With few expectations and plenty of curiosity, I boarded a bus from Tulum to Valladolid, Mexico. From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in the charm of this small Yucatán city—just a short distance from Chichén Itzá and so many things to do.
Vibrant colonial buildings lined the streets, locals smiled warmly as they passed by—carrying fresh fruit in one hand and their child’s in the other—and the sun-soaked plazas radiated a calm, laidback energy. It was bliss. And that was just my first impression. I still had four days to truly get to know Valladolid.
Worlds different from Tulum–where I started my trip to Mexico–Valladolid has quickly become one of my all-time favorite destinations as a solo traveler.
Here are my thoughts on visiting Valladolid, Yucatán including some Mexico solo travel tips and things to do in Valladolid during your trip.
Is Valladolid, Mexico worth visiting?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to find out. Personally, it is 100% worth visiting. I preferred to stay here over Tulum. So I actually canceled the final leg of my trip and stayed in Valladolid instead of spending extra days in Tulum.
There are many reasons that make it easy to love Valladolid in the Yucatán. On the surface, there is the vibrant colonial architecture and lively plazas with historic church views.
When you dive a bit deeper, you notice how warm and friendly the locals are and how safe you feel even as a solo female traveler. Happiness radiates from the streets of Valladolid.
Finally, the cherry on top, Valladolid is close to numerous Mayan ruins, otherworldly cenotes, and plenty of jungle wildlife.
Come spend a long weekend in Valladolid (or more) and see what makes it so magical. Besides, it’s an easy flight from the United States to airports like Merida or Cancun.
Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Yucatán
See why this Mexican-Mayan city is so special! Here are the best Valladolid, Mexico things to do in the Yucatán.
Cenote Zaci
To kick off this list of things to do in Valladolid, let’s start with the first place I visited–Cenote Zaci. It’s easily the most convenient cenote to visit as it’s right in the center of town, walkable from the main square.
It’s a mostly open cave-type cenote with stalactites, lots of lush foliage, and stone pathways that wind up the length of the cenote wall.
As it is so centrally located, it is a bit busier during the high season. However, it is not a common stop for any tours to Chichen Itza, so it’s mostly locals and other travelers staying in Valladolid. I love this aspect of this cenote; it feels more authentic.
There are showers and pretty views of the cenote from ground level. This area is public though so keep that in mind when changing and showering.
It is 150 MXN (7.50 USD) to visit and the price includes your lifejacket. Bring pesos as they aren’t able to take cards.
Parque Francisco Cantón (Principal/Main Square)
You can’t miss the Park of Francisco Cantón on your trip to Valladolid, Mexico. This is a central meeting point for locals and tours, so it’s also vibrant and full of energy.
The plaza is enclosed with short yellow and white pillars with wrought iron fencing between them. It’s really lovely!
Once inside, you’ll see the central fountain, loads of trees, greenery, street food vendors, families chatting in the quirky seating, and potentially live entertainment.
Dating back to the early to mid 1900s, the central fountain has a porcelain sculpture of a woman gathering water in a traditional Yucatan dress.
The plaza is also surrounded by many shops, tour providers, the city’s landmark church, and the colonial-style Hotel Maria de la Luz.
Pro tip! Every evening at 5:30 p.m., traditional Mayan street dancers put on a performance in the plaza. You can’t miss it!
Iglesia de San Servacio
Right across the street from the main square is the most iconic landmark of Valladolid–Iglesia de San Servacio. The church dates back to the mid 1500s. However, it was demolished and rebuilt in the early 1700s after attacks on the city.
Now, it’s the most photographed building in Valladolid, and one of the best photo spots on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Be there around service time and listen to the bells chime as locals line up to enter the church.
Pro tip! If you’re also traveling solo in Valladolid, then prop your phone or camera up on the yellow walls of the square in front of it. That’s how I took photos of myself there.
Calzada de los Frailes
Considered to be the most picturesque street in Valladolid, you simply can’t skip a stroll down this pretty street (especially around sunset).
Low, colorful, colonial buildings line either side of this mostly pedestrian street. Inside the buildings, you’ll find lots of unique restaurants, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and lively bars. It’s the perfect street for a night out in Valladolid.
There is also a traditional Mayan home on the corner with a thatched roof and white-painted mud exterior. It is an original Mayan home that was restored in the 90s.
Some of my favorite spots along Calzada de los Frailes:
- Bike House Coffee
- Le’ Kaat Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurante
- Kuxtal (Mexican Folk Art)
- Idilio Folklore Cervecero
The street is very lovely in the evenings as they turn on fairy lights that stream from left to right down part of the street.
Convent of San Bernardino of Siena
As you walk down Calzada de los Frailes, you’ll soon approach a spacious neighborhood with playgrounds, even more colorful buildings, street food, and the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena.
The convent was built in the mid-1500s during the Spanish colonization of Mexico. It was built, consequently, to convert the Native populations (the Maya) to Catholicism. The construction also included a school and a hospital.
Today, it’s one of the oldest and most significant buildings in Valladolid, Mexico. There is a nice lawn in front of the convent where locals walk their dogs or have picnics with their families.
However, you’ll want to see the convent during the day but also come at night for the light show. Every evening at 9 p.m. there is a light show in Spanish, and again at 9:30 p.m. in English.
The show unfolds the history of Valladolid from its ancient Maya history to modern day. It’s really well done, completely free, and easily one of the best things to do in Valladolid.
Valladolid Sign
Right across from the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena is the Valladolid sign. It’s capitalized letters are painted with emblems of the city and the Yucatán itself.
Grab a photo in front of the sign and then get some photos of the sign with the convent in the background. Awesome photo spot!
Lunch at Carolin Cacao Cafe
Valladolid is pretty hot and humid, and that’s precisely why I love Carolin Cacao Cafe as a lunch spot. They specialize in smoothie bowls, juices, sweet toast with fruit, and classic brunch dishes like avocado toast and omelettes.
The bowls are incredibly refreshing after being in the Mexican heat, and I can’t recommend the Smoothie Bowl Carolin enough. I came back for it twice!
Afterward, go for a walk in the garden attached to the cafe. You’ll find native plants and a peaceful oasis here. Don’t miss it!
Cenote Suytun
This is the most mesmerizing cenote in Valladolid, Cenote Suytun is a must-visit if you want some incredible portraits during your trip to Mexico.
If you’re cycling to different cenotes around Valladolid, it’s a 30-minute bike ride. Otherwise, it’s a short and easy 13-minute drive outside of the city center.
So, what is so special about this cenote? It’s one of the most iconic and photogenic cenotes in the Yucatán—if you’ve seen that dreamy shot of a stone platform with a beam of light shining down from above, it’s probably Suytun. It’s probably the most otherworldly cenote I’ve visited. Truly magical!
I will say that the sunbeam is perfectly centered with the hole (creating that perfect beam for a cenote portrait) around midday (clouds permitting), so time your visit if you’re hoping to catch that magical moment! Keep in mind it might be busy around this time.
This cenote does get busy during peak hours, so it’s another one of those situations where I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the day.
I also love that there is more than one cenote at the Suytun complex. So, be sure to visit the more peaceful Cenote Suytun Kaa Peh—it’s just a short walk from the main cenote. And don’t worry, it’s included in your ticket!
Cenote Suytun Kaa Peh is quite different from Suytun. Arriving, you’ll find an open-air cenote with crystal-clear water, tweeting birds, and much fewer crowds–if any. It’s the perfect contrast to Suytun’s dramatic cavern vibes.
Overall, this other cenote is superbly tranquil with loads of birds flying around (particularly the turquoise-browed Motmot).
But wait, there’s more! For those with diving experience, Cenote Suytun is part of a larger underwater cave system, and there are opportunities to dive with a certified guide. Just be sure to book in advance and confirm current regulations, as not all cenotes allow diving year-round.
Main entry is 230 MXN (12 USD). You’ll also find a gift shop, cafe/bar, restaurant, and showers.
Read more about the BEST cenotes near Valladolid, and which ones to skip.
Dinner at Restaurante Ahal
You surely want to go out for Yucatecan cuisine while visiting Valladolid, Mexico. One of the best places for it is at Restaurante Ahal.
They have an excellently curated menu with some of the best food in Valladolid. The menu is well organized, so it was easy to find what I could order as a vegetarian. So, I chose the vegetarian panuchos and savored every single bite. I enjoyed the meal with a spicy margarita, my cocktail of choice in Mexico!
I sat outside and enjoyed the open air, but there is indoor seating as well.
Boutique Shopping
Valladolid was a haven for souvenir lovers like myself. I couldn’t stop shopping for handmade Mexican folk items whether it was Mayan worry dolls, woven earrings, home decor of sugar skulls and dreamcatchers.
The best shop I visited during my travels in Valladolid was Casa Telar on Calle 39. The curation of the space was so well done and I found some AMAZING jewelry and nicknacks at reasonable prices.
As for clothing, I recommend Dulce y Picante on Calle 41, which is a boutique with artisan Mexican chocolate, folklore, and apparel. The clothes are handmade in Mexico and pretty much everything is made of cotton or linen. Beautiful pieces! It is on the pricier side, but well worth it for high-quality locally made items. I bought a long dress and a top for around $90 USD.
Nonetheless, definitely allow yourself some time to wander around and shop for souvenirs. If you fall in love with Valladolid as much as I did, you’ll definitely want some souvenirs to remember your trip.
La Joyita
Aimless wanders around Valladolid brought me to La Joyita with its western-style swinging doors and laidback feel.
I noticed it from the street and could instantly hear the chatter of locals gathered around the bar, but I didn’t go inside (yet). I made a mental note of the place and decided to return the next day.
To my surprise, when I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the bartender and the older men gathered around the bar. I asked in Spanish if I could sit down, and they all enthusiastically welcomed me in—it felt like a big family.
I ordered a beer and started chatting with the locals, who shared more about the bar’s traditions. It’s one of those classic spots where you get a free tapa with each drink, reminding me of Andalusia.
The food was excellent. The bartender brought out a couple of different dishes, and some of the regulars even let me try theirs. It seems like the bartender decides on the spot what tapas to serve each guest.
At one point, someone laughed at the way I was eating mamoncillo, a tangy fruit with green skin. I had been dipping them in Tajín and leaving behind the bits like I was eating an apple. Someone kindly jumped in and told me I was supposed to eat all the fleshy parts. 😂
So, we laughed and I confessed I was eating it like an apple and didn’t even know what this fruit was called.
Someone bought me a beer, someone else bought me tequila. Saying that it seems like bad intentions, but no one made me feel uncomfortable in the slightest. It was all good vibes!
Turns out the man sitting next to me was the owner of the establishment and he was a warm soul. I loved this bar so much!
Oh, also they keep track of how many drinks you’ve had by leaving the beer glasses in front of you. So when that man bought my next beer, he just moved my previous glass over to the man who bought the next round.
It definitely takes some confidence to walk in as a solo female traveler whose Spanish is a bit rusty, but I had a great time.
Ice cream at Wabi Gelato
The best ice cream place in Valladolid is Wabi Gelato. Located near the main square, the shop is open late with a unique, everchanging mix of gelato.
You can choose between a cup or a cone and the menu is hanging on the right wall when you walk in.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m on vacation in a warm destination, I crave ice cream in the evenings! Wabi Gelato scratches that itch.
Croissants from Tartellete Panadería
On Calle 44, you will find the best pastries in Valladolid. I had walked past Tartellete Panadería multiple times on my walks to and from my hotel until I finally went inside. I wished I’d gone in sooner.
There is an impressive selection, including many European-style bakery items like pain au chocolat, chocolate croissants, and regular croissants.
There is one table for seating on the street. However, if you go inside you will find a courtyard with a very cozy set-up. Nonetheless, I got my pastries for takeaway each day. Highly, highly recommend if you are fellow croissant/pastry lover.
Easy Day Trips from Valladolid, Mexico
While there are plenty of things to do in Valladolid itself, there is plenty to see outside the city as well. Here are the best day trips to consider with more than one day in Valladolid.
Explore more of the safest state in Mexico during your trip to Mexico; here’s how.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a 4-square mile ancient Maya city, found on the Yucatán Peninsula about 30 minutes outside of Valladolid. It’s home to El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan), one of the most famous landmarks in Mexico.
It is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The ruins of Chichén Itzá are also surrounded by cenotes, so when you book a tour or take a colectivo, you’ll have the option to visit one or two of them.
To visit, you’ll want to arrive at Chichén Itzá as early as you can! Swarms of mega tour buses from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen will start to roll in around 10 a.m. Arrive before them, preferable around 8 or 9 a.m.
I go into the best ways to get to Chichén Itzá from Valladolid here, covering everything from a $5 USD colectivo to group tours with cenote visits. I’m also sharing what to wear, how much it costs to enter, and hidden gems not to miss.
For those looking to go by tour, this small group tour to Chichén Itzá allows up to 8 participants, guides you through Chichén Itzá with free time, takes you to Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Dzitnup closer to Valladolid as well as Samula and Xkeken, two cave-type cenotes.
Ek Balam + Cenote Xcanché
While Chichén Itzá might be the most famous ruins, Ek Balam was my favorite during my week in Mexico.
Ek Balam is really neat because it’s far less excavated than Chichén Itzá, giving it a more lush, jungle-like feel. Plus, you can still ascend the ruins, so you get some excellent perspectives of the ruins and surrounding nature.
It’s easy to get to Ek Balam from Valladolid. You can take a colectivo like I did or book a private or a more affordable small group tour with cenote stop. Alternatively, you could choose this this Ek Balam shuttle that also takes you to Rio Lagartos and a cenote.
Adult tickets to Ek Balam cost 481 MXN plus 100 MXN for all taxes (around $30 USD).
Whatever you do, visit Cenote Xcanché afterwards. It’s right next to the Ek Balam archaeological zone in a very Mayan part of the state. You might notice that people here don’t communicate with each other in Spanish. Instead, they speak Yucatec Maya.
To get to Cenote Xcanché, follow the way out of the ruins and you’ll see a sign for the cenote. Pay at the kiosk and hop on one of the free rental bikes. It’s about a 5-minute bike ride down a camino blanco.
From there, you’ll arrive at this beautiful, deep, and open cenote surrounded by wildlife. It was one of my favorite cenotes of my trip!
Entry to the cenote is 200 MXN (10 USD). However, if you’re doing it through a tour it might be included (but not always, so read the fine-print before you book!).
Valladolid Cenotes Tour
One of the coolest things to do in Valladolid is explore all the surrounding cenotes. You can bike to many of them, or you can book a cenotes tour (this is what I did).
I booked this one and I highly recommend it. We rode an old-style open-air trolley to each cenotes and my guide Miriam was a gem! The tour goes to Cenote Nool-Ha, Cenote Suytun (mentioned above), and Cenote Chukum.
For those feeling extra adventurous, you can also rent a scooter or a bicycle and explore the surrounding cenotes that way.
Where to Stay in Valladolid, Yucatán
Valladolid is a small city, meaning that no matter where you stay, you’re more than likely going to be in a good area to explore. This means you can be a little pickier with the quality of hotel or accommodation you choose. Here are my recommendations.
Hostel La Candelaria: I stayed here in a private room with shared bathrooms. Cozy, Mexican-style rooms in a vibrant mansion-turned-hotel. There is a beautiful garden area, sounds of nature outside your window, and free homemade breakfast every morning. Very affordable, especially if you choose a hotel bed instead of private.
Hotel Maria de la Luz: Beautiful, famous hotel overlooking the main square and church. There is a swimming pool in the courtyard as well as a restaurant. Beautiful stay for couples with perfect views!
Hotel Le Muuch: Charming hotel with a polished, boho feel. There is even a swimming pool and rooms with balconies. Lovely 4-star hotel in Valladolid!
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions from travelers visiting Valladolid.
Buy me a coffee
