Valladolid, Mexico | Ultimate Guide (+22 Things to Do)

Valladolid, Mexico is an incredible hidden gem located deep in Mexico’s Yucatan jungle. After nearly a year traveling the Yucatan peninsula, Valladolid remains my absolute favorite place to travel in Mexico.

Vibrant. Authentic. Unique. Valladolid is authentic Mexico at its best.

In fact, I love Valladolid so much that I’m about to launch Travel Lemming’s first tours there in Spring, 2024. Want to explore it with our group? Join our tour waitlist!

Ready to learn more about Valladolid? This mega guide is chock-full of insider trip-planning secrets and tips to help fellow travelers enjoy the best things to do in Valladolid.

BUT FIRST – get hyped with this short video I made with the ENTIRE TOWN on my last visit to show you why Valladolid is so magical. Valladolid’s mayor even makes a cameo!: 

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Why You Should Visit Valladolid Mexico

I’ve spent the better part of five months traveling in Mexico’s Yucatan. And, while there are a lot of awesome places on the peninsula (e.g., Celestun, Bacalar, Tulum), when people ask me what they should see I always tell them that Valladolid should be at the top of their Mexico bucket list!

Why?

First off, while some travelers are starting to discover it, Valladolid is still (relatively) off the beaten path. So it offers an opportunity to experience authentic Mayan culture and history that you just candidly can’t find very easily in the over-touristed beach towns like Cancun and Tulum.

Despite the fact that a million tourists whiz by Valladolid on their tours to Chichen Itza, the town itself is still blissfully untouched by the worst ravages of tourism.

From wandering its colorful streets to exploring the cenotes of Valladolid, to immersing yourself in Mayan culture and history, there are so many things to do here.

Whatever you do, a visit to Valladolid should be on every traveler’s list!

🔥 Pssh – First time traveling to Mexico? Don’t miss my 17 little-known travel tips for Mexico!

22 Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico

#1 – Cool off in Valladolid’s Cenotes

A cenote is basically a swimming hole carved into limestone bedrock by spring water. They look like something from the Indiana Jones movies! There are tens of thousands of cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, and some of the best cenotes are near Valladolid.

My favorite Valladolid cenotes:

• Cenote Suytun – pictured above, this is perhaps the Mexico’s most famous cenote because it’s platform is great for Instagram (honestly, it’s not the best cenote for swimming, though)
• Cenote Zaci – right in the middle of town, for just 30 pesos, it makes for a great place to take a dip and cool off
• Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman – a gorgeous cenote with a rope swing!
• Cenote Saamal – my personal favorite cenote because it has a gorgeous (though artificial) waterfall, plus a comfortable hacienda with a lunch buffet and other facilities.

👉 Bookmark my full list of the best Valladolid cenotes.

Whichever of the nearby cenotes you pick, it is a definitely can’t-miss thing to do in Valladolid.

#2 – Marvel at Mayan Art at Casa de los Venados

It’s not a museum, but actually, a large house that the owners open up to the public for tours at 10 am everyday.

Inside you’ll find a stunning renovated hacienda housing one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic Mexican artwork in the country.

Its location just off the main square means a visit to Casa de los Venados is easy to make, and should definitely be on your list of the top things to do in Valladolid Mexico.

Location: Calle 40 #204 x 41 col. Centro Valladolid, Yucatan Mexico

Tours: 10 am everyday (100 peso suggested donation, given to local charities).

#3 – Witness The Nightly Traditional Dance Performance

Walk through Valladolid’s main square, Parque Francisco Canton, around 5:30 PM and you’ll usually find traditional Mayan dancers or a colorful troupe showing off Jarana, a traditional dance in the Yucatan.

Sure, it feels just a tad touristy (they put on the shows for tips from the visitors, after all) but the crowd is hardly enormous and the quality of the performances is surprisingly awesome!

🔥 Always forget something in your suitcase? – Use our handy checklist of what to take to Mexico to remember everything you’ll need to pack!

#4 – Visit Chichen Itza

Taking a trip to see Chichen Itza is easily one of the most popular things to do in Valladolid, Mexico. And it’s no wonder why: after all, this incredible complex of Mayan ruins has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

But also with that distinction has come a ton of people. Picture this: loads and loads of tourist buses hoarding in thousands of visitors each day from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun to Valladolid to for tours to Chichen Itza and a cenote or two.

👉 Pro Tip: if you’re staying in Valladolid overnight, you have a leg up on visiting this site before the crowds get there. Get up EARLY and try to be at Chichen Itza at 8 am when it opens, or at least before 9:30 am (when the tour buses from Cancun roll in). This well rated tour from Valladolid will get you there first thing!

How to Get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza:

• Option 1: Book this well rated tour, the only one I know of from Valladolid. It arrives at opening time (i.e., before the buses from Cancun!) and also takes you to the yellow city of Izamal.
• Option 2: Take a collectivo shared minibus from the small station on Calle 46 between 37 and 39 (cost: 40 pesos). Just be warned the minibuses can get packed!
• Option 3: Go to the ADO station and buy a ticket on one of very few buses servicing Chichen Itza.
• Option 4: The best way is to rent a car and drive. But you’ll need to rent in Cancun or Merida and bring your car with you. I suggest using Discover Cars to find the best deal.

#5 – Explore Mayan Ruins Off the Beaten Path at Ek Balam

Want to explore Mayan ruins free from the crowds at Chichen Itza? Check out the Ek Balam archaeological site. This complex is so huge that at one point around 800 AD it was home to over 20,000 people!

Visit Ek Balam from Valladolid by braving a collectivo or by joining this highly-rated Valladolid / Ek Balam combo tour, which leaves from Cancun or Tulum. You can also make the 30 minute drive north in a rental car (detail in the blue box below).

🚗 Pro Tip for Renting Cars in Mexico: Beware of scams and of sneaky hidden charges when renting in Mexico (especially in Cancun). For a safe and transparent experience, use the Discover Cars search engine to compare quotes for cars from all the major agencies. I really like that they let you sort by supplier reviews!

#6 – Browse the Mercado Municipal

The best part about visiting Valladolid Mexico is the opportunity to experience real Mexican culture. And there’s no more authentic experience than browsing the colorful stalls at Valladolid’s Mercado Municipal.

You can find everything from vegetable vendors to butcher shops to handicrafts at this large covered market just a few blocks from centro.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, just wandering the stalls and soaking in the colors and smells is an awesome way to experience the character of Valladolid.

👉 Pro Tip: Consider Mexico travel insurance to protect your trip.

#7 – Meander Down Calzada de los Frailes

Perhaps one of the prettiest little streets I’ve seen anywhere in Mexico, Calzada de los Frailes is a quiet mostly-pedestrian street whose colorful walls and doorways just cry out for a photographer’s lens.

You’ll find a handful of restaurants and cafes, and a number of fashionable boutique shops selling hip clothing, purses, and more.

There’s no specific “thing to do” here, but that’s all part of the fun! A walk down Calzada de los Frailes shouldn’t be missed during your trip to Valladolid.

#8 – Watch the Video Mapping Show at the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

If you wander to the end of Calzada de los Frailes, you’ll end up at Parque Sisal, which houses the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena.

The building may not seem the most impressive until you realize that it’s nearly 500 years old! You can poke around inside or head up the bell tower for views of the plaza.

And, if you’re lucky enough to be there on the right night, you can come back after dark to see the convent lit up by a light show!

Valladolid’s free “video mapping” show runs Tuesday through Sunday at 9 pm in Spanish and 9:25 pm in English.

#9 – Snap a Photo at the Valladolid Sign

Come on, we all know you want to show off how cool you are for exploring Mexico off the beaten path.

So bust out your phone, fire up Instagram or SnapChat or whatever the kids are using these days, and pose for a photo in front of this colorful Valladolid sign (you’ll find similar signs in nearly every Mexican town, by the way, though I’m not sure if there’s a prize for collecting them all).

The sign is located in Parque Sisal just in front of the convent. And, in all seriousness, the locals would actually love for you to take a photo and to share it with your friends. The local economy could really use more tourism dollars (and euros, pounds, and pesos) after the past couple years.

#10 – Visit the Xkopek Beekeeping Park

The Xkopek beekeeping reserve is a quiet natural retreat where you can learn about beekeeping. There is a restaurant, a pool, a dry cenote, and even a space where you can pitch a tent.

You can go independently (contact them at +52 985 125 0964). Or many people go via this popular Valladolid Mayan Bees tour that takes care of all the organizing details for you.

#11 – Take a Day Trip to Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas

About 90 minutes north of Valladolid, along the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Rio Lagartos. It’s a small town located inside a nature preserve teeming with wildlife like flamingos and crocodiles.

A little further east lies Las Coloradas, the Yucatan’s “pink lakes.” They aren’t really natural lakes, so much as evaporating ponds for a salt factory, but they are really big – and, yes, really pink!

Given their location, a trip to Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas is best done as a combo day trip. I suggest taking this combo tour from Valladolid, which also works with a stop at Ek Balam along the way.

#12 – Try Some Unusual Local Dishes!

Grasshoppers anyone?

If we’re being honest, I took a pass on these little guys. But you should give it a shot! Of, if you prefer your food without legs still attached to it, try a cochinita pipil, a traditional Yucatan dish involving slow-roasted pork with a tinge of orange flavor. Or check out the papadzules (pictured above), egg-filled crepes covered in a delicious cream sauce.

My top choice for food in Valladolid, though, is to hunt down one of the carts in the main square dishing out marquesitas: a delicious dessert that is sort of like a Nutella and cheese crepe (trust me, it’s better than it sounds!).

#13 – Marvel at the Iglesia de San Servicio

The most recognizable point of interest in Valladolid is the towering Iglesia de San Servicio (sometimes called the Cathedral San Gervasio) located just south of the main square.

The Spaniards built this cathedral over a demolished Mayan pyramid, using some of the pyramid’s stones to build the cathedral itself.

Snapping a photo of this iconic symbol of Valladolid is definitely one of the top things to do in Valladolid – just be sure to see it during the daylight and by night, as the view is entirely different. The cathedral still holds regular services, but when there isn’t one you can wander inside to marvel at the intricate detail of the interior.

#14 – Grab Some Gelato at Wabi

If your legs get tired from walking around Valladolid’s old town, swing by this tiny gelato shop for a serious treat. There are only a handful of flavors on offer at any given time, but the owner will let you try them all.

I couldn’t make up my mind, so somewhere I settled on a combination of Mayan chocolate and mango yogurt. It paired better than you might think!

Wabi is located near the main square on Calle 39 #136, at the corner of Calle 38. It open from noon to 10 pm.

#15 – Saddle Up to the Bar for a Drink With the Locals at La Joyita

At the corner of Calle 41 and Calle 38, you’ll find a tiny hole-in-the-wall cantina and bar that’s something of a local icon in Valladolid (it’s the gathering place for politicians, business owners, and just about anyone).

So swing open the saloon doors of La Joyita, settle into one of the small bar’s stools, order some mezcal, and brush off your Spanish for some friendly chit chat with the locals!

#16 – Take a Bike Tour to Cenotes

Several of the cenotes near Valladolid are accessible by bicycle paths. There is a popular locally-run bike tour that will take you to the Mercado Municipal, Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, Cenote Xkeken, Dzitnup, and the village of Chichimila all in one day.

It’s a great way to check off many of the best things to do in Valladolid at once while supporting locals along the way.

#17 – Take a Scooter Tour of Valladolid, Mexico

If you know how to ride a scooter, it can be a wonderful way to explore Valladolid and the surrounding area!

The town is small and easy to get around, with relatively safe streets by Mexican standards.

Scooter Rent Valladolid is the best place to rent one. It’s located right off the main square at Calle 41 No. 197 x, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico.

#18 – Try Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita pibil is the most famous thing to eat in Valladolid. It’s basically a marinated pork barbeque meat dish. You can find variations of it at many of the best restaurants in Valladolid, but the most iconic spot is the El Tigrillo taco stand on the corner of Calle 44 & Calle 41. Tacos start at just 11 pesos (or about 50 cents USD!).

As a plant based eater, I’ll admit this is the one thing to do in Valladolid where I lack first hand experience. But I’m pretty sure it’s a good one based on the looks on my carnivore friends’ faces when they try it!

#19 – Check Out Iglesia San Juan

It’s just a small church facing a little square and park, but Iglesia San Juan makes our list of the top things to do in Valladolid because it encapsulates real everyday life in Valladolid.

Just a 10 minute walk from the main square, this smaller square is blissfully free of tourists.

You’ll find vendors out front selling elote helado (corn ice cream), or all sorts of other sweet delicacies. Come on a Sunday afternoon and you might be treated to a small local market.

#20 – Step Back in History at Museo San Roque

Located on Calle 41 between 38 and 40 (across from La Joyita), the Museo San Roque has a small but interesting collection of historical items reflecting the history of Valladolid and the Yucatan region.

There is no admission cost, which makes it a great free thing to do in Valladolid Mexico.

#21 – Check out the Murals at Ayuntamiento Valladolid

Located in the town’s main square, the Ayuntamiento houses the city’s official tourism help office, which is a great place to get information on the latest events or happenings in the city.

And while you are there, be sure to head upstairs to witness the huge murals painted on the second floor which reflect the history of Valladolid.

#22 – Photograph the Colorful Walls!

One of the things that makes Valladolid so beautiful is the plethora of colorful colonial walls.

They make for excellent backdrops for photographs, or just a pleasant vista to enjoy as you stroll down the street.

For bonus points, see if you can find an iconic Volkswagon beetle parked in front of a colorful wall (extra bonus points if the car matches the wall!).

🌴 Want to Explore More of the Yucatan Off the Beaten Path? Check out my epic guide to El Cuyo, Mexico. Like Valladolid, it’s incredibly underrated!

Best Restaurants in Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid may be small, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some awesome places to eat here. From hip Italian bistros to traditional local fare, there’s something for every type of foodie in Valladolid.

The best part? The prices are significantly less than in the beach resorts!

Check out my full list of the best Valladolid restaurants for more places to eat, but here’s a quick summary of some top picks:

• Conato Cultural 1910 (Calle 40 between 45 and 47) – In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Valladolid, Mexico. But one thing is for sure: the funky and colorful at Conato is not to be missed. You’ll also love the modern spins on the local fare. Sit downstairs to be serenaded by live music or on the upper terrace to enjoy the breeze.
• Condesa Cocina-Bar (Calle 40 between 41 and 43) – This upper level terrace at this bar and restaurant has the best view in town. Come at night and you’ll be treated to a view of the cathedral lit up in the background. Best yet, show this post to your server for a free welcome drink on the house!
• Cafeina Food Company (Calz. de Los Frailes 212A) – Pizzas, pastas, and excellent cocktails are on offer at this stylish bistro. Come here for dinner and slip next door to continue your night at the connected Don Trejo bar afterwards.
• La Ville Bistro (Calle 40 & 37) – You’ll love the adorable interior of this cute corner cafe. The coffee and breakfast fare aren’t bad either!
• El Meson de Marques (Calle 39 between 40 and 42) – One of the more popular places to eat in Valladolid, located just on the main square. Try the jamaica margaritas, which I was chastised for missing by one of my Facebook followers 🙂
• ConKafecito (Calzada de los Frailes, Número 226) – Very cute and popular coffee shop with good drinks and pastries. Also a good place if you need a strong WiFi connection.

👉 See my full list of 22 best restaurants in Valladolid.

Best Nightlife and Bars in Valladolid, Mexico

Look, you don’t come to Valladolid because you want a nightlife destination.

But I’d be lying if I didn’t also admit to having faced a few serious hangovers after nights out in Valladolid! There aren’t a ton of nightlife options here, but the ones that do exist are high quality.

Top bars in Valladolid Mexico include:

• Don Trejo Mezcaleria (Calz. de Los Frailes 212) – This joint next to Cafeina is probably the most popular bar in Valladolid. There is a welcoming garden in the back with large bed-style seating, or you can grab a table near the small but active dance floor, which pulsates to the beats of salsa music on weekends.
• Condesa Cocina-Bar (Calle 40 between 41 and 43) – In the evenings, a DJ pumps out reggaeton on the upper patio at this stylish restaurant. Don’t expect a crazy party, but it’s a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some beats. Be sure to show this post to your server for a free welcome drink on the house when you tag the restaurant in a photo on social media!
• Libranos del Mal (Calle 39 between 38 and 40) – It has the feel of a dive bar but the attitude of a place that takes partying seriously. Be sure to check out the back patio if it gets too hot inside.

Where to Stay in Valladolid, Mexico

Whatever your travel style, there are a ton of awesome hotels in Valladolid, Mexico.

My top recommended hotel in Valladolid is the Real Hispano hotel. It’s a brand new hotel in a renovated historic convent, located just steps from the main square. I recently stayed there and loved it. Plus, rooms start from just $50 per night on Booking.com!

If you want more options, though, here are some other great hotels in Valladolid (sorted by budget).

Luxury Hotels

• Le Muuch Boutique Hotel – A newer place that brings a ton of style. I really love the hammock over the pool and the stylish bar.
• Hotel Zenti’k Project – This is a one-of-a-kind hotel that has a boco chic vibe similar to Tulum’s hotels. The star attraction is the private underground saline cave pool. It’s pretty incredible.

Mid-Range Hotels

• El Meson de Marques – A nice hotel with a “local feel” just north of the main square, this is probably the most popular place to stay in Valladolid. You’ll love the rooftop views of the cathedral.
• Hotel Posada San Juan – The highest rated hotel in Valladolid, Hotel Posada San Juan offers a gorgeous pool in the courtyard of this converted colonial home.

Budget Hotels & Hostels

• Hostel Tunich Naj – One of the most popular hostels in Valladolid, Mexico, Tunich Naj is a colorful hostel offering up breakfast and some great public spaces for chilling out.
• Hostel Candelaria – A great place to make friends while backpacking in Valladolid, Hostel Candelaria impresses with its friendly staff and large public areas.
• Hotel Quinta Marciala – A great locally-owned budget hotel, perfect for families or couples. Just a few blocks outside downtown Valladolid. You’ll find a charming courtyard and a small swimming pool.

Want more? Check out my full list of the best Valladolid hotels.

Valladolid Facts

Valladolid Mexico is a really easy travel destination, but here are the answers to some commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your trip:

Fast Facts About Valladolid:

• Population: About 48,000 people.
• Weather: Hot in the day, with average daily highs exceeding 85 F, but cooler at night.
• Time Zone: GMT -5 (CDT, though no daylight savings observance)
• Sister City: Asheville, North Carolina (USA)
• Language: Spanish, with some English spoken in tourist establishments

Still, exercise caution as you would anywhere else and be sure you have travel insurance for Mexico.

How to Get to Valladolid, Mexico

You can reach Valladolid from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Merida via ADO bus or by renting a car and driving. Depending on your starting point, it will take 1-2.5 hours to reach Valladolid.

The best way to get to Valladolid is by renting a car. Driving in Mexico is easy but be careful, because car rental companies are known to advertise low prices and then charge loads for “mandatory” insurance. That’s why I always suggest using Discover Car Hire to compare quotes and get honest agency reviews.

Taking the ADO bus – They are clean, comfortable, and reliable. You can check timetables at the ADO website. Just be aware that many American credit cards don’t work on the site, so you may have to go to the bus station to buy tickets directly.

You can also read my guides to getting to Valladolid from Cancun or from Tulum:

• How to Get from Cancun to Valladolid
• How to Get from Tulum to Valladolid

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That’s it for this Ultimate Guide to Valladolid, Mexico!

But wait .. I have more Valladolid guides:

• Best Cenotes in Valladolid
• Best Hotels in Valladolid
• Best Restaurants in Valladolid

I hope those guides help you enjoy this incredible town as much as I do. If you enjoyed this article (or even if you didn’t!), I’d love to hear from you! Just scroll down and leave me a comment (it warms my heart to get your comments!).