Valladolid Mexico: Exploring The City That Was Built In 1543

Jun 2, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 9, 2025

Mexico

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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