Valladolid is one of the most underrated destinations in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Most people only pass through on a day trip from Cancun or Tulum and miss out on jaw-dropping cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins, and pastel-colored streets strung with fluttering papel picado.
I spent three jam-packed days in Valladolid as part of my 2.5 months in Mexico, and honestly? I discovered places I hadn’t even heard of before arriving. By the time I left, my “next time” list was longer than the one I showed up with.
In this guide, I’ll take you through every incredible thing to do in Valladolid, from the well-known highlights and the hidden gems most people miss.
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How Many Days to Spend in Valladolid
I recommend spending a full 3 – 4 days in Valladolid. That gives you enough time to visit Mayan ruins like Chichén Itza and Ek Balam, sightsee and enjoy the food scene in town, and go cenote-hopping. It pairs well with a few days in Isla Holbox, which adds a lazy beach vibe compared to Valladolid’s culture and jungles.
How to Get to Valladolid
Valladolid is close to several popular destinations in the Yucatan. Each of these has direct buses that run to Valladolid. I recommend booking with ADO, the best local bus company.
- Cancun – Valladolid: 2 hours
- Merida – Valladolid: 2 hours
- Tulum – Valladolid: 1.5 hours
- Playa del Carmen – Valladolid: 3 hours
The 24 Best Things to Do in Valladolid
Check Off a Wonder of the World at Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itza is the biggest day trip excursion in the Yucatan, and it’s only 45 minutes outside of Valladolid. The ancient Mayan archaeological site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The iconic pyramid at its center is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán. There is also an entire complex around it with the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Warriors, and the observatory El Caracol. I’d recommend dedicating at least 2 hours to see it all and consider hiring a guide to go deeper into the history.
Unsurprisingly, Chichén Itza is BUSY. You should try to get there right when it opens at 8 am. This will give you time to explore and take photos before the busloads of tourists arrive from day tours all over the peninsula.
Climb the Ancient Pyramids at Ek Balam
Ek Balam is the second, and lesser known, of two Mayan sites near Valladolid. It is only 25 km north of town and way less busy than Chichén Itza.
Ek Balam has dozens of preserved structures and pyramids you can walk into and climb on top of. It feels like you’re exploring an ancient town. The main attraction is the Acropolis, which stands about 30 metres (100 feet) high. You can climb to the top, stopping to admire stone carvings. The views stretch over the forest canopy, with the tops of other pyramids peeking through.
Swim Beneath Hanging Vines in Cenote Ik Kil
A short drive from Chichén Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most picturesque cenotes in the Yucatan. It is an open-air cenote with bright green vines and roots hanging down from the opening to touch the water.
You can swim inside by taking the carved stairway to the swimming platform. Entry gets you a locker and a life jacket rental (which is required). There is also a stone platform with a few different levels where you can jump into the cool water.
Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most touristy cenotes in the Yucatan, but its natural beauty makes it still 100% worth the visit. The cenote gets busy between 12 and 1 pm from everyone who has just visited Chichén Itza on guided tours. The crowds were not too bad when we got there at 11 am. There are change rooms and a restaurant on-site.
Take Your Picture in Cenote Suytun
Cenote Suytun is a cave cenote with a unique circular platform in the center. During midday, light beams glow down onto the platform from the cave’s small opening at the top. The water is shallow and clear, which makes for great swimming.
Cenote Suytun has become Instagram-famous over the years, making it one of the most popular in Valladolid. Make sure to visit early in the morning or the hour before it closes to avoid some of the crowds. There is often a long line to take your photo from the center platform.
Rope Swing at Cenote Oxman
Located about 10 minutes outside Valladolid, Cenote Oxman is a semi-open cenote with vines and roots hanging down from its large circular opening. The water is a deep blue, and the best part is the rope swing you can use.
The cenote is part of the hotel, Hacienda San Lorenzo, so it has excellent facilities on-site, like change rooms and a restaurant.
Descend into the Surreal Cenote Xcanahaltun
Cenote Xcanahaltun is a total hidden gem I only learned about from one of the hotel staff in town. It is within a large cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling, clear turquoise water, and a small opening that ends in light beams from the top. This was by far my favorite cenote in Mexico.
The cenote is about 45 minutes outside of town in a secluded location. Because of that, there are hardly any other visitors there. There were only one or two other small duos or trios when we visited simultaneously. You can swim, take pictures, and experience the weird sensation of tiny fish nibbling at your toes.
Walk the Spiral Stairs into Cenote Secreto Maya
Cenote Secreto Maya reminds me of Cenote Oxman, but without other people. It has the same deep blue water and wide opening at the top with vines and roots hanging down. However, like the name suggests, not many people know about it.
We got there about 9 am and had the entire cenote to ourselves for the hour we were there. A spiral staircase leads down through a hole in the rock and descends to a platform by the water. Unlike many cenotes, you don’t need to wear a life jacket here, but they have them if you want.
The site has a restaurant, changing rooms, and a pool area.
Float Around the Island at Cenote Sac Aua
Cenote Sac Aua is distinct from the others in that a collapsed cave ceiling forms its central island. Clear turquoise water surrounds the island, where you can swim or kayak. The island has trees growing from it, vines that hang from the top, and benches to sit on.
Not many people know about this one as well. We only saw a couple of other tourists there.
On the same site is a cave with ancient remnants of Mayan civilization. You can tour inside with a guide (included in your entry) to see ancient pottery fragments and other items left behind. The cave is interesting because of its stalactites and stalagmites.
Snap Photos on Calzada de los Frailes
Calzada de los Frailes is one of Valladolid’s most picturesque streets, lined with colorful colonial buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. It was built in the 16th century and is lined with cobblestones. It’s perfect to take a stroll to snap pictures of Valladolid’s pastel buildings.
Visit the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena
Constructed between 1552 and 1560, the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena looks like an old stone castle. It is one of the oldest buildings in Valladolid. The complex has a church, a convent, and a cenote once used by the monks.
It is not an active convent anymore, but the church is still a place of worship for locals. Instead, it now has a museum and hosts cultural events. You can explore inside and see religious artifacts.
Enjoy the Atmosphere in Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado
Valladolid’s main square is the most energetic part of the city. It’s surrounded by colonial architecture, has street performers, marquesita (crispy Yucatecan crepes) stands, and the massive Iglesia de San Servacio church towering over the plaza.
It’s especially lively in the evening, when locals and tourists gather to enjoy the music and food stalls, and the atmosphere.
Cool Off in Cenote Zací, Right in Town
Cenote Zaci is located right in the center of Valladolid. It’s an open-air cenote with the cheapest price tag to enter. There are stone pathways lining the water, lush greenery, and platforms from which to jump.
The most significant caveat with this cenote is that it gets packed. You need to arrive in the morning, otherwise you’ll have to wait hours in the queue to get in. We went two hours before closing, but the line was so long that they had stopped accepting new visitors for the day.
Shop at Valladolid’s Mercado Municipal
One of the best things you can do in any Mexican town is visit its local Mercado. It gives you an authentic taste of local life. Mercado Municipal has everything from handmade tortillas, locally grown produce, souvenirs, and prepared food. The food stalls here are also a fantastic place to try local dishes like panuchos, cochinita pibil, or a refreshing agua fresca.
Take a Photo with the Valladolid Sign
You can’t leave Valladolid without grabbing a photo with the colorful Valladolid sign. It is in front of the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. Each letter is vibrantly painted and set against the stunning colonial backdrop of the convent. It’s a great souvenir snapshot.
Tour the Folk Art Collection at Casa de los Venados
This private home-turned-museum showcases one of the country’s largest collections of Mexican folk art. Casa de los Venados has guided tours (by donation) where you can learn about the artwork, the family behind the collection, and the importance of preserving Mexican cultural heritage. It’s colorful, quirky, and very off-the-beaten-path.
Try Traditional Yucatecan Dishes
Valladolid is one of the best places to try traditional Yucatecan food. Some of the local favorites are lomitos de Valladolid (pork in tomato sauce), panuchos (a stuffed, fried tortilla), longaniza (spiced sausage), and papadzules (tamales with pumpkin seed sauce). They also have all the Mexican favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. Some of the best restaurants to try local dishes at are:
- Restaurante Constanza – Located in a cozy, home-like building.
- Loncheria Olich – Garden patio with some of the best food in Valladolid.
- La Selva – A bit outside the town center but a local favorite
Rent a Scooter and Cenote-Hop on Your Own
If you’re wondering how to get between Cenotes outside of town, try renting a scooter for the day. I loved renting scooters in Mexico because they double as transportation and an adventure. They are easy to learn, but I recommend driving around some side streets first if it’s your first time.
You should also download offline maps because the streets on which many of the cenotes are located are like the cenotes. Secreto Maya, Xcanahaltun, and Sac Aua have no service.
Swim in Cenote Xkeken (Dzitnup Cenote) and Cenote Samula
Located just 10 minutes outside town, Cenote Xkeken is another underground cenote with a dramatic cave ceiling and a single shaft of light that beams down onto the water. Stalactites hang from above, and the atmosphere is mystical. You can pair it with Cenote Samula, because they are in the same complex.
Cenote Samula is equally breathtaking, with a larger opening in the cave ceiling. There is a wooden platform that makes it easy to get to the water. Life jackets are required, and the entrance fee covers both cenotes.
Swim Underground in Cenote Palomitas
Cenote Palomitas is another hidden gem cenote, similar to Xcanahaltun. It is an underground cave with dramatic rock formations sticking out of the bright blue water. A large stone-carved The staircase descends to the water. Not many people know about this, so that you might get it all to yourself!
Visit Cenote Agua Dulce
Right next to Cenote Palomitas, Cenote Agua Dulce makes for a perfect double-visit. The cavern is massive, with clear water, natural rock formations, and dramatic lighting from several openings in the top of the cave. There is a spiral staircase that descends from the ceiling. It is still relatively under-the-radar, so you’ll likely find far fewer crowds than the Instagram-famous spots. Facilities include life jackets, bathrooms, and a chill atmosphere.
Take a Day Trip to Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas
If you have an extra day in Valladolid and want to venture out on a day trip, visit Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas. Las Coloradas is known for its pink lakes caused by algae and high salt content. Rio Lagartos is a biosphere reserve where wild flamingos, crocodiles, and birdlife can be seen. Boat tours usually include mud baths and a float through the mangroves.
Tour option: Río Lagartos+Coloradas+Ek Balam+Cenote(Transport)
Join a Cooking Class
I’ve always said one of the best ways to get immersed in local culture is by taking a cooking class. In Valladolid, you’ll learn how to make regional dishes like cochinita pibil, tamales, or panuchos, from locals in their home kitchens or small studios. Many classes also include a market tour beforehand to pick up ingredients.
Tour option: Small-Group Tasty Mexican Cooking Class with Feast in Valladolid
Take a Bike Tour
Several companies in Valladolid offer guided bike tours that take you through town and to nearby cenotes like X’kekén and Samulá. It’s a fun and active way to explore the countryside at a slower pace.
Bike tours typically include stops at tiny cultural sites and natural attractions. Some even offer food tastings!
Tour option: Go Maya by bike in Valladolid
Watch the Light Show at the convent
Several evenings a week at 9 pm, Valladolid puts on a free light and sound show outside the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. The projections tell a story of Valladolid’s history. It’s completely free and has an enjoyable atmosphere. You can find out the exact nights by asking your hotel.
Final Thoughts and Bonus Destination to Explore in the Yucatan
Valladolid is one of those rare places that completely over-delivers. What most people treat as a quick stopover or a base for visiting Chichén Itzá turns out to be a destination packed with natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural immersion.
If you’re building a longer Yucatan itinerary, make sure to include a few days in the “Maldives of Mexico” – Bacalar. It’s another stunning water destination that pairs well with Valladolid’s jungle cenote and cultural exploration. It has a natural lazy river with water bluer than your eyes can fathom, a lagoon of seven colors, and living fossils.