Have you ever heard of Valladolid? Probably not. Most people visiting the Yucatán get caught up in the beautiful white sands and turquoise waters, often missing this amazing colonial city.
It’s high time to swap a couple of beach days for a cultural adventure! That’s exactly what we decided to do. While we adored our relaxing week on Holbox Island, we knew it was time to move on to avoid getting too comfortable. So, we reluctantly left the beach and took the 25-minute ferry back to the mainland.
After a short bus ride, we arrived in the delightful city of Valladolid, which dates back to the 15th century. In the 19th century, this city witnessed a major clash between the Maya and Spanish cultures, leading to the most devastating war in Mexico’s history, the Caste War. Today, Valladolid showcases a mix of Maya and Spanish influences in its culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Our initial impressions of Valladolid were very positive, and we were actually excited to be off the beach! We were ready for something different and couldn’t wait to delve into the Maya culture and explore the sights.
The buildings here are pastel-colored and wonderfully weathered. The local people, who are predominantly Maya, are warm and welcoming, greeting us with smiles and hellos as we stroll by. The city has a leisurely pace, making it perfect for wandering around or people-watching in one of the many parks. Though we’ve only been here a few days, we already love the city’s vibe!
It’s a pity that most travelers just stop in Valladolid for a couple of hours on their way to Merida or Chitzen Itza, if they visit at all. Valladolid feels like it’s on the verge of becoming something big! We’ve talked with various expats and locals who all expressed their disappointment that more tourists aren’t staying a few nights or even a week in the city. We couldn’t agree more. There’s so much to see and do here. We plan to stay for two weeks.
The city is not only surrounded by crystal-clear cenotes but also hosts one right in town. We haven’t rented bicycles yet, but we plan to explore some cenotes on our own soon. Casa de los Venados, a private home, has one of the largest collections of Mexican Folk Art in Mexico with 3,000 pieces! There are six beautiful churches and six green parks here. You can also find a tequila distillery, a chocolate-making factory, and a vibrant local market.
One of the best things about this area is the Maya culture and people. The Yucatán boasts a high concentration of indigenous people, many of whom speak only the Mayan language, Yucatec Maya. Traditional villages are scattered around Valladolid, some just a 10-minute drive away. Authentic dishes are featured on many restaurant menus, and women often wear white dresses or shirts with brightly colored embroidery.
Besides all that Valladolid and its surroundings offer, the city is perfectly situated between the dreamy beaches of the Riviera Maya and the Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza. It’s ideally located, only 130 km from Playa del Carmen, 150 km from Cancun, and 160 km from Merida.
There’s no reason to rush through this charming city. Take your time to soak in all the flavors of Valladolid. We’re on the lookout for some hidden gems here in the Yucatán and feel confident we’ll uncover some unique and secret sights. We can’t wait to explore more of this beautiful colonial city!
Have you visited Valladolid before? Any suggestions or must-sees for us? Let us know below!
