From Wikitravel

Valladolid is a small city in the state of Yucatán. Located about a 45 minute drive from the (lesser-used) east entrance of Chichén Itzá, it offers an alternative base for the ruins, while having its own charms as well -- although less convenient than Piste, it's also less tourist-oriented.

[edit] Get in

Valladolid is just off the toll highway (180D) between Cancun and Merida; the exit is about 3 miles north of the center of town. The old highway (180) runs east-west through the centre of town, and highway 295 connects south towards Chetumal, and north to the toll highway and Ek Balam. Both highways run right through the centre of town on one-way streets, forming the four sides of the central town square.

[edit] Get around

Valladolid is small enough to make walking a reasonable choice within town.

[edit][add listing] See

• Yucatan Today, [1]. The leading tourist guide to Yucatan - online and monthly print edition. Be sure to pick up a copy when in Yucatan for maps, information, and lots of articles. The web site has even more info and maps. Read the article on Valladolid here: http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-valladolid.htm edit

• Parque Fransisco Canton Rosado, the central town square, is surrounded by pretty colonial style buildings that maintain much of their historic character.

• The Catedral de San Gervasio, located on the south side of the town square.

• Cenote Zací. A spectacular sinkhole located in a public park only few hundred meters from the central plaza, this cenote is traversed by a walking path that passes under a curtain of stalactites in an overhang area.

[edit] Things to do

Visit the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam. You are allowed to climb the tallest ruin which has been partially restored. This gives you a 360° view of the surroundings. You can also get local buses to Chichén Itzá.

You can visit several Cenotes within the area. Two are close enough to hire bicycles from a nearby vendor. Be aware that cycle maintenance is very poor.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Buy wood carvings and traditional clothing and bags made from henequen from the vendors on the central Plaza. Hand made shoes and sandals at the central Plaza.

Visit Yalat Boutique right at the Main Square, the place is filled with original artwork, fine jewelry, and is dedicated to master works and fine Mexican artcrafts including exquisite ceramic Jainas and Maya vessels that are exquisite. Owner very friendly, speaks perfect English, a bit of German and French.

Visit the charming beautiful Coqui Coqui Perfumery and Spa in the Calzada de los Frailes on the way of the Convent. All the perfumes they sell are from the yucatan peninsula, amazing fragrances as the agave or the flor de mayo... and most they have a wonderful garden, absolutely not to be missed.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• El Meson de Marques, a hotel located on the north side of the town square, offers dining beside a charming interior courtyard, with excellent food. Entrees in the $M 50 range.
• Casa Italia is a small and charming Italian restaurant on the south edge of the square in Candelaria, four blocks north and one block west of the main square. Their pizzas, baked in a wood-fueled oven, are wonderful and inexpensive.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Casa Quetzal B&B near the Convent de San Bernardino.

Hostal Kinbe, Cnr Calle 38/Ave 41, doubles from 120 Pesos. Very clean.

Hotel Santa Lucia, about 6 blocks north of the main square, is a two floor hotel with a variety of rooms ranging from a Single with no A/C (for about US$20) up to a Quintuple with A/C (for about $90).

Hostel La Candelaria is a friendly well kept HI Hostel about 15 minutes walk from the main square. It has an excellent garden to relax in and good kitchen facilities (in the garden). As of September 2007, Hostel La Candelaria closed its operations.

Hotel Maria De La Luz is very friendly and very well kept. It is located on the main square. You can get a double with A/C for US$40. The restaurant opens up to the square and has great food. The prices are very reasonable, at about US$6.50-$10.

[edit] Get out

Valladolid has a good modernised bus station (near the main square) which connects it with the surrounding towns and tourist destinations. There are frequent services to all major destinations.