Valladolid, designated as a Pueblo Mágico, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture. With its colourful streets and preserved colonial charm, this authentic colonial town was a highlight of our trip. It’s also a must-visit destination for a day trip from the Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen, offering easy access to major Mayan sites and a series of refreshing cenotes with crystal-clear waters. As you can tell, Valladolid is a crucial stop for any trip to Mexico—it won us over with its unique atmosphere and rich heritage.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to make the most of Valladolid’s cultural and natural treasures.
Stroll through Valladolid’s colonial centre – an icon of Yucatán
It all starts at Valladolid’s main square, the vibrant heart of Mexican culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. The Francisco Canton Rosado Park, with its shaded trees, invites you to take a break on one of its white benches or in the confidant chairs for a one-on-one chat. Overlooking the park, the twin towers of the 16th-century San Servacio Cathedral are a reminder of the city’s rich history, built on the remains of an ancient Mayan pyramid. A few historical artefacts still tell the story of this fascinating past, even though the cathedral’s facade has changed over the centuries.
During the day, the park buzzes with street vendors, and at night, it becomes a hub for local festivities like Carnival. From this square, the tour of Valladolid continues through streets lined with vibrant colonial houses, especially along the calzada de los frailes, where colonial architecture is at its peak. As you stroll freely, you’ll discover the authentic atmosphere of Valladolid—a true cultural gem of Mexico.
Visit the San Bernardino Convent
A kilometre’s walk from the city centre at the end of the calzada de los Frailes is the San Bernardino de Siena Convent. This historical site is worth dedicating a separate visit. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful convents in Yucatán. Built in the 16th century under the Franciscan order, its colonial architecture is remarkable. Even before stepping inside, its impressive size catches your eye. The site is open to the public and includes several sections of the convent (church, chapel, gardens, living quarters…). Inside, you’ll learn about the history of the place and the evangelization of the Mayan people. We appreciated the peacefulness of the patios surrounded by arches in warm colours. The weathered paintings are already a work of art in themselves. During the visit, we also discovered the church and chapel.
In front of the convent, Sisal Park is the perfect spot to admire the entire building, especially at night when it hosts a light show.
Where to swim in Valladolid? In the cenotes!
One of Valladolid’s surprising features is the presence of cenotes right in the heart of the city. These natural geological formations, typical of the Mexican region, are created by the erosion of limestone soil, revealing underground rivers and caves. The area is teeming with these “natural pools” of various sizes—among the cenotes of Valladolid, some stand out:
- The Zaci Cenote, located in the city centre, is surrounded by rocky walls and offers the perfect setting for a swim under a natural skylight, alongside local families enjoying this affordable refreshing break.
- Ik Kil and Saamal Cenotes impress with their perfectly circular openings and lush vegetation.
- The Dzitnup Cenotes (Xkeken and Samula) are a set of two cenotes that fascinate with their diversity. The beam of light shining from the entrance at the top of the dome in Samula Cenote is magical.
- For fans of open cenotes, we also loved Xcanche. It’s a must-see, with vines cascading down the walls, offering a wild and enchanting setting.
Is Valladolid worth it? Absolutely, if only to visit the must-see Mayan city of Chichen Itza!
As mentioned earlier, Valladolid is the perfect base for visiting the Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico. This historical site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, designated by UNESCO. Here, you can discover incredible Mayan architecture and its evolution since the 8th century. The various populations that lived there have left traces of their unique styles. As you visit the different buildings, you can clearly distinguish the Toltec specifics and Puuc ornamentation.
Chichen Itza is a site with many ruins to explore, so it would be a shame to rush and only focus on iconic spots like the El Castillo Pyramid. The smaller constructions are just as interesting for their detailed decorations and sculptures.
The ball court, with its explicit bas-reliefs, and the Platform of Skulls, which lives up to its name, are particularly notable. Don’t miss El Caracol Observatory, with its stone dome, contrasting with the sharp lines of the pyramids. It’s a testament to the Mayans’ expertise in astronomy. References to this science are abundant on the site. We were surprised to learn that the grand pyramid was designed as a giant Mayan calendar. From the number of steps (365, like the days of the year) to the terraces, nothing was left to chance. Even more astonishing, during the equinoxes, the shadow of the sun creates the illusion of extending the body of a serpent carved at the base.
Explore Ek Balam – an underrated Mayan city
Just a few kilometres from Valladolid (about a 30-minute drive north) is the fascinating archaeological site of Ek Balam, a lesser-known and less-visited Mayan city in Mexico, but just as captivating.
Though more modest than its famous neighbour Chichen Itza, Ek Balam charmed us for several reasons.
- The first is its authenticity. More off the beaten tourist path, it has retained its character without being spoiled by modern developments or souvenir stalls.
- Second, you can still climb to the top of the structures. From the 31-metre-high Acropolis, the main building, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest, which firmly places Ek Balam in its natural environment.
- Lastly, the decorations on the temple facades are very well-preserved and incredibly detailed. It’s a joy to admire every nuance far from the crowds.
Ek Balam, near Valladolid, is therefore an essential stop for lovers of Mexican history and culture.
All photo credits : Laura Le Guen
