Thanks to its great location right in the middle of the Yucatán Peninsula, the city of Valladolid is a perfect base for exploring around the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are struggling to decide between a vacation enjoying the Caribbean beaches of Quintana Roo or the history and culture of Yucatán, why not base yourself here and explore both with day trips from Valladolid? It’s really the perfect solution.

Valladolid

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Beautiful Valladolid is a small city that has been designated a ‘Magic City’ or Pueblo Mágico. It is also the second city of Yucatán and is informally known as the capital of eastern Yucatán. Despite being the second city, it’s neither super crowded nor busy.

⭐️ Over recent years, Valladolid has made a name for itself as a ’boutique’ destination. With its incredible dining options, gorgeous hotels and great artisan stores, the city is fast gaining popularity with visitors to the region.

What can you visit from Valladolid?

Yucatán is a peninsula situated in the South of Mexico and really, is the heart of Mayan civilization. It has something for every type of traveler.

🏝 The state of Quintana Roo is famous for its Caribbean coast with well-known tourist spots such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Find here all-inclusive resorts and stunning beaches with clear turquoise water and fine white sand. The Riviera Maya primarily attracts visitors looking for idyllic beach life.

🌴 The state of Yucatán offers visitors culture, history, and adventure experiences. In Yucatán, you’ll find a world permeated by Maya culture, history, traditions and food.

Note that Yucatán has its own beautiful beaches along its Gulf Coast that may surprise you with their beauty, warm water, and emerald-coloured sea.

➡️ From Valladolid you can visit numerous beaches, archaeological sites, cenotes, jungles, cities and more.

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Day trips from Valladolid: getting around

🚗 Many visitors using Valladolid as a base choose rent a car to give them the freedom to explore. This is a great option for those who love to drive and who feel comfortable driving in unfamiliar places. 

The main highways from Valladolid are toll roads that are kept in good condition. Note that you must pay with Mexican pesos only to use these roads. Smaller roads that traverse local villages will often have potholes and speed bumps as well as wandering/snoozing cats/dogs and even children for you to navigate.

→ Check car rental options now

🚌 There are local buses to many of the main destinations although some may require transfers. There are also collectivos (small minibuses), which are the most affordable option and will give you the experience of travelling like a local. 

→ Check bus timetables and prices in Spanish or English

👣 There are other options for those who prefer to let someone else take the wheel. Many private drivers are also licensed guides, so travelling with them gives you the best of both worlds. They know the best routes, the best places to stop for food, and the best times to visit sites. 

→ I use Get Your Guide & Viator to plan my own tours and will share links to my recommended tours below.

🚲 Cycling is also a popular way to get around Valladolid and even to some of the closer attractions. There are good cycle paths on the main roads out of the city and lots of bicycle rental shops. 

→ Consider renting a bicycle or a scooter for at least some of your time in Valladolid.

🚆 The Tren Maya, at time of writing, is not fully operational across the whole peninsula but if you enjoy train travel it’s worth checking out for at least some of your time in Yucatán. You can certainly travel between Cancun and Valladolid as well as Mérida and Valladolid in mid-2024.

Quick rundown on what to see in Valladolid

Don’t miss the Calzada de los Frailes, the ex-convento de San Bernadino de Siena, the Casa de los Venados and even Cenote Zaci.

➡️ Read more about the must-sees of Valladolid

Day trips from Valladolid

Once you’ve fully explored  the beautiful city of Valladolid then it’s time to consider your day trips from Valladolid.

Day trips from Valladolid: ancient Maya sites

The ancient Maya civilization was huge, so their ancient footprint in the region is remarkable. There are hundreds of archaeological sites in Yucatán. The truth is that you are probably standing on archaeology anywhere and at any time while you are in Yucatán. 

Here are some of the most popular sites and a few added hidden gems to help you plan your day trips into the world of the ancient Maya.

Chichén Itzá 

✅ Today Chichén Itzá is considered a modern wonder of the world. It’s also a Unesco World Heritage site and is one of the primary reasons people visit the Yucatán Peninsula. In its day, Chichén Itzá  was one of the most powerful of all the cities of the ancient Mayans. The famous pyramid at Chichén Itzá is called Kukulkan, or El Castillo in Spanish.

We recommend getting to the Chichén Itzá archeological site as early as you can as it gets incredibly crowded.

While there is nothing wrong with a self-guided tour, hiring a local guide does add to the experience. It is much more fun to spend time on the site with someone with a cultural connection to the history of the site than researching it online. 

Many people like to pair a trip to Chichén Itzá with a swim in a cenote – this is a great way to cool down after exploring the ruin.

Getting to Chichén Itzá

🚗 45-minute drive from Valladolid

🚌 there are direct buses and colectivos to Chichén Iitzá from Valladolid. It takes between 40 mins and 1hr10. Check your ADO bus options on either the ADO website (Spanish) or Busbud (English).

2 buses leave Valladolid for Chichén Itzá(10 am and 10.40am) and 3 afternoon buses return to Valladolid (around 2 pm or 4pm). Colectivos are cheaper and run more frequently but only leave when they’re full. The colectivos also leave from around the ADO bus station and will be obvious once you’re there.

⭐️ Recommended tour – the best option from Valladolid is to get yourself to Chichén Itzá and pick up a guide there if you’re interested in learning more. If you’re not, simply explore alone.

Or

Recommended tour – that includes Chichén Itzá (arriving as the site opens, guide included but entrance is not), a swim in a cenote, lunch ( at cenote Yokdzonot) and time in the gorgeous yellow city of Izamal

Ek Balam

✅ Ek Balam, a city with great religious and political significance during the height of the Maya civilisation, is a smaller and lesser-known ancient Maya site than its neighbour, Chichén Itzá.  It is far less crowded, and this means that visitors can have a more intimate and peaceful experience. 

What sets the Mayan ruins of  Ek Balam apart is not only the Acropolis, one of the largest Maya structures but also the history told in its intricately carved and beautifully preserved stucco facades. 

Getting to Ek Balam

🚗 35-minute drive from Valladolid

🚌 Colectivos run from Valladolid to the Ek Balam ruins from a spot called Colectivo Ek Balam on google maps. C. 37 202, x44 y highway 295

⭐️ Recommended tour – take a day tour to Rio Lagartos (see below) to see the flamingos, explore Ek Balam and swim in a nearby cenote. 10 hr trip.

Coba

✅A short drive into the neighbouring state of Quintana Roo, the Coba ruins are home to one of the largest of the Maya pyramids, Nohuch Mul. If you love nature like me, this could well be your favourite site as it is surrounded by jungle.

⚠️ It’s no longer possible to climb the pyramid at Coba, MexicoCassie was lucky enough to be able to do so but if you go now you won’t be so lucky.

What makes this site unique is its network of sacbe, which are raised causeways used as roads by the ancient Maya. Some of the Coba sacbe stretch for over 50 kilometres, linking them to other settlements in the region. 

Getting to Coba

🚗 50-minute drive from Valladolid

🚌 An Oriente bus leaves the ADO terminal in Valladolid regularly (but I recommend going to confirm the schedule as it isn’t set). Note that the bus just stops by the laguna, there is no official stop & there may not even be an announcement. Be sure to ask about how you get a return bus should you need one.

Day trips from Valladolid: cenotes & beaches

Yucatán, with its unique geological history and stunning Gulf Coast offers a plethora of adventures for people who want to explore its natural beauty. The hot weather makes the water-based natural wonders of the region even more enjoyable. So, dive into this list of some of the best cenotes and beach spots on the Yucatán Peninsula. The water is perfect. 

There are many cenotes in Quintana Roo as well as in Yucatán but from Valladolid we recommend looking to those in Yucatán – they’re just as gorgeous and they’re cheaper and less crowded generally than those in Quintana Roo.

Yucatán has thousands of these naturally formed limestone caves. Many of these natural sinkholes are accessible and filled with cool, fresh water from underground rivers. 

Swimming in cenotes is an experience that is unique to the Yucatán region and a must-do while you are here. In this article we name just a few of these magical places so we recommend using the numerous MexicoCassie cenote resources to learn how cenotes were formed, to find your perfect cenote, figure out which are the most kid friendly and more.

Cenote Sac Aua

☀️ The town of Valladolid is surrounded by cenotes, and many are much closer to the city than Sac Aua, but I believe that Sac Aua is one of the best cenotes in the region, so it is worth the extra time to get there. 

Cenote Sac Aua does not get as busy as some of the better-known cenotes and it is especially stunning due to the island in the middle and the tree roots coming into the cenote from the opening at the top. It is the ideal place for a refreshing day of swimming and relaxing. 

It’s also possible to rent a kayak and enjoy paddling around the gorgeous cenote.

Getting to Sac Aua

🚗 35-minute drive from Valladolid

🚌 Take a colectivo from outside the main bus station to the village of Dzalbay and walk to the cenote

Cenote Suytun

☀️ This is one of the most Instagrammed cenotes on the peninsula, which means there are often more people here than at other cenotes.

People want to see the sunbeam filter through the hole in the cave ceiling and onto the platform in the water. If you don’t need this photo then avoid peak times and you’ll be fine.

This cenote has shallow areas for paddling as well as deeper swimming areas. If you are feeling adventurous you can swim to the outer edges and climb up onto the rock formations to get a closer look at the geology that makes cenotes so fascinating.

Getting to Suytun

🚗 15-minute drive from Valladolid

🚲 Cycle safe from Valladolid

🚌 Colectivos run from outside the bus station in Valladolid

Cenote Saamal at Hacienda Selva Maya

☀️ If you want a little bit more than just a cenote experience, this may be a good option for you. Cenote Saamal is an enormous open-air cenote. There is even has a little waterfall inside that you can swim to and even a platform to jump from if you are feeling brave. 

This cenote is on the property of Hacienda Selva Maya and is a popular destination for tour groups. If you’re going to go, be there early or late to avoid the possibility of crowds. When I went with my partner and some friends, we all enjoyed the family fun atmosphere. When MexicoCassie went with a group they were the only people on the entire site.

There are well-organised showers, changing rooms and locker areas. A life jacket is included in the entrance fee.

After your swim, there are other activities to enjoy such as ziplining, walking tracks, bike rental to explore the property and there is a restaurant and bar on site. 

Getting to Saamal

🚗 10-minute drive from Valladolid

🚲 cycle safe from Valladolid

🚌 Colectivos run from the bus station in Valladolid

⭐️ Recommended cenote tour: Cenotes, Culture and Bikes

Begin the day in the local market to buy snacks, cycle to 2 separate cenotes, learn to make tortillas and then enjoy them for lunch with a traditional Maya family and finally visit an historically important village.

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El Cuyo beach

🏝 El Cuyo is a very traditional Yucatecan fishing village. It is small, sleepy and a perfect getaway if you are looking to recharge, relax, and frolic in the sea. This is definitely not a beach bar town. Accessed by a causeway, it is a hub for windsurfing enthusiasts. With gentle wave action, warm, emerald-green waters, and long natural beaches, you can take a walk and find a quiet spot to lay out a towel, catch some rays, swim a bit and just unwind. There are small restaurants and shops in the town. 

🚌 Take either an Oriente bus or a colectivo from the ADO bus station in Valladolid to Tizimin and from there take a colectivo to El Cuyo. It’s also possible to take a taxi from Tizimin (around $600 pesos) should you arrive too late to take a colectivo.

Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas 

🦩 Río Lagartos is a charming village on the Yucatán coast known for its pristine natural biosphere. This biosphere is a haven to thousands of pink flamingos and other wildlife. Nearby are the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas. This is the perfect day trip for bird watchers and nature lovers. 

The best way to enjoy this trip is to start in the village and grab a guided tour of the biosphere and salt flats. If your heart is set on everything pink, make sure that you are visiting at the right time of year and of day to see the flamingos and the salt flats.

You can also pick up a tour directly at Las Coloradas although you won’t get to spend time sailing through the peaceful mangroves if you do.

Getting to Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas

🚗 1.5hr drive from Valladolid

🚌 get a bus or colectivo to Tizimin and from there take a colectivo to Rio Lagartos

⭐️ Recommended tour – take a tour to Rio Lagartos where you can take a boat ride through the mangroves to see crocodiles, bird life and more. Next, head to Las Coloradas to marvel at the pink lakes. as well as swim before going for a swim in a gorgeous cenote. Note that entrance fees and boat are not included in the price you pay.

Caribbean Coast – Tulum / Playa del Carmen / Cancun

🏝 From Valladolid to the Caribbean Coast is a nicely easy drive of around 90 minutes. In fact, people visiting Cancun / Playa del Carmen / Tulum regularly nip over to Valladolid (& Chichén Itzá) for the day so why not turn the tables and take yourself to Mexico’s most famous beach region for a day of chilling out on the beach, with a day pass to an all-inclusive hotel or to visit one of the many attractions, water parks and theme parks along the coast.

Getting to the Caribbean Coast

🚗 1hr30 to Tulum, 2 hr to Cancun, 1hr50 to Playa del Carmen

🚌 ADO buses run between all these cities and Valladolid regularly

🚆 The Tren Maya technically runs this route but there are not yet enough trains in the day to make thiis a truly viable option for a day trip.

Day trips from Valladolid: thinking out of the box

Yucatán, with its jungles, culture, and diverse community offers a range of activities for visitors seeking something a little bit different. Whether you are interested in ancient traditions, modern art, or adventure, you’ll be sure to love my favourite recommendations for some interesting ways to enjoy a day trip from Valladolid. 

Xkopek Bee Keeping Reserve

🐝 This is a family-run apiary and bee sanctuary just outside of Valladolid. Xkopek is home to the indigenous stingless Maya Melipona bee, which produces a honey that used in modern medicine.

A fascinating guided tour is offered (English or Spanish) where visitors will learn about the different varieties of bees living on the site as well as getting to taste a variety of honeys.

You can also purchase a day pass to their onsite pool and enjoy a meal at their restaurant or even stay over night in their cabins.

Getting to Xkopek

🚗 6 minute drive from Valladolid

🚲 Bicycle safe and it’s even possible to walk

⭐️ Recommended tour – book your tour of Xkopek in advance here to learn about the bees, their diversity & importance to the world.

Zipline and Canoe in Punta Laguna

🐊 This jungle trek, guided by members of the local community, where you may be able to see endangered the Yucatán Spider Monkey or Yucatán Black Howler monkey, culminates in a kayak trip across the lake (pictured above) and a heart-stopping zipline over the lake. If you are looking for an adrenaline hit while you stay in Valladolid, this is the day trip for you. (MexicoCassie and family spent some time on the lake but opted not to zipline given how small the children were when they visited – bigger kids can absolutely zipline here).

Getting to Punta Laguna

🚗 1 hr drive from Valladolid

Day trips from Valladolid: towns & cities

Valladolid’s central location in Yucatán is not only perfect for enjoying archaeological sites, cenotes, and action adventures, it is also the perfect base from which to visit other towns in the region.

As you explore the towns of the region, notice how Maya culture remains strong and proud, sitting alongside the clear European influences and architecture. You can experience gastronomic joys, learn about traditional farming, visit excellent museums and art galleries and shop for first rate artisanal products.

Top tip: Palacios de gobierno / municpal in Mexico are generally decorated with large murals or paintings that outline the history of the area. For example, in Mérida you’ll learn about the horrors of the Caste Wars and the utter misery heaped on Indigenous people by the invading Europeans.

Izamal 

🌼 Izamal is known as the yellow city because, well, it is yellow. Everywhere you walk in the centre of town, you’ll be surrounded by incredible colonial architecture and all the buildings are painted in the same shade of yellow. The strangest thing about this is that no one knows for sure why. Some suggest it was painted yellow in honour of a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1993 while others claim it is to honour one of the important Maya Gods, Kinich Kakmó.  Other theories include yellow to represent the flag of the Vatican or because it is the colour of corn. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt at all that the city indulges in its reputation and you will see yellow everywhere you go.

Another thing you’ll notice is that this town has a lot of pyramids. There are three pyramids that you can visit within the town centre as well as a stunning, and yellow, Catholic monastery which was built on the top of a Maya temple. The history of Yucatán is complicated and visiting a town like Izamal is a good way to learn more about it.

Izamal is a pueblo magico and is also often called the “city of 3 cultures” because you’ll experience Maya, Colonial, and modern-day Mexican cultures as you explore. Strolling around Izamal you’ll definitely feel that you’re in a colonial city and it’s obvious it was built over an ancient Maya town. As a bonus you’re even likely to hear Mayan being spoken by locals.

Getting to Izamal

🚗 1hr20 drive from Valladolid

🚌 there are buses and colectivos to Izamal from the Valladolid bus station

⭐️ Recommended tour – take this tour that includes stopping at Chichén Itzá first thing (including tour guide), a swim in a cenote and time to explore Izamal.

Mérida

🌮 Mérida is a large city so you’ll need to plan your day if you’re not taking a tour. Whatever you want to see, we recommend starting on the Plaza Grande (the main square) where you’ll find the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the Palacio Municipal and the Casa Montejo.

If you want to see more of the city, you can either stroll around on your own, take a walking tour or even an open-top double-decker tour bus, which will give you an idea of the layout of the city center and a sneaky peek into the gardens of some gorgeous colonial mansions. 

➡️ If you’re visiting with kids, why not try the MexicoCassie Mérida scavenger hunt to liven up the day.

➡️ Either head towards Paseo de Montejo, Calle 47 (the gastronomic corridor) & Parque la Plancha, or towards Mercado Lucas de Galvez.

One of the most glorious ways to spend a day in Mérida is to stroll the beautiful tree-lined Paseo de Montejo, stopping to have a coffee, tea, or cocktail outside one of the many cafes and bars and watch the world go by.

Mérida’s mercado Lucas de Galvez is also worth your time if you enjoy markets. Here you’ll find a thriving and busy market area with plenty of locals selling artisanias (souvenirs), interesting foods and there’s even a good museum to visit next door.

Read more

Getting to Mérida

🚗 2 hr drive from Valladolid

🚌 ADO buses run between the 2 cities

🚆The Tren Maya runs between Valladolid and Mérida

Temozon

🍗 A small town with a lot of flavour and tradition, Temozon is famous throughout Mexico for its BBQ and smoked meats. The town has over 18 butchers to supply fresh meat daily.

Specialising in pork, the families that have been producing these delectable dishes since the 1960s in the town keep their recipes a secret. Even the coal they used is special. You can sit down and eat the local poc chuc Maya dish or one of a variety of artisan sausages. If you are super interested, order one of their tasting platters so you can try a little bit of everything. 

Temozon is not only famous for its meat, but it is also known for some of the best carpentry in Yucatán and has over 60 woodworking shops. Other highlights include the historic churches of San Antonio de Padua and San Román.

Getting to Temozon

🚗 20 minute drive from Valladolid

🚌 take a colectivo from the Valladolid bus station