Major city · Mexico
Valladolid
Base here 2 nights to see Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam without tour buses, plus a cenote swim; skip if you only want beach.
Valladolid is a small colonial city in Yucatán, about 45 minutes from the east entrance of Chichén Itzá and 30 minutes from Ek Balam. It works as a quieter, cheaper base than Cancún or Playa del Carmen for the ruins, with its own cenotes, a 16th-century convent and a walkable centre. The Tren Maya station opened in 2023 and put the town firmly on the tourist circuit.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Mar (dry, cooler)
- avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, hottest May)
- Airports
- CUN · MID
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Valladolid911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Valladolid, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyValladolid is a small, walkable town and generally safe for tourists; the real risks are heat, unlit streets after dark and unlicensed taxis.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCUN Cancún International (About 2 h by ADO bus or Tren Maya; free shuttle to the on-airport train station).
- Getting aroundThe centre is small and flat: walk it.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$30–60
- Street or quick mealStreet torta or tacosM$30–80
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)2 km (1.2 mi) taxi ride1.2 mi (2 km) taxi rideabout M$35 (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomMX$1,400 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomMX$3,000 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,300 (≈ US$75) · High MX$2,500 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CUN Cancún International (About 2 h by ADO bus or Tren Maya; free shuttle to the on-airport train station) · MID Mérida International (About 2 h 15 min by ADO bus)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Sep (16 rain days), driest Feb (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Valladolid: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
May
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small and flat: walk it. Taxis have no app-based competition (no Uber, DiDi or InDrive as of 2024) and drivers rarely speak English, so agree the fare before you get in. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for cenotes and nearby sights. Colectivos (shared vans) leave from fixed stops for Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and Tizimín. There are no city buses.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Chichén Itzá
goDoor to door: About 1 h
ADO or colectivo from Calle 39, about 45 min; or Tren Maya to the Chichén Itzá station
Go at 08:00 opening; entry about M$571 (check current price).Go at 8:00 AM opening; entry about M$571 (check current price).
Ek Balam
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Colectivo or taxi from Calle 37, about 30 min
Climb the tallest ruin for a 360° view; far fewer people than Chichén Itzá.
Cenotes X'keken and Samula
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Colectivo or taxi west on Highway 180, about 15 min
About M$150 for one, M$226 for both; lifejackets included.
Izamal
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
ADO or colectivo via Chichén Itzá, about 2 h 30 min total
A long day; better as an overnight stop between Valladolid and Mérida.
Rio Lagartos
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus or colectivo north via Tizimín, about 2 h
Flamingo and biosphere boat trips; start early to make it back by dark.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (around Parque Francisco Cantón)
Walk to the plaza, cathedral, Casa de los Venados and Cenote Zací; most hotels and restaurants are here.
Calzada de los Frailes / Sisal
Quieter colonial street east of the centre, 10–15 min walk to the convent; good for a slower stay.
Near the Tren Maya station
Convenient if you arrive or leave by train, but about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the centre: you will need a taxi for everything.Convenient if you arrive or leave by train, but about 3.1 mi (5 km) north of the centre: you will need a taxi for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$500–900 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$900–1,800 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,800+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × MX$1,400 | MX$2,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,300 | MX$5,200 |
| Chichén Itzá entry2 × MX$571 · check | MX$1,142 |
| Ek Balam entry2 × MX$150 · check | MX$300 |
| Cenote Zací entry2 × MX$60 · check | MX$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,006 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,767 per person per day, bed included | MX$11,068≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$30–60 |
| Street torta or tacos | M$30–80 |
| Mercado food-court main | M$80–110 |
| Mid-range restaurant main | M$200–350 |
| 2 km taxi ride | about M$35 (check) |
| Scooter rental, per day | up to M$400 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Agree taxi fares before boarding; drivers generally do not speak English.
- No app-based ride-hailing in the city (no Uber, DiDi or InDrive as of 2024).
- Cenote Zací limits swim time to about one hour when busy.
- Chichén Itzá is hot and shadeless: go at opening, carry water and a hat.
- Some cenote and ruin tickets are cash-only; carry pesos and small notes.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ValladolidValladolid
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassy in Valladolid; the US consulate is in Mérida, most other countries' embassies are in Mexico City (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Colectivo Valladolid → Chichén Itzá: about M$40, 45 min (check)
- Colectivo Valladolid → Ek Balam: about M$70, 30 min (check)
- Taxi in town, 2 km: about M$35, agree before boarding (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el cenote? — Where is the cenote? (DON-de es-TA el se-NO-te)
- Quiero un boleto a Chichén Itzá — I would like a ticket to Chichén Itzá (KYE-ro un bo-LE-to a chi-CHEN it-SA)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA-syas)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Valladolid. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Mar (dry, cooler) · avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, hottest May) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for CUN and MID: last ADO and Tren Maya departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: plaza and cathedral, Calzada de los Frailes and convent, Cenote Zací, bus and colectivo stops.
- Place pages with verified opening hours and cash-only notes (Casa de los Venados, Cenote Zací, convent, Museo de San Roque).
- Cenote and ruin fixtures with current entry prices so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialValladolid municipal government
- officialTren Maya
- officialADO bus lines
- secondaryWikivoyage: Valladolid (Mexico), revision 5211047 (CC BY-SA 4.0)