All about Valladolid in Mexico

Valladolid is the third largest city in the state of Yucatán and is located pretty much between Cancun and Mérida and not far from Chichén Itzá. This makes it a good place to visit if you are traveling along this route. Valladolid was founded on May 28, 1543.

So Valladolid is worth a visit in and of itself and from Mérida it can also be a basecamp to Chichén Itzá, as it is the closest town to the ancient city. Valladolid belongs to the "Pueblos Magicós" and has become one of the most popular cities in the Yucatan Peninsula.

You don't necessarily need a detailed plan in Valladolid itself, as one of the best things you can do is simply stroll through the city, admiring the pretty pastel-colored houses and making new discoveries along the way.

Right in the center of Valladolid is the main square and the heart of the city, the "Parque Principal Fransisco Cantón Rosado". And as in Mérida, there is also a "Parque de Santa Ana" not far from the main square.

In general, the cozy but lively colonial Valladolid reminds in many aspects of Mérida. For example, there is also a dance performance to traditional Mexican music every Sunday evening on the main square.

Valladolid’s prettiest street with many tastefully restored great buidings is Calzada de los Frailes, which small cafes, indie boutiques and museums.

Shopping

If you are in the mood for shopping or a leisurely stroll through the city, you should visit Calle 41A, in addition to various stores you will also find a nice selection of restaurants and cafes.

Catedral de San Servasio

Right next to the main square you will find Catedral de San Servasio, which - with its two angular towers - also has some similarities with the cathedral of Mérida.

Convento de San Bernardino de Siena

From the main square it is about 5-6 blocks southwest (Calle 50, No. 210B), then you will find another impressive colonial building in Valladolid, the monastery "Convento de San Bernardino de Siena".

The monastery is located right next to the park "Parque de Sisal". The monastery can also be visited (entrance fee: 40 pesos). In park Sisal you will find the large Valladolid letters.

Cenote Zaci in Valladolid

Northeast of the main square there is a curiosity: in the middle of town (Calle 36 x Calle 37) is a Cenote (Cenote Zaci), which is also very worth a visit. If you are brave enough, you can jump from the edge of the open cenote into the depths.

Some interesting figures about cenotes:

The surroundings

The most important sights in Valladolid you have done in half a day, but if you include the surrounding area, there are enough possibilities and sights to spend several days in Valladolid.

The Mayan ruins Ek' Balam are for example only about 28km or 30 min drive north. And you'll also find the spectacular Cenote Suytun 12km east of the city center of Valladolid. Uayma is also worth a visit (see below).

Combine a trip to Uayma

A long journey just for Uayma is probably not worth it, but if you visit Valladolid you can also combine it with a visit to the small town Uayma to see the beautifully decorated 17th century church of Santo Domingo. In particular, there is a direct road connection from Valladolid and it is only 15 minutes away. 

Pueblos Mágicos

Valladolid is one of the places designated by Mexico 2002 as "Pueblos Mágicos". The award has been granted by SECTUR (Secretariat of Tourism in Mexico) since 2001 for unique folklore, a rich history or stunning natural beauty. On the Yucatán Peninsula, there are fourteen places that can call themselves "Pueblo Mágico".

The 14 Pueblos Magicós on the Yucatán Peninsula are (as of 2024):

• 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)