Valladolid – Mexican Routes

What to see if you go on vacation to the Mexican Caribbean

admin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 00:25:15 +0000

Swimming in underground cenotes, diving with turtles, snorkeling, Mayan villages, colonial cities, and the exclusive island of Holbox await you in a lesser-known part of the Riviera Maya.

The 200 kilometers stretching along the coast of the Riviera Maya offer more than just sun and paradisiacal beaches. They also provide a springboard to discover another lesser-known, yet equally exclusive, part of the Mexican Caribbean.

Swim with turtles in Akumal Bay

Sea and jungle merge in this Mexican corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, hosting a diverse array of native fauna.

In Quintana Roo, you can find four of the seven sea turtle species that exist in the world: the white turtle, the leatherback turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the green turtle.

The green turtle is the most commonly spotted species, especially in the bay of Akumal. In its shallow and crystalline waters, it finds abundant seagrass to feed on.

For a unique experience, hire a tour to swim alongside sea turtles and enjoy snorkeling. Maintain a safe distance of approximately 3 meters to avoid causing stress to the reptiles, as they may seek quieter, less crowded areas.

These beautiful reptiles come to Akumal to lay their eggs between May and September.

Between stalactites, stalagmites, and tree roots

It is estimated that there are approximately 6,500 cenotes in Yucatan, but their exact number remains unknown.

While many cenotes have been discovered, some still remain hidden, and others interconnect within an extensive network of underground rivers, spanning a remarkable 259 km, making it the world’s longest.

Moreover, experts predict that a smaller network will eventually merge with the larger one. Exploring these captivating routes can be done by swimming or on foot while taking care to preserve the delicate limestone formations.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

One of the most exclusive experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula takes place in Sian Ka’an, the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, inscribed on the UNESCO list since 1987.

Sian Ka’an is a natural reserve and home to over 4,100 species, creating a sanctuary inhabited by tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, crocodiles, as well as spider and howler monkeys.

The Muyil and Chunyaxche lagoons boast crystal-clear waters and eventually flow into the area of marine reefs, where you can spot ospreys, dolphins, and turtles swimming alongside the boats.

Take a swim in the pristine pool of crystalline waters, safely nestled in a beautiful bay, which usually remains free from the threat of sargassum, often found in the Riviera Maya.

The closest small town is Punta Allen, with 400 inhabitants. Here, electricity is limited and primarily sourced from solar panels, and telephone coverage is unavailable.

Colonial Valladolid

Valladolid is one of the 132 magical towns in Mexico. Valladolid is a beautiful colonial city that is easier to reach from the Riviera Maya, unlike Mérida, which is a bit farther away from Cancun or Tulum.

The city of Valladolid was founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo and is distinguished by the pastel colors of its houses and its vibrant market filled with delightful smells and flavors.

Visit its old Plaza de Armas, which is adorned by the Church of San Servacio and the fountain of La Mestiza.

Valladolid is also known as a heroic city. It was in this very place where the indigenous people rose up against the criollos and mestizos of Yucatan during the Caste War in 1847, resulting in nearly 250,000 deaths.

An authentic Mayan village

While Tulum or Chichén Itzá are popular sites in the Riviera Maya, you can also explore small towns where Mayan is still spoken alongside Spanish and traditional ways of life are preserved.

One such example is Dos Palmas, a community of around fifty inhabitants, mostly women, and children, who live without electricity.

The houses maintain a traditional oval shape without corners and are constructed using palm trunks, leaving open spaces to prevent fungal growth and better protect themselves from hurricanes.

During the visit, you can witness the making of classic tortillas over an open fire using instruments like the molcajete and the metate to crush chili, beans, onions, or corn, and observe how an entire family can sleep in a hanging hammock.

Experience a temazcal, a pre-Columbian ceremony led by a chamal, which takes place in a ‘heat house’ where volcanic stones are heated, and a cold infusion of medicinal herbs is poured in total darkness.

The inside temperature can reach 50 degrees, allowing the sweat to cleanse the body of toxins and benefiting the respiratory system. After spending half an hour inside, participants can refresh themselves with a bath in the cold waters of Cenote Dos Palmas.

Holbox, from a pirate nest to an exclusive island without cars

This 42-km-long island can only be reached by boat, and the use of cars is prohibited. Instead, golf carts serve as taxis, gliding through a network of unpaved streets adorned with striking murals.

Holbox, an old pirate nest, has gained significant fame as an authentic sanctuary for flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds that are highly visible on the small Isla Pasión or at Punta Mosquito, the latter located in the Yum Balam nature reserve.

Holbox is a place of contrasting beauty, with turquoise waters and white sands that beckon you to bathe and relax.

Heroic cities of Mexico

admin — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 23:02:07 +0000

Mexican “heroic cities” is a term used for Mexican cities that were recognized for their bravery and resistance against foreign invaders during the Mexican War of Independence and the French Intervention in Mexico.

Back, in 2006, a commission was created to collect information on the 35 Mexican cities considered heroic. Today, the number of Mexican cities and towns with the word “Heroic” in their names has grown to a total of 45.

These cities are considered symbols of Mexican patriotism. The title “Heroica” is granted to those cities that held an important battle of Mexico in wars for Mexican sovereignty or that marked an important era in history.

Wars that are considered important in Mexican history and grant this title:

Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821)
First French Intervention (1838–1839)
Mexican – American War (1846–1848)
Caste War of Yucatán (1847–1901)
Second French Intervention (1861–1867)
Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)
other small battles.

The battle needs to represent a big influence on the Mexican side of the war.

A city can receive this name more than once. For example, the title “Heroic” was awarded to Puebla de Zaragoza after the battle of “May 5” against French troops, considered at that time the strongest army in the world.

The city of Veracruz was granted this title 4 times after the defeat of Spanish troops in 1825, the bombing of French troops in 1838, the bombing of American troops in 1847, and the defense against US troops in 1914.

The title of “Heroica” is granted by the Mexican President.

List of heroic cities of Mexico

Heroic cities in Veracruz state:

Alvarado
Córdoba
Cosamalopapan
Coscomatepec
Cosoleacaque
Temapache
Tlapacoyan
Veracruz

Heroic cities in Sonora state:

Caborca
Cananea
Guaymas
Nogales
Ures

Heroic cities in Oaxaca state:

Taniche (?)
Ejutla de Crespo
Huajapan de León
Juchitán
Tlaxiaco

Heroic cities in Coahuila state:

Candela
Paredón
Torreón

Heroic cities in Zacatecas state:

Puente de Calderón (?)
Jalpa (?)
Nochistan
Juchipila
Zacatecas

Heroic cities in Tamaulipas state:

Matamoros
Tampico
Camargo (?)

Heroic cities in Mexico state:

Jocotitlán
Tenango del Valle

Heroic cities in Michoacan state:

Tacámbaro
Zitácuaro

Heroic cities in Puebla state:

Atlixco
Puebla
Tetela de Ocampo (?)

Heroic cities in Tabasco state:

Cárdenas
Teapa

Heroic cities in Sinaloa state:

Concordia
Culiacan (?)

Heroic cities in Tlaxcala state:

Huamantla
Calpulalpan (?)

Heroic cities in Chihuahua state:

Ciudad Juárez

Heroic cities in Baja California state:

Tijuana

Heroic cities in Baja California Sur state:

Mulegé

Heroic cities in Campeche state:

Campeche
Champotón (?)

Heroic cities in Chiapas state:

Chiapa de Corzo

Heroic cities in Hidalgo state:

Huichapan

Heroic cities in Morelos state:

Cuautla

Heroic cities in Yucatan state:

Valladolid

25 day tour around Yucatan Peninsula

admin — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 17:42:44 +0000

The 25-day tour around Yucatan Peninsula

This route includes the most popular Yucatan destinations in 3 Mexican states – Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

The point of departure: Cancun
The point of return: Cancun

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in a selva, and swim in blue lagoons and underground cenotes.

Attention!

This tour contains 5 long-distance bus travel:

Cancun – Valladolid (2:00/2:45 hours)
Valladolid – Merida (2:15/3:20 hours)
Merida – Campeche (2:25/4:00 hours)
Campeche – Chetumal (6:45 hours)
Chetumal – Playa del Carmen (4:15/4:45 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same. For more detailed information about each destination of this route, use tags at the end of this page.

Have a nice trip!

Day 1 – Cancun

Getting around

Zona Hostellera
Downtown
Punta Cancun
Museo Maya
Parque Ecológico Kabah
El Mirador
Nightlife

Day 2 – Cancun – Isla Mujeres – Cancun

How to get there?

Ferry boats run from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and vice-versa all day.

Ferry from/to Puerto Juarez 8$ (30 min) every 30 min.
Ferry via Playa de Tortugas 16$ (40 min) every 2 hours.

Getting around

You can visit Turtle Farm
The 19th-century hacienda was built by pirate Fermin Mundaca.
There is a small ruin and a temple to Ixchel.
You also can take a Whale Shark Tour, snorkel at Garrafon Park, and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Park.
Swim at multiple beaches.
Or just rent a bike and go around and have fun.

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last ferry runs to Cancun.

Day 3 – Cancun – Valladolid – Valladolid

How to get there?

A lot of buses during the day, estimated time on the road is from 2:00 to 2:45 hours.
Better to buy or reserve tickets yesterday evening.
Multiple operators service this route.

First Class bus: $18-$26
Economy Class Bus: $8-$13

Getting around

Downtown
Cenote Zaci

Day 4 – Valladolid – Ria Lagartos – Valladolid

How to get there?

Bus: Valladolid – Tizimin $1-$21 (1:05 hour), each hour
Bus: Tizimin – Rio Lagartos $3 (1:15 hour), each 2 hours
Taxi: Rio Lagartos – Ria Lagartos Reserve $1-$2 (8-10 min)

Getting around

Guided boat tour

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus returns to Tizimin and then to Valladolid.

Day 5 – Valladolid – Chichen Itza – Valladolid

How to get there?

Bus: Valladolid – Chichen Itza $1-$21 (0:42 min), runs each 4 hours a day.
Then around 2 km more in a taxi: $1 (1 min)

Or just search for “colectivo”, they run directly to the site.

Getting around

The famous pyramid, mysterious cenote, and ball court. Just walk around and have fun, there is a lot to see around.

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus or “colectivo” return to Valladolid.

Day 6 – Valladolid – Valladolid – Merida

You could stay in Valladolid, walking around and take a bus to Merida by the evening.

How to get there?

Buses from Valladolid to Medira run each hour or even more often during all the day.
Multiple operators service this route.

Valladolid – Merida $4-$26 (2:15 hours)
Valladolid – Izamal – Merida $1-$4 (3:20 hours)

Day 7 – Merida

Getting around

Mérida has a “centro histórico” (“hisctoric center”) typical of colonial spanish cities.
Just take a walk and enjoy this beautiful town with a lot of history.

Day 8 – Merida – Ake – Merida

How to get there?

There are a route via Hoctún and another route via Euán.

Buses from Merida to Hoctún $1-$3 (0:54 min) run hourly during the day.
Buses from Hoctún to Aké $4-$6 (0:24 min).

Buses from Merida to Euán (1:00 hour) run each hour during the day.
Buses from Euán to Aké $1-$3 (0:11 min).

Getting around

The 19th-century hacienda henequenera with chapel also has a specialized area for raising deer.
The hacienda also has a small archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.

Entrance fee

The tour duration: 1:30 (approx):

MXN 250 (includes a free drink).
MXN 400 (includes free drinks and snacks).

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus or “colectivo” return to Merida.

Day 9 – Merida – Uxmal – Merida

How to get there?

Merida – Uxmal

Bus $2-$9 (1:35 hours) runs once daily.
Taxi $15-$19 (1:15 hours)

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus returns from Uxmal to Merida.

Day 10 – Merida – Izamal – Merida

Bus Merida – Izamal $1-$4 (1:20 hours), each hour.

Day 11 – Merida – Mani – Merida

Bus Merida – Ticul $2-$4 (1 hour), each 30 min.
Taxi Ticul – Mani $3-$4 (15 min).

Day 12 – Merida – Campeche

How to get there?

Buses from Merida to Campeche are $5-$28 (2:25 hours) and run each 30 minutes daily.
Buses from Merida via Umán and Tenabo to Campeche for $7 (4:10 hours) run every 30 min daily.
Taxi $30-$40 (2:30 hours)

Day 13 – Campeche

…

Day 14 – Campeche – Edzna – Campeche

How to get there?

Taxi $10-$20 (0:55 min)

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last taxi returns to Campeche.

Day 15 – Campeche – Chetumal

How to get there?

Bus from Campeche to Chetumal for $17-$40 (6:45 hours) runs just once daily at 14:00.
Taxi $70-$85 (5:50 hours)

Day 16 – Chetumal

…

Day 17 – Chetumal – Bacalar – Chetumal

How to get there?

Buses to Bacalar $1-$2 (0:30 min) run each hour daily.
Taxi $7-$9 (0:35 min).

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus, “colectivo” or taxi returns to Chetumal.

Day 18 – Chetumal – Playa del Carmen

How to get there?

Buses Chetumal to Playa del Carmen $14-$45 (4:15 hours) run each hour daily.
There are also buses from Chetumal via Bacalar to Playa del Carmen $18-$61 (4:50 hours), each hour daily.
Taxi $80-$100 (4:50 hours)

Day 19 – Playa del Carmen – Tulum – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 20 – Playa del Carmen – Akumal – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 21 – Playa del Carmen – Cenotes – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 22 – Playa del Carmen – Xcaret – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 23 – Playa del Carmen – Cozumel – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 24 – Playa del Carmen – Coba – Playa del Carmen

…

Day 25 – Playa del Carmen – Cancun

Bus to Cancun (1:10 hours).

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
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Valladolid

admin — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:56:55 +0000

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.