Valladolid Mexico: Exploring The City That Was Built In 1543

Imagine exploring a Mexican city built in 1543 and a city that tells many stories from the past!

That’s Valladolid Mexico, for you.

Just at a two-hour driving distance from Mexico, this city is still less trodden by, and hence, if you want to interact with the Mayan culture, Valladolid is a chosen destination. It does not have the over-tourism problems that plague Mexican beach towns such as Cancun and Tulum.

In this Tour and Travel Guide, I will talk about the unique experiences and best things to do in Valladolid Mexico.

Furthermore, I will discuss the best time to visit Valladolid and why it stands out among other Mexican attractions.

Valladolid Mexico, At A Glance: Quick Fun Facts

Valladolid Mexico, At A Glance Quick Fun Facts
  • Population: 85,460
  • Area: 1,118 km²
  • Official Language: Spanish
  • Postal Code: 97780
  • Calling Code: 985
  • Founded: 28th May, 1543

How To Reach Valladolid Mexico?

Valladolid Mexico is well connected to Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Merida. You can take ADO buses or cars from these locations to Valladolid.

Depending on your starting point, the journey by road will take between 1 and 2.5 hours.

Visiting Valladolid Mexico: Why It Should Be On Your Bucket List?

Visiting Valladolid Mexico Why It Should Be On Your Bucket List

A Mexican city boasting of Mayan culture, Valladolid gives us enough reasons to plan a trip. Here are the reasons why it’s my favorite.

1. A Gem For My Socials

Valladolid Mexico has cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and houses with pastel shades. So, it works as the best backdrop for photography enthusiasts, social media influencers, or vloggers.

2. A Hub Of Mayan Culture

Valladolid is a hub of Mayan culture. Further, it is a place that beautifully fuses the Mayan culture with a contemporary lifestyle.

3. A History Of Caste War

In 1848, the Spanish and Mayan people had a war in Valladolid Mexico. So, if you are a history buff and want to know about the Caste War, you will have to plan a visit to this beautiful city.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Valladolid Mexico?

What Is The Best Time To Visit Valladolid Mexico

November to February is the best time to visit Valladolid Mexico. Comfortable temperatures make these months ideal for exploring Valladolid and other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Moreover, the table below gives you a detailed idea about the month-wise weather conditions in Valladolid.

MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of Rainfall
January31164
February32173
March35182
April36202
May35215
June342311
July352410
August352313
September342312
October322010
November31196
December30174

Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico

Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico

Valladolid Mexico offers you a gamut of things to do. From learning about Mayan art at Casa de los Venados to cooling off at the cenotes, the experiences here will be eclectic.

1. Swimming In Valladolid’s Cenotes: Natural Wonders You Can’t Miss

Do you know that the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico has more than 10000 cenotes? Cenotes are swimming holes where the water originates from underground springs.

Further, these cenotes have limestone bedrock. Cenote Zaci, Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, and Cenote Saamal are some popular cenotes in Valladolid.

2. Exploring Casa De Los Venados: A Hub Of Mayan Art

Close to the Main Square, Casa De Los Venados offers a tour of the Mayan Art collections here from 10 AM every day.

Here, the collections belong to the pre-Hispanic Mexican era.

3. Visiting Chichen Itza: Home To Mayan Ruins

You can take an ADO bus, a shared minibus, or a rented car to visit Chichen Itza from Valladolid.

Chichen Itza is home to Mayan Ruins, and it is one of the seven wonders of the world.

4. A Trip To Ek Balam: The Hidden Gem To Explore Mayan Ruins

The archaeological site at Ek Balam is one of the hidden gems of Mexico. It does not have the rush and crowd of Chichen Itza.

However, the archaeological site goes back to 800 AD, and it could accommodate around 20000 people.

5. Witnessing The Video Show At The Convent Of San Bernardino Of Siena

This 500-year-old building is one of the most iconic landmarks of Valladolid Mexico. You will also love the light and sound show after dark.

6. Meeting Wildlife At Rio Lagartos

You cannot miss a visit to Rio Lagartos, a small town just 90 km north of Valladolid Mexico. Here, you will meet flamingos, crocodiles, and other wild animals.

Furthermore, you can plan a trip to Las Coloradas or the Pink Lakes from Rio Lagartos.

7. Visiting The Iglesia De San Servicio

You have to take the south from the main square to meet this Spanish cathedral. It is built above the remnants of a Mayan Pyramid.

You will also love the intricate interior here.

How Is The Nightlife In Valladolid Mexico?

Valladolid Mexico promises the best hangover, and the nightlife here becomes more vibrant with the grooves of Salsa and live music.

The most celebrated bars in Valladolid Mexico are Condesa Cocina-Bar, Don Trejo Mezcaleria, and Libranos del Mal.

Where To Eat In Valladolid Mexico?

Valladlid Mexico is slowly emerging as a chosen place for the ultimate gastronomic tour thanks to how the local restaurants here present the best fusion of Mayan food and modern cuisines.

Nevertheless, these are some of the best places to eat in Valladolid Mexico.

Casa Conato Cultural 1910, Contact No: +52 985 111 5533 (Don’t miss the pork belly dish here.)

  • El Tigrillo Taco Stand, just a block away from the Main Square (Gorge on Cochinita pibil tacos at just 11 pesos)
  • Idilio Folklore Cervecero, Contact No: +52 985 112 3259, (Don’t miss the craft beer and tacos here. Also, it has a small museum.)
  • Burrito Amor, Contact No: +52 985 109 0475, (You will love the smoothies and salads here. Overall, it encourages a clean eating practice.)

Where To Stay In Valladolid Mexico?

The Real Hispano Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Valladolid Mexico, and it was formerly a historic convent.

Furthermore, if you desire a luxurious experience, consider planning a visit to the Le Muuch Boutique Hotel.

Additionally, you can plan a stay in budget hotels, such as Hostel Candelaria and Hotel Quinta Marciala.

Is Valladolid Mexico Safe To Visit?

Yes, Valladolid in the Yucatan Peninsula is a safe place to visit. The Yucatan Magazine reports that it has a homicide rate of only 2 out of 100,000 people.

Further, you can walk along the street during the evening and night. It is even safe for female solo travelers.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE History Of Cancun From Mayan Refuge To Tourist Paradise

History Of Cancun: From Mayan Refuge To Tourist Paradise

BY  Ankita May 24, 2024

Cancun is probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth that you have never heard of. However, if this is your first time hearing the name Cancun, then there’s nothing to worry about. I am certain that once you learn the history of Cancun, you will be willing to immediately pack your bags and head to this 21st-century paradise on Earth! Cancun is a part of the Yucatan Peninsula, and is also one of its most popular tourist hubs. The primary reason why you would want to go there is its white sandy beaches and clear blue seas. They are a spectacle to watch during sunrise or sunset! However, what do you know about Cancun History? Once people started learning about its history, Cancun’s tourism doubled. This prompted the Mexican government to transform this place from a dilapidated fishing village to Mexico’s most famous tourist attraction. Therefore, before you ultimately go and visit this place (I know you want to), read this post till the end! Ancient Origins: The Mayan Footprint in Cancun History Before you visit Cancun for its dreamy-white beaches and crystal-blue shores, you must learn about the history of Cancun first. Before this small Mexican town became one of the most popular tourist destinations, it was an important Mayan city. home to its vibrant and tragic history. Cancun was an important Mayan city. thanks to its location, which facilitated both marine trade and agriculture.  Therefore, the history of Cancun is intertwined with these ancient practices that delineated its early development. Among the testimonies of this great civilization are several archaeological sites that you can still visit today. El Rey, located in the heart of the hotel zone, was probably a ceremonial and trade center crucial for the interaction between different points of the Yucatan peninsula. Its ruins, though modest compared to other Maya sites, offer a direct glimpse into the region's pre-Columbian past. Further north, El Meco played an important role in Maya navigation and maritime trade. Located on what is now the mainland across from Isla Mujeres, El Meco was a key point on Maya trade routes, which is reflected in its imposing structures and pyramid, which still dominates the landscape. One of the most important recreational activities in Cancun is an Aquatour. This activity has been prevalent since the Classic Mayan Age. It’s also known as catamaran tours to Isla Mujeres in modern times. Moreover, its Mayan influence will attract you - which you will see everywhere. From its cuisine, architecture, handicrafts, and even its festivals - everything has a Mayan flavor to it. This is because the same existed thousands of years ago as well! Therefore, this cultural legacy enriches the experience of each visitor, connecting them with the history of Cancun. 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With a clear vision and state financing, the government built the first tourism infrastructure. The first hotels, roads, and basic services sprang up, whereas before, there was only vegetation and deserted beaches. This rapid development not only altered the physical landscape of Cancun but also boosted the local and regional economy. The arrival of investment and tourists generated jobs, attracted more businesses, and put Cancun on the road to becoming what it is today: one of the world's top tourist destinations. Finally, in just a few decades, Cancun became an urban wonder drenched in rich Mayan history and culture. Best Activities In Cancun Before visiting ths place, you must learn more about the history of Cancun. Therefore, you must take part in various beach activities. These activities have been prevalent since the Mayan ages and showcase the deep history of Cancun. Moreover, they act as a testament to how its culture can be found in modern-day Cancun. Therefore, some of the best activities for tourists in Cancun are: 1. The Mayan Ruins Of Tulum, Coba, And Chichen Itza While you will not find these ruins directly inside the geographical boundaries of Cancun, many tourists will eventually make it to these famous Mayan ruins because they are in Cancun’s neighbouring cities. Therefore, add the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Cob, and the legendary Chichen Itza to your itinerary! 2. Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Since you will visit the beaches of Cancun, can you stop yourself from participating in the water sports of Cancun? Of course not! When you visit the beaches of Cancun, you can either go snorkeling or scuba diving. Moreover, there are underwater swims as well that let you swim alongside whale sharks, dolphins, and even sea lions! 3. Tulum Express Tour The Tulum Express Tour is a must for anyone visiting Cancun. On this full-day tour, you will be unraveling a lot about the deep Mayan history of Cancun. Moreover, you will be visiting some Mayan ruins along the ancient Riviera Maya. In addition, you will also get lunch and visit the top of the magnificent Tulum Tower as well! Conclusion: Cancun, A Caribbean Paradise Today, Cancun is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. From exciting beaches, tours, tours in Catamarca, exciting night parties, and the interesting and vibrant history of Cancun, this tourist destination simply has it all. A very famous activity is exploring the famous Nichupte Lagoon, a small mangrove embraced by the Cancun Hotel Zone. Moreover, it has a connection to the wonderful Caribbean Sea. Additionally, Aquatours offers a variety of tours that you can enjoy in the company of your loved ones. Therefore, take advantage and experience the magic of exploring the mangroves from Cancun to Isla Mujeres! Learn More About: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico Mexico’s Top 4 Most Dangerous Cities For 2024: Data Repor Plan The Perfect Proposal: Romantic Yacht Charters In Cancun

READ MORE New Year’s in Mexico

What Can You Expect from the New Year’s

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 28, 2021

Mexico is a great place to visit at any time of the year. However, thanks to the mild climate, it is particularly popular in the colder part of the year, when the temperatures here in the USA drop below the pleasant zone. If you don’t know what to do for New Year’s Eve, you should really consider Mexico. Not only can you find a lot of parties and celebrations you are accustomed to here, but you may also experience some more traditional beliefs and rituals which will help you immerse yourself in the culture. Don’t forget, if you decide to drive there in your own car, your USA car insurance is not valid in Mexico so you will need to get a special policy from a company like. What Can You Expect From the New Year’s in Mexico: Go Out and Watch the Fireworks: Just like in the USA, Christmas in Mexico is very traditional and family-oriented. On the other hand, New Year’s Eve is very much a public party. Numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs have their own parties organized, but the heart of any celebration is in the town squares. Almost every town will have its own celebration on the central square, accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Naturally, the bigger the town – the bigger the fireworks. Put a Gold Ring in Your Champagne: Another very similar custom that Mexicans share with the USA and the majority of the western world is drinking some sparkly wine at the stroke of midnight. There seems to be something universal in the bubbly that tells us all to celebrate. However, Mexicans tend to add their own special taste to the tradition. They believe that you should drop a gold ring into your glass right before you start drinking it. It is believed to bring you good luck in the following year. Oh, and don’t forget to say ‘Salud’, when toasting. Wear Specific Underwear: Now, we come to Mexico-specific traditions. It is believed that the color of the underwear can help determine what kind of year you will have. For instance, if you hope to find love in the coming 12 months, you should wear red undies. If, on the other hand, you are after money or happiness in general, yellow is your color. White is reserved for peace and black stands for dignity. Pick your heart’s desire carefully, preferably before you get dressed for the New Year’s party. Eat 12 Grapes at the Countdown: This is probably the most famous strange Mexican custom related to the New Year’s in Mexico. In fact, it is practiced all across Latin America but it originates in Spain. Essentially, you are supposed to eat 12 grapes in the last minute of the old year, making 12 wishes as you eat. If you make it in time, you are expected to have a good year ahead of you. New Year’s Resolutions with a Twist: Just like in the USA, people in Mexico tend to make New Year’s resolutions, however, they have a very similar tradition as well. Namely, they want to purify their thoughts and hearts in time for the New Year. To this end, they write down everything bad that’s troubling them on a piece of paper. After the list is done, they burn the list, hoping that the bad things will disappear just like the paper did. Monetary Beliefs: When it comes to money, there are two traditions you can observe. The first is to keep a bill in your hand, the higher the value the better at midnight, for prosperity in the new year. Similarly, putting money in your shoes should do the same. There are a lot of great traditions and beliefs related to New Year’s in Mexico. If you plan to drive there for this holiday, don’t forget to be a responsible driver and to get all of your paperwork in order before you set off. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Is Mexico fun for the new Year? A: of course, it is a fun place. The natives enjoy New Year in a different way while lighting fireworks and tourists enjoy the same day in a different way, by just enjoying good champagne and watching the fireworks.  Q2: How hot is Mexico In Decemeber? A: In Mexico City, the temperature is 70 to 75-degree Fahrenheit during the day and at night it drops down to 40 degrees.  Q3: Is Mexico safe for tourists? A: Mexico has a high rate of crime like murder, robbery, kidnapping. So avoid getting out at night. Drug-related stuff is widespread there.  Read More: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s what you should Know 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

READ MORE is monterrey mexico safe

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For A Holiday? Decoding Your Travel Safety For A Trip To Mexico

BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2025

The Estadio BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, Monterrey is about to get new high-end hotels such as MS Milenium, Live Aqua, and Thompson.  So, Monterrey will be a key element if Mexico wants to seize the opportunity of a sports tourism boom in the global landscape.  Furthermore, Monterrey is the capital of the state of Nuevo León, which has been experiencing a massive tourism boost in the last few years.  In 2024, the number of tourists to Monterrey shot up to 15 million, which was 250% more than the 4.3 million tourist visits in 2021. “We have worked tirelessly for the past three years to position Nuevo León in the world through strategic actions and the implementation of key projects,” Martínez said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Our vision has been clear: to turn the state of Nuevo León into a benchmark for national and international tourism.”Mari Carmen Martínez Villarreal, Tourism Minister, Nuevo León However, despite the best efforts and the changing scenarios, the question, “Is Monterrey Mexico safe?” still persists.  In this Tour and Travel blog, we will discuss is it safe to travel to Monterrey Mexico and how safe Monterrey is for living.  How Safe Is Monterrey Mexico For Traveling?  Let’s begin the discussion of Monterrey as a travel destination with the Mexico Travel Advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, on September 6, 2024.  The advisory asks U.S. government employees and U.S. travelers in Mexico to travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey only in the daylight.  Furthermore, U.S. government employees must travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey with prior authorization.  Also, recent research on " Is Monterrey Mexico Safe” has shown that the crimes in Monterrey touch the daily lives of the residents, so they can impact travelers.  Further, the war against drugs that started in the city in 2006 has caused a rise in aggression and criminal activities such as robberies and homicides.  We must not forget that in September 2023, twelve mutilated corpses were found1 in Monterrey as a result of a drug cartel conflict.  Overall, during the span from 1994 to 2023, there has been a significant rise in the number of deaths due to criminal activities in Monterrey. In 2021, the number was the highest, reaching 12,380.  Again, as of February 2024, domestic violence was the most common crime in Monterrey. Thievery and drug dealing are two other common crimes in Monterrey.  Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For Tourists? Understanding The Common Crimes In Monterrey Here are the most common types of crimes in Monterrey, Mexico.  Domestic Violence Theft Drug Dealing Property Crimes Robbery and Assault Motorcycle Theft Cartel Activity Traffic Violations and Accidents Among all these crimes, the high crime rate of 62.11 for assault and armed robbery can be a serious concern for tourists. Again, the vandalism and theft rate of 55.27 raises questions about the safety of travelers in Monterrey. Having said that, the increase in crimes in Monterrey over the last five years has been moderate, with a score of 52.67. The level of crime in the city is 59.04.  Overall, the crime index of Monterry is 48.12, and the safety index is 51.88. So, Monterrey is a moderately safe place for tourists these days. Is Monterrey, Mexico, Safe At Night? With the Sun going down, Monterrey raises some serious concerns about travelers’ safety. At the same time, the safety rating of travelers walking alone in Monterrey is 78.56.  During the night, the same rating goes down to 37.78.  So, despite Monterrey having a vibrant nightlife with places such as San Pedro and Barrio Antiguo as the epicenters, you must practice some caution while exploring Monterrey at night.  It is best if you take a Uber or app cab with the best safety features to mover around the city at night.  Safety Tips You Must Follow While Traveling To Monterrey Here are some personal safety precautions you must observe while traveling to Monterrey.  Research well and stay updated about the places you want to explore. Avoid boarding unlicensed taxis. Use app cabs. Be careful about your personal belongings and dress moderately. Adhere to local regulations and customs.  Keep digital and physical copies of important documents. Register your trip with the right authorities.  Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? Safe Places To Travel In Monterrey, Mexico  Monterrey has many safe and exciting places for tourists. These are the places you can safely visit during your trip to Monterrey. PlacesWhy Visit?San Pedro Garza GarciaVisit San Pedro Garza Garcia if you love history. It was once one of the most popular ports in the USA. Chipinque Ecological ParkIt is an amazing reserve by the mountains. It is also ideal for mountain biking and hiking. MARCO Art MuseumMARCO Art Museum is the go-to place for connoisseurs interested in contemporary arts. Cola de Caballo WaterfallWith a height of 25 m, this waterfall in Nuevo León is a beautiful place to hang out. Cerro de la Silla MountainA part of the Sierra Madre Oriental system, Cerro de la Silla Mountain is a popular hiking and trekking destination in Monterrey.  Is Monterrey A Good Place To Live? With a low cost of living and high healthcare and climate indexes, Monterrey is a decent place to live in.  Here are the key parameters and their ratings. ParametersIndex RatingSafety Index51.88Health Care Index68.82Cost of Living Index41.70Traffic Commute Time Index32.09 Monterrey is home to some of the most important industrial and economic zones in Mexico. The city has all modern amenities and infrastructure. Furthermore, it is safer than many other cities in Mexico. So, Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? How The Montmerry Government Putting The Best Efforts  The Monterrey government has taken various security and law enforcement measures, regulatory reforms, and community engagement initiatives to lower the crime rate in Monterrey.  The table below gives you a detailed idea about is Monterrey Mexico safe or not and how the government is planning to combat the safety concerns.  Law Enforcement and Stronger Security MeasuresReforms in Criminal JusticeCommunity Engagement and Preventive Measures• Connecting business and hotels with law enforcement through rapid response systems• Training security officers according to the US Embassy standards• Use of technology in surveillance and gathering evidence• Increased presence of police and military• Making public trials• Identifying the weaknesses in the criminal justice system• Community programs to eliminate the root causes of crimes, including poverty and lack of opportunities• Establishing hotel security communities• Bolstering surveillance and safety measures in popular tourist areas So, the government is trying to change the fabric of the city with the right implementation of community development and stronger security measures.  Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. How Safe Is Monterrey Mexico Right Now? Monterrey Mexico is moderately safe right now. It has a crime rate of 48.12 and a safety index of 51.88. 2. What Is The Safest City In Mexico? Mérida is the safest city in Mexico. As the capital of the Yucatán state, it has a low crime rate. Further, the friendly locals here make it the best place to live and travel in Mexico. 3. Do They Speak English In Monterrey Mexico? Yes, most people speak English in Monterrey. It is an international business center in Mexico and it is close to the U.S. border.  4. Where Do Rich People Live In Monterrey? The rich people of Monterrey live in San Pedro Garza García. It has high-rise buildings, upscale shopping destinations, and affluent neighborhoods.  5. Is Mexico Safe For Indian Tourists? The Embassy of India in Mexico considers Mexico “reasonably safe” for Indian tourists. However, it asks travelers to stay careful about crimes such as snatching and pickpocketing.  6. Is There A Warning About Traveling To Mexico? Yes, there has been a warning from the U.S. State Department about increasing cases of violent and drug-related problems in Mexico. Robberies, kidnapping, and carjacking are other areas of crime raising concerns among the travel advisories of various countries.  7. Do I Need A Visa For Mexico? Your requirements for a Visa to travel to Mexico depend on your nationality. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and other members of the Schengen Area do not need a visa to visit Mexico if the visitor has a valid visa or residence permit.  8. Is It Safe To Drive To Monterrey Mexico? Yes, driving in Monterrey Mexico is safe if you stay on the toll roads. These roads are patrolled by military personnel. So, crime rates are low on these roads.  Read Next... Unmasking The Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try! 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