Top 22 Things To Do In Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico

1. Explore the wonderful Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

This magnificent colonial structure is the second largest Franciscan construction in the Yucatan, right after the Convent of Izamal. The 16th-century wall frescos around the chapels and sacred art, which line the walls are the kind of beauty that draws you in to explore the life of the early settlers. A walkway lined with tropical trees connects the convent to the village, and it’s perfect for a romantic stroll. This beautiful walkway is now known as the Corner of the Five Streets. In May, there are several art and music festivals displaying so much beauty you won’t want to miss.

Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

Address: Calle 50 210B, Sisal, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD

2. Be enchanted by Cenote Samula

This cenote is larger than Xkeken, and its view is almost magical. It is perfect for a swim, and you will also get lovely spots for your picture backdrops around it. Samula is enclosed with a small hole that allows rays of light to shine directly down the water, highlighting its blue color and tree roots at the bottom. You can place your valuables around the second level of the stone steps that come into the cenote or in any of the lockers.

Cenote Samula

Address: Dzitnup, Valladolid 97780, Mexico

3. Check out the cavern-like Cenote Xkeken

This cenote is one of the most impressive in Valladolid. The melodic sound of chirping birds and flying bats combined with the beauty of the clear waters gives you an altogether relaxing experience. The site is smaller than Samula. It has an opening through which natural light comes in, and apart from that, it is almost completely closed. Though the stairs are slippery, there are lifeguards around to help. There are also lockers where valuables can be safely stored.

Cenote Xkeken

Address: Dzitnup, Valladolid 92976, Mexico

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 6 USD

4. Experience Zazil Tunich – the top-rated Cenote in Mexico

Experience the best Cenote in Mexico. Zazil Tunich is, hands down, one of the best cenotes in town. Located 20 m (65.6 feet) underground, this cenote has the awe of mysticism around it. A passage of 200 meters (656.2 feet) leads into the depths of the cave where you encounter stunning stalactites and stalagmites. A tour guide will take you through the holy places and Mayan mythology that is scattered around the cave. The waters are shallow but crystal clear and a beauty to behold. One very alluring service this cave offers is the romantic dinner so jump on this one.

Zazil Tunich

Address: Carretera Yalcobá-Xtut Km. 6, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: Zazil Tunich

Opening hours: 3pm - 8:15pm (daily)

5. Examine historical artifacts in San Roque Museum

This museum depicts local history with impressive exhibits and artworks that date back for centuries. The rich collection of works in the small museum includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, oriental art, and many more exciting works. Huge murals in the museum depict Mayan history, and tour guides are always available to fill you in on the details. If you are fascinated by Mayan Civilization, add this site to your itinerary.

San Roque Museum

Address: Valladolid - Cancun, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

6. Explore the streets of Calzada de los Frailes

The historic city of Calle/Calzada de los Frailes is perfect for a relaxed stroll. It is one of the most serene and well-kept streets in Valladolid. Colonial homes painted in beautiful colors line the route alongside restaurants and specialty shops. After a relaxing walk through this fascinating area, you can lounge at an open park area (Sisal Park), restaurants and specialty shops. The scenery is also ideal for beautiful pictures and will leave lasting memories on your mind.

Calzada de los Frailes

Address: Calzada de los Frailes, Valladolid 97780, Mexico

7. Have fun in Francisco Canton Rosado Park

This old park still maintains its beauty after many years of playing host to various visitors from across the world. At the center of the location, there is a fountain that is referred to as the fountain of “La Mestiza” (mixed-race woman), a resultant beauty from the fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures. During the day, you can enjoy the view of the flourishing greenery, and at night, the bright light comes on, illuminating the quaint site.

Francisco Canton Rosado Park

Address: Calle 41 204A, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Take a dip in a subterranean pool at Cenote Palomitas

This cenote is peaceful and not too crowded, giving it a very serene feel. The steps carved from the rock lead to the underground cave. A small opening at the top lets natural light get in, and within, there are lights, strategically positioned around. The water is incredibly bright and warm, just the right kind for a dip. There is a guide on-site to help with whatever needs might arise, and there are lockers for storing valuables.

Cenote Palomitas

Address: Yalcobá, Yucatan, Mexico

Website: Cenote Palomitas

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

9. Visit the animals at Valladolid Zoo

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This small and relatively new zoo will leave you pleasantly surprised at all it has to offer. The staff is friendly and Looking at the animals – you see that they are well cared for. Entry is free for children, and you can feed some animals for a small fee. There is an option for renting small boats to explore the artificial lagoon on-site. Black-handed spider monkeys, Virginia opossum, porcupines, armadillos, and some domesticated animals can be seen all around the area.

Valladolid Zoo

Address: Libramiento Norte Km. 7 +300 Rancho Blancaflor, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 10 USD

10. Get a feel for Mexican folk art at Casa De Los Venados

The Deer House is not your regular museum, as it is housed inside a private mansion. It boasts an extensive collection of Mexican folk-art products. You can feel the pieces because they are not housed in glass. The colorful collections carefully arranged in the various rooms and along the corridor will keep you raving for weeks after seeing them. There is a guided tour in English or Spanish to give further details on each piece and the history.

House of the Deer

Address: Calle 40 Local 204 X 41, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: House of the Deer

Opening hours: 10am - 1pm (daily)

11. Tour the Church of San Servacio

Located on the south of the main square, the Church of San Servicio is an architectural masterpiece. Built by Priest Francisco Hernandez in 1545, the church is a barrel vault cathedral-style building. It was demolished in 1705 and restored in 1706 to its present state. The beauty of the colonial architecture and historic pieces maintained within the building make it a great spot to visit.

Church of San Servacio

Address: Calle 41, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: Church of San Servacio

12. Relax at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman

This place was originally a plantation where a strong rope was processed from an agave fiber called henequen. This fiber is an essential component of the economic history of Yucatan. The scenery around the plantation is relaxing, and there is a poolside where you can relax with a drink. The restaurant and bar serve local cuisines that will warm your taste buds.

Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman

Address: Calle 54, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

13. Pay homage at the Monument of Jose María Iturralde Traconis

This monument is dedicated to Jose María Iturralde Traconis, who was the governor of Yucatan from 1924 to 1926. He died in a car crash a few months after leaving office in 1926. The monument is nestled on the left side of Cathedral San Servicio. José María Iturralde Traconis had an enormous affection for the City of Valladolid, where he was from.

Monument of Jose María Iturralde Traconis

Address: Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico

14. Explore the ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located 45 minutes west of Valladolid, and which is best explored in the mornings. Sitting on (10 sqm) (107.6 sq.ft) of land, the ruins of Chichen Itza are a beauty to behold. You will see an ancient city which was named after the two big cenotes which gave water to the town. Sinkholes formed the cenotes in a limestone formation. In 1988, the region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chichen Itza

Address: 97750 Chichén-Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico

Website: Chichen Itza

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Take a walk around Pedro Infante Monument

This life-sized monument was erected in memory of Mexican superstar – Pedro Infante, known in Sinaloa as “the idol from Guamúchil.” The sculpture includes a motorcycle, paying homage to one of Infante’s most popular movies, “A Toda Máquina.” The monument is located on the boardwalk along Paseo del Centenario, and it is a great place to take a walk in the evening.

Pedro Infante Monument

Address: Calle 22 80898, Fernando Novelo, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

16. Go swimming in the impressive Cenote Zaci

Located in the middle of the city, this cenote is perfect for a swim. Unlike most cenotes, Cenote Zaci is only half covered, with the other half open to natural light from the sky. The clear water is deep, reaching a depth of 100m (328ft) at some points. The rock walls are covered in lush greenery with stalagmites and stalactites hanging down.

Cenote Zaci

Address: Cenote Zaci valladolid, yucatan, mexico

Price: 2 USD

17. Spend an afternoon at La Mestiza Park

You don’t have to feel bored on a hot afternoon, head to the iconic La Mestiza Park for some recreational moments. The site sits in the heart of the town, where the Mayan Pyramid once stood. Today, it features a stunning place of worship - the Cathedral of San Gervacio- and a beautiful fountain, which reflects the culture and tradition of the area. Not only that, the park is surrounded by clothing stores, craft stalls, where you can buy souvenirs, restaurants, and even hotels. You can take a stroll around the spot’s calm atmosphere and incredible scenery or sit in any of the provided chairs. It also plays host to local dancers, and don’t leave before dawn because the sunset is also spectacular.

La Mestiza Park

Address: Cancun - Valladolid 30, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 2 USD

18. Savor Mexican cuisine at La Casona de Valladolid

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Walk into this iconic restaurant with its central arch, created over a century ago to savor delicious meals in buffet style. You can select from a wide selection of dishes, including pork with Achiote sauce, black turkey stew, steak, and a host of other delicacies. There is a beautiful fountain at its back, and you can enjoy your meals in the courtyard.

La Casona de Valladolid

Address: Calle 41 214, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: La Casona de Valladolid

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Sun)

19. Enjoy Yucatan meals at La Joyita Cantina

Get your taste buds dancing after a taste of Yucatecan food from La Joyita Cantina. You get to pick from various options of delicacies; Higadilla (pieces of pork liver in chili sauce), ibes with pork (roasted pork with roasted pork), an appetizer of roasted purple onions with habanero bullfight, to mention a few. Meals can be enjoyed in the cozy indoors or outdoors. Their prices are also affordable for their outstanding offerings.

La Joyita Cantina

Address: Calle 41 193B, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: La Joyita Cantina

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

20. Shop at Bella Valladolid Square

This plaza has over 10 branded stores that offer an excellent selection of goods at affordable prices. There are supermarkets in the plaza to take care of basic home needs. If you also wish to buy luxury items – including apparel, jewelry, and more, there is a handful of stalls to check out. The site is relatively new and very well lit. The cashiers are also very helpful.

Bella Valladolid Square

Address: Calle 42 #124, Chan Halal, Sta Lucía, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: Bella Valladolid Square

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

21. Explore beauty and craft at MUREM Ethnic Clothing Museum of Mexico

This museum features a collection of items that will fascinate anyone who sews or has an interest in fashion. You can ask for a personal tour to understand the details of how every garment is made and from what part of Mexico they come from. This institution’s extensive selection is artfully arranged within two modestly sized rooms. Some pieces go back more than 500 years. At this spot, you will find a tasteful blend of beauty, culture, and anthropology.

MUREM Ethnic Clothing Museum of Mexico

Address: Calle 41 #195, Centro, Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: MUREM Ethnic Clothing Museum of Mexico

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 50 USD

22. View the incredible Yalat Mexican Art

This gallery is an incredible collection of art located in a “colonial Casona.” It houses exquisite indigenous art of Mexico alongside contemporary natural fabrics. There are also ancient handmade textiles and embroidery which display local specialties with serious artisanship. There is a lovely little garden that sells honey, local chocolate, and sauces. This location is so beautiful and exciting, definitely worth your time.

Yalat Mexican Art

Address: Calle 41 204, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Website: Yalat Mexican Art

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

Experience the beauty of art, history, and nature at its finest

Valladolid is a small town that keeps you busy exploring its many attractions. It is famous for its colonial churches and attractions. The various beautiful cenotes lined with green vegetation scattered across town welcomes many tourists each year. Lovers of art and history can spend hours perusing through multiple collections housed in museums. You cannot run out of exciting things to do in Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexico.