Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Soumya
Looking for the best 2 days in Valladolid itinerary? You’re in the right place.
We have the perfect 2-day itinerary for Valladolid, Mexico, allowing you to see the best attractions in just 48 hours.
From visiting Chichen Izta and swimming in cenotes to taking in the colonial vibe and enjoying Cochinita pibil, this itinerary allows you to do the best things in Valladolid in two days.
Based on my personal experience and lots of research, this 2-day Valladolid itinerary will give you rich insights into the history and culture of Yucatan and introduce you to some hidden gems.
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Best 2 Days in Valladolid Itinerary
Day 1 in Valladolid: Explore The Historic Town
Visit San Servacio Church
One of the top things to do in Valladolid in 2 days is to visit San Servacio Cathedral in the Zocalo or the historic center.
The church was first built in the 16th century. However, what we see today is not the original version but a newer one built in 1706 after an exciting turn of political events led to the church’s demolition.
The current San Servacio, with its two bell towers, is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. It is the most impressive Valladolid attraction and a sight for sore eyes.
Spend time adoring other buildings surrounding the Zocalo and enjoy the vibe.
The City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Valladolid) has beautiful arches (often photographed) and stunning murals on the top floor.
Relax at the Francisco Canton Park
Image courtesy: Dr. Jurgen Tenckhoff from Getty Images via Canva Pro
Right in front of the church, you’ll find Francisco Canton Park, a lively meeting point for locals and tourists.
Do not miss the statue of the mixed-race woman or La Mestiza at the fountain in the center of the park. The statue is dedicated to the mixed-race heritage of Mexican people.
✦ Trivia: Did you know that the mestizo/mestiza concept was widely used by artists to represent Mexican people? Walk through the Diego Rivera murals at the National Palace of Mexico City to learn more.
Valladolid’s Francisco Canton Park is also a great place to try marquesitas – crispy crepes filled with jam, cheese, or chocolate.
You can explore Valladolid on this free walking tour that begins at the statue of La Mestiza.
Visit Casa de los Venados
Next, head to Casa de los Venados, the best place for art enthusiasts.
This private home-turned-museum is a treasure trove of Mexican art and heritage, with over 3,000 pieces on display. They provide rich insights into Mexico’s folk art and culture.
Casa de los Venados has many things on display, including Day of the Dead artifacts, alebrijes, Yucatan paintings, and furniture.
They are open every day at 10:00 am. Check their official website for details.
Stroll through Calzada de los Frailes
Wander through the colorful streets of Valladolid and click the best pictures for your Gram.
The cobbled Calzada de los Frailes is the prettiest street in town and a must-have on every Valladolid itinerary.
It is full of colored buildings, bougainvillea-draped doors, atmospheric cafes, and art galleries.
This is also where the Friars Walk happens every Friday and Saturday evening. A group of men dressed as Franciscan monks walk down the street, giving a sneak peek into the religious history of Valladolid.
Visit the Convent of San Bernardino
Once you walk through Calzada de los Frailes, you’ll arrive at the Convent of San Bernardino.
This 16th-century church looks like a fortress and is one of the largest Franciscan churches in Mexico.
As you enter the church, notice the beautiful altarpiece adorned with paintings.
Valladolid’s colorful sign is right in front of the Convent of San Bernardino. They make for a great photo op if you want to click some good pictures here.
📖 Related Read: Looking for more attractions? Check out our post on the best things to do and see in Valladolid, Mexico.
Have lunch at Bazar Municipal
Head back to the historic center for a filling lunch at Bazar Municipal (Google Maps) and a local dining experience.
Even though there are many excellent restaurants in Valladolid, Bazar Municipal is one of my favorite places to eat because of the local vibe.
It is like a food court; the vendors always call out to try their stuff. I love the tamales and the Sopa de Lima at Bazar Municipal.
You can also get a comforting plate of comida corrida (a low-cost menu served at lunchtime) at Bazar Municipal.
However, if you’re looking for good Cochinita pibil (who can miss Cochinita pibil in Valladolid!), head to El Meson del Marques, located right next to Bazar Municipal.
Swim in Cenote Zaci
Image courtesy: diegograndi from Getty Images via Canva Pro
Spend the afternoon of Day 1 of your two days in Valladolid swimming in Cenote Zaci.
Cenotes are cavernous pools or sinkholes that are a constant feature in the natural landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Swimming in a cenote is a must-do in Mexico. Therefore, you must have at least one cenote in your Valladolid itinerary.
Cenote Zaci is closest to Valladolid’s historic center and a great place to swim.
It is never overcrowded because they let you in turns. So, there may be a tiny wait.
Zaci is also one of the cheapest cenotes to visit – it costs 60 pesos (about 3.5 USD) for entrance and a life jacket.
If you visit in summer, the cenote is all covered with flaming orange gulmohar flowers, making it a beautiful sight.
Enjoy the evening at Zocalo
End your busy day in Valladolid with a visit to the historic center, where the atmosphere is festive every evening.
Enjoy a traditional Jarana performance and dance to Mexican tunes if you like.
Day 2 in Valladolid: Chichen Itza and Cenote(s)
Visit Chichen Itza from Valladolid
Chichen Itza is probably why you’re in Valladolid in the first place. Of course, you can’t leave Valladolid without visiting Chichen Itza.
Once a Mayan power center, the ancient city of Chichen Itza is a World Heritage Site in Mexico and a World Wonder.
Chichen Itza is home to the majestic Kukulkan Pyramid, one of the most amazing astronomical creations of the Mayans.
Other highlights at Chichen Itza include the Temple of Warriors (don’t miss the carvings here), a vast ball court, a platform of skulls, and several smaller ruins in the Osario complex.
The best way to visit Chichen Itza is on this guided tour from Valladolid for a richer, more insightful experience. The tour includes a cenote swim, buffet lunch, and round-trip transportation from your Valladolid hotel.
✦ Pro Tip: You can also do a DIY tour. Getting to Chichen Itza is easy because there are numerous transport options such as colectivos, buses, guided tours, and even a train now. For details, refer to our guide on Getting to Chichen Itza from Valladolid.
Swim in Cenote Ik Kil
Image courtesy: eliyah.lovkoff via Canva Pro
If you’re not visiting Chichen Itza on a guided tour, which usually includes a cenote visit, you’ll want to see Cenote Ik Kil.
Located just 10 minutes from Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is a beautiful, open-to-the-sky cenote covered with cascading vines. It is truly the most magical cenote in Yucatan.
The cenote is open every day from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Remember that Ik Kil is also one of the most famous cenotes, so be prepared for a queue at the ticket counter.
Or you can book this private tour from Valladolid to see both Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil.
Go Honey Tasting in Valladolid
Do the Mayan bees tour in Valladolid if you still have time and energy left after a long day at Chichen Itza.
Beekeeping has always been essential to indigenous Yucatan culture since 300 BCE.
The Mayan bees tour happens in a dry cenote in Xkopek Beekeeping Park, where you’ll see stingless Melipona bees and learn all about the ancient process of honeymaking.
You can taste honey and other bee products and buy some at the end of the tour.
This is one of the most popular Valladolid tours that my readers absolutely love. Hence, I always recommend this Mayan bee tour.
More than two days in Valladolid, Mexico?
If you’re spending more than 2 days in Valladolid, no worries. There’s plenty more to do. Here are a few ideas.
- Visit the hidden ruins of Ek Balam and climb the Ek Balam pyramid, see the well-preserved stucco sculptures, and swim in an offbeat cenote. Check our post on the best Mayan ruins near Valladolid for more ideas.
- Take a day trip to Rio Lagartos Nature Reserve and the pink lakes of Las Coloradas. You can spot plenty of flamingoes in Rio Lagartos from March to June.
- Swim in more cenotes or join a full-day cenote tour like this one.
- Immerse yourself in Mayan culture with this bike tour in Valladolid. Buy fresh tamales at Bazar Municipal, swim in cenote, make tortillas with a Mayan family, and visit the historic village of Chichimila on this tour.
✦ Pro Tip: Check out our post on the best Valladolid day trips for more day trip ideas.
Where to stay in Valladolid for 2 days?
There are many friendly boutique hotels in Valladolid, as well as beautiful haciendas.
When we spent 2 nights in Valladolid, we chose the beautiful Casa Marlene. Located close to the Zocalo, Casa Marlene is a 19th-century house-turned-hotel with a pretty garden, a small pool, and big rooms. They serve excellent breakfast and are budget-friendly.
Hotel Meson del Marques is set in a 17th-century colonial house and features traditional wooden furniture and tiled floors. It is next to the Zocalo and has excellent views from their terrace restaurant.
If you’re looking for a lovely hacienda near Valladolid, check out the beautiful Hacienda San Miguel Yucatan.
Valladolid Itinerary FAQ
What to do with 2 days in Valladolid Mexico?
With 2 days in Valladolid, Mexico, you can explore the must-see attractions in Valladolid town, such as the San Servacio Cathedral, San Bernardino Convent, and Calzada Los Frailes, visit Chichen Itza, and swim in a cenote or two.
How many days do you need in Valladolid?
2 – 3 days in Valladolid, Mexico, are ideal for seeing the city’s best attractions and making a couple of day trips to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and a few cenotes.
Is it worth visiting Valladolid, Mexico?
Yes, Valladolid is absolutely worth visiting because of its charming colonial architecture, colorful streets, and vibrant gastronomic scene. Valladolid’s proximity to Chichen Itza and many beautiful cenotes also add to its appeal.
What is the most beautiful street in Valladolid?
Calzada de los Frailes, with its colorful houses, art galleries, and boutique shops, is the most beautiful street in Valladolid. It is the best place to get beautiful pictures for your Gram.
How to get to Valladolid, Mexico?
The cheapest way to get to Valladolid, Mexico, is by taking an ADO bus from Cancun. You can also drive to Valladolid from Cancun via the 180D Highway.
How to get around Valladolid Mexico?
The easiest way to get around Valladolid is by walking. The historic center is walkable, and all the attractions are nearby. For day trips, you can ride a colectivo or drive your car.
What is the best time to visit Valladolid?
The best time to visit Valladolid, Mexico, is in winter and spring, from November to May. The weather is cool and dry during this time, and perfect for exploring the outdoors.
| Experience more of Valladolid, Mexico Read our posts on Valladolid | From visiting lost Mayan cities to praying in a fortress convent and watching a traditional Jarana performance, there are many wonderful things to do in Valladolid, Mexico. Chichen Itza | Grab this ultimate guide to visiting Chichen Itza. Or read some surprising facts about Chichen Itza before your trip. Day Trips and Tours | Plan easy day trips from Valladolid with these exciting Valladolid tours. |
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