Valladolid Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cathedral of San Gervasio which includes heritage architecture and a sunset
Cenote Zaci featuring swimming and a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people
Cenote Zaci which includes a lake or waterhole
Cathedral of San Gervasio showing a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements
Cathedral of San Gervasio showing heritage elements and a sunset

Mayan culture meets perfectly preserved colonial charm in this picturesque town, which is close to the ancient wonder of Chichén Itzá.

Valladolid is an excellent base for exploring the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, located around a 45-minute drive away. But Valladolid also has plenty of appeal of its own. Wander colourful streets lined with pastel houses, visit beautiful and historic religious buildings and take photos of pretty squares surrounded by old-fashioned Spanish-style architecture. Take advantage of the natural attractions nearby too, such as the scenic “cenotes” (water-filled sinkholes) that pepper the jungle.

Start your Valladolid explorations at the Main Plaza, a scenic spot where ornate white benches surround the central fountain. The elegant colonial buildings that fringe the plaza include the striking Church of San Servacio. This is one of the town’s most impressive buildings and it dates back to 1706.

Other historic buildings to look out for include the beautiful Convent of San Bernadino de Siena and the graceful Municipal Palace. Find both of these in the town centre.

Make sure you take in some history and art while in Valladolid. The Museum of San Roque is housed in an appealing pink building and contains quirky exhibits on the region’s past. But even more characterful is the Casa de los Venados, or House of the Deer, an eclectic museum of Mexican art contained within a beautiful house, which is still home to the American couple who own this remarkable collection.

Make your way beyond the city boundaries to discover a wealth of stunning historic and natural attractions. These include the impossibly perfect Dzitnup and Ik Kil cenotes, ideal for cooling off from the hot Mexican sun. The Balankanché Caves are also marvellous and are easily accessible from Valladolid. The Ek’ Balam Mayan ruins offer more of the same magic as Chichén Itzá.

Drive to Valladolid from either Cancún or Mérida in under 2 hours. Give yourself a few days to explore all the area has to offer. This charming town may seem a little out of the way, but visitors quickly discover that it is definitely worth the journey.

El Mesón del Marqués

El Mesón del Marqués

3.5 out of 5
Calle 39 N 203 Entre 40 Y 42, Valladolid, YUC
The price is AU$145 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$145
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Totally love this hotel! From the cleanliness, to the location, the restaurant, the breakfast! Everything was just perfect! Don't hesitate to pick this hotel, you'll love it!!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

El Mesón del Marqués
Zentik Project Boutique Hotel & Spa

Zentik Project Boutique Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Calle 30 entre la 27 y 29 No 192 C, Valladolid, YUC
The price is AU$201 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$201
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (482 reviews)
"It was all perfect"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Zentik Project Boutique Hotel & Spa
Hotel Gayser

Hotel Gayser

3 out of 5
Calle 43 por 38 y 40, Colonia Centro, Valladolid, YUC
The price is AU$74 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$74
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Valladolid. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (393 reviews)
"This was one of the nicest hotels we have stayed in Valladolid. For sure will be back. The continental Breakfast is a Bomb!!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Hotel Gayser
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ecolodge Xocen Birding

Ecolodge Xocen Birding

2 out of 5
10 x 1 y 1 a, Valladolid, YUC
Stay at this cabin in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden.
Ecolodge Xocen Birding
Departamentos Chan Kiin

Departamentos Chan Kiin

2 out of 5
Calle 35, 194 D, Valladolid, YUC
Stay at this apartment in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Cenote Zaci and Chocolate Museum - Story Valladolid are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Alonso was a great host! Very helpful and friendly. The place was clean and quite nice and one block from Zaci Cenote. I enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2025

Departamentos Chan Kiin
Cozy house for 6 persons, near to san juan´s park with all services

Cozy house for 6 persons, near to san juan´s park with all services

Valladolid
Stay at this vacation home in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Casa de los Venados and Museo de San Roque ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Totally adequate. Great location.
"This is not a super high-end property, or one that I would recommend if you anticipate a ton of downtime at home. If you plan to be out for meals and to visit nearby sites, this works perfectly for a home base and place to crash. The neighborhood is great, the main plaza is in walking distance, as ..."

Reviewed on 13 June 2024

Cozy house for 6 persons, near to san juan´s park with all services
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Valladolid

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walking tours are great, collectivo is easy to catch and cheap to Chichen Itza, Conato was an excellent place for dinner with beautiful art and live Mexican music.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great little town, lots of fun

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy bus to Chichen Itza, go early morning to avoid to heat and the crowds. Only opens about 0800hrs.