In a nutshell
- Valladolid is a charming town in the Yucatán and the perfect base for visiting Chichén Itzá and some of the best cenotes in the Yucatán peninsula.
- The town itself is full of character and definitely worth exploring. You can see the main sights in one day, but staying longer lets you enjoy more fun things to do in Valladolid.
- In this guide, we share our top tips on what to do in Valladolid, how to get to Chichén Itzá and other Mayan ruins, plus which cenotes to visit and where to stay in Valladolid.
How Much Time to Plan in Valladolid?
You only need about half a day to see Valladolid itself. The center is small but very charming, and you can cover the main sights in one afternoon.
Still, Valladolid is one of the best places to base yourself for exploring highlights like Chichén Itzá and the best cenotes near Valladolid. That’s why we recommend planning a total of 3 days here.
The Best Things to Do in Valladolid
The colorful houses and colonial architecture make Valladolid a photographer’s dream. One of the best things to do in Valladolid is simply to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
There aren’t many sights in Valladolid, but the ones you’ll find are well worth visiting:
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: Impressive church on the main square.
- Cenote Zaci: A natural swimming hole right in the center of town.
- Convento de San Bernardino de Siena: A historic monastery you can also explore inside.
- Calzada de los Frailes: A pretty street lined with boutiques and cafés, perfect for photos.
The Best Cenotes Near Valladolid
The area around Valladolid is home to some of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. You don’t need to see them all—after a while they start to feel similar. Instead, plan to visit 1–3 cenotes during your trip.
Here are our personal picks for the best cenotes near Valladolid:
- Cenote Xkeken and Samula: Two enclosed cenotes right next to each other, about 8 km from Valladolid. Cost: 225 MXN.
- Cenote Xlakaj: A hidden gem with hardly any visitors—we had it all to ourselves. Cost: 100 MXN.
- Hacienda Cenote Oxmán: A stunning cenote just 4.5 km from town, with a pool and restaurant that make it perfect for a longer visit. Cost: 150 MXN.
And that’s not all. Other popular options include Cenote Suytun, Cenote Saamal, and Cenote Ik Kil.
Note: Entrance fees for cenotes change often. We keep our guides up to date, but prices may vary when you visit.
How to get to the cenotes from Valladolid
There are no buses to the cenotes around Valladolid, and colectivos are unreliable. The easiest option is to rent a car, which makes it simple to reach several cenotes in one day.
Book a rental car with DiscoverCars
If you don’t want to drive, the next best option is to rent a bike. Valladolid is very bike-friendly, rentals cost about 100 MXN per day, and many cenotes are within easy reach.
For groups, taking a taxi can also work, but it’s not cost-effective if you’re traveling alone or as a couple.
How to Get from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá
Valladolid is a great base for visiting one of the most famous places to see in Mexico, Chichén Itzá. The Mayan ruins are only 45 kilometers away.
You can get there by colectivo or by ADO bus. The trip takes just under an hour.
The colectivos are the cheapest option at 40 MXN per ride. They leave from Calle 39 (between Calle 46 and 48) starting around 7 am. There’s no fixed schedule—the vans leave once they’re full.
If you prefer more certainty, book a bus at the ADO terminal or through the ADO website. If that doesn’t work, you can also use ViajoMucho or Checkmybus.
Buses are a bit more expensive, but you’re guaranteed a seat. The terminal is at the corner of Calle 39 and Calle 46.
More Mayan Ruins near Valladolid
If you want to explore more Mayan ruins beyond Chichén Itzá, Valladolid is the perfect place to do it. Two great options nearby are Ek Balam and Cobá.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is an ancient Mayan city whose name means “black jaguar.” It’s located about a 30-minute drive north of Valladolid.
The site is just as impressive as Chichén Itzá but far less crowded. Its most famous structure is the Acropolis, which you can even climb for incredible views.
Entry costs 90 MXN plus a state fee of 441 MXN, so in total you’ll pay 531 MXN.
You can get there by car, taxi, bike, or colectivo. We only recommend the colectivo if you’re traveling with others, since they don’t run often and you might otherwise have to pay for the whole vehicle or wait a long time. They leave daily from 7 am on Calle 37 between 42 and 44.
Cobá
The ruins of Cobá lie between Valladolid and Tulum, making them easy to combine with a visit to some nearby cenotes.
Cobá was once an important Mayan city, and the ruins are very impressive. The surrounding lagoons are also worth seeing—if you’re lucky you might even spot crocodiles.
Entrance to the site costs 90 MXN. You can reach Cobá by car or colectivo from Valladolid. Colectivos leave from Calle 41, between Calle 38 and Calle 40.
Where to Stay in Valladolid
Most places to stay in Valladolid are located in the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. Here are our personal tips for where to stay in Valladolid:
By the way: We love Hotel Zentik—it’s so unique that it’s one of our favorite boutique hotels in the Yucatán.
How to Get to Valladolid
The easiest way to get to Valladolid is by car or bus. The city is located almost exactly between Mérida and Tulum, and it’s also well connected to Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
You can book buses to Valladolid on the ADO website, ViajoMucho, or Checkmybus.
Is Valladolid in Mexico Safe?
No, Valladolid is very safe to visit. We felt comfortable walking around the center both during the day and in the evening. Just keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpockets can be an issue in any tourist destination.
If you’d like to know more about safety while traveling in Mexico, check out our full guide.