Best Day Trips from Valladolid Mexico
Valladolid is in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula surrounded by jungle, rich history and culture. Not to mention, Valladolid is close to dozens of cenotes and ruins. Taking a day trip from valladolid is very easy. Many times you can find day trip excursions online or hire a driver for a day trip to the surrounding areas. Here is a list of the the best day trips from Valladolid.
Cenote Hopping
Exploring different cenotes was easily the best part of the trip. They truly are magical and a splendor to experience. You can learn more about cenotes in my blog post here. There are hundreds of cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula. There are several that are a short drive from Valladolid. In fact, there’s even one cenote in the middle of the city! While in Valladolid, we did some cenote hopping and went to 4 different cenotes! You can easily create a day trip out of exploring different cenotes. Here are the best cenotes to visit near Valladolid.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most recognizable archeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula, and without speculation also the most visited. And for good reason! It is the largest Mayan city with several structures covering an area of 2 square miles (5 sq km). Chichen Itza has impressive architecture and 4 main structures including the Kukulcan pyramid, and ball courts. Once of the most impressive features of the Kukulcan pyramid is that on the spring and autumn equinox, the pyramid casts a series of triangular shadows that embodies the appearance of a serpent wriggling down the staircase. Scholars believe this was intended to represent the feathered-serpent deity.
There is so much rich history of Chichen Itza, hiring a tour for your visit adds a unique experience to exploring the pyramids. Due to it’s popularity, you want to arrive as soon as the doors open, otherwise, you’re going to be dealing with long lines and large tour groups. Expect to spend 3-4 hours exploring Chichen Itza.
During my trip here with friends, we visiting Chichen Itza in the morning, enjoyed Lunch then went swimming in a gorgeous nearby cenote.
Here is my ultimate travel guide for a wonderful Chichen Itza and Cenote Itinerary.
Ek Balam Ruins
If you’re into a less crowded, not as commercialized experience, then I’d recommend going to Ek Balam archeological site over Chichen Itza. Another benefit to going to Ek Balam is that, unlike the Chichen Itza archeological site, you can actually climb the pyramids in Ek Balam! It makes for a to the experience. It’s located 34 miles (56 km) North of Valladolid, Mexico. Ek Balam has a total of 45 structures, consisting of defensive walls, wall paintings, and structures inside the walls. Of which, the tallest pyramid reaches a height of 105 ft (32 meters)!
Our Day trip consisted of a 30 min drive to Ek Balam and visiting 3 near by cenotes which were: X’Canche cenote, Secreto Maya cenote and Xcanahaltun cenote.
Here is my ultimate travel guide for an amazing Ek Balam and Cenote hopping Itinerary.
Cobá Archeological Site
Cobá is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This site contains a cluster of large temple pyramids which is also known as the Nohoch Mul, the tallest of which is 134 ft in height (42 meters). The ruins of Cobá which is adorned with stone causeways contains engraved and sculpted stelae that document ceremonial life and important events. Tese ruins are located about 29 miles (47 km) northwest of Tulum, which resides in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Similar to Ek Balam, Cobá is open for the public to climb its impressive 130 step to the top.
Mayan Ruins Tulum
The Mayan Ruins of Tulum is located 64 miles (103 km) Southeast of Valladolid. It is a smaller archeological site compared to Chichen Itza or Ek Balam but still a sight worth seeing! Due to it’s location, these ruins tend to be pretty crowded. On average, these ruins see 2000 visitors a day! Nonetheless, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are unlike the other archeological sites as it has a gorgeous ocean view as it’s backdrop. It’s a spectacular site to see.
Rio Lagartos Natural Park
Found 65 miles (106km) North of Valladolid, the Rio Natural park is a biological site with rich diversity of ecosystems and landscapes, including mangroves, coastal lagoons and grasslands. It is the converging point of salt and fresh water, which creates unique ecosystem full of a variety of fauna and flora. many tourist travel far and wide to get a glimpse of the most popular species, the pink flamingo. There are a variety of biodiversity which include species such as jaguars, crocodiles and sea turtles just to name a few. Depending on when you visit, you might witness phenomena like pink flamingo clatter, sea turtle nesting, etc. You also don’t want to miss out on visiting the pink lagoons in Las Coloradas.
Summary of Best Day Trips Near Valladolid Mexico
If you’re looking for how to travel in the Yucatán peninsula, check out these blog posts:
- Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid
- Ek Balam and Cenote Hopping Itinerary
- How to Take a Day trip to Chichen Itza
- How to Celebrate Christmas in Valladolid, Mexico
- Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
- How to get to Isla Holbox
- Things to do in Isla Holbox
- How to Celebrate New Year’s Even in Isla Holbox
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Evie
Female solo traveler, blogger and personal finance nerd helping women plan their solo travel adventures!
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