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    Valladolid

    Mexico

    Valladolid

    CityCultureNature

    Valladolid, located in the east of the state of Yucatán, is a colonial city with nearly 57,000 inhabitants, colorfully painted houses, and a lively main square.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Mexico
    7. Yucatán Peninsula
    9. Valladolid
    Valladolid, located in the east of the state of Yucatán, is a colonial city with nearly 57,000 inhabitants, colorfully painted houses, and a lively main square. It lies approximately 40 kilometers from Chichén Itzá and is surrounded by cenotes, making it a peaceful base between Cancún and Mérida. Valladolid holds the title of Pueblo Mágico.

    Sights in Valladolid

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Cenote Zaci

    1Cenote Zaci

    The semi-open cenote is located right in the city center, a few blocks east of the main square. Steps lead down into the cave with deep, green water, where you can swim. There is a restaurant at the rim.
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    Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

    2Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

    The fortress-like Franciscan monastery in the Sisal district, built between 1552 and 1560, features battlements, arcades, and a Baroque altarpiece. In its garden, a water wheel stands over Cenote Sis-Há, yielding pre-Hispanic and colonial artifacts now exhibited in the monastery.
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    Friars' Causeway

    3Friars' Causeway

    The sloping street connects the center with the San Bernardino Monastery. The brightly painted colonial houses now house boutiques, cafés, and small hotels.
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    Francisco Cantón Rosado Main Park

    4Francisco Cantón Rosado Main Park

    The main square, with a fountain and typical white double seats (confidentes), is the city's evening meeting point. To the south is the Church of San Servacio; around it are the town hall, arcades, and stalls with Marquesitas and ice cream.
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    Museum

    5Casa de los Venados

    Private house near the main square with a large collection of Mexican folk art, which is displayed during guided tours; a donation is requested.
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    Church

    6Church of St. Servatius

    The parish church on the south side of the Main Square was demolished after an uprising in 1705 and rebuilt in the early 18th century; unusually, its main facade faces north.
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    City walks in Valladolid

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Valladolid: A Walk Through Color and History

    Discover the beauty of Valladolid, one of Mexico's 'Pueblos Mágicos'. This roughly two-hour tour takes you through colorful colonial streets, to historic landmarks and to a refreshing cenote in the middle of town. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and charming everyday life of this fascinating city.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    El Mesón del Marqués

    Restaurant at the namesake Colonial Hotel on Calle 39 by the main square, with Mexican and international cuisine, including Mole. The rooftop terrace offers views of the square and cathedral.
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    2

    La Casona de Valladolid

    Affordable restaurant in the courtyard of a colonial house one block from the main square, featuring Yucatecan cuisine such as Papadzules, Panuchos, and Chaya empanadas; à la carte or buffet.
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    3

    Yerbabuena del Sisal

    Vegetarian Mexican restaurant in a green house opposite the San Bernardino Monastery, with many vegan dishes, Chilaquiles, Tamales, and fresh juices.
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    4

    Casa Conato 1910

    Restaurant on Calle 40 south of the main square; you enter the open courtyard through a small shop. Modern Yucatecan cuisine with Panuchos, Poc chuc, and Cochinita pibil, plus an extensive drinks menu.
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    5

    Rúa Café

    Café on Calle 45 downtown with breakfast, coffee, and Mexican dishes. A great start before heading to the Cenotes or Ek Balam.
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    Food and Drink

    The city's cuisine is Yucatecan; some dishes are local specialties.

    Longaniza of Valladolid

    Smoked sausage, which is grilled or served in tacos.

    Lomitos de Valladolid

    Pork in tomato sauce, usually with egg and beans.

    Marquesitas

    Rolled cheesy waffles, evenings at Main Square.

    Culture & Character

    HistoryThe Spanish founded Valladolid in 1543 by the Chouac-Ha lagoon and relocated the city in 1545 to the Maya settlement of Zací. The execution of Maya leader Manuel Antonio Ay in Valladolid in 1847 marked the beginning of the Caste War, a decades-long uprising of the Maya against Creole rule. 1910 saw one of the first uprisings of the Mexican Revolution here. To this day, the region is heavily influenced by Maya culture; you'll hear a lot of Yucatec in the market.

    Nightlife

    1

    Mezcalería Don Trejo

    Mezcalería with Mexican food on Calzada de los Frailes, the alley between the center and San Bernardino Convent; next to sister spot Cafeína, a weekend hotspot.
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    Exploring On-site

    Bus and TrainADO intercity buses connect Valladolid with Cancún, Mérida, and Chichén Itzá, which is located about 40 kilometers to the west. The Tren Maya also stops in Valladolid; its station is outside the center, so plan for a taxi to get there.In and Around the CityYou can get around the city center on foot; for cenotes further out, take a taxi, colectivo, or a rental bike.

    Accommodations in Valladolid

    Find perfect stay in Valladolid

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    Plan your trip to Valladolid

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      Trip to Valladolid

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      • 1Cenote Zaci3 days
      • 2Convent of San Bernardino of Siena4 days
      • 3Friars' Causeway5 days
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    Nearby

    Chichén Itzá

    Chichén Itzá

    Chichén Itzá, in eastern Yucatán, 120 km from Mérida and over 40 km from Valladolid, was one of the Maya's most powerful centers from the 9th-12th centuries. You come for the stepped pyramid El Castillo, the 168m Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, a day trip doable from Mérida, Valladolid, or Cancún. Since 1988, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site; in 2007, El Castillo was chosen in a private vote as one of the New Seven World Wonders. Around the equinoxes, the afternoon light on the pyramid's north staircase casts the shadow of a descending snake.
    Tulum

    Tulum

    Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, south of Cancún on the Riviera Maya. It is known for its Maya ruins on a cliff directly above the sea, for cenotes in the hinterland, and a long beach lined with boutique hotels and beach clubs. Tulum has grown significantly in recent years, with prices increasing accordingly.

    Akumal

    Akumal is located on the Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, about a half-hour drive from both places. Its name means "Place of the Turtles" in Maya. In the protected bay, Green Sea Turtles feed in seagrass meadows, making it one of the coast's most famous snorkeling destinations.
    Playa del Carmen

    Playa del Carmen

    Playa del Carmen, located about 70 kilometers south of Cancún, is the largest city on the Riviera Maya. In just a few decades, this fishing village grew into a city of over 300,000 residents. Life unfolds along Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street parallel to the beach. From here, ferries depart for Cozumel.
    Isla Holbox

    Isla Holbox

    Holbox is a narrow island, approximately 40 kilometers long, off the north coast of Quintana Roo, between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In its only village, golf carts and bicycles travel over sand roads instead of cars. The island belongs to the Yum Balam protected area and is known for its shallow beaches, flamingos, and the summer whale shark season.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI