All about Valladolid in Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

Valladolid is the third-largest city in the state of Yucatán, located roughly halfway between Cancún and Mérida, and not far from Chichén Itzá. This makes it a great stop if you’re traveling along this route. The city was founded on May 28, 1543.

Valladolid is worth visiting in its own right, but it also serves as a convenient base for exploring Chichén Itzá, as it’s the closest town to the ancient site.

It is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos and has become one of the most popular destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula.

You don’t need a detailed itinerary to explore Valladolid. One of the best things to do is simply wander through the streets, admire the pastel-colored colonial buildings, and discover hidden gems along the way.

At the heart of the city is the main square, Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado. Not far from there, you’ll also find Parque de Santa Ana, just like in Mérida.

In many ways, Valladolid shares a similar charm with Mérida. The lively yet laid-back colonial town has its own character, but there are familiar touches, such as the traditional dance performances on Sunday evenings in the main square.

Shopping in Valladolid

One of the most picturesque streets in Valladolid is Calzada de los Frailes, lined with beautifully restored colonial buildings. Here, you’ll find small restaurants, cafés, and indie boutiques, making it a great spot for a relaxed stroll.

You can find handcrafted jewelry, traditional textiles, antiques and souvenirs. Some of my favorite spots are

• La Troupe (at the beginning of Calle 41, at the intersection of 180 and 46),

• Conesencia (just a little further down, at house number 206), and

• Antiques & Souvenirs Don Julian (roughly in the middle of Calle 41A),

all of which support local artisans.

For a more local experience, I also suggest checking out the Mercado Municipal. It’s a lively spot where you can browse fresh produce, try regional snacks, and pick up handmade crafts, all while soaking in the everyday vibe of Valladolid.

Where to Eat in Valladolid

Valladolid offers a diverse culinary scene, blending traditional Yucatecan flavors with international cuisines. From casual local spots to more upscale restaurants, there’s plenty of good food to try, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Many restaurants are located near the central plaza, making them easily accessible. Here are five top-rated restaurants I recommend:

1. IX CAT IK Mayan Cuisine

   • Cuisine: Mexican, Healthy, Indigenous

   • Address: Calle 41 #299

   • Known for its authentic Mayan dishes and fresh tortillas.

     
     

2. Itamae Sushi

   • Cuisine: Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian

   • Address: Calle 40 #203

   • Offers a variety of sushi and seafood options.

     
     

3. El Mesón del Marqués

   • Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, International

   • Address: Calle 39 #203

   • Set in a colonial mansion, providing an authentic dining experience.

     
     

4. Nápoleta Bsg

   • Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

   • Address: Calle 40 #204

   • A piece of Italy in Valladolid, offering delicious pizza and pasta.

     
     

5. San Giovanni Trattoria

   • Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

   • Address: Calle 41 #202

   • Known for its pasta and pizza in a beautiful setting.

Catedral de San Servasio

Right next to the main square stands Catedral de San Servasio. Its design has some similarities with Mérida’s cathedral, giving it a familiar yet distinct look.

Originally built in 1545, the church was demolished and rebuilt in 1706 following a violent incident known as "The Crime of the Mayors." Its façade, adorned with carved stone, features an arabesque shield of the royal crown and Franciscan cord.

The church's main entrance faces north due to its reconstruction. Inside, it features a Churrigueresque altar and sculptures in niches. One tower holds cannons used to retake the city in the 1848 Caste War.

Convento de San Bernardino de Siena

About 5 to 6 blocks southwest of the main square (Calle 50, No. 210B), you’ll find another impressive colonial landmark in Valladolid, the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena.

The monastery sits right next to Parque de Sisal, a small park where you can also see the large, colorful Valladolid letters. The monastery itself is open to visitors, and the entrance fee is 40 pesos.

Cenote Zaci in Valladolid

Just northeast of the main square, there’s something unusual, a cenote right in the middle of town. Cenote Zací (Calle 36x37) is definitely worth a visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even jump from the edge into the deep, crystal-clear water below.

Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone, part of Yucatán’s underground river system. For the Maya, they were sacred sites used for water, rituals, and offerings.

The Surroundings

You can see Valladolid’s main sights in half a day, but if you explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of places to keep you busy for several days.

The Mayan ruins of Ek' Balam are just 28 km north, about a 30-minute drive. Cenote Suytun, known for its spectacular setting, is only 12 km east of Valladolid’s city center. Uayma, with its unique church, is also worth a visit (see below).

Combine a Trip to Uayma

A trip just for Uayma might not be worth it, but if you're visiting Valladolid, it's easy to add a quick stop in this small town.

Uayma is home to the beautifully decorated 17th-century church of Santo Domingo, which is definitely worth seeing. The town is just 15 minutes from Valladolid with a direct road connection.

Pueblos Mágicos

Valladolid is one of the places designated as a "Pueblo Mágico" by Mexico in 2002. This title has been awarded by SECTUR (Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism) since 2001 to towns with unique folklore, rich history, or outstanding natural beauty.

On the Yucatán Peninsula, there are currently fourteen places that hold this designation. The Pueblos Magicós on the Yucatán Peninsula are (as of 2025):

• Quintana Roo: Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Cozumel

• Yucatán: Izamal, Maní, Sisal, Valladolid, Espita, Motul and Tekax

• Campeche: Isla Aguada, Palizada and Candelaria

Image Source (Catedral): ©Adam Jones, wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Image Source (Ex-Convento): ©Adam Jones, wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Image Source (Mercado): ©Jars.b, wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

The pictures were modified (image improvements, size)