10 Best Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
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This stunning colonial town has so many wonderful things to do in Valladolid that it deserves a visit of its own, not just as a stopover between the Riviera Maya and Chichén Itzá.
When planning your visit, make sure to explore the many things to do in Valladolid, which truly showcase the charm of this town.
From historical sites to unique eateries, things to do in Valladolid will keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Read on for the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.
Editor’s Note: This blog entry is a guest post by Daria of The Discovery Nut.
Exploring the local culture and enjoying the various things to do in Valladolid can make your trip unforgettable. Don’t overlook the unique activities in Valladolid, which most tourists tend to overlook.
With so many memorable things to do in Valladolid, it’s no wonder visitors fall in love with this hidden gem. The abundance of activities in Valladolid guarantees thrills at every turn for those seeking adventure!
Many things to do in Valladolid reflect its rich history and vibrant culture. As you wander, take note of the charming things to do in Valladolid that truly define its character.
Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Valladolid is a UNESCO-listed town that is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers.
When you visit Valladolid, it feels as if you’re in a European town, especially in the central district.
Making time for the local activities in Valladolid will enhance your travel experience.
Whether it’s dining, sightseeing, or engaging with locals, the things to do in Valladolid are plentiful. Knowing what to do in Valladolid can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Look for unique things to do in Valladolid to make the most of your trip.
The many luxury hotels in Valladolid are unique and like none of any others. It’s truly a satisfying experience to visit Valladolid, especially with so many things to do there.
Famous for its pastel-colored colonial architecture, ancient Mayan ruins, and cenotes dotting the area, this little gem is a perfect stop on your Yucatan itinerary, especially considering this is just scratching the surface when it comes to all the wide variety of things to do in Valladolid, MX!
The local art scene is just one of the many things to do in Valladolid that warrants attention. Enjoying the evening atmosphere is among the delightful things to do in Valladolid.
Finding hidden gems is one of the best things to do in Valladolid. Don’t forget to ask locals about their favorite things to do in Valladolid.
Every corner of Valladolid has something special; the things to do here are endless. Sharing your experiences about what to do in Valladolid can inspire others to visit.
Valladolid is one of the towns across Mexico designated as Pueblo Magico (or Magical Town) in 2012 because of its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and local arts and crafts.
Exploring the multiple things to do in Valladolid can transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure. You’ll discover countless things to do in Valladolid that will make your visit worthwhile.
As you plan your itinerary, consider the various things you can do in Valladolid to enrich your journey. Ultimately, your exploration of what to do in Valladolid will create lasting memories.
Many visitors to Yucatan overlook Valladolid and choose to base themselves in the state capital, Mérida. If time allows, I recommend visiting both cities! This travel guide to Mérida will help you plan your visit.
How to get to Valladolid
You can get to Valladolid by bus from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida. The ADO bus terminal is a few blocks away from the city’s main center, but they may not accept your foreign credit card.
They typically only accept cash or credit cards from Mexican financial institutions. You can book bus tickets online using Busbud and use your foreign credit card. The fees are roughly the same.
While taking a bus is the cheapest way to travel between major cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, you will also have to rely on buses or colectivos (small vans that travel a bit faster) to get around locally.
If your budget allows, I recommend renting a car for at least a couple of days to explore the area.
How many days to spend in Valladolid?
Many visitors indeed come to Valladolid for a day trip from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun – major tourist hubs in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Valladolid requires more than just one day, simply because there are too many things to do in Valladolid!
For example, after visiting Valladolid, you could spend a day in Chichen Itza and see the nearby cenote Ik Kil, and after that, spend a day in Ek Balam, and visit Izamal, the magic yellow town.
Izamal has much to do too; if you’re looking for things to do in Valladolid, you should make time for it.
There’s truly no shortage of things to do in Valladolid, Yucatan, and nearby, so book a hotel and spend time exploring this colorful Yucatan town and the nearby areas.
👉 Related Reading: 26+ Incredible Things to Do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
Best Things to Do In Valladolid
What’s outstanding about Valladolid is its relaxed, low-key atmosphere. Here you will not find big chain restaurants, expensive resorts, and other amenities typical of a classic tourist town.
Instead, Valladolid offers more culture, and the best thing you can do is grab your camera and wander the streets of this small town.
Janine in the World’s List of Best Things to do in Valladolid
1. Mercado Municipal
Just a few minutes away from the city center lies Mercado Municipal, one of the best places to visit in Valladolid. Here you can buy fresh produce from local vendors and pick up some goods from local artisans.
2. Cathedral of San Gervasio
The Cathedral of San Gervasio (or Catedral de San Gervasio in Spanish) is an unmissable stop in Mérida.
Located on Valladolid’s main square, this church is one of the town’s main symbols, and you can’t help but take your camera and start taking photos of this iconic landmark as soon as you see it!
3. Plaza E Parque Francisco Canton
Located across from the Cathedral of San Gervasio, Plaza E Parque Francisco Canton is a beautiful venue in the heart of the city with a big fountain, classic white chairs that can be found in many other areas of Yucatan, and plenty of greenery.
It’s a perfect place to sit down and relax after grabbing some food.
4. Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is located right in the middle of town, and it’s such a nice reprieve after wandering around and exploring all day long!
This big, semi-covered cenote boasts close access to most landmarks in Valladolid and a lovely quiet setting, so it’s almost hard to believe you are in the heart of the city!
But what are cenotes? Even if you have never seen them in real life, you probably saw the photos of these caverns filled with crystal-clear water.
Some of them are entirely underground, while others are open, and some are half-open.
They are great for swimming and snorkeling, and some even offer diving opportunities. Over 6,000 cenotes dot the entire Yucatan Peninsula, many of which await discovery!
Cenote Zaci sits in the center of the city between Calle 37 and Calle 39. Entrance to cenote Zaci costs 30 pesos and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here is a Google Map link to Cenote Zaci.
5. Calzada de Los Frailes
A quintessential tourist stop, Calzada de Los Frailes is a colorful street lined with tourist shops, cafes, and restaurants of all sorts. It begins at Convent de San Bernardino de Siena and stretches for a couple of blocks.
6. Convent de San Bernardino de Siena
Located inside Parque Sisal, the Convent of San Bernardino is one of the most prominent landmarks in Valladolid. Constructed by the Franciscans by converting Mayans to Christianity, it is the second-largest Franciscan construction in the entire Yucatan peninsula after the Former Convent of San Antonio de Padua.
If you are keen to learn the history of the Convent de San Bernardino de Siela, you can take a guided tour. Additionally, you can also enjoy the free show where you will see the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores followed by the construction of the convent and moments from Valladolid’s history to this day.
Furthermore, in Parque Sisal, you will see a colorful Valladolid sign that sits against the backdrop of Convent de San Bernardino de Siena. Please remember to snap a photo with it!
7. Casa de Los Venados
Translated as the House of the Deer, Casa de Los Venados is a small private museum that boasts a collection of over 3,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art from Mexico.
Daily tours are offered from 10 a.m., and all visitors are encouraged to leave a $5 donation that supports local artists and craftsmen and craftswomen who showcase their artwork in places like Casa de Los Venados.
Day Trips From Valladolid
There are many incredible places around Valladolid, and you should take the time to explore them. I’ve spent some time touring the area around the city and wanted to share some of my favorite destinations.
8. Chichen Itza
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of The World, Chichen Itza is by far one of the most popular day trips from Valladolid.
While there are tons of Mexican ruins scattered all over the Yucatan Peninsula, this is by far the most popular site, so if you want to visit it, I strongly recommend arriving early.
If you’re new to the area, a guided tour may be helpful to learn about its significance to Mexican culture.
Many visitors combine a visit to Chichen Itza with the nearby Cenote Ik Kil.
9. Ek Balam
A lot less touristy but no less impressive Mayan ruins, Ek Balam is about 25 minutes away from Valladolid, and in my opinion, it’s an absolute must!
If you arrive early, you can climb some nearby pyramids and have the place to yourself. (Which you can’t do in Chichen Itza).
A hidden secret that so many tourists miss is a cenote right near the entrance to Ek Balam. You must pay a fee and get a bike to reach it, as it’s 2 km away. If you get there early, you might even have it all to yourself!
10. Las Coloradas
There are not many places in this world where you can see a pink lake! Los Coloradas on the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula offers exactly that!
Located near the village of Rio Lagartos, famous for its flamingos, is only one of the few places where you can see this incredible pink color.
The reason for it is half natural and half human-made: Microorganisms in the seawater play a natural role, while the area’s salt production plays a human-made role. The seawater leaves salt when it’s evaporated after initially being pumped into human-made ponds.
The intensity of the color depends on the weather, so you might see different shades of pink and orange depending on the amount of sunlight.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it safe to take ADO buses to Valladolid?
Yes, it is generally safe to take ADO buses to Valladolid. Use Busbud.com to compare ticket prices on different ADO luxury buses. You won’t pay more than $50 USD if you’re departing from Playa del Carmen or Cancun and heading to Valladolid.
Check out the bus ticket prices from Cancun to Valladolid.
How long of a drive is Valladolid from Cancun International Airport?
The drive from Cancun International Airport to Valladolid takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. As of 2025, there are areas of construction on the toll road between Cancun and Valladolid.
Please be aware that if you plan to stay in Valladolid the night before your flight from Cancun International Airport, you should consider the travel time.
Is it safe to travel at night between Cancun and Valladolid?
Traveling at night between Cancun and Valladolid is generally not recommended due to safety concerns. Stick to daytime driving if you are renting a car. Bus travel is generally safe at night.
What is the average cost of the 4-star and 5-star hotels in Valladolid?
The average cost of 4-star hotels in Valladolid is approximately $80 to $150 per night, while 5-star hotels typically range from $150 to $250 per night as of December 2025.
Are there any high-crime areas in Valladolid that I should avoid?
Valladolid is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any city, there are neighborhoods that may be less secure. It’s advisable to stay vigilant in areas such as Valladolid’s outskirts and in poorly lit, densely populated parts of the city.
How many days is it recommended to stay in Valladolid if I were to vacation there?
3 to 4 days.
When is the best time of year to visit Valladolid?
The best time of year to visit Valladolid is during the dry season, from November to April, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.
Are summer temperatures hotter in Valladolid compared to Mérida?
Yes, summer temperatures are generally hotter in Mérida compared to Valladolid.
