Ek Balam – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com Best Travel Destinations & Tourist Guide in Mexico Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:16:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mexicanroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-MexicanRoutes_fav-150x150.png Ek Balam – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com 32 32 Archaeological sites to visit in Riviera Maya https://mexicanroutes.com/archaeological-sites-to-visit-in-riviera-maya/ Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:50:22 +0000 https://mexicanroutes.com/?p=16923 While the Riviera Maya is well-known as a beach resort area, not all know, beyond its stunning beauty, this region is also an excellent starting point for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Mayans, who once flourished in this area, left behind a remarkable legacy.

Mayan cities in the Yucatán began to appear around 2000 BCE. Over time, they reached their peak of architectural and cultural glory during the Classic Period, which spanned from approximately 250 CE to 900 CE.

During this time, the Maya built city-states like Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uxmal, and Palenque. The towering pyramids, intricate temples, and observatories showcase the Mayans’ knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

The decline of the Mayan civilization is a topic of ongoing debate among historians and scholars. It is believed to be associated with factors such as overpopulation, environmental stress, warfare, and resource depletion.

The arrival of the Spaniards marked a significant turning point in the history of the Yucatán. By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived, many of these ancient city-states had already been abandoned or were in decline.

Over time, Spaniards imposed their culture, religion, and authority on the region, resulting in the amazing blend of Mayan and Spanish influences that can still be seen today in the local culture, architecture, and traditions.

The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history and a great ancient heritage. If you happen to travel to the Riviera Maya, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these amazing Mayan city-states scattered all over the Yucatan.

Archaeological sites along the Riviera Maya coastline:

  • Tulum
  • Coba
  • Xel-Ha
  • Xcaret
  • El Rey
  • Isla Mujeres
  • San Gervasio (Cozumel)

Archaeological sites near Chetumal:

  • Oxtankah
  • Kohunlich
  • Dzibanche
  • Calakmul
  • Kinichna
  • Becan

Archaeological sites near Valladolid:

  • Chichen Itza
  • Ek Balam

Archaeological sites near Merida:

  • Dzibilchaltun
  • Uxmal
  • Muyil
  • Sayil
  • Labna
  • Mayapan
  • Kabah
  • Izamal

Archaeological sites near Campeche:

  • Edzna

These one-day excursions are to explore the ancient Mayan ruins in a short time.

Travelers have the freedom to choose between local transport such as buses or “colectivos”, private transfer, or opting for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and culture of pre-Hispanis Yucatan regions.

The inauguration of the Maya Tren adds an exciting new dimension to travel across the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya Tren provides a convenient easy and efficient way to explore the Yucatan region and its wonders.

The Maya Tren is an additional option for an easy, eco-friendly, and time-efficient means of experiencing the rich Mayan historic and cultural remarkable heritage across the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Chiapas.

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The best 25 archaeological sites to visit in Mexico https://mexicanroutes.com/the-best-25-archaeological-sites-to-visit-in-mexico/ Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:41:02 +0000 https://mexicanroutes.com/?p=9804 Mexico is a country of culture and traditions, many of which Mexicans have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory.

And although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern parts of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the North.

Without a doubt, touring Mexico through its archaeological zones is to soak up culture, traditions, and discoveries that will not leave you indifferent.

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

Chichen Itza has been called one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Among its main structures, El Castillo, El Caracol (or observatory), the Ball Court, and the Temple of a thousand columns stand out.

One of the most important finds in Chichén Itzá was the sacred cenote, from which various offerings and bones were extracted from the maidens who were sacrificed to the gods, and sometimes also the prisoners of war were sacrificed and thrown into that seemingly bottomless pit.

Undoubtedly one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan culture in Yucatan, El Castillo was one of the great temples that were built near the end of the splendor of that culture.

Palenque, Chiapas

Palenque is a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is located in the state of Chiapas, and its magnificent sculptures and buildings tell us the story of the man who tries to understand and explain the universe.

Its most important building is the Great Palace, the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temple of the Foliated Cross, and the Great Ball Court.

One of the most important finds in Palenque was undoubtedly the tomb of Pakal II, whose stela adorns this entrance, and although there are many theories, it is most likely that the tree of life is portrayed, pointing the roots towards the underworld that was mysterious and attractive to the Mayans.

Without a doubt, the palace is its most important construction, since over 400 years it was built in various styles, with various architectural elements such as a tower, four patios, foundations, and stairways, among others.

Uxmal, Yucatan

One of the greatest exponents of the Puuc route is the archaeological zone of Uxmal, its main buildings are the Pyramid of the Magician, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, and the House of the Doves.

Among its ruins were stupendous masks of Chaac (god of rain) and also stelae with hieroglyphics.

One of the things that visitors can enjoy in Uxmal is the “light and sound show”, since entering an archaeological zone at night gives you a different perspective of how it is during the day.

In addition, those shows designed by the INAH allow you to enter to learn about the history and daily life of the ancient inhabitants of the place.

Palenque, Chiapas

Tajin, Veracruz

One of the most beautiful pre-Hispanic buildings, it is undoubtedly the pyramid of the Nichos de Tajín, located in the state of Veracruz is a great exponent of the Totonaca culture.

Niches, reliefs, and mural paintings are the silent witnesses of that city that was known as the city of smoking temples since copal was constantly burned in its buildings.

It has 17 ball courts, which archaeologists have interpreted as a sign of multiculturalism since it was inhabited for almost 900 years, which speaks of periods of evolution within the same ethnic group.

Teotihuacán, State of Mexico

One of the archaeological sites with which Mexico is identified is undoubtedly Teotihuacán, it is one of the most important ancient cities in the center of the country, Its name in Nahuatl means “city of the gods”.

At its time of maximum splendor, it had 100 thousand inhabitants. Its privileged location in a valley rich in natural resources made it a city as well as important for its architecture, an economic, political, religious, and cultural center of the time.

The most impressive thing is that even today we do not finish unraveling all its secrets, although we know that since Aztec times it was considered a sacred site.

Its extension available to the public is 264 hectares, in them, you can find the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Citadel, the Calzada de Los Muertos, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, so without a doubt, the best thing is to go to visit it and fill yourself with the energy and history that still lives within its walls.

Paquimé, Chihuahua

One of the few archaeological sites found in the north of the country is Paquimé, which is located in the state of Chihuahua, a culture that adapted to fight and survive in the great expanse of the Chihuahuan desert and that left evidence of it with the impressive structures.

The most striking thing about Paquimé is perhaps the impressive play of light and shadows that are made when the sun shines from different heights in those labyrinths that housed hundreds of rooms, some with a very specific function and others simply residential.

Yaxchilán, Chiapas

The archaeological wealth of Yaxchilán is not only in its buildings but in the texts found on its stelae, altars, and lintels, which narrate the history of that city-state, with everything and its warlike conflicts, its alliances, and the exploits of its rulers.

One of the peculiarities of Yaxchilán is that it must be reached by boat with an outboard motor crossing the Usumacinta River. You should not miss the Acropolis, the Labyrinth, or the Ball Court, silent witnesses of the splendor of this city.

From the top of Structure 33, one of the tallest buildings in Chiapas archaeology, it is possible to observe the meandering Usumacinta River and also a part of the Guatemalan Petén, another area where the Mayan culture flourished.

Your visit can be even more enjoyable with good binoculars to observe the Lacandon Jungle from its acropolis.

Monte Alban, Oaxaca

Just 10 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca, is Monte Albán, a vestige of the Zapotec and Mixtec culture, since, like many of the pre-Hispanic cities, it was inhabited by different cultures over time.

According to its architecture, it has been determined that it was in contact with the powerful Teotihuacán.

Its main structures are the Ball Court, the Dancers Building, and the South Platform. In the esplanade called Great Plaza, the merchants were located to set up the market.

This city was founded around 500 BC. C. at the top of a hill in the central valleys of Oaxaca, it had up to 35 thousand inhabitants who lived on architecture, pottery, and mural painting.

Cholula, Puebla

One of the best-known images of Cholula is that of the church on a mound with the Popocatepetl as a backdrop, and it is that according to the story, the Spaniards tried to replace the indigenous gods with their God, and for this, they destroyed the ancient temples and built their churches on them. More or less this is the history of this city of Puebla, which is said to have more than 300 churches.

But speaking of the archaeological zone, we must mention Tlachihualteptl (which means hill made by hand), the pyramid on which the church of the Virgen de Los Remedios is built and whose base is 450 meters long on each side.

The Toltecs expelled from Tula were the ones who built this archaeological zone.

Cholula’s strategic location made it a privileged place for trade between the various pre-Hispanic ethnic groups, it has amazing murals in good condition of conservation that by themselves make it worth the visit.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

A walled city that overlooks the Caribbean Sea from above, this is Tulum, a sacred site for the Mayans, which despite being so close to the sea, has murals and structures in very good condition. In Mayan, it received the name of Zamá, which means sunrise.

The Castle, on the highest part of the cliff, has on its facades sculptures of the descending god, who has sometimes been associated with Chaac, the god of rain, there is also the temple of the frescoes in whose corners you can also see masks of Chaac.

The visit to the site will take perhaps an hour and a half, but if you have a chance, I recommend you go down to the beach and take a quick dip, or at least a foot soak in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Cobá, Quintana Roo

Nohoch Mul is the highest pyramid in Cobá, previously, when it was possible to climb it, from the highest part there were three freshwater lagoons that the Mayans used to supply themselves. One of its most impressive and well-preserved structures is the Ball Court.

Many of the centuries-old trees that grew on the structures have been respected, giving them an overwhelming air.

The archaeological zone of Cobá is quite extensive, so after visiting the main buildings, I recommend renting a bicycle or a tricycle with a driver to reach the structures furthest from the entrance.

Its stelae tell us the history of this site, that although it was not inhabited by the ruling class, it did have a sacbé of more than 100 kilometers that reached a city near Chichén Itzá.

Comalcalco, Tabasco

Of the eminently commercial character, Comalcalco (city of the Comales), is the westernmost city in the Mayan world, in it, objects that belonged to ethnic groups from other latitudes have been found both in the north of Mexico and south of Central America.

The Chontales who inhabited this area (and whose descendants still live there), were born merchants, even reaching Cacaxtla in Tlaxcala. In this place, the cultivation of cocoa was and is to this day one of the most fruitful economic activities.

The North Plaza, the Acropolis, and the Tomb of the Nine Lords are the best-preserved structures, and one of the attractions of this place is the contrast between the well-kept green areas and the grey and yellowish tones of the walls.

Calakmul, Campeche

If you are a nature lover, and you love to observe flora and fauna, Calakmul is a city that you cannot miss on your itinerary to Campeche. In the middle of the biosphere reserve is the archaeological zone which means two adjacent mounds.

Much of the history of this site was captured in its stelae and in the beautiful wall paintings that are not yet open to the public as they are being prepared to be exhibited. Within the site, you can visit extensive ceremonial squares and places destined for the dwellings of the inhabitants.

Its majestic palace is a tall construction that dominates the jungle and if you arrive very early, from its summit you will be able to admire how little by little the blanket of fog that covers the place is rising at night.

Bonampak, Chiapas

The mural paintings that Bonampak houses are among the most representative of the Mayan world, many have been studies have been conducted to try to determine who are the portrayed characters and what passages of history each of those painted walls tell us.

On the Acropolis, there is Building I, in whose three rooms 112 square meters of these murals are preserved, which archaeologists have unraveled speak of a long battle.

Getting to Bonampak is not an easy task, because, after several forks in the road, you will find a dirt road that after 8 kilometers leads to a place from where you will be transported by vehicles from the Lacandon community.

Ek Balam, Yucatan

Its name means Star Jaguar (according to other translators, it means Black Jaguar), and its Acropolis contains one of the most impressive examples of stucco work carried out by the Mayans. That palace was built as a tomb for one of their kings.

Inside it contains a ramp that the priests and rulers used so that the people did not see them ascend, but they saw them already at the top of the palace, which is one of the main doors is adorned with what looks like the jaws of a jaguar, and it is also possible to see human beings with wings as if they were angels.

From the entrance of the site you can be surprised with a magnificent Mayan arch, a sample of the advanced architecture of its architecture, also in its heyday, the city was protected by a double wall that had access at each cardinal point.

Chacchoben, Quintana Roo

The place of red corn, this is how the name of Chacchoben translates, was one of the most important settlements in the lake area, and began to be populated before the birth of Christ, since the bodies of water attracted the inhabitants to settle around it, let us remember that in Quintana Roo there are only underground rivers.

The different buildings remind us of the style of other sites of the Mayan culture, but due to its size, one of the great temples that we see at the beginning of these paragraphs stands out, two stelae have also been found on the site and there are still sites to be explored.

Cacaxtla, Tlaxcala

Cacaxtla contains some murals that could well be confused with those of Bonampak due to their aesthetics, it was a city that after the fall of Cholula had the hegemony of the Puebla-Tlaxcala area.

It was a ceremonial center, a fortified city, it had defensive walls and moats and residential areas for the elite.

Its murals combine Mayan and Altiplano features, in one of the most imposing you can see the scene of a battle between Olmec jaguar warriors and Huastec birdmen who are clearly losing the fight, and some are shown naked or in different states of dismemberment.

The Great Basamento is its most important structure, in fact, different ceremonial buildings were built in it and it is where the priests had their homes.

Cantona, Puebla

Cantona, although it has only been open to the public for a short time, was a rival of Teotihuacán, in fact, it diverted the goods that were supposed to arrive in that city, which contributed to its decline. However, their power was hampered by a climate change that drained the lands and forced them to emigrate.

Obsidian was one of the main products that they traded and worked on in their various workshops, and in fact, being so close to the Citlaltépetl volcano from which they extracted it, it was possible for them to dominate the trade of this very valuable good for the ethnic groups of the center of the country.

In addition, due to its privileged position, it controlled trade between the center and the gulf side.

Cantona is considered the most urbanized city in pre-Hispanic Mexico, as evidenced by the more than 500 streets and 3 thousand residential patios that have been discovered, as well as its roads of more than a kilometer in length.

So far 24 ball courts have been discovered, which shows the great importance of this site.

Xochicalco, Morelos

Settled on a group of low hills, Xochicalco was one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica after the fall of Tenochtitlán, it has civic, residential, and religious buildings, as well as moats and walls, which tells us about a war era in the one that each city wanted to control its own territory.

Among the constructions that you can visit is the Great Pyramid, in the central plaza, the South Ball Court, and the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpents, which suggests that some southern Mayan groups would have emigrated to Xochicalco before the fall of their cities.

In this archaeological zone, you will find a rather peculiar observatory because it is located inside a cave that is accessed through a stairway carved in stone.

Tamtoc, San Luis Potosí

Tamtoc was a political and religious center that came to house up to 16,000 inhabitants, it was home to the Huasteca culture, which we know from its buildings with a circular base or with rounded corners. The inhabitants of Tamtoc were mainly engaged in astronomy and hydraulic engineering.

The other economic activities of Tamtoc were agriculture mainly of beans and corn, fishing and hunting of animals. Its inhabitants were sedentary and knew how to work obsidian, flint, gold, basalt, and copper.

An important characteristic of this culture is that it gave a very special value to women since she was considered a living symbol of fertility and also the owner of time due to her menstrual cycles.

La Campana, Colima

In Colima due to its climate, and the some rains that usually fall each year, it is difficult to find pre-Hispanic settlements, however, there is the Potrero de la Campana, named like this because, before the excavation, the hill looked like a bell due to its trapezoidal shape.

Here you will find the famous shaft tombs, places where bodies and rich offerings were deposited, and which were accessed by a vertical shaft.

It is located between the Colima and Pereira rivers, which despite having little rainfall during the year, ensured their water supply. Its platforms are circular or quadrangular and it is possible to appreciate a Ball Game and innumerable petroglyphs.

One of the things that most attracts the attention of La Campana is its drainage and water distribution network, which tells us about advanced hydraulic engineering.

La Ferrería, Durango

One of the most important settlements in the Guadiana Valley was in La Ferrería Durango, in it more than twenty structures with religious functions, housing, pyramids, patios have been identified, in short, almost all types of pre-Hispanic structures are found here.

There is evidence of astronomical observation, also of good hydraulic knowledge, since they used channels to evacuate rainwater. The House of the Leaders preserves its original drains and is oriented towards the Temascal hill, very important for the ruling elite.

There are also several engraved rocks in the area that tell us stories of daily life, hunting scenes, fertility rituals associated with the female figure, a representation of the birth of the sun, among others.

Mitla, Oaxaca

Mictlán was the name given in Nahuatl to the place of the dead, Hispanicized it remained in Mitla, this city of Zapotec and Mixtec origin surprises with the abundant decoration on its facades, made of limestone rock mosaics that form frets, and that it could remind us of the decorative motifs of other archaeological sites.

After the fall of Monte Albán, it was the most important site in Oaxaca, it contains five sets of monumental architecture.

Also in Mitla, the evangelizers built a church on one of its main palaces, this is how we see the church of San Pablo on that structure.

Monolithic columns are very important, as they were used both as structural and decorative elements. The stones for the construction of the San Pablo temple were obtained from the destruction of other pre-Hispanic structures and temples.

Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan

The Tarascans were a parallel culture in relevance to the Mexica, the big difference is that those of Michoacán were not so warlike, however, when they were attacked by the Tenochcas they had no qualms about fighting them and stopping them in their tracks, inflicting severe defeats on the most powerful Mexican rulers: Atzayácatl, Ahuizadotl, and Moctezuma Xocoyotzin.

The domain of the Tarascans extended from the Lerma River to the Balsas, occupying more than 75 thousand square kilometers. The city of Tzintzuntzan has a sobriety and austerity that contrasts with the ornamentation of the temples that the Spanish had the Tarascans built.

The name has to do with the hummingbird, a bird of great importance both for the Mexica for whom it represented the god Huitzilopochtli and for the Tarascans for whom it represented the god Tzintzuuquixu.

Tula, Hidalgo

A place dedicated to trading, which had influence throughout Mesoamerica is Tula, they controlled the turquoise trade, and their occupation began at the same time that Teotihuacán began its decline.

The Giants or Atlanteans of Tula are very tall sculptures representing warriors.

While Quetzalcóatl reigned in those places, the palaces covered with feathers and jade were common, and due to the fertility of their lands, merchants came from other latitudes who brought cocoa, precious metals, jaguar skins, jade, and ceramics from Chiapas and Guatemala.

The Burned Palace and the two Ball Games with their hoops decorated with undulating serpents, are structures that you should not miss, and it is remarkable that the Atlanteans supported a palace, implying that the warfare was the sustenance of the universe.

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Ek Balam https://mexicanroutes.com/ek-balam/ Sun, 11 Jun 2017 22:38:26 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=808 Ek Balam is located in the Mexican state of Yucatán,  approximately 30 km north of the city of Valladolid. The site’s accessibility makes it a prime destination for history enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike.

Ek Balam is surrounded by dense jungle that enhances its mystical aura.

Here you will encounter intricate structures and well-preserved sculptures amidst the natural beauty. The diverse flora and fauna in the region provide a captivating backdrop to the historical wonders of Ek Balam.

Ek Balam invites you to unravel the mysteries of the Mayan civilization in a captivating natural setting. Whether you’re a history buff or an avid adventurer, Ek Balam promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Weather & Climate

Yucatán experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The rainy season typically spans from June to October, while the dry season extends from November to April.

Consider planning your visit during the dry season, from November to April.

During this period, the weather is more predictable, and the chances of rain are significantly lower. The months of December to February offer pleasant temperatures without the discomfort of excessive heat.

Origin of the name

Ek Balam (from Yucatec Maya “Éekꞌ Báalam” (“Jaguar Star”).

Previously, there was doubt about the ancestral name of this site.

The particle éekꞌ can mean both “star” and refer to the color black, but thanks to the discovery of the Mayan glyph emblem of this city, it can be said with certainty that the correct translation would be “Jaguar Star”.

History

Ek’ Balam was occupied from the Middle Preclassic through the Postclassic. At the beginning of the Late Preclassic, the population grew. Ek Balam came to control the region around the beginning of the Common Era.

From its modest beginnings, in the year 300 BC, until the arrival of the Spanish, the human settlement in Ek Balam reached about 12 sq km, which included a central sacred space of 1 sq km, where the elite resided.

Notable Features

Defensive Walls

The site layout is surrounded by two concentric walls which serve as a defense against attack. There were many smaller walls that snaked through the city as well.

The inner wall encompasses an area of 9.55 hectares. The carved stone of the inner wall, 2 m tall and 3 m wide, is covered in plaster; the outer wall serves purely for defense, as it is less substantial and less decorative.

These walls were the largest in the Late Classic Yucatan, and seem to have a symbolic meaning of protection and military strength.

Theories claiming a hasty desertion of the city are backed up by the fourth wall inside the city, which “bisects the Great Plaza, and, at less than a meter wide and made of poorly constructed rubble, it was clearly built as a last-ditch effort at protection” against invading attackers.

Structures Inside the Walls

Only the center of Ek’ Balam has been excavated. Large, raised platforms line the interior wall, surrounding internal plazas.

Sacbé roads stem off of the center in the four cardinal directions, an architectural allusion to the idea of a “four-part cosmos”. These roads are often understood to have been sacred.

The buildings were designed in the northern Petén architectural style, as were the surrounding large cities of the time, although it has its dissimilarities with them as well.

The Acropolis houses the tomb of King Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’, who ruled from 770 (the starting year of the “height” of this city) to 797 or 802 CE.

Wall Paintings

In rooms of the Acropolis, wall paintings consisting of texts have been found, amongst these the ‘Mural of the 96 Glyphs’, a masterwork of calligraphy comparable to the ‘Tablet of the 96 Glyphs’ from Palenque.

Another wall painting of the Acropolis features a mythological scene with a hunted deer, which has been interpreted as the origin of death. A series of vault capstones depict the lightning deity, a specific decoration also known from other Yucatec sites.

View from the top

On a clear day, from the top of the Acrópolis, the temples of Cobá and Chichén Itzá can be seen on the horizon.

  • Temple Ixmoja of Cobá is approximately at azimuth 135° (Southeast) at a distance of 65 km.
  • El Castillo of Chichén Itzá is approximately at azimuth 242° (West-Southwest) at a distance of 55 km.

Archaeological Research

Ek’ Balam was rediscovered and explored first by influential archaeologist Désiré Charnay in the late 1800s but extensive excavation did not take place until a century later.

Bill Ringle and George Bey III mapped the site in the late 1980s and continued to do extensive research into the 1990s, their works being cited by many others who later wrote on the site.

Subsequently, the Acropolis was excavated by Leticia Vargas de la Peña and Víctor Castillo Borges from the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia.

Alfonso García-Gallo Lacadena deciphered the most important set of North Maya Maya hieroglyphic texts and all historical references of Ek Balam are based on his intellectual work.

Tourist information

  • Given the warm climate, staying hydrated is crucial. Carry a water bottle with you.
  • Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
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Valladolid https://mexicanroutes.com/valladolid/ Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:56:55 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=588 Valladolid is a city located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Valladolid is located approximately 160 km east of the capital of the state of Yucatán Mérida, Yucatán, and 40 km east of Chichen Itza.

Valladolid is in the eastern part of the state of Yucatan and it is the head seat of Valladolid Municipality. The municipality includes many outlying communities, the largest of which are Popolá, Kanxoc, Yalcobá, and Xocén.

In 2012 Valladolid became part of the “Magical Villages Program”, an initiative led by the Mexican tourism department to display influential towns based on their natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance to the country.

Geo & Climate

The climate in the Yucatan peninsula is hot and dry. There is also tropical rain with hot and predominant trade winds most time of the year. Valladolid features a tropical wet and dry climate.

The city lies in the trade wind belt close to the Tropic of Cancer, with the prevailing wind from the east. Valladolid’s climate is hot and humidity is moderate to high, depending on the time of year.

The average temperature ranges from 28 °C in January to 36 °C in May, but temperatures often rise above 38 °C in the afternoon during this time. Low temperatures range between 18 °C in January to 23 °C in May and June.

It is most often a few degrees hotter in Valladolid than coastal areas due to its inland location and low elevation.

The rainy season runs from June through October, associated with the Mexican monsoon which draws warm, moist air landward. Easterly waves and tropical storms also affect the area during this season.

Origin of the Name

Valladolid is named after the Spanish city of Valladolid, at the time the capital of Spain. The word “Valladolid” derives from the Arabic expression Ballad Al-Walid بلد الوليد, which means “city of Al-Walid”, referring to Al-Walid I.

History

The first Valladolid in Yucatán was established by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo’s nephew on May 27, 1543, at some distance from the current town, at a lagoon called Chouac-Ha in the municipality of Tizimin.

However, early Spanish settlers complained about the mosquitos and humidity at the original location and petitioned to have the city moved further inland.

On March 24, 1545, Valladolid was relocated to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zaci or Zaci-Val, whose buildings were dismantled to reuse the stones to build the Spanish colonial town.

The following year the Maya people revolted but were put down with additional Spanish troops coming from Mérida.

Valladolid had a population of 15,000 in 1840. In January 1847, the native Mayans rioted, killing some 80 whites and sacking their houses. After a Mayan noble was shot by a firing squad, the riot became a general uprising.

The city and the surrounding region were the scene of an intense battle during Yucatán’s Caste War, and the Latino forces were forced to abandon Valladolid on March 14, 1848, with half being killed by ambush before they reached Mérida.

The city was sacked by the Mayan rebels but was recaptured later in the war.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, Valladolid was the third largest and most important city of the Yucatán Peninsula, (after Mérida and Campeche). It had a sizable well-to-do Criollo population, with several old Spanish-style mansions in the old city.

Valladolid was widely known by its nickname The Sultana of the East.

Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

It is worth noting that principal sites are very well marked with bi-lingual signage, making this a truly hospitable place for English speakers. The local police are very friendly, speak English well, and are happy to give directions.

Valladolid is a great city to spend the day exploring the history and culture the Yucatan peninsula has to offer.

The notable sights to visit in Valladolid are the colonial-era cathedral Ex-convent and church Convent of San Bernardino de Siena named after Saint Bernardino of Siena which was built by Franciscan missionaries between 1552 and 1560.

Located in the Sisal neighborhood and a short 10-minute walk from downtown it also has a wonderful park where you can sit and enjoy tranquility and peacefulness.

In downtown Valladolid, you can find the cathedral of San Gervacio located in the main square of the city.

Valladolid has a chessboard-like street grid and at the city center, it’s a plaza with a park square in the middle surrounded by stores where you can enjoy a walk and purchase souvenirs, food, or refreshments.

The Cenote Zaci is located a couple of blocks from the center of Valladolid. This freshwater cenote or underground sinkhole is where you can access the inside and explore its cave. There is also a restaurant and artisans selling handicrafts.

Valladolid is a popular base for visiting nearby major Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Ek’ Balam, as well as Cenote Ik Kilso.

Downtown Valladolid

  • Cathedral of “San Servacio o Gervasio”
  • Main center park “Francisco Cantón Rosado”
  • Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal)
  • Cenote Zaci
  • House of the Culture (Casa de la Cultura)
  • House of the Deer (Casa de los Venados)
  • Mercado de Artesanías (Handcraft Market)
  • Centro Artesanal Zaci (Handcraft center Zaci)
  • Bazar Municipal
  • Museo San Roque
  • Parque de los Héroes (Park of the Heroes)
  • Las 5 Calles

Sisal Neighbourhood

  • Temple and former Convent de “San Bernandino de Siena”
  • “Calzada de los Frailes”
  • Park of Sisal (parque de Sisal)

Candelaria Neighbourhood

  • Church of “Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria”
  • Park of “Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria”
  • Ex Telar “La Aurora”
  • Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) “Donato Bates Herrera”

Santa Lucia Neighbourhood

  • Church de “Santa Lucía”
  • Park de Santa Lucía

San Juan Neighbourhood

  • Church de San Juan de Dios
  • Park de San Juan de Dios

Other locations

  • Cenote Suytun
  • Cenote Xkeken
  • Cenote Samulha

Gastronomy & Cuisine

The typical dish of the region is “Lomitos de Valladolid” which is a pork dish in fresh tomato sauce.

Cochinita pibil meat marinated in achiote, which comes from the Bixa orellana bitter orange, and spices, wrapped in Banana leaf and barbecued or baked in a pit.

“Lechon al horno”, “bistek de cazuela”, “relleno negro” which is turkey cooked with a paste of charred chillies and vegetables with bits of hard-boiled eggs, “frijol con puerco” and chicken in escabeche.

Valladolid is also known for its longaniza which is a type of pork-based salami sausage with traditional condiments. Local traditional candies are based on materials from the region such as honey, coconut, corn, and others.

Traditional ice cream is very popular and a must have on your visit. The most common flavors are coconut, corn, and fruits of the region as “guanabana” or Soursop, “mamey” or Pouteria sapota Sapote, and others.

Transportation

Valladolid has a structured road service which makes it easy to travel around. Travelers driving through the peninsula have the option of taking the federal road or the toll route and both roads go through Valladolid.

In the city, there are taxi services at reasonable rates and public transportation which is popular for students and locals but not recommended for tourists.

There is an Autobuses de Oriente bus terminal situated in the heart of the city which serves to the travelers going to all major cities in the Yucatan peninsula, such as Mérida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

There are also buses going to Chichen Itza Coba and Ek’ Balam.

One day tours from Valladolid

Valladolid is a perfect place to stay there for a while exploring the surrounding areas in daily tours on your own or guided ones.

Suggested 1-day tours from Valladolid

  • Ek Balam
  • Ria Lagartos
  • Chichen Itza
  • Chichen Itza + Balankanche Grottoes
  • Chichen Itza + Yaxunah
  • Izamal
  • Coba
  • Tizimin

For more information about all these suggested places to visit and how to get there, use the search form on our website or related tags.

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