Valladolid
Valladolid is a working colonial town with a population that is roughly half Yucatec Maya and half mestizo. The central square is attractive, the churches are colonial, and there are several cenotes within cycling or walking distance that receive far fewer visitors than the famous ones near Tulum. The town serves as a natural base for Chichén Itzá (45 minutes away) and is priced at a fraction of the coast.
Why visit
A colourful colonial centre, several accessible cenotes within cycling distance, lower prices than Tulum, and position as a base for Chichén Itzá and the surrounding region.
Crowd level
Day trippers from Chichén Itzá pass through, but the town itself is not overwhelmed. Good place to base a Yucatán exploration.
Best time
November-April
Getting there
2hrs from Cancún, 1.5hrs from Mérida. Good bus connections throughout the Yucatán.
Tradeoffs
Less beach access than Tulum. Not a resort destination. The appeal is the authentic colonial town character.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Region
- Yucatán
- Fresh Air Score
- 80/100
- Cost level
- $
- Distance from Tulum
- 135 km