Valladolid (Mexico)

Valladolid is a small city of 56,000 people (2020) in the state of Yucatán that is about a 45-minute drive from the (lesser-used) east entrance of Chichén Itzá. It offers an alternative base for visiting the ruins, while having its own charms as well – although further from the ruins than the town of Piste, Valladolid is less tourist-oriented (although this is changing fast) and has more historic charm. It is one of the Pueblos Mágicos de México (Magical Towns of Mexico).

Understand
Valladolid is named after Valladolid, Spain, which at the time of its founding was the capital of Spain. The name derives from the Arabic name Balad al-Walid, which means "city of al-Walid", referring to Al-Walid I, the sixth Umayyad caliph.

Valladolid in Yucatán was established by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo's nephew on May 27, 1543, at some distance from the current town, at a lagoon called Chouac-Ha in the municipality of Tizimín. Early Spanish settlers complained about the mosquitos and humidity at the original location, and petitioned to have the city moved further inland. On March 24, 1545, Valladolid was relocated to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zací or Zací-Val, whose buildings were dismantled to reuse the stones to build the Spanish colonial town. The following year the Maya people revolted, but the rebellion was suppressed with the support of additional Spanish troops from Mérida. In 1705 there was another revolt by local Maya; the rebels killed a number of town officials who had taken refuge in the cathedral. When the revolt was suppressed, the cathedral was considered irreparably profaned, and was demolished. A new cathedral was built the following year that still exists; it was oriented to face north unlike most other Colonial churches in Yucatán which face east.

In 1847, the native Mayas rioted, killing some eighty whites and sacking their houses. After a Maya noble was shot by firing squad, the riot became a general uprising. The city and the surrounding region was the scene of intense battle during Yucatán's Caste War (1847–1915). The city was sacked by the Maya rebels but was recaptured later in the war.

Valladolid is a popular city in which to explore the history and culture of the Yucatán Peninsula. The town has seen a surge in tourism in the 21st century and now hosts numerous chic, tourist-oriented hotels and restaurants. The arrival of the Tren Maya railway in 2023 has set Valladolid firmly on the tourist circuit.

Climate
Valladolid has a tropical wet and dry climate. Valladolid's climate is hot and humidity is moderate to high, depending on the time of year. The average annual high temperature is 33 °C (91 °F), ranging from 28 °C (82 °F) in January to 36 °C (97 °F) in May, but temperatures often rise above 38 °C (100 °F) in the afternoon in this time. Low temperatures range between 18 °C (64 °F) in January to 23 °C (73 °F) in May and June. It is most often a few degrees hotter in Valladolid than coastal areas due to its inland location and low elevation. The rainy season runs from June through October, associated with the Mexican monsoon which draws warm, moist air landward. Easterly waves and tropical storms also affect the area during this season.

By car
Valladolid is just off the toll highway (180D) between Cancún and Mérida; the exit is about 5 km (3 miles) north of the center of town. The old highway (180) runs east-west through the centre of town, and highway 295 connects south towards Chetumal, and north to the toll highway and Ek Balam. Both highways run right through the centre of town on one-way streets, forming the four sides of the central town square.

By carpooling
You can have a look on Blablacar for shared rides. Especially from Cancun amd Mérida there should be some. Check also from other cities of the Yucatan peninsula.

By train
Vallodolid is a station on the Tren Maya intercity railway that loops through the Yucatan Peninsula. Passengers arriving at the Cancún International Airport can use a free shuttle service to the on-airport train station to transfer to the train headed toward Mérida, Campeche, and Palenque. Vallodolid is the third stop after leaving Cancún. Tickets can be purchased at ticket windows in the train station or online using the official Tren Maya web site.



On foot
Valladolid is small enough to make walking a reasonable choice within town.

By bicycle
To explore the city you can also rent bicycles at a reasonable rate.

By taxi
Other alternative choices are taxis (although be aware that the drivers do not speak English). A 6 minute and 2 km ride costs about M$35 (Jan 2022). As always, agree on the price before.

As of February 2024, there are no app based taxis (such as Uber, Didi or Indrive) in the city.

By bus
There are no city buses in Valladolid, only colectivos (minibuses) going on the federal roads out of town for example to the western and northern direction, but not south.

By motorbike
It is possible to rent a scooter and use it to drive around the city and to nearby sights. It should cost no more than M$ 400 per person per day, depending on your haggling skills.

Orientation
Locally the streets or Calles are numbered with the odd numbered streets going east and west and even numbered streets going north and south. The street numbers get higher as you go from east to west and from north to south. Directions and addresses can be given with the locations such as Calle 41 No 201, entre 42 y 44 meaning Building #201 along Calle 41 (going east & west) between 42 & 44 (going north & south)

See

 * Parque Fransisco Canton Rosado, the central town square, is surrounded by pretty colonial-style buildings that maintain much of their historic character. Gets lively around sunset with people gathering to get snacks from many street vendors

Do
Valladolid has tranquility and a small town charm. You can visit several Cenotes within the area and two are close enough to hire bicycles from a nearby vendor. Visit "Cenote Dzinup" — you will love it. As well you can go sightseeing of the architecture and mingle with the people of the city.

Out of town trips
Valladolid has a good modernised bus station (near the main square) which connects it with the surrounding towns and tourist destinations. There are frequent services to all major destinations.


 * – 28 km. Visit the Maya ruins of, an impressive archaeological site only about 30 minutes drive north of Valladolid. You can climb the tallest ruin which has been partially restored. This gives you a 360° view of the surroundings. This ruin is way less crowded than Chichen Itza and it provides a similar experience. Entrance is M$ 150, this can be bought together with entrance to nearby Cenote X-Canché for M$ 300. You can even haggle about the price.
 * – 40 km. The largest and most famous ancient Maya site in Yucatan, is to the west; Valladolid is close enough to the ruins to be a convenient base. The entry fee is M$571 (Oct 2022). It's open daily 8:00-17:00.
 * Further west than Chichen are another charming small Yucatecan city, – 130 km.
 * - 30 km away, a tourist complex with two large, beautiful cenotes with lots of stalactites. M$150 for each or M$300 for both, can be haggled to less. Can be easily reached by car or (motor)bike.

The following are taxis and colectivos (shared ride taxis & vans) to towns and villages in the surrounding areas. They are generally quicker in getting there than buses. With the agreements they have with the local taxi unions they cannot provide local taxi services. They are:

Buy
ATMs with low withdrawal fees in the center are BanCoppel (inside bus terminal shop), Banco Azteca (inside the elektra store) and banamex.

For buying groceries, there are minimarkets (tiendas) and Oxxos around. A bigger variety have the and the. In the east and south of the center are the Dunosusa supermarkets and Super Willys with a good variety of products. In the west of the center is the.

Buy wood carvings and traditional clothing and bags made from henequen from the vendors on the central Plaza and the grounds of "Cenote Zaci"Hand made shoes and sandals at the central Plaza.

Visit Yalat Boutique right at the Main Square, the place is filled with original artwork, fine jewelry, and is dedicated to master works and fine Mexican artcrafts including exquisite ceramic Jainas and Maya vessels that are exquisite. Owner very friendly, speaks perfect English, a bit of German and French.

Visit the Coqui Coqui Perfumery and Spa in the Calzada de los Frailes on the way of the Convent. All the perfumes they sell are from the yucatan peninsula, amazing fragrances as the agave or the flor de mayo. Also a very nice garden.

Eat
Although there are plenty of restaurants in Valladolid, as the town attracts ever more tourists it is becoming increasingly difficult to find that charming "local" spot. You will find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options however... these are not exactly local fare. Nevertheless, typical dishes of the region are:
 * Lomitos de Valladolid which is a pork dish in fresh tomato sauce


 * Cochinita pibil meat marinated in achiote, and spices, wrapped in banana leaf and barbecued or baked in a pit


 * lechon al horno


 * bistek de cazuela


 * relleno negro which is turkey cooked with a paste of charred chillies and vegetables with bits of hard-boiled eggs


 * frijol con puerco


 * chicken in escabeche


 * longaniza, which are a type of pork-based salami sausage with traditional condiments.

Local traditional candies are based on materials from the region such as honey, coconut, corn and others. Traditional ice cream is also very popular. The most common flavours are coconut, corn and fruits of the region as guanabana, mamey sapote and others.

Food markets
in the NE corner of the central square. Arcaded food court with a range of reasonably-priced food outlets, open for breakfast & lunch. El Habanero Taqueria and Loncheria Canul recommended. Also pizzerias & Chinese stalls. Mains cost about M$80-110 (Jan 2022)

Street Food
There is a few street food in Valladolid.

Budget
All these are in the city center:



Sleep

 * Hostal Tunich Naj Calle 38 #202A entre 43 y 45 Centro, Valladolid, YU. Hostel with spacious 10 bed dorm M$195 (Jan 2022) and various private rooms. Clean and central. Nice staff.
 * Casa Xtakay Calle 43 entre 38 y 40. Family-owned hostel with dorms and privates. Pleasant back garden, home-made breakfast. Dentist at same place.
 * Hostal Tunich Naj Calle 38 #202A entre 43 y 45 Centro, Valladolid, YU. Hostel with spacious 10 bed dorm M$195 (Jan 2022) and various private rooms. Clean and central. Nice staff.
 * Casa Xtakay Calle 43 entre 38 y 40. Family-owned hostel with dorms and privates. Pleasant back garden, home-made breakfast. Dentist at same place.
 * Hostal Tunich Naj Calle 38 #202A entre 43 y 45 Centro, Valladolid, YU. Hostel with spacious 10 bed dorm M$195 (Jan 2022) and various private rooms. Clean and central. Nice staff.
 * Casa Xtakay Calle 43 entre 38 y 40. Family-owned hostel with dorms and privates. Pleasant back garden, home-made breakfast. Dentist at same place.
 * Hostal Tunich Naj Calle 38 #202A entre 43 y 45 Centro, Valladolid, YU. Hostel with spacious 10 bed dorm M$195 (Jan 2022) and various private rooms. Clean and central. Nice staff.
 * Casa Xtakay Calle 43 entre 38 y 40. Family-owned hostel with dorms and privates. Pleasant back garden, home-made breakfast. Dentist at same place.
 * Casa Xtakay Calle 43 entre 38 y 40. Family-owned hostel with dorms and privates. Pleasant back garden, home-made breakfast. Dentist at same place.

In the south:
Mahahual (Costa Maya) – 270 km

Chetumal – 300 km

Bacalar – 260 km

In the west:
Mérida – 160 km. From there to Campeche.

In the east:
Playa del Carmen – 140 km

Cozumel – 170 km

Tulum – 110 km

Cancún