Things to do in Valladolid Mexico
Valladolid is a beautiful, quiet town tucked away inland in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s about 2 hours or 150km (93 miles) away from Cancun. Valladolid is a Pueblo Magico in Mexico. It’s rich in culture, history, food, archeological sites and cenotes (the best kept secret of the Yucatán Peninsula). Even though it’s tucked away from beach front destination spots like Cancun or Tulum, it’s worth the trip inland. If you’re planning on visiting this town there are a plethora of things to do. Here are 15 Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.
15 Things to do in Valladolid Mexico
Eat Local Yucateco Food
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to rich and traditional cuisine that mixes Mexican ingredients like corn, tomato, and beans, with unique products from the Yucatán region such as habanero chili, sour orange, and the famous Achiote that gives it’s dished a bright color and profound flavor. In Valladolid, you can find several Yucatecan restaurants like, Yakunaj Cocina Mexicana,La Palapita de los Tamales,Yum Ka’ax El buen sabor Regional and Restaurante El Atrio del Mayab.
Xkopek Mayan Bees Tour
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to the Melipona bee (called Xunan-Kab in the Yucatec Maya language). The Melipona bee is one of 16 stingless bee species native to the rainforests of the Yucatán Peninsula in southern Mexico. The Melipona bee has many healing properties and was a key part to Mayan culture.
Xkopek offers a unique bee tour experience that goes into the history of the Melipona bee and the laborious process of extracting its honey. The Melipona bee honey was used in Mayan traditions like reducing and curing cataracts, pterygium eye, and conjunctivitis. Today Mayan communities use Melipona bee honey for the treatment of diseases like as laryngitis, sinusitis, typhoid, bronchitis, cough and bacterial infections.
Xkopek is a unique place in Valladolid where you can meet several species of native bees, including the famous Melipona bees, which don’t have stingers. These bees were very important for the Mayan culture. Xkopek is a project of a family of Mayan beekeepers that seeks to raise awareness about the care of bees and the rescue of Mayan culture and traditions. You can book a tour here for $13 USD.
Hangout in the La Plaza Mayor de Valladolid
Hanging out in the plaza is the best way to take in Valladolid like a local. There are plenty of food vendors and pop-up shops that line the exterior of the plaza. It’s a great place to walk around and take in the beautiful architecture of the town. Plus the plaza has plenty of white unique benches that are perfect to sit, enjoy some ice cream and talk. These special shaped seats were originally used as a respectable place for lovers to get to know each other while their families watched near by.
Swim in a Cenote
Cenotes are the best kept secret of the Yucatán Peninsula, and you don’t want to pass up on visiting at least one while in town. Cenotes are a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. The term originated on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. There are over 10,000 cenotes throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and several are a short drive from from Valladolid. Here is a list of the best Cenotes near Valladolid, Mexico.
Enjoy a Cocktail at a Rooftop Bar Overlooking the Plaza
Grab a glass of wine or a craft cocktail at Don Diablo Rooftop Bar. Sunsets here have are a beautiful color and what better place to watch them, than a rooftop bar. I was enjoying my glass of wine one night when fireworks went off right behind the cathedral in the Valladolid centro. It was a beautiful site to catch and a core memory I”ll never forget.
Marvel at the Majestic Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is by far the most visited archeological site in the Yucatán peninsula. And for good reason! Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities, with the relatively densely clustered architecture of the site core covering an area of at least 5 square kilometers (1.9 sq mi). It’s about a 45 min drive from Valladolid. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here.
Walk Down La Calzada de los Frailes
La Calzada de los Frailes is like a scene out of a movie. It’s street captures warm romantic tones. You can find La Calzada de los Frailes between the Valladolid plaza centro and Convento de San Bernardino de Siena. It’s a colorful street with gorgeous architecture, small mom and pop restaurants and charming shopping boutiques. It’s a prime spot for capturing great IG photos with Valladolid’s colorful architecture.
Climb Mayan Ruins at Ek Balam
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! This is found 35 min from Valladolid. Cenote Xcanche is also a 5 min bike ride from the Ek Balam Entrance. I’d recommend doing these together.
Take Instagrammable Photos of the Valladolid Letras
Right off of La Calzada de los Frailes, near San Bernando you’ll find the famous “Valladolid” Letras (or letters). Make sure to get a photo with the letras before the end of your trip. Also make sure to wander around this area. There are plenty of restaurants and businesses in this area to explore.
Enjoy the best coffee on a rooftop
La Calzada de los Frailes is a great place to people watch and what better place to do it while on a rooftop enjoying your tea or cafeito. Onza coffee has the best coffee in town! Their iced Horchata Latte was my favorite drink and they also had amazing agua frescas made from fresh fruit.
Spa day at Perfumeria Coqui Coqui
If you’re looking to pamper yourself with a spa day, look no further! Coqui Coqui Pufermeria was the spa experience I didn’t know I needed. First off, the vibes are classy and exquisite. I enjoyed a wonderful massage, which included choosing their custom oils and scents. I loved them so much, I bought body oils and perfumes to take home for myself (and some gifts for family members). Here’s how to spend the perfect spa day at Coqui Coqui Perfumeria.
Participate in a Temescal Ceremony
If you’re looking for a more spiritual or cleansing spa experience, you’re definitely going to want to book a temescal spa ceremony. We were out of luck to learn that the owner was out the week we were visiting. We had done a lot of research and were especially interested in the temescal spa experience. The Temescal & Spa Zaci offered a Temescal spa experience which includes cleansing of the physical, mental and emotional self. It is comprised of ancestral practices that are pre-hispanic cleansing traditions.
Enjoy the Beautiful Catherdrals
Valladolid is a charming town that is rich in beautiful colonial architecture. There is a lot of history in the different architecture of the churches and cathedrals. Some churches and cathedrals to visit for their architecture are:
- Iglesia de san Servacio
- Templo y Ex Convento de Santiago Domingo
- Iglesia de La Candelaria
Rent a bike or motorcycle to get around town
Valladolid is walkable for young people like us who don’t mind walking everywhere, but if you want to see more in a shorter amount of time, I’d highly recommend renting a bike or scooter. We rented 2 bikes on our last days and wish we had done so sooner. It was easy to get to different parts of town and a great way to get exercise in while on vacation.
Go Shopping
Needless to say, Valladolid is full of local artisan boutiques and shops, especially down La Calzada de los Frailes. Perfumeria Coqui Coqui is a great spot to pick up luxe fragrances for yourself or loved ones. I bought a gorgeous dress for new years eve at a boutique down on La Calzada de los Frailes.
Summary Things to do in Valladolid Mexico
In summary, there are so many things to do in Valladolid! With so many options from day trips to exploring the city, you really can’t go wrong. Make sure to do your research and plan your trip so you can make time for the activities that align most with you. If you want to learn more on how to plan your next trip to Valladolid, check out my blog post on what we did in our 4 day itinerary in Valladolid.
If you’re looking for how to travel in the Yucatán peninsula, check out these blog posts:
- How to get to Isla Holbox
- Things to do in Isla Holbox
- How to Celebrate New Year’s Even in Isla Holbox
- Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid
- How to Celebrate Christmas in Valladolid, Mexico
- Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
- Best Day Trips from Valladolid Mexico
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Evie
Female solo traveler, blogger and personal finance nerd helping women plan their solo travel adventures!
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