A cute colonial city located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Valladolid is well worth a stop – whether you’re on route to Merida, Mexico from the coast, or are looking for a jumping off point to the famous ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico (40km away). Located almost exactly in the middle of Cancun and Merida (about 2-hours each way), Valladolid is a perfect place to stop off for a day or two!

Valladolid has a population of around 50,000 and the whole city is accessible by foot in just a few hours.

The colourful streets are extremely well-maintained and all of the buildings are relatively similar in size making it an interesting city to walk around!

Also, Valladolid is not touristy whatsoever. You’d think a city this neat and tidy – with signs in both English and Spanish – would attract its fair share of travellers. However, there aren’t a whole lot of foreigners to be found, which may not be the case in a few years. Valladolid has recently joined the ‘Magical Villages Program’, which is an effort by the Mexican government to display Mexican cities and towns in their natural beauty.

This probably explains the super clean parks, new lampposts and re-done sidewalks.

Be aware that the extremely hot and dry climate of the Yucatan region more than applies here, as temperatures in May routinely reach 35-40C degrees. Valladolid was definitely the hottest city I stayed in during my time travelling around Mexico!

• Built between 1552 – 1560, this is the convent of San Bernadino de Siena, about a 10 minute walk from the central plaza.

While small and only needing a day to explore, Valladolid is a worthwhile place to visit if you’re travelling around the Yucatan region. It won’t necessarily blow you away in its beauty, but the city definitely has a small town charm, while being fun and easy to explore!

Enjoy : )