Valladolid
Valladolid is a charming and laid-back city right in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula. It's kind of like a blend of Campeche and Mérida, offering the best of both worlds! Spending a couple of days here is just perfect, especially because it's a great starting point to explore many of the area's must-see attractions.
Make sure you don't miss out on visiting the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, where you can learn about history. Take a break from the heat with a refreshing swim in one of the many cenotes nearby. And don't forget to check out the Mercado Municipal for some local goods and treats. There's so much waiting to be discovered in Valladolid!
The must-see spot in Yucatán has got to be Chichén Itzá, a breathtaking complex of ancient Mayan ruins and one of the Seven World Wonders. Trust me, you'll want to get a tour guide when you visit—there's just so much fascinating history and cool stuff to learn about this place!
This site was once a bustling city, dating back to the early 400 AD. Over time, it became a hub of political and economic power.
Chichén Itzá is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico, and it's easy to see why. There are tons of impressive buildings to explore, like the iconic El Castillo Pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors. You won't want to miss the ball court or the chilling Wall of the Skulls either!
Fun fact: El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, has 365 steps—one for each day of the year! The temple is named after Kukulkan, a feathered snake that represents a Mayan god. And if you visit during the equinox in March or September, you'll see a fascinating snake-like shadow slither down the staircase at sunset.
Here's a cool trick: Clap your hands loudly in front of the temple, and you'll hear the sound echo like the call of a Quetzal, a sacred bird to the ancient Mayans.
Near El Castillo, you'll find the Temple of the Warriors, which features over 200 columns and might have been a marketplace or meeting spot. And keep an eye out for the Chacmool statue at the top—it's thought to represent a temple guardian or warrior.
Chichén Itzá also boasts an incredible ball court—the largest one is just north of El Castillo. It's a must-see for sure!
You can visit Chichén Itzá during the day, starting at 8 am, but I highly recommend booking the early morning tour, which lets you enter the park at 5:30 am. It's totally worth waking up early to catch the sunrise over the temple, and the site is practically empty!
Chichén Itzá is only a 45-minute drive (about 44 km) from Valladolid. If you're doing the early morning tour, consider staying at a hotel near the site. There are plenty of options nearby, though they tend to be a bit pricier than average.
If you're visiting Chichén Itzá, make sure to check out Cenote Ik-Kil, one of the most stunning cenotes in Mexico, right next to the historical site! The water is 40 meters deep and more than 60 meters wide—it's truly breathtaking.
The Mayans considered Ik-Kil sacred and used it for rituals, including human sacrifices and offerings. Archaeologists and explorers have found bones and jewelry in the cenote's waters.
Quick tip: Ik-Kil opens early, so why not start your day with a refreshing swim instead of a hotel shower? The entrance fee is 80 Mexican Pesos, about 3.5 euros or 5 dollars. It's definitely worth it for such a unique experience!
Cenote Samula and Cenote X'keken are two cenotes that sit side by side. You can choose to visit just one or get a ticket for both.
What makes these cenotes unique is that they're like hidden caves with only a small opening at the top, creating a mystical vibe.
For entry, it's 80 Pesos for one cenote or 135 Pesos for both (which is about 3.3 euros or 5.5 euros). They're just a 15-minute drive from Valladolid.
Cenote Suytun is like the king of Instagram-worthy cenotes near Valladolid. Lots of people come here just to snap some picturess rather than take a swim (the water is not that nice here). Just a heads up, though—it gets pretty dark in the cave, especially if you visit later in the day!
If you're up for a swim, you gotta wear a life jacket.
It's 120 Pesos per person to get in (which is about 5 euros), and it's only a 15-minute drive from Valladolid.
Calle 41A is where you'll find the fanciest shops and boutiques in town. This street is bursting with vibrant colors and is the go-to spot for top-notch local Mexican goods.
Even if you're not planning to shop, it's still worth a stroll down this street just to admire the gorgeous houses and soak up the atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the center is Mercado Municipal. It's not the biggest market, but it's definitely worth a visit, especially in the morning. You'll discover lots of delicious local dishes and fresh fruits waiting for you there!
The Parque Francisco Canton Rosado is the big park in town. It's surrounded by important places like the Cathedral of San Gervasio, the Municipal Palace, the House of Culture, and the top two hotels in the city. People call it the "park of love" because of these cute chairs facing each other.
Don't forget to explore the cozy streets nearby! You'll find lots of little shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Yokdzonot Cenote is a lovely little spot, about an hour west of Valladolid. If you happen to pass by, it's definitely worth a stop. But it might not be worth driving two hours from Valladolid just to visit, as it's not super spectacular.
For some tasty street food, head to the corner of Calle 44 and Calle 41. That's where you'll find the yummiest bites in town!
Cenote Zaci is another must-visit spot. It's right downtown and perfect for a refreshing swim during the day and a drink later on. Take a stroll around the cenote and maybe do a little shopping while you're at it!
It's just 30 Pesos per person to get in, and you'll find it at the intersection of Calle 36 and Calle 37.