As you probably know, I love Mexico — especially the Yucatán. I’ve been to Valladolid twice, and it’s one of my favorite towns in the region. Valladolid is part of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) program, which highlights places known for their cultural richness and charming architecture.

Valladolid is a colorful town with beautiful colonial architecture and an authentic Mexican vibe. Far from the hustle and bustle of Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Valladolid feels calm and safe, and the people are incredibly friendly.

I stayed in Valladolid for two nights, between Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and our road trip to El Cuyo. We rented the car in Tulum and drove to Valladolid (here’s where you can rent it). I think two nights is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the town. We stayed at Hotel Waye, just a short walk from the center. You can book the hotel here.

Where to stay in Valladolid?

I’m a big fan of boutique hotels that feel authentic, which is exactly why I’ve stayed at Hotel Waye twice (you can book it here). The rooms are spacious and modern, with a boho, rustic twist that gives them so much character. The breakfast is excellent — I highly recommend adding it to your stay.

Day 1

Chichen itza

The next day, after having the breakfast in the hotel, we left to Chichen Itza early in the morning (around 7-8 am), to beat the heat and crowds. That was the highlight of our trip, besides exploring Valladolid. Chichen Itza is one of the most famous ancient Mayan cities in Mexico, located in the Yucatán Peninsula, only 40 minutes drive from Valldolid. I recommend having 2-3 hours to explore Chichen-Itza.

Chichen Itza was a major political and economic center between the 7th and 10th centuries. It the big pyramid (the Temple of Kukulcán), which was built with precise astronomical alignment. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sunlight creates a shadow that looks like a serpent moving down the pyramid’s steps. Today, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Please remember that tripods are not allowed inside.

Don’t forget to book a guided tour with one of the tour guides. I recommend Fernando, he was our guide and the tour was amazing! You can contact him via WhatsApp, the number is +52 985 102 1636

If you’re traveling from Poland and you speak Polish, I strongly suggest Dominika (check her Instagram page @DTSTours with the tours).

For English and other languages tours booked upront, you can check them out here:

Cenote Oxmán

After a couple of hours of sightseeing at Chichén Itzá, there’s nothing better than visiting a cenote and cooling off in its fresh, refreshing water. Check out Cenote Oxmán, a popular and beautiful spot. It’s an open cenote surrounded by hacienda-style buildings, with some local food options available on-site. Part of the cenote is roped off for those who want to jump in. The entrance fee is around 200 MXN per person, depending on the season.

Dinner in IX CAT IK

Now it’s finally time for a dinner recommendation and honestly if was one of my favorite restaurants that we ate in, during our trip. If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious, traditional Mayan meal from Yucatán, you should definitely check out the amazing restaurant Ix Cat Ik (visit their website here) in Valladolid.

It’s a family-owned restaurant with an authentic Mayan atmosphere, and they even have a tortilla-making station where you can watch the process. We ordered the cochinita pibil and a delicious homemade coconut ice cream for dessert. Everything was absolutely fantastic.

Address: Calle 39 between 20, Valladolid, ZIP 97782

Open from 12 pm to 9 pm

Day 2

Exploring Valladolid

The best time to explore Valladolid is early in the morning, when the light is perfect for soaking in its charm. This small town is full of stunning architecture and colorful streets. The people are incredibly friendly, and I discovered so many lovely spots for a morning coffee or breakfast. The town truly radiates authentic Mexican vibes. We also spotted plenty of vintage Volkswagen Beetles—they’re surprisingly popular around here!

Start with the main square, Parque Principal Francisco Cantón, where you can admire the beautiful San Servacio Cathedral and soak up the local atmosphere. The streets of Valladolid are vibrant, filled with colorful stands selling artisanal products, fresh fruits, and vegetables. You’ll also find plenty of street food options to try. The town has a unique energy and charm that you won’t find anywhere else.

Just a short walk away, the colorful Convent of San Bernardino de Siena in the Sisal neighborhood is a must-see, especially at sunset. We didn’t make it there, but I want to check it out next time!

Visit cenote suytun

Cenote Suytun is one of the most Instagrammable cenotes in Valladolid. This underground cenote is known for its stunning circular stone platform — the perfect photo spot when the light beams down from above.

The cenote itself is fairly dark, and the water is cooler, so it’s not the best place for swimming. However, it’s ideal for capturing beautiful, dramatic photos.

Entrance typically costs between 150–200 MXN per person.