Valladolid Mexico Travel Guide: Things to Do, Cenotes & Where to Stay

Valladolid is a colonial city in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and I absolutely love it. I first visited as a stop after day tripping to Chichen Itza and liked it enough that I made a point to come back and stay a few nights on my next trip to Mexico. Spending more time there is what really sold me.

Most travelers use Valladolid as a base for Chichen Itza and the surrounding cenotes, but many only visit on a day trip. I highly recommend staying the night.

Valladolid is a great fit for travelers planning to visit ruins and cenotes, budget travelers, and anyone looking to slow down a bit. The city is walkable, colorful, and lively without feeling overwhelming, and it offers a much more relaxed experience than many of Mexico’s more tourist-heavy destinations. This Valladolid Mexico travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, from what to see and where to stay to how many days you really need.

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Why Visit Valladolid, Mexico?

Valladolid sits inland in the Yucatán Peninsula and feels worlds away from Mexico’s coastal resort towns. It’s often treated as a quick stop between destinations, but it deserves more time than that.

The city is colorful, walkable, and deeply rooted in local life. It’s an ideal base for exploring Mayan ruins and cenotes, but it’s also a destination in its own right.

If you’re deciding whether to add it to your route, this Valladolid Mexico travel guide will help you decide if it’s worth more than a day trip for you.

Things to Do In Valladolid

Valladolid is compact and easy to explore, but its real appeal is how close it is to some of the Yucatán’s most impressive ruins and cenotes. You can easily fill a couple of days without feeling rushed.

Day trip to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the main reasons travelers pass through Valladolid. Staying in Valladolid instead of closer tourist hubs makes it much easier to visit early and avoid the worst crowds and heat.

How to get to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is approximately a 45-minute drive from Valladolid. If you don’t have a car (which many travelers prefer not to rent in Mexico), you still have several good options:

• ADO Bus – While reliable and comfortable for lots of routes throughout the Yucatan, ADO buses leave mid-morning from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, meaning you’ll miss the early hours when the site is less crowded and cooler. For this reason, it’s not the best option.
• Colectivo – A popular choice among budget travelers. Colectivos leave from the car park on Calle 39 (between Calles 46 and 48) as soon as they are full. The first one leaves around 7am. It cost 100 pesos for a round trip ticket to Chichen Itza, or 350 pesos for round trip to Chichen Itza + Ikkil (includes ikkil entrance fee which is 220 pesos, the same as buying at Ikkil).
• Scooter Rental – If you’re comfortable riding, renting a scooter gives you the most flexibility, and is pretty economical as they fit 2 people. Roads are generally straightforward, and it allows you to pair Chichen Itza with nearby cenotes on your own schedule. Prices start at 500 pesos for 12 hours. Here is a great scooter rental shop in Valladolid: Turixrental

Visit Ek Balam

Ek Balam is one of the most underrated archaeological sites near Valladolid and an excellent alternative or complement to Chichen Itza. It’s located about 25 minutes north of town and is far less crowded.

The ruins are impressive and feel more immersive, especially because the site is smaller and easier to explore. Ek Balam pairs perfectly with Cenote X’canche, which is located just outside the ruins and makes for an easy half-day trip.

Cenotes to Visit

Valladolid is a great place in the Yucatán to base yourself if you want to visit cenotes without relying on tours. Many of the best ones are either in town or a short drive away.

• Cenote Suytun – Instagram-famous for its iconic stone platform and sunbeam that streams through the ceiling. Best for photos. The iconic stone platform and overhead opening make this one of the most photographed cenotes in the region. It’s quick to visit and gets busy.
• Cenote Chukum – A beautiful cave cenote that is almost entirely enclosed with great, new facilities.
• Cenote Zaci – Located in the center of town, this semi-open cenote is great for a refreshing dip. It’s pretty, and a short walk from the main square.
• Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman – This cenote is sunken pretty deep into the ground and has a rope swing. There’s also lots of amenities with a pool, cabanas, bar and restaurant on site.
• Cenote Saamal – A pretty open cenote with waterfall, best in the morning before it gets busy.
• Ik Kil – Near Chichen Itza, very touristy but undeniably beautiful with lots of tree roots.
• Cenote X’canche – Located at Ek Balam ruins, large open cenote convenient if you’re already at the ruins.
• Cenote Hubiku – A large cave cenote, great to pair with a trip to Ek Balam.
• SAC-AUA – A beautiful cenote with an island like formation in the middle.
• Cenote Xkeken (Dzitnup) – One of the two cenotes at Dzitnup. A striking underground cave cenote. Quite touristy.

Explore Valladolid on foot

• Iglesia de San Servacio – A beautiful colonial-era church located in the main square.
• Calzada de los Frailes – The most picturesque street in Valladolid, full of colorful colonial houses, boutiques, and cafés.

Where to Stay in Valladolid

Here’s a few of my recommendations on where to stay in Valladolid. As always these are highly rated, in great locations and offer good value.

Best Hostels in Valladolid

• Hostel Candelaria – Cozy, colorful, and full of character. This is where I stayed.
• Hostal Casa Xtakay – Affordable and friendly.
• Hostel Che – Social and centrally located.
• Mamachá Natural Residence – Boutique hostel.

Best Budget Hotels in Valladolid

Poquito a Poquito 
A colorful & pretty. Ideal for backpackers and budget travelers. Rooms are simple, and bathrooms are shared, but the atmosphere is friendly and the price is hard to beat.

Hotel Peregrina
A peaceful, charming hotel offering clean, comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

Hotel Casa Bamboo Valladolid 
A charming, boho-style hotel.

Casona El Negro Aguilar
Known for its friendly hosts, clean rooms, and excellent location near the center.

Where to Eat in Valladolid

Valladolid has some great dining options, everything from street food stalls to finer dining restaurants.

• Budget: Taqueria El Super Taco, Canul Restaurant, Antojitos Lo Que Sea, El Naranjito
• Mid-Range: Yerbabuena del sisal, El Mesón del Marqués, La Palapita de los Tamales

How to spend 2 Nights in Valladolid

How long you stay in Valladolid really depends on how many ruins and cenotes you plan to visit, and how you’re getting around. I’ve done Valladolid as a long day trip paired with Chichen Itza, and I’ve also stayed two nights during a Yucatán backpacking trip.

I’d recommend two to three nights if you want to visit both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, or if you’re relying on public transportation. Even on a trip where we skipped the ruins entirely, two nights still felt a little rushed. Having your own transportation makes it easier to fit more into a day, but Valladolid is also a great place to slow down rather than pack everything in.

Sample Itineraries for Valladolid

To make planning easier, this Valladolid Mexico travel guide includes sample itineraries for one and two nights, depending on how much time you have and which sites you want to prioritize.

1-Night Valladolid Itinerary

Day 1

Early Afternoon
Arrive in Valladolid and drop your luggage at your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and get a feel for the city.

Head to Cenote Zací, which is located right in town and easy to visit without transportation. It’s a great way to cool off after travel.

Afternoon
Explore Valladolid on foot. Walk around the main square, visit the Iglesia de San Servacio, and stroll down Calzada de los Frailes to browse shops and cafés.

Evening
Enjoy dinner in town, either at a sit-down restaurant or by grabbing street food near the plaza. After dinner, take a relaxed walk through the center once the day trippers have left and the city feels more local.

Day 2

Early Morning
Head to the colectivo departure point around 6:40am for an early 7am departure to Chichen Itza. Arriving early helps you beat both the crowds and the heat.

Late Morning
After exploring the ruins, cool off at Cenote Ik Kil before heading back toward Valladolid.

Early Afternoon
Return to Valladolid, grab lunch, and continue on to your next destination.

2-Night Valladolid Itinerary

Day 1

Late Morning or Early Afternoon
Arrive in Valladolid and drop off your luggage at your hotel or hostel.

Midday
Have lunch near the main square, then cool off with a visit to Cenote Zací, which is right in town and easy to reach on foot.

Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Valladolid at a relaxed pace. Walk around the historic center, visit the Iglesia de San Servacio, and stroll down Calzada de los Frailes.

Evening
Enjoy dinner in town, either at a local restaurant like Yerbabuena del Sisal or street food. Afterward, take a sunset walk around the plaza once the city quiets down.

Day 2

Rent a scooter for the day.

Morning
Head out to Ek Balam, one of the quieter and more impressive archaeological sites near Valladolid. Plan to spend the morning exploring the ruins.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon
After the ruins, visit one or two of the cenotes out towards the ruins.

Afternoon
Return to Valladolid and relax. This is a good time for a café stop, a siesta, or wandering the city without a plan.

Evening
Have dinner back in town or grab street food near the plaza.

Day 3

Early Morning
Head to the colectivo departure point around 6:40am for an early 7am departure to Chichen Itza. Arriving early helps you beat both the crowds and the heat.

Late Morning
After visiting the ruins, cool off at Cenote Ik Kil or another nearby cenote.

Early Afternoon
Return to Valladolid, grab lunch, pick up your luggage, and continue on to your next destination.

How to Get to Valladolid

• By Bus (ADO) – ADO runs buses from Cancun, Tulum, Merida, and Playa del Carmen directly to Valladolid.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is often treated as a quick stop, but it’s the kind of place that rewards staying longer.

It’s an excellent base for visiting ruins and cenotes, but it’s also a destination that stands on its own. With walkable streets, affordable accommodations, and easy access to some of the Yucatán’s most iconic sights, Valladolid is a great choice for budget travelers and anyone looking to slow their pace.

If you have the time, stay at least two nights. It makes a noticeable difference in how you experience the city.