Valladolid, Yucatan – Short Guide
Valladolid, Yucatan – Short Guide
Valladolid, Yucatan – Short Guide
The small town of Valladolid in Yucatan is a colonial pearl. Here you will find a beautiful ambience and can enjoy the lively, colorful everyday life in Mexico. In addition, there are exciting sights and great excursion destinations in the area. Want to know more? In this little guide, we want to tell you what there is to discover.
Content: Valladolid, Yucatan – Short Guide
7 Reasons to visit Valladolid
Until a few years ago, Valladolid was still pretty much untouched by tourism in Mexico. Admittedly, many buses for trips from Cancun to Chichén Itzá have stopped here for lunch. But there was not much more than that.
Fortunately, that has changed, and the city itself has become a worthwhile destination for travelers from all corners of the world.
In fact, Valladolid actually has an incredible lot of things to offer. A visit to the city is always worthwhile. Especially if you want to get to know colonial life in Mexico. Here are some of the best reasons to visit Valladolid:
Short History of Valladolid
The city was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1543, actually at some distance away besides a lagoon. However, the Spanish settlers suffered from the humidity and mosquitoes near the water, and so Valladolid was just moved to its present location around 1545.
At the current location, there was a Mayan city called Zací (“the white one”), whose structures were razed by the Spaniards to obtain building material for their own houses. The ensuing Mayan rebellion stood no chance against the Spanish colonial rulers, as additional government troops from Mérida rushed to the aid of the allies in Valladolid.
During the caste war in Yucatán in 1848, Valladolid was also the scene of fierce fighting and was temporarily reconquered by the Maya, who were defeated again a short time later by colonial Spanish troops.
After that, Valladolid became a prosperous colonial city, with noble Criollo townhouses that still bear witness to its rich past. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the city was the third largest and most important city in the Yucatan Peninsula after Mérida and Campeche.
Valladolid, Mexico on the map
I’ll just say “Valladolid, Mexico”. The reason for this is that there is also a city of this name in Spain. And another one in the Philippines. Actually, Valladolid in Yucatan is even named after the Spanish city. No wonder – the first European settlers came from Spain.
Valladolid is a small colonial city in the east of the Mexican state of Yucatán and is located about halfway between Cancún and Mérida, about a two-hour drive from both places.
How to get to Valladolid?
The nearest airports are Cancún International Airport and Mérida Airport. However, both are still a several-hour drive from Valladolid. You can cover the distance with a rental car. Anyway, if you are coming from a transatlantic flight that lands in Mexico in the evening, this is not particularly recommended.
You can also take the public bus. The tickets are quite cheap, and you won’t have to worry about getting there. Tickets are also available with online booking.
From spring 2024, you can also travel comfortably with a modern train connection to Valladolid. The Tren Maya will connect the city with many other places on the peninsula as a new transport network in Yucatan.
Best time to go
It is said that the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean is from November to March. That may be true. The weather is not so hot then, and the rainy season and hurricane season take place in the summer. However, the prices are also significantly higher than at any other time of the year.
Personally, I like the time from March to the end of May best. It’s nice and warm then, the hurricane season doesn’t start until June. Of course, it can always rain from time to time – but the showers are usually short and intense, and soon the sun will shine again.
You don’t have to worry about the horrible spring break parties with hundreds of drunken American teens in Valladolid. The town is not (yet) suitable for this.
Hotels in Valladolid, Yucatan
Just like the city itself, the hotels in Valladolid are colonial and cozy. You won’t find all-inclusive resorts and large hotel chains here. But you can look forward to a beautiful ambience and Mexican tradition.
Here are some really interesting hotels in Valladolid:
If you are coming to Valladolid with a rental car, you should definitely choose a hotel with parking facilities. Especially if it’s in a central location. In the city center, it is a big challenge to find a parking space on the street.
Getting around in Valladolid
The town is not very big and located in a very flat region. You can explore it really comfortably in a walk. You only need a means of transport for excursions. Guided tours, public buses, a rental car or the Mayan train are available here.
Restaurants in Valladolid
The food in Valladolid is really tasty. Usually, the regional cuisine of the Maya or Mexican cuisine is served. And that’s an absolutely rewarding experience. The local dishes are famous far beyond the region. Of course, there is also a large selection of great locations. Here are some delicious restaurants in Valladolid:
What to do in Valladolid
Valladolid is an excellent choice if you want to experience the unique ambience of colonial Mexico. The city center, with its checkerboard streets, is living history – well-kept parks and beautiful colonial houses transport visitors back to earlier centuries.
The central square of the city is dominated by the Cathedral of San Servacio, and cozy benches next to the babbling fountain in the associated park invite you to linger.
The old Convento de San Bernardino, with its ancient frescoes and beautiful gardens, is also worth a visit. A trip to the ancient building during the day is really interesting. And in the evenings, there is a great laser show about the history of the city that is projected on the walls of the old monastery. The event is really very well done. Admission is free, the show will take place in Spanish and immediately afterwards and in English.
The road that leads to the monastery is widely known for its beauty. It’s called Calazada de los Frailes and offers a really great ambience. The visit is worthwhile during the day and also in the evening.
The Government Palace (Palacio Municipal), the House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura), the San Roque Museum and several colonial churches are worth visiting. The main attractions are marked with bilingual signage, and the police officers in Valladolid mostly speak English and are happy to provide information about their city.
Very close to the city center you will also find the Cenote Zací, where you can refresh yourself with a cool swim.
Small shops and colorful markets offer local handicrafts, and after a shopping spree, don’t miss out on trying some of the specialties of Yucatan cuisine in a nice restaurant.
Excursions in Valladolid
Due to its central location, Valladolid is a wonderful starting point for excursions. Many exciting sights in the region are within easy reach. Well, at least judging by the size and distances of Yucatan.
Is Valladolid, Yucatan worth visiting?
In our opinion, absolutely. We ourselves spent a wonderful week in Valladolid and would love to go back at any time. In our experience report, we will tell you where we stayed and what we did. But it’s probably best to try it out for yourself. We wish you a lot of fun on your adventure!
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