Traveling to Valladolid Mexico? Wondering what to do in Valladolid Mexico? Here's a list of the best things to do in Valladolid, best day trips to take, and best places to eat and stay. Grab this complete Valladolid Mexico travel guide. #Valladolid #Mexico

33 Best Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico In 2024


Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Soumya

Looking for the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico? You’re at the right place.

Valladolid Mexico is a magical town in the state of Yucatan. With a rich history and an interesting natural landscape, Valladolid offers many things to do and sights to see.

From exploring Valladolid’s colonial heritage to visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, and trying authentic Yucatecan food, the list of Valladolid attractions is endless.

Further, Valladolid Mexico is a perfect springboard for day trips nearby. Ancient Mayan cities, mangroves, cenotes, and pink lakes are must see Valladolid sights.

Whether you’re a first-timer or visiting again, this comprehensive Valladolid travel guide will give you the list of the best Valladolid things to do, wonderful day trips, and the best places to stay and eat.


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Table of Contents

Top 10 Things to Do in Valladolid Mexico

Visit Chichen Itza near Valladolid

Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza
Wondering what to do in Valladolid Mexico? Go see Chichen Itza.

One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to visit the World Wonder, Chichen Itza.

Valladolid is super close to Chichen Itza – just 45 minutes away.

If you stay in Valladolid, you can get to Chichen Itza earlier than the busloads of tourists arriving from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. 

Once a sprawling Mayan capital, Chichen Itza is a marvelous archeological site. It is home to numerous historic landmarks, including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan, which you must see in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Here’s an amazing full-day guided tour from Valladolid that takes you to Chichen Itza, a cenote, and the Yellow City of Izamal.

If you want to do a self-guided tour from Valladolid, book skip-the-line tickets for Chichen Itza beforehand.

📖 Related Read: Before you start planning your trip, I highly recommend that you read my guide on how to visit Chichen Itza from Valladolid and find the best Chichen Itza guided tours.

Visit the Church of San Servacio

San Gervasio Church in Valladolid Mexico
Visiting the Church of San Servacio is always at the top of my Valladolid to do list.

Iglesia de San Servacio, or San Servacio Church, figures in every Valladolid must-see list for good reason. It is one of the most famous Valladolid attractions.

The Church of San Servacio is a tall, impressive structure with interesting history located on the zocalo in downtown Valladolid.

San Servacio Church was built by a priest in the early 16th century. It was demolished in 1705 after the tragic events of the “Crime of the Mayors” that happened right inside the church.

The church was restored in 1706 with a new position for the altar. San Servacio now faces north, whereas all other churches in Valladolid face east. 

The church is beautifully lit in the evenings, making it a great thing to do in Valladolid at night.

Pro Tip: Visiting Valladolid? Be sure to check out our epic 2 days in Valladolid itinerary.

Relax in Francisco Canton Park

La Mestiza statue at Francis Canton Park in Valladolid
The central park is one of the top Valladolid things to see.
Image courtesy: Dr. Jurgen Tenckhoff from Getty Images via Canva Pro

Facing the Church of San Servacio is a sprawling green park called the Francisco Canton Park. This is the heart of Valladolid and the hub of all activity.

It’s worth noting that the park has a bit of a backstory. The park was the site of a massive Mayan pyramid in ancient times. The pyramid was demolished by the Spanish conquistadors, who used the stones to construct churches and other colonial structures.

Today, the park is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and people-watch.

Here, you’ll also find the Statue of La Mestiza, a mixed-race woman that shows the coming together of Mayan and Spanish cultures.

Stroll through Calzada de los Frailes

Calzada de los Frailes in Valladolid Mexico
The colorful Calzada de los Frailes is one of must see Valladolid attractions.

One of the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico, is to take a walk on Calzada de los Frailes, the prettiest street in Valladolid.

Calzada de los Frailes is a cobblestone street that dates back to the 16th century.

The street once connected the settlement of Valladolid with the town of Sisal (where you’ll find the Convent of San Bernardino). 

Calzada de los Frailes has colorful houses, boutique shops, window grills, flower boxes, and atmospheric cafes today.

This street is literally one of the reasons why Valladolid is a pueblo magico. It is the perfect place to get the best pictures in Valladolid. What’s better is that it is one of the best free things to do in Valladolid.

Red Beetle on the streets of Valladolid
A cute beetle against a colorful wall – a common sight in Valladolid.

Appreciate Ethnic Art at Casa de los Venados

If you are an art lover, visit La Casa de Los Venados, a private house museum that showcases more than 3000 pieces of Mexican Folk art. 

This museum is a couple’s personal collection housed in a beautifully renovated estate. Ethnic murals, paintings, ceramics, and textiles are on display here.

Visiting Casa de Los Venados is one of the most popular things to do in Valladolid because it gives rich insights into local Yucatan culture.

Tours start promptly at 10:00 am daily in English and Spanish. The suggested donation is 100 MXN (about $5).

Pray in a Fortress Convent in Valladolid Mexico

Convent of San Bernardino in Valladolid Mexico
What to see in Valladolid Mexico? A convent shaped like a fortress.

Imagine praying in a church that looks like a fortress. Well, Valladolid has just the perfect thing to feed your imagination.

San Bernardino Convent is a 16th-century church that was built to serve the dual purpose of a church and a fortress.

It is the second largest Franciscan church in the Yucatan, next to the Church of Izamal.

The entire complex is a mix of chapels, a former convent, the Temple of San Bernardino, and a garden.

The temple features a main altarpiece painted in gold, arches, and rose-colored walls.

Pro Tip: On all evenings except Mondays, a light and sound show at the convent narrates stories from Yucatan history. It is free to watch. 9:00 pm is the Spanish one, and 9:20 pm is the English version.

Watch a Traditional Jarana Dance Performance

Head to the Valladolid Zocalo to experience a traditional Jarana performance in the evening. 

Dancers dress up in ethnic Yucatan costumes and dance to the tunes of uplifting Mexican music.

The Jarana performance at the Zocalo begins around 5:00 pm every day.

The first time I visited Valladolid, locals and tourists joined in the dance too, and the show continued till pretty late. You can check out this video above for a sneak peek.

Watching this traditional dance and joining in one of the fun things to do in Valladolid at night.

Swim in a Cenote

Cenote Suytun can be visited on a popular Valladolid tour
The picturesque Cenote Suytun has to be on your Must See Valladolid list.
Image courtesy: Leonid Andronov from Getty Images via Canva Pro

Valladolid is a great place to visit if you enjoy Yucatan’s cenotes. That’s because Valladolid is the best site in the world to see multiple cenotes in a single day

Cenote Zaci is located in the heart of the city, and Cenote Ik Kil is just by the side of Chichen Itza. Cenote Saamal is located 15 minutes southwest of the city center.

You don’t want to miss Cenote Suytun, Yucatan’s most famous Instagrammable Cenote. To purchase a Suytun and buffet lunch ticket online, click here.

There are so many cenotes in and around Valladolid that you can see and swim in multiple cenotes in one day.

Pro Tip: This awesome cenote tour from Valladolid takes you to the secret cenotes of Xcanahaltun, Popcorn, Aqua Dulce, and Hubiku.

Learn about Mayan Bees at Xkopek Beekeeping Park

Did you know that Valladolid Mexico offers a bee tour?

This Mayan bees tour where you learn about Mayan beekeeping processes and honey collection is very interesting. Many of my readers have done this Valladolid bee tour and absolutely loved it.

Mayans have a long tradition of rearing stingless Melipona bees and harvesting honey from them.

This Mayan bees tour through the Xkopek Beekeeping Park concludes with honey tasting and a stop at the souvenir shop, where you can purchase indigenous Mayan honey, soap, and other items.

The bee tour is at the top of my list of activities in Valladolid because we enjoy this as a family.

Check out the Valladolid Mayan Bees Tour here.

Try Yucatan Cuisine at Bazar Municipal

Food at Bazar Municipal in Valladolid Mexico
Tamales and juice at Bazar Municipal – the best local foodie experience in Valladolid Yucatan.

Valladolid Mexico is an excellent place to sample Yucatan cuisine.

My favorite spot, Bazar Municipal, is one of the best and cheapest venues to enjoy regional cuisine.

It resembles a local food court, with hundreds of vendors serving Valladolid’s best food.

The menus of individual vendors aren’t too different, however I recommend going to the stall with the longest wait (of locals). Usually, that is the best option.

Bazar Municipal was, without a doubt, my favorite place to eat in Valladolid. We tried a variety of dishes, but my personal favorite was the Sopa de Lima and the tamales. 

Other nice dishes to try are Longaniza de Valladolid (smoked pork sausage with achiote), Lomitos de Valladolid (Pork loin in tomato sauce), salbutes, and papadzules.

Some restaurants also offer comida corrida at lunchtime.


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Traveling to Valladolid Mexico? Wondering what to do in Valladolid Mexico? Here's a list of the best things to do in Valladolid, best day trips to take, and best places to eat and stay. Grab this complete Valladolid Mexico travel guide. #Valladolid #Mexico

Best Things to Do in Valladolid for Culture Vultures

Explore Sao Roque Museum

Step into Museo Sao Roque if you’re looking for fun and free things to do in Valladolid Mexico.

This museum features beautiful murals and a collection of shaman altars. They have a collection of artifacts depicting Mayan history.

The structure itself is steeped in history. It began as a tiny chapel, evolved into a hospital, and finally into a convent. Several Mexican revolutionaries were buried here. 

Sao Roque Museum is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. So, if you’re looking for something nice and free to do in Valladolid at night, step in here.

Participate in the Mystical Friars Walk

Calzada de los Frailes
Calzada de los Frailes – the street where the Friars Walk happens every weekend.

The Friars Walk is a new initiative that comprises a group of men costumed as Franciscan monks marching through Calzada de los Frailes every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

The walk starts at Calzada de Los Frailes and ends at the Convent of San Bernardino.

It is scheduled right before the light and sound show at the convent.

There are many free things to do in Valladolid, and the Friars Walk is by far the most interesting.

Explore Valladolid on a Walking Tour

Soumya and son on the streets of Valladolid.
Taking a guided walking tour is one of the most fun things to do in Valladolid Mexico.

There’s no better way to experience Valladolid’s charm and colonial architecture than on a walking tour with a local.

On this delightful, family-friendly walking tour, the guide takes you through must see Valladolid tourist attractions while entertaining you with interesting stories and legends.

Pro Tip: Try this free Valladolid tour with a local if you want something more budget-friendly. It gives a great introduction to the best things to see in Valladolid. You can pay a tip (usually between USD 5 – 20) at the end of the tour.

Feel the Pulse of Valladolid at Mercado Municipal

If you want to get a feel for Valladolid’s real pulse, go to the Mercado Municipal.

This is the market where locals shop for fruits, vegetables, meat, clothing, and tacos on a regular basis.

A stroll through the vibrant market is well worth your time. You can also buy traditional Mexican souvenirs from the market, such as handicrafts and textiles.

Remember to get her early because they usually close by 4:00 pm. Sometimes, even before that.

Mexican souvenirs at Handicrafts Market in Coyoacan
Traditional Mexican handicrafts and tortilla warmers in a local market in Mexico.

Visit Saint John Catholic Church

Yet another lesser-known but beautiful church is the Saint John Catholic Church or Iglesia de San Juan (Google Maps). 

Built in old colonial style, the church overlooks a serene park by the same name.

See More Colonial Buildings of Valladolid Mexico

View from the City Hall arches in Valladolid Mexico
Strolling through the Zocalo and marveling at the beautiful colonial buildings is one of the best things to do in Valladolid Yucatan.
Image courtesy: Lunamarina via Canva Pro

Take a stroll around Valladolid’s Zocalo and see more colonial buildings.

Visit the City Hall of Valladolid or Ayuntamiento de Valladolid (Google Maps) and walk under its majestic arches.

Click some gorgeous few pictures of San Servacio Church from here because, as you can see, this is one of the most Instagrammable tourist attractions in Valladolid.

Head upstairs to see some of the most magnificent murals of the Mayan world.

As far as I recall, the entrance to the building is free, and the top floor gives you an epic view of the central square from above. 

Step into Iglesia de la Candelaria

Head to the beautiful neighborhood of La Candelaria for a walk and step into the simple and beautiful Church of Candelaria (Google Maps). 

Locals have been worshiping Our Lady of Candelaria, the city’s patron saint here for centuries now.

It is believed that the Virgin performed miracles and saved the people of Valladolid from epidemics and fires.

The church, with a pastel-red facade with pretty white borders, faces a small park.

Every year, between the end of January and the beginning of February, Valladolid celebrates the Virgin of Candelaria with religious festivities and craft fairs. The people enjoy lots and lots of tamales.

It is one of the best times to visit Valladolid, Mexico.

Head to Murem Museum 

Visiting the Murem Museum is an interesting thing to do in Valladolid to understand Mexico’s heritage through pieces of clothing. 

They have all kinds of clothing (traditional and contemporary) to showcase the diversity of Mexican communities from across the country.

Plus, they run temporary exhibitions that let you explore things like Mayan embroidery and facemasks.

If you want unique things to do in Valladolid, visit the Murem Museum.

See some art at Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Art

Looking for the best ethnic art collection in town? Plus, some good coffee?

Head to Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Art. Located on Calzada de los Frailes, Kuxtal Cafe is every art and coffee lover’s favorite hangout place.

Hanging out at Kuxtal is one of the best things to do in Valladolid Mexico at night.

Fun Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico

Take a Picture with the Colorful Valladolid Sign

The Colorful Valladolid sign is one of the top Valladolid attractions.
The colorful sign is right in front of San Bernardino Convent and a fun thing to see in Valladolid, Mexico.

Head to the colorful Valladolid sign to get a picture for your album.

The colorful Valladolid letters are right in front of the Convent of San Bernardino in the Sisal neighborhood.

When they were first installed in 2016, not many people were happy. The letters were considered an eyesore. 

But today, they have come to represent the vibrant and happy spirit of Yucatecos in Valladolid and are a must-have in your Valladolid itinerary.

See Valladolid on a Bike

Visiting the zocalo is one the best things to do in Valladolid Mexico.
Wondering what to do? Valladolid Mexico offers you numerous attractions including a very happening public square.

A bike tour like this one is the perfect way to check out the best things in Valladolid in a short time. 

You’ll begin the tour at the local market, try some tamales, swim in Cenote Xkeken, and end the day with a tour of the small village of Chichimila where the Caste War of Yucatan first began.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have deep insights into Mayan culture and seen some of the must see Valladolid attractions.

Bonus: This tour company supports locals and invests in the local community. You can check out more about the tour here

Check out Cenote Maya Native Park

Cenote Maya Native Park is the best place to visit in Valladolid if you want to combine a cenote visit with a genuine cultural experience.

You’ll descend by rappelling into one of the Yucatan’s largest and most beautiful cenotes and witness an intimate Mayan blessing ceremony led by a shaman.

The park is located about 20 miles (40 minutes) to the east of Valladolid. Therefore, you can easily plan this one as a full-day trip from Valladolid.

Pro Tip: Grab your ticket for the Cenote Maya Native Park here.

Top Things to Do in Valladolid for Foodies

Take a Cooking Class with a Local 

Breakfast at Casa Marlene |Top Things To Do in Valladolid Mexico | Stories by Soumya
Cooking your own Mexican meal is a fun thing to do in Valladolid.

Learn how to cook traditional Mexican dishes in Valladolid in this small-group Mexican cooking class.

This tour includes visiting the local market where you can pick your own fresh ingredients and then head to the kitchen and prepare the best 6-course Mexican feast of your life.

This Mexican cooking class in Valladolid is a must-do if you’re a foodie.

Try Marquesitas in Valladolid

Marquesitas are a street-food dessert you’ll find everywhere in Valladolid and Yucatan.

These are crispy crepes that are filled with sweet treats. You can opt for cream cheese, Nutella, jam, and chocolate.

Best marquesitas are found with street vendors near Francisco Canton Park in the evening. 

Have Gelato at Wabi

Craving some ice cream on a hot summer day in Valladolid? Head to Wabi Gelato because their homemade gelatos are out of this world. 

Whether you opt for classic delights such as chocolate or pistachio or go for the more unusual pineapple + cilantro, you’ll relish every bit of whatever you have at Wabi.

Not a fan of gelato? No worries. Have the delicious ice lollies at La Flor de Michoacan (Google Maps).

Ice lollies at La Flor de Michoacan are a must do in Valladolid Mexico
Yes, ice lollies at La Flor de Michoacan in Valladolid Mexico make you happy.

Try Cochinita Pibil in Valladolid

One of the best foods to try in Valladolid is cochinita pibil, a pulled pork dish that traces its origins to the Mayan civilization in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Shredded pork is often served on tortillas and roasted veggies, shallots, and pickles.

The best place to try cochinita pibil in Valladolid, Mexico is at El Meson del Marques

Head to Choco-Story Valladolid

The Choco-Story Museum, with a fantastic collection of Mayan chocolate stories, is an amazing museum and is one of the secret things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

The displays are interactive, and visiting the museum is almost like walking through the history of chocolate.

There’s a chocolate store at the end of the tour, so you can buy delicious souvenirs before leaving.

Pro Tip: Did you know that Mexico City has a chocolate museum, too? Called the MUCHO Museum, it is one of the 10 Best Museums in Mexico.

Best Things to Do Near Valladolid, Mexico

Apart from all these fun things to do in Valladolid, you can also venture out a little bit and see some cool places.

For example, the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam are just a hop away. Izamal, the Yellow Town, and the Las Coloradas’ pink lakes are also nearby.

Let’s check out this list of the best Valladolid attractions nearby, including some cool Mayan ruins near Valladolid, Mexico.

Visit Ek Balam & Cenote Xcanche

Big mouth of hell at Ek Balam Mexico
If you’re looking for more historical things to do in Valladolid, visit the ruins of Ek Balam.

If you wish to check out a secret Mayan ruin near Valladolid, visit Ek Balam. 

The archaeological site at Ek Balam is known for its unique stucco sculptures that you will not see anywhere else. Watch for the sculptures of the winged warriors and the huge monster jaws.

Added bonus – you can still climb the Ek Balam pyramid and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Yucatan jungles.

Cenote Xcanche, which is less busy than many others, is located within the archaeological site of Ek Balam.

Driving from Valladolid to Ek Balam takes roughly 30 minutes. There are colectivos that can take you there.

Alternatively, you can opt for a full-day tour from Valladolid to see both Ek Balam and the Rio Lagartos nature reserve.

Pro Tip: Strapped for time? Find out how to visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam on the same day.

Head to Temozon for Smoked Meat

Smoked meat - Temozon easily seen on Valladolid day trip is famous for its smoked meat.
Foodies will love visiting Temozon , the smoked meat capital of Mexico, from Valladolid.
Image courtesy: HaiBaron from Pixabay via Canva Pro

Head to the small town of Temozon, the smoked meat capital of Yucatan.

18+ shops on the main street of this city produce smoked meat and have been doing so for years.

Vendors use secret recipes that have been in the families for generations. Even today, the exact marinade that makes Temozon’s smoked meat so delicious is a secret.

Located just 20 minutes north of Valladolid, Temozon is an easy day trip if you have a car. You can also hire a taxi to take you there.

📖 Related: Looking for more day trip ideas? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips from Valladolid, Mexico.

Visit Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas

Rio Lagartos
The stunning scenery of Rio Lagartos makes it one of the best things to see in Valladolid.

Nature lovers will love a day trip to the scenic Rio Lagartos and the Pinks Lakes of Mexico called Las Coloradas. 

Rio Lagartos is a small fishing village full of exotic wildlife. Be prepared to spot crocodiles and hundreds different birds, including flamingoes. 

Las Coloradas are pink lakes that get their blush pink color from algae and brine shrimp that thrive in the salty water. 

Pro Tip: The best way to get to Rio Lagartos is by renting a car or booking this highly-rated combo tour from Valladolid.

Izamal

Yellow city of Izamal
One of the top things to do in Valladolid, Yucatan is to visit the Yellow City of Izamal.
Image courtesy: emicristea from Getty Images via Canva Pro

Head to the Yellow City of Mexico, Izamal, which is another magical city of Mexico.

The highlights are the historic Convent of San Antonio de Padua and the Mayan pyramid of Kinich Kakmo, which is still open to climbing.

A drive from Valladolid to Izamal takes 1.5 hours, and a bus ride takes about 2.5 hours. Autobuses Oriente ply on this route. 

If you are looking for a guided tour, here’s a good one that combines Chichen Itza, Izamal, and a cenote.

Coba ruins

The Mayan ruins of Coba are located approximately 50 minutes away from Valladolid.

At Coba, you can climb a massive pyramid, see unique stelae with intricate carvings, and experience the beautiful jungles of Yucatan.

Uayma church

The municipality of Uayma is located just outside the city of Valladolid (20 minutes by car). The town is well-known for its beautiful 17th-century church with a stunning facade.

Interactive Map of Best Valladolid Attractions

Map of best things to do in Valladolid Mexico
Click on the map above to access directions to all Valladolid attractions.

Best Places to Stay in Valladolid Mexico

We stayed at a cute boutique hotel called Casa Marlene in Valladolid, Mexico.

Casa Marlene is located on Calle #39 within the central plaza. It is a 19th-century house with only six rooms on offer. They have a beautiful garden, and their breakfast is delicious.

Other wonderful boutique hotels in the city are Le Muuch Hotel Boutique and Hotel Fundadores.

Check out more hotels in Valladolid here.

Quaint streets of Valladolid

Practical Information for Visiting Valladolid Mexico

Best Time to Visit Valladolid Mexico

The best time to visit Valladolid, Mexico, is winter (November – February) and spring (March – May). The weather is cool and dry, making it perfect to stroll the colorful streets of the city center.

Summers can be really hot. Sometimes, it gets hot in spring, too. Be sure to carry your hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

How to get to Valladolid Mexico?

You can get to Valladolid from Cancun by public transport.

We flew to Cancun and took the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid. You can book your ADO bus ticket here.

There are no direct buses to Valladolid from Cancun airport.

So, we first took a bus to the ADO Bus Station in Cancun Centro (Google Maps) from the Cancun Airport. This journey was less than an hour.

And then, we took another bus to Valladolid from the ADO bus station in Cancun. This journey was a little over 2 hours.

There are buses to Valladolid every hour.

We actually missed our first connection because our bus from the airport got a little delayed, and the ADO guy at the gate would not let us in. So, we took the next one.

You can also rent a car and drive to Valladolid from Cancun. The drive takes around 2 hours. Since you’ll mostly drive on Highway 180D, the drive is pretty safe and straightforward.

How to get around Valladolid Mexico?

Getting around Valladolid is not difficult. You can walk and see the best attractions in Valladolid.

You can hire a taxi or get into a colectivo for your day trips.

Collectivos are minivans that carry around ten people each. They do not have fixed departure times and usually leave once they get filled up.

Soumya at Rio Lagartos
WIth umpteen things to do in Valladolid and nearby, it is one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico.

Valladolid Mexico Travel FAQ

Is Valladolid Mexico worth visiting?

Valladolid in Mexico is absolutely worth visiting because of its storied history, mind-blowing cenotes, colonial buildings, quaint streets, and an exquisite mix of Mayan and Spanish cultures. Valladolid is also one of Mexico’s pueblo magicos, making it an amazing travel destination.

Is Valladolid, Mexico, safe?

Valladolid, Mexico, is as safe as any other place on earth. In fact, Valladolid is one of the safest cities in Mexico. I never felt awkward or unsafe during my visit here.

What is Valladolid Mexico known for?

Valladolid, Mexico, is known for its picturesque streets, a large collection of cenotes, and its proximity to Chichen Itza. 

What is there to do in Valladolid at night?

At night, you can watch the sound and light show at San Bernardino Convent, stop by the Sao Roque Museum, enjoy the chilled vibes of Central Square and watch a Jarana performance, and catch the Friars Walk over the weekend.

How many days do you need in Valladolid Mexico?

Even though many people visit Valladolid as part of a day tour from Cancun/Riviera Maya, I highly recommend staying a couple of nights in Valladolid to experience the true beauty of this magical town in Mexico.

Experience more of Valladolid, Mexico

Read our posts on
Valladolid | From swimming in cenotes to visiting ancient Mayan ruins and strolling through colorful streets, you can do so much in just two days in Valladolid.
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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Traveling to Valladolid Mexico? Wondering what to do in Valladolid Mexico? Here's a list of the best things to do in Valladolid, best day trips to take, and best places to eat and stay. Grab this complete Valladolid Mexico travel guide. #Valladolid #Mexico


Soumya is an acclaimed travel writer who has traveled to 30+ countries and lived in 8 while pursuing her passion for history and culture. Her writings have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. She loves exploring world heritage sites and has a deep affinity for everything ancient, especially the lost civilizations of Mesoamerica!

20 thoughts on “33 Best Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico In 2024

  1. Hello , Did you stay overnight in Valladolid ? Did you drive yourself from Cancun ? Is it safe to drive without a guide ?

    1. Hi Linda. Yes, I stayed a few days in Valladolid. I don’t drive, so I took the ADO Bus from Cancun which was pretty comfortable.
      But driving is also a great option to get to Valladolid from Cancun, many of my friends have done it and loved it. You’ll mostly be driving on Highway 180D which is one of the safest and most comfortable roads to drive in Mexico.

  2. Valladolid is truly very colorful and I love colorful streets and towns. I have strong fascination for such kind of quirky and colorful places. Calzada de Los Frailes is really a very photogenic street and I would empty out my camera’s memory here. Colorful letters of Valladolid in the historic town of Sisal is also looking wonderful. Also good to know that they also serve food on banana leaf just like our South of India. Thanks for sharing an offbeat destination.

    1. That’s a very interesting observation. Tamales is made in banana leaves and then served in them. So yes, that’s quite a connection.

  3. Soumya , thanks for such a lovely write-up.I virtually took a tour of this beautiful place called Valladolid that I had never heard of.You know that I am a big architecture and history buff and this place looks like the must-visit place for someone like me.That capture of the beetle with the backdrop is spellbinding and so so the vibrant houses and the big cathedral. Keep introducing me to such new places through your posts 🙂

  4. Valladolid in Mexico looks so colorful! Had not heard of this wonderful place and so happy to find this fabulous guide. Food options look so inviting! Sunday evenings sound fun as would love to interact with the locals and be merry with dance and drinks! Walk in the colorful streets of Valladolid is just the perfect way to explore and absorb the beautiful energy here!

  5. I can never get over how massive Mexico is and how many amazing experiences exist within it! I wasn’t able to make it to Valladolid on my trip but having read your post I really have to add it to my itinerary on my next trip. I love the small village charm of it all, with the colorful buildings and old architecture. Plus, I’m a sucker for beautiful cenotes and would love to visit those you mentioned 🙂

  6. I have travelled to Mexico once but to the more touristy Cancun and want to see more of the real Mexico. Your post has only made me think about visiting again sooner. Valladolid is surely charming and the little town has so much to offer. loved the colourful buildings and the evening at the Central Park surely sounds interesting. the food must be as great and I love Mexican food so a no brainer. thanks for sharing something more off beat.

  7. I have been to many Mexican cities but not yet to Valladolid and it looks amazing! I would also suggest people to just “walk around” because thats the best to discover a city and it looks as Valladolid has so much to be discover!

  8. This is a fantastic compact guude to the place. I love how yOu brought it to life bt describing the points of interest as well as what ti eat. The church cum fort looks amazing . The central park is also beautiful

  9. I love how colorful this destination looks! I haven’t been, but I know I would love it! I love visiting Cathedrals whenever I travel- and this one looks beautiful! Thanks for all the tips.

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