries to visit Valladolid in 1 day, with or without Chichen Itza, as well as my hotel recommendations for every budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Valladolid? Where to stay?

1. The main square

The square is the heart of Valladolid, with a beautiful park and a fountain.

The park is named after Francisco Cantón Rosado, a former governor of Yucatan. The fountain is called La Mestiza, and it honors the Yucatecan woman. It is a symbol of the city’s culture and history.

You can find souvenirs and street food, like marquesitas and churros. You can also enjoy dance and music shows sometimes.

The square is surrounded by colonial buildings with arches. They have cozy cafes with terraces where you can relax and watch the people.

2. Church of San Servacio

Right across the square, you can see the church of San Servacio (or Catedral de San Gervasio), the most important church in Valladolid.

3. The Municipal Palace

Another attraction on the main square is the Palacio Municipal. You should definitely check out the second floor: there are paintings that show the history of Valladolid, and some old photos from the 1920s.

Plus, you can enjoy a nice view of the plaza and the park from the balcony. And guess what? It’s all free!

4. Casa de los Venados

The Casa de los Venados (House of the Deers) is a large colonial house that hosts a private museum of Mexican folk art.

You will discover 3,000 objects from all over the country, collected by John and Dorianne Venator, an American couple who fell in love with Mexico.

It is a treasure trove of art and culture, and a must-see in Valladolid!

• Entrance fee: 100 pesos (as a donation to local charities)
• Guided tours daily at 10 am (no reservations needed)
• Address: Calle 40 #204 (on the corner of Calle 41), Valladolid

5. San Roque Museum

This is a free museum in Valladolid where you can learn about its history, from pre-Hispanic times to the revolutionary era.

The museum is located in a historic building that has witnessed many changes over the centuries. It was originally a chapel (16th century), then the first hospital in Valladolid, and later the convent of San Roque.

Now it has 4 exhibition rooms with various artifacts from the region (including Ek Balam) and a charming garden.

• Free admission
• Address: Calle 41 #193, Valladolid
• Open from 9 am to 9 pm daily

6. Ethnic Clothing Museum

Discover the beauty and diversity of traditional Mexican clothing at the MUREM (Museo de Ropa Etnica de Mexico).

• Address: Parque de San Juan, Valladolid
• Open from 10 am to 6 pm every day
• Museum page on Facebook

7. Take a cooking class with a chef

Join a cooking class in Valladolid with a professional chef to prepare a 6-course Mexican meal.

Start with a visit to the market for ingredients, then get to work in the kitchen and finish by enjoying your dishes with drinks, beer and tequila.

This small group experience offers a mix of culture and cuisine. Book your cooking class in Valladolid here:

8. Cenote Zací

• Entrance fee 60 pesos
• Open from 9am to 6pm every day
• There are dressing rooms and showers, don’t forget to bring your towel and bathing suit

9. Choco Story

The importance of cacao for the Maya is undeniable.

This interactive museum tells its history in a fun way, from Maya times to the present, through 12 rooms with scenes narrated in several languages.

The visit takes about an hour and a half and ends in the store, where you can sample different chocolates and buy some treats.

It is definitely a great activity to do with kids in Valladolid.

• Admission 150 pesos, children from 6 to 12 years old 75 pesos, under 6 years old free.
• Address: Calle 40, between Calle 37 and Calle 39, Valladolid
• Open from 9 am to 7 pm every day

10. Strolling through its colorful colorful

Valladolid is a charming city where you can enjoy the picturesque neighborhoods of La Candelaria, Santa Ana, San Juan and Sisal.

You can take amazing photos along Calzada de los Frailes (Calle 41A), a street full of colorful colonial houses that now host cafes, restaurants, hotels and stores.

This street used to link the center of Valladolid, where the Spaniards lived, with the Mayan village of Sisal, which is now part of the city.

At the end of the street, you will find the convent of San Bernardino, a beautiful historical building.

11. Convent of San Bernardino de Siena

The neighborhood of Sisal is home to the convent of San Bernandino de Siena (1560), a Franciscan foundation as you can see from the coat of arms on the main door.

It is the second largest convent in Yucatán, after San Antonio de Padua in Izamal.

The church, the chapel and the museum are worth a visit, but the highlight of the convent is the sound and light show on the façade. It will take you on a journey through the history of the convent and the city.

And don’t forget to pose with the colorful Valladolid sign across the street 😉

• Admission: 40 pesos (church is free)
• Show: 9 pm in Spanish, 9:20 pm in English, Tuesday to Sunday, free of charge

12. Swimming in a hidden cave

The Zentik hotel has a hidden surprise: a secret cave with warm salt water (95 to 100 F). The water is colored by a special resin from a local tree, and the cave is cozy and romantic.

You can enjoy this amazing place for free if you stay at the Hotel Zentik, which is my favorite hotel in Valladolid. The hotel also has Mayan-style cabanas, colorful murals, a pool with hammocks, a spa, and a great restaurant.

You can book your night here:

If you want to stay at a different hotel, you can still enjoy the cave and pool at the Hotel Zentik with a day pass for 450 pesos per person. Or you can treat yourself to a massage package (1500 pesos per couple, 50min) that includes the day pass.

13. A visit to the market

The Donato Bates municipal market is a vibrant place to visit in Valladolid. You can see, taste and smell the fresh produce, flowers, meats, spices and sweets from the region.

You can also shop for local handicrafts, such as the beautiful shirts embroidered with colorful flowers.

14. Taste the traditional cuisine of Yucatán

Valladolid is a great place to taste the delicious cuisine of Yucatan. You can try dishes like salbutes, panuchos, papadzules, relleno negro, or poc chuc.

You can also enjoy some of the traditional drinks, such as xtabentún,, a sweet liqueur made from honey and anise, or balché, a fermented drink made from the bark of the balché tree and corn, which was a favorite among the ancient Maya.

I was told to check out the “Mercado de Comida” (Food Market) north of the main square but I wasn’t impressed. I suggest you go to El Sazón de Valladolid (Calle 41 # 233 A) instead. Very tasty and affordable.

A little further from the center is IX CAT IK (Calle 39 #158, Colonia Militar) which is worth a visit. It serves traditional Mayan food with a modern twist, using organic ingredients from their garden and the local market.

They even offer a small tour of the garden to show you the produce and how they make the handmade tortillas.

15. The beekeeping park of Xkopek

If you love nature and animals, you will enjoy the Xkopek Park in Valladolid.

This is a family-run park that protects several kinds of bees from Yucatan, including the melipona, a sacred bee for the Maya. It is only a short walk from Valladolid’s main square.

You can take a tour where you will learn about the bees: how they build their hives, what flowers they use to make honey, how to tell them apart, and more. You will also see a dry cenote and taste some delicious honey.

This is a great family activity to do in Valladolid!

• You can also stay at the Xkopek campground. They have tents and bungalows, with breakfast included. There are also amenities like a kitchen, hammocks, toilets and showers, wifi, parking, bike rental.
• Tour: 1 hour, 150 pesos for adults, 120 pesos for children, or free if you spend the night at the campsite
• Address: Corner of Calle 57 and Calle 38, Ex Aviación Colonia San Juan, Valladolid
• Facebook Page

16. Take a free walking tour

If you want to explore Valladolid with a guide, I recommend the free tour organized the Valladolid tourist office.

It starts at 7 pm from the municipal palace’s first floor. You need to arrive 30 minutes early.

You will see the murals, the Church of San Servacio, the main square, the Calzada de los Frailes and the convent of San Bernardino. The tour ends with a spectacular projection show around 9 pm.

Near Valladolid

Valladolid is not only a charming colonial town, but also a perfect base for exploring the nearby attractions. You can find many cenotes, archaeological sites and other interesting places to see near Valladolid.

Here is my selection of the best cenotes in Valladolid and other attractions that you don’t want to miss:

17. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the main attraction that draws tourists to Valladolid. It’s the most famous Mayan site in the world and it’s very close to Valladolid.

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 new wonders of the world.

It was founded in the 6th century by the Itzaes, and conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century. It was abandoned in the 13th century, but it remained a sacred place for pilgrims for a long time.

Chichen Itza was the most powerful city in the entire Yucatan peninsula!

What to see in Chichen Itza:

• The Kukulcan Temple or El Castillo, which is the main pyramid of Chichen Itza
• El Caracol, the astronomical observatory
• The Mesoamerican Ball Game
• The Temple of the Warriors and the Thousand Columns, the most beautiful building in Chichen Itza
• The sacred cenote, where important ceremonies were held in honor of Chaac, the rain god. Many offerings (objects and human remains) have been found there. You can’t swim there.
• The nocturnal show Noches de Kukulcan, an amazing light and sound event, with illumination of the structures and projection show on the pyramid of Kukulcan.
• Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan and also one of the most touristic. It’s very close to Chichen Itza (6min), so you can easily combine the two visits.

For tips and details about Chichen Itza, don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Chichen Itza!

• Noches de Kukulcan (night show): from 8pm to 9pm in winter, and from 7pm to 8pm in summer. Tickets can be purchased at the official website
• How to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid: 45 min following Highway 180, or by bus ADO departures 10h50 and 11h15, return 16h30

18. The cenotes

Besides Chichen Itza, Valladolid also offers many cenotes to explore in the area.

Cenotes are natural pools of clear water that are great for swimming and relaxing. There are many different types of cenotes, some more touristy than others, but all of them are stunning.

Some of the most beautiful cenotes in Valladolid are:

• Cenote Ik Kil, which is the most popular and crowded because it’s very close to Chichen Itza.
• The Suytun Cenote, which is very photogenic and often seen on Instagram.
• The cenotes of Dznitnup: Xkeken and Samula.
• Cenote Oxman, which is part of Hacienda San Lorenzo and has a restaurant and a pool.
• The Palomitas cenote, which is less visited by tourists.

19. Ek Balam

A short drive from Valladolid, you can find one of the most amazing places in Mexico: the ancient city of Ek Balam. It’s a hidden gem that you don’t want to miss.

The main attraction is the Acropolis, one of the most impressive structures in Yucatan. It contains the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, who was buried with more than 7000 objects!

I suggest you climb to the top of the pyramid and enjoy the magnificent view.

You can also see: the Mesoamerican ballcourt, the Mayan arch, the Oval Palace, the Platform of the Stelae, and the twin pyramids.

If you visit Ek Balam, you should also check out the X’canché cenote, which is just a mile away. You can walk there or rent a bike (or a bike-taxi for 70 pesos).

It’s a beautiful round cenote that’s 50ft deep and has fish, roots and plants. You can rappel, zip-line, swim or relax in the hammocks.

• To find out everything you need to know about the archaeological site (prices, opening hours, etc.), here’s : My complete guide to Ek Balam!
• How to get to Ek Balam: by car, take Highway 295 and then the Ek Balam Highway. It takes about 30 minutes. The colectivos to Ek Balam leave from the corner of Calle 44 and Calle 37 (70 pesos)

20. Las Coloradas

• Note: you can’t swim in the pink lake, or even touch the water, but it’s still a great place to take photos.

Besides the pink lagoons, you can also take a boat ride through the mangroves to see crocodiles and seabirds, enjoy the beach or swim in the Laguna Azul.

From January to September, you can also spot large colonies of flamingos, which make this colorful landscape even more beautiful.

On your way back to Valladolid, you can stop at the Kikil cenote, which is run by the local community. ❤️

• To get to Las Coloradas from Valladolid: by car, take Highway 295 Rio Lagartos – Tizimin/Mexico (1h36); or take a colectivo or bus to Tizimin (1h), then a Northeast bus to Las Coloradas (departures at 10h30 and 13h30)
• To go to Las Coloradas from the Riviera Maya: from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, I recommend this tour with pick up at your hotel, visit of Las Coloradas, boat ride to Rio Lagartos and lunch. You can book it here:

21. Cenote Maya Native Park

If you’re looking for a fun and cultural experience near Valladolid, you should check out Cenote Maya Park. It’s an ecotourism park in the jungle that offers 3 hours of activities, plus lunch.

First, you’ll join a Mayan ceremony with a shaman to renew your energy.

Then, you’ll explore the largest vaulted cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can get to its clear waters by rappelling (39ft) or by the stairs. There are also zip lines, a tarzan rope, and a slackline that goes over the cenote.

After the cenote, you’ll visit a traditional Mayan house and its organic garden with more than 50 plants, fruits and vegetables.

The visit ends with a meal of typical dishes of the region, made with ingredients from the garden.

This is an amazing activity for everyone, whether you travel with your friends or your family (children from 6 years old).

• How to get to Cenote Maya Park: located 30 minutes from Valladolid, near Carretera 180D between Valladolid and Cancun
• Open from 9h to 16h30

22. The former convent of Santo Domingo

A short drive from Valladolid (9 miles) will take you to the town of Uayma, where you can see a former 17th century Franciscan convent.

Its church has a unique red and white façade, decorated with rosettes and stone stars. It’s unlike any other church in Yucatán.

You can visit the inside of the church, its patio, sacristy, chapel and gardens.

Uayma is also famous for its handicrafts, especially pottery and hammock weaving. If you want to buy a souvenir, you can support the local artisans!😊

• Church opens every day from 8 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm
• From Valladolid, buses leave near the municipal market. By car, it is 20 min taking Carretera 70 Izamal-Valladolid

23. Cobá

If you’re heading to Tulum from Valladolid, you should stop by the Mayan city of Cobá. It’s one of the must-see places in the Yucatán peninsula and it’s only 50 minutes away from Valladolid.

You can visit the archaeological site of Coba on foot in 2h or 3h, or rent bicycles (60 pesos) or hire a bike-taxi (150 pesos – for 2 persons)

There are also three cenotes in Coba: Tamcach Ha, Multun Ha, Choo-Ha. Many visitors skip them, but they are really beautiful!

• Entrance fee 100 pesos, parking 70 pesos
• Open from 9h to 15h
• How to get to Coba from Valladolid: by car, take the Cancun/Mexico Highway 180, then the Chemax-Coba Highway.

24. Valladolid Zoo

Vallazoo is a zoo that covers 32 hectares of the Blanca Flor Ranch.

It has 850 animals of 40 species (some of them endangered) such as the ocelot, the jaguar, the night monkey, the paca, reptiles and parrots. It also has 150 plants from the Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s a great place to visit with kids in Valladolid because besides the animals, there is a mini-golf course and 2 artificial lakes where you can rent a boat.

• Entrance fee: 150 pesos, children under 3 feet pay 50 pesos
• How to get to Vallazoo: by car, take 44th street for 15 minutes.

Take a tour to Valladolid and Chichen Itzá

Many tours to Chichen Itza include a stop in Valladolid because it’s on the way.

If you’re staying in the Riviera Maya and you don’t have much time, taking a day tour is a good option to see a lot. That’s how I first visited Valladolid!

But you should know that it’s just a quick stop after Chichen Itza. You’ll have time to walk around the square, take some pictures and eat churros.

I recommend this guided tour to Chichen Itza which includes transfer from your Riviera Maya hotel, guided tour of Chichen Itza (2h), swim in the cenote Ik Kil, buffet lunch and a short free visit to Valladolid. Book it here:

How much time to visit Valladolid?

Valladolid has a lot to offer, so you could easily spend 3 or 4 days there.

If you want to visit Valladolid in one day, you have two options: with or without Chichen Itza.

Here are my itinerary suggestions:

1 day in Valladolid with Chichén Itzá

Many people visit Chichén Itzá and Valladolid in one day. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• In the morning, go to Chichen Itza when it opens at 8am to avoid the crowds. There is a lot to see and you can stay there for 2h-3h.
• Go back to Valladolid and cool off at Cenote Zaci
• Find a restaurant for lunch and then treat yourself to some chocolate at Choco-story
• Spend the afternoon exploring Valladolid: the main square with the Francisco Canton park, the church of San Servacio and the murals of the Municipal Palace.
• Continue to the San Roque Museum and, if you have time, to the Ethnic Clothing Museum
• Walk along the Calzada de los Frailes and end at the Convent of San Bernardino
• Watch the projection show at the convent at 9 pm

1 day in Valladolid without Chichén Itzá

If you want to visit Valladolid and its surroundings in one day, but without the famous Mayan city, you can follow the same itinerary, but replace Chichén Itzá and Cenote Zaci with one of these options:

• Cenotes Xkeken and Samula
• Cenote Oxman at Hacienda San Lorenzo or Cenote Saamal at Hacienda Selva Maya
• Palomitas, Agua Dulce and Sac Aua Cenotes
• Cenote Xcanahaltun and Zazil Tunich cave
• Cenote Maya Native Park, which includes several activities
• Suytun Cenote
• Ek Balam and the X’canché cenote

To find out more about the most beautiful cenotes in Valladolid, you can also read my articleThe 21 best cenotes in Valladolid!

Where to stay in Valladolid?

• Candelaria Hostel: The best budget option in Valladolid! A colorful hostel that is very well located in the centre, with a garden, access to the kitchen, and a bike rental. Good breakfast options are also included, from 17 $usd for a bed in a shared dorm or 38 $usd for a private room.

• Real Haciendas: A small, charming, yet very quiet hotel with a swimming pool, clean rooms with comfortable king size bed, and a very good welcome. Starting from 57 $usd per night.

• IMIX Hotel: A typical colonial house in the centre of Valladolid on the beautiful Calzada de los Frailes, nicely decorated with spacious rooms. Breakfast included, starting from 127 $usd per night.

• Le Muuch Hotel: A hotel located 5 minutes away from the main park Francisco Canton Rosado. Excellent service, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools with hammocks, rooms with garden view, air conditioning, and a bar and restaurant. A la carte breakfast included, starting from 140 $usd per night.

• Hotel Zentik Project: This is definitely one of my favorite hotels in Mexico and the best hotel in Valladolid! Beautiful Mayan-style cabanas with murals done by local and international artists. There’s a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool with hammocks, and a saltwater pool in an underground cave. Very good breakfast included, starting from 380 $usd per night.

Where to eat in Valladolid

There are many good choices of restaurants in Valladolid!

For vegetarian food in Valladolid (or a good breakfast) I recommend the Café del Profesor Pitágoras with its patio full of plants.

If you are looking for traditional cuisine, I have already recommended in the article El Sazón de Valladolid and Ix Cat Ik.

For a more sophisticated experience, I suggest El Atrio del Mayab.

For a beer, don’t hesitate to visit Bar La Joyita, an institution in Valladolid. Very local atmosphere, good service and cheap.

Finally, if you want to have a drink at night and dance to good DJ music, go to Mezcalería Don Trejo!

Tourist map of Valladolid

Here are the best things to see in and around Valladolid, mentioned in the article.

How to get to Valladolid

Valladolid is a very accessible city as it is located at the crossroads of the main Destinations of the Yucatan Peninsula.

From Cancun

• To go from Cancun to Valladolid (1h50), take Highway 180D Cancun-Kantunil
• By public transport: ADO bus (2h20, 264 pesos)

From Playa del Carmen

• The trip from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid (1h40) takes Highway 305D and then Highway 180D
• By public transportation: ADO bus from 5th Avenue (2h45, 266 pesos)

From Tulum

• To go from Tulum to Valladolid (1h30) take Highway 109 Chemax-Coba and then join Highway 180 Cancun-Valladolid
• By public transport: ADO bus (1h35, 156 pesos)

From Merida

• To get to Valladolid from Mérida (1h46), take the 180E to Kantunil and then the 180D Kantunil-Cancun
• By public transport: ADO bus from the historic center and other terminals (2h15, 252 pesos)

Renting a car in Yucatán

Renting a car is the best way to explore Valladolid and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Is it possible to get to Valladolid by plane?

Valladolid doesn’t have an airport, so you have to fly to Merida or Cancun first.

It’s better to fly to Cancun because flights are cheaper and direct from Europe and North America. Flights to Merida usually stop in Mexico City.

To find a cheap flight to Cancun or Merida, as well as your international flight to Mexico, I suggest you use our flight comparator in collaboration with Skyscanner. It’s the best way to get the best price!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See

• My Definitive Guide to Ek Balam Ruins (Valladolid)
• How to visit Xcanché: the hidden cenote of Ek Balam
• The 21 Best Cenotes in Valladolid

• Celestun: How to see pink flamingos?
• Chichén Itzá: the definitive guide + My tips
• El Cuyo: The Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Paradise
• Izamal: 11 Best Things to Do in Yucatan’s Yellow City
• Mérida: 20 Best Things to Do and Must-See Attractions
• Uxmal (Mérida): the Definitive Guide + tips

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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