The town of Valladolid is known as the Capital of the Maya Orient, a title it receives for the architectural samples that accompany it; colonial and ancestral structures that are strategically located in the center of the region.

Valladolid

In Valladolid you can stay in quality hotels and get to know the interesting Mayan world and Colonial Mexico. One of the main attractions of this beautiful town is the preservation of its culture and traditions; its ancestral and gastronomic richness makes every minute a unique experience.

How to get to Valladolid

Valladolid is located at a distance of 160 km from the city of Cancun and depending on the type of transfer service you choose to come to visit this Magical Town of Mexico, it can take you from 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there.

There are 4 transfer options to Valladolid from Cancun: Private transfer, ADO bus, Tour and own (or rented) car.
If you want to save all kinds of complications, the private transfer service is an excellent option to get to Valladolid without any problems.

If you are looking to spend a few hours and visit all the main tourist attractions, then we recommend taking a tour to Valladolid, which mostly depart from the city of Cancun.

Want to save money? If you are traveling as a backpacker or on a budget, but still want to know and explore this magical town of Mexico, you can choose to take the ADO bus service.

Last but not least, if you are one of those people who take the time to explore the whole route, even taking breaks or detours, then you can rent a car in Cancun and drive the route until you reach Valladolid.

Travel Tips to visit Valladolid

Valladolid is a must-see destination when visiting Yucatan; that is why we are going to leave you some travel tips to visit Valladolid; based on the opinions and recommendations of the good travelers who have gone before us.

Tour of the Central Plaza

As in any other town, in Valladolid you will find one of the main attractions in the center of the city. The Plaza Francisco Cartón Rosado is the heart of Valladolid; from here, you can head to the rest of the city's tourist destinations. You can also catch a glimpse of the charming "La Mestiza" fountain, have an ice cream and taste the famous marquesita typical of Yucatán.

San Servacio Cathedral

While you are walking through the central plaza, you will find this wonderful monument; one of the best things to do in Valladolid. With a colonial look and well preserved, the Cathedral of San Servacio or San Gervasio, is a pleasant and charming attraction; its main attraction is at night, when it is illuminated and its charm is appreciated.

Calzada de los Frailes (Friars' Causeway)

The Calzada de los Frailes consists of a 700-meter path that formerly separated two cities, the town of Valladolid and the Mayan city of Sisal; the first is the current historic center of Valladolid, and the second became a popular neighborhood in the area. Today, this is a beautiful colonial promenade with houses and handicraft stores, where you can buy a beautiful souvenir of the city.

San Bernardino Convent

It is considered one of the most important historical places in Valladolid; this old convent was built in the middle of the XVI century by the Franciscan friars, it is one of the largest in the peninsula and has a transcendental historical importance for the population of the place.

Visit the city zoo with the family

If you are traveling with your family, one of the most recommended activities to do in Valladolid is to go to the Zoo; a space full of wildlife in the outskirts of the city. VallaZoo is a nice and pleasant excursion for the whole family, where you will have guides who will accompany you and talk about all the animals in this natural reserve. The entrance ticket only costs 80 MXN for locals, 150 MXN for tourists.

Recommendations

The town of Valladolid has a little bit of everything for those who enjoy history and nature. That is why we have taken on the task of compiling some recommendations of the place; so that you can have a better idea of how to enjoy an excellent trip to the Capital of the Maya East.

Where to stay in Valladolid

Hotels in Valladolid adjust to all kinds of budgets; starting in the historic center, at Hostal Candelaria, an economical place for backpacker travelers. You will also find Hostal Frida and Hotel Casa Rosario, both of which can be booked online before arriving in town.

Where to eat in Valladolid

Valladolid's gastronomy is very varied, you will find its typical dishes, ceviche, panuchos, lomitos de Valladolid and tortas; among many others. Around Valladolid's Main Park you will find different street stands and restaurants, where you can try these typical dishes of the town. We recommend you try the marquesitas and the cheese or chocolate rolls.

Best time to visit

Valladolid has a very warm climate, it is normal to have rainy days in the summer, nothing to worry about. It has a record temperature of 25 °C and it is a town with a lot of breeze, coming from the southwest of the country, which makes it have a very pleasant climate.

Visit Chichen Itza

We recommend that you visit the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, located just 45 minutes from Valladolid. This archaeological zone is usually a very visited site by tourists; you can travel to Chichén Itzá by ADO bus, cab or guided tours. If you rent a car, you can go on your own with no time limit.

We recommend you to visit the ruins of Chichen Itza both during the day and at night; because at sunset, you can enjoy a wonderful light show, making it one of the best experiences you can live in life.