Visiting the Valladolid Cenotes is one of the best options to experience during your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.
The cozy and colonial city of Valladolid is located in the center of the state of Yucatan. It’s an incredible city with many things to explore.
While the cenotes near Valladolid are a major attraction that draws thousands of tourists throughout the year, we also chose this city because we love its character and lifestyle, its colonial architecture, its colorful walls, its friendly locals, its handicrafts, and its landscapes…
Many travelers stop in Valladolid on their way to the ruins of Chichén Itzá or to Merida, but when they get to know the city, they discover the splendor of this magical town in Yucatan.
In this guide about the best cenotes in Valladolid, we’ll not only share with you all the necessary information to organize your visit to the local cenotes, but also give you our suggestions of the best places to discover and explore in the magical Valladolid.
A city where art permeates the air, embodied in the colonial architecture of its beautiful buildings and ancient churches.
Colorful streets bursting with life, a city that breathes history through the colonial architecture of its beautiful buildings and ancient churches, the typical art of its exquisite handicrafts, the aromas of its typical cuisine…❤
If you’re planning your trip to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, or Tulum, then visiting the Cenotes Valladolid and its other beauties is definitely a decision that will excite you.
✔️ Where to Stay in Valladolid
If you’re planning your stay to visit the beautiful city and region of Valladolid and its stunning cenotes, then you’ll need a good hotel as your base for rest and relaxation after a thrilling day of exploring the cenotes, ruins, and other attractions that the city and surrounding area have to offer.
But, do you just want any hotel, or do you want a guide with recommended hotels so that you won’t have any unpleasant surprises upon arriving in Valladolid?
We’re here to help and guide you with hotels in Valladolid that won’t disappoint. They are as beautiful as you’d expect, with excellent service, spacious rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for your days in the city.
In addition, they have the best verified reviews from hundreds of guests who have stayed in them before you, giving you the peace of mind you need for a worry-free trip.
● Check out the Best Hotels in Valladolid
● Check Out Affordable, Beautiful, and Safe Hotels in Valladolid
✔️ The Best Valladolid Cenotes, Mexico
Glad you’ve stumbled upon this guide to the best cenotes in and around Valladolid! Here, you’ll find all the necessary information and details to visit the Cenotes Valladolid and the surrounding areas for an unforgettable experience.
Swimming, snorkeling, diving, rappelling, and ziplining are the most common activities in the cenotes of Valladolid, Yucatan. So, let’s get to it…
➮ Ik-Kil Cenote
Are you planning to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza? Awesome! Because at the end of the path of these famous pyramids, you’ll find one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan, the impressive Ik-Kil Cenote.
One of the most stunning features of Ik-Kil Cenote is the light that filters in from above, illuminating the mini waterfalls, vegetation, and vines that make their way around the edges of the cenote and hang directly from the top like a curtain.
The Ik-Kil Cenote in Valladolid is located at a depth of approximately 30 meters, and it is said that archaeologists have found bones and jewelry in the depths of its waters, a sign of what was once a sacred site of Mayan sacrifices.
Don’t miss it and visit it! It’s just a few minutes away from the ruins.
➮ Cenote SAC-AUA
Everyone has something special, like the beautiful SAC-AUA Cenote. Not only is it the only cenote in Yucatan with a small island inside, but it’s also a bit off the beaten path, which spares it from the crowds of tourists that visit the more well-known cenotes.
In my case, as someone who enjoys a peaceful interior, the fact that it doesn’t receive many tourists is a major plus.
It’s also known as “The Cenote of the Maidens” due to the history behind it, which states that it was used for the sacrifice of maidens. Additionally, it’s said to be connected to an ancient Maya temple.
➮ Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
It goes without saying that our favorite activity on the Yucatan Peninsula is swimming in cenotes, and the San Lorenzo Oxman Cenote, located just 10 minutes from the picturesque town of Valladolid, is one of the beauties we had the pleasure of visiting.
The San Lorenzo Oxman cenote has one of the unique features that very few cenotes possess, which is that it is part of a Hacienda, the well-known San Lorenzo Hacienda.
At this hacienda, you can spend an entire day of relaxation and enjoy not only the cenote – its waters, surroundings, and activities – but also the restaurant and outdoor pool – which is filled with the same water from the cenote.
In my opinion, the San Lorenzo Oxman cenote is an excellent alternative if you’re someone who doesn’t want to be surrounded by crowds, as you may encounter in the more popular and frequented cenotes, which are visited by groups of tourists day after day.
➮ Cenote Hubiku
One of the most popular and largest cenotes you’ll find near the city of Valladolid is the Hubiku Cenote.
This semi-open cenote features an opening in the cave ceiling where natural light streams in to illuminate the interior, while long tree roots cascade down into its waters. It’s truly a beautiful sight.
In this guide to the Hubiku Cenote, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit and fully enjoy it, as well as share information about the Tequila Museum located within the area of this Valladolid cenote.
➮ Cenote Palomitas
Cenote Palomitas: A Natural Reserve for Adventurous Travelers
Located approximately 27 kilometers (16.5 miles) from the city of Valladolid, Cenote Palomitas is a stunning natural reserve nestled within El Rancho de Agua Dulce.
Visiting Cenote Palomitas is an adrenaline-fueled adventure, as the location offers a variety of activities that will test your bravery and courage.
Rest assured that there will always be a supervisor on hand to answer any questions you may have, such as the location of the bathrooms or interesting information about the formation of the cenote itself.
Unlike other tourist destinations, you won’t encounter any wandering vendors at Cenote Palomitas. The secluded location and limited walking space ensure that only a restaurant is available (and we’re more than certain you’ll enjoy it!).
➮ Cenote Xcanche Ek Balam
Do you want to visit an impressive cenote? Have you heard about Cenote Ek Balam? Don’t miss it, it’s truly a beauty!
Cenote Xcanche is located next to the famous Ek Balam Maya archaeological site, a must-visit for tourists from all over the country, especially those on excursions from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Merida.
IT’S BREATHTAKING, an open-air cenote where you can enjoy swimming, rope jumping, and taking great photos of the waterfall and the nature that surrounds it.
Cenote Xcanche is located next to the Ek Balam ruins, which are part of the famous Maya archaeological site and a must-visit for tourists from all over the country, especially those on excursions from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The Ek Balam archaeological site is smaller than Chichen Itza, but the difference is that climbing the pyramids is allowed at Ek Balam.
➮ Cenote Zací
Cenote Zací Valladolid: A Must-Visit for Tourists
Cenote Zací in Valladolid is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the country and the world. If you’re visiting Valladolid, you simply cannot miss the beauty of Zací cenote.
This city receives thousands upon thousands of tourists every month, not only for the beauty of its colonial architecture, new cafes, craft shops, friendly local people, and magnificent haciendas, but also because here you can find the most beautiful cenotes in the entire Yucatan Peninsula.
Visiting Zací cenote is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Valladolid, especially on those scorching hot days when you need a cool and refreshing escape from the tropical heat.
Every one of the 4 times we visited, the temperature was hovering around 35º Celsius, which made swimming in the Zací cenote a truly rewarding experience.
➮ Cenote Suytun
The Suytun Cenote is, without a doubt, one of the top 5 most famous cenotes in Yucatan.
This cenote is naturally breathtaking, with a beam of light shining down from the opening at the top of its cavern, illuminating everything inside. Its stone platform that leads down to the water makes it all the more mysterious.
When I first saw a photo of the Suytun Cenote, it reminded me of a scene from a Tomb Raider movie.
It’s truly a fantastic environment that you can capture in unique photographs for your social media, or even for a mural in your home.
Trust me, this cenote is the perfect spot to take the best photos for your Instagram!
✅ Where to Eat in Valladolid
Restaurants in Valladolid are not lacking, offering a wide variety of options for you to try the local cuisine. Yucatecan food is one of the most popular, and you won’t be disappointed.
Just a heads up, as you may already know, Mexican food can be heavy on the stomach, so be careful with the excessive amount of spicy food, especially in this heat.
For vegetarians, there are a couple of places that will serve you well.
✔ Yerbabuena del Sisal
One of our favorite restaurants in Valladolid! We ate here twice and loved it! Yerbabuena is not a purely vegetarian restaurant, but the selection of meat-free and healthy dishes is fantastic.
The menu includes vegetarian burgers and lasagna, as well as a selection of Mexican dishes. Oh, and delicious homemade lemonades!
The tone of the original Spanish text is warm and positive, and I’ll do my best to maintain that in the English translation while keeping the original structure and format.
✔ Café del Profesor Pitágoras
This place has a cozy atmosphere: you can sit at the wooden tables in the bar entrance or on the green patio. The hospitality of the staff is amazing – we rarely encounter such a friendly place. Overall, highly recommended.
Prices: Lemonade 35 pesos ($1.65) Burger 90 pesos ($4.25) Espresso 40 pesos ($1.90)
Address: Calle 54A 217, next to the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
Inside and out, this is a delightful space with delicious freshly baked desserts and pastries. The coffee is magnificent. They have a very sweet and friendly kitten who adds value to the place.
The hibiscus tacos (tacos with hibiscus flower filling) were truly amazing. I didn’t know that hibiscus flowers could be used in savory dishes, but they worked so well in these tacos. They have a slightly tangy and salty taste with a fibrous texture, and they’re not sweet. The tacos come with a side of guacamole, chopped onions, and cilantro – truly delicious.
I also ordered the banana, strawberry, and coconut milk smoothie – very good. Honestly, I’m super impressed with this place in downtown Valladolid.
Address: Calle 37 187, 150 meters from the Central Plaza (almost in front of the Hotel Mesón del Marqués).
✔ Conkafecito
Located on the famous Calzada de los Frailes street, 2 streets before the San Bernardino de Siena convent, it’s open from 8am to 11pm. They have many electrical outlets to charge your devices and air conditioning.
The Wi-Fi here isn’t the fastest, especially when there are a lot of people around, but it doesn’t cut out.
You have to try the almond milk and coconut milk here – their chocolate chips and chocolate cheesecake are excellent. For a recommended drink, try the Chai Frappe with almond milk, whipped cream, and chocolate chips.
Address: Calzada de los Frailes, number 226, between 50 and 43A.
✔ Los Portales
Some might say this is the best place in town to eat and people-watch. Los Portales is the only restaurant with outdoor seating in the main square.
Take a seat outside and enjoy the daily life of Valladolid as it passes before your eyes.
Our suggestion is to skip the menu and head straight for the specials, such as the classic nachos for 88 pesos ($4.20) and the cochinita pibil tacos that always hit the spot.
Address: Calle 41 202 A. In the Central Plaza.
✔ Idilio
At Idilio, the craft beer brewing, tacos, and personal art gallery in memory of the owners’ artist father come together perfectly.
The atmosphere is absolutely charming in every way. Walk through the art gallery, pass by the craft brewery, and enter the restaurant located in a beautiful garden.
The list of craft beers is impressive, the jalapeño poppers are exciting, and the ambiance is magical.
Address: Calzada de Los Frailes 230a, almost in front of the famous Coqui Coqui Perfumeria and Hotel Spa.
✔ Conato Cultural 1910
This is a great option for vegetarians, especially in a city where beef is king.
Conato Cultural knew how to meet the needs of many of its visitors who were focused on vegetarian food, so they made an effort to include this type of cuisine by eliminating or replacing certain ingredients in some of their menu items and adding new options.
We tried the vegetarian nachos and they were fantastic, with fresh ingredients in a generous portion, and guacamole with crispy chips.
For those who are not vegetarian, the restaurant offers a wide menu with the usual options of meat and fish.
On the night we visited, there was a live jazz band that added to the already charming atmosphere. You can sit inside, on the rooftop terrace overlooking the stage and the garden, or in the garden itself.
✅ Where is Valladolid, Mexico?
In this guide, we’re focusing on the main cenotes in Valladolid, a beautiful city in the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, located:
- 100 km from the coast of Tulum
- 140 km from Playa del Carmen
- 160 km from Cancun
- 160 km from the charming city of Merida, capital of Yucatan.
If you’re planning to visit the cenotes in Valladolid, now you know where to find this wonderful city in Mexico. Its central location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding natural wonders.
✅ How to Get to Valladolid?
Are you planning your trip to Valladolid, Mexico and wondering how to get there from Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this section, we’ll quickly go over the three basic options you have to travel from any of those cities to Valladolid: renting a car, taking a bus, or joining a tour.
▶ How to Get to Valladolid from Cancun?
Traveling by Bus from Cancun to Valladolid
Most visitors arrive in Valladolid from Cancun. The best way to get to Valladolid from Cancun is by bus. There is a bus from Cancun to Valladolid about every hour until 5:30 pm, and then a final departure at 9:30 pm. The journey is 156 km (97 miles) and takes between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes by bus. The company that provides this service is ADO, which offers very comfortable and high-quality coaches.
Traveling from Cancun to Valladolid by Rental Car
The other option, also very popular among visitors, is to rent a car in Cancun, especially since it allows you to explore the most important destinations along the route and near Valladolid. The road from Cancun to Valladolid is 180 D, a straight and modern road that stretches along 156 km. The journey from Cancun to Valladolid takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is quite easy and comfortable to make.
Taking a Tour or Excursion from Cancun to Valladolid
Sometimes you just want someone else to take care of all the details, right? Well, in that case, consider taking a tour from Cancun to Valladolid. There are several options available at different prices. Most tour companies will pick you up from your hotel in Cancun, take you to Valladolid, and take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about how to get from Cancun to Valladolid on your own. We suggest these options:
➥ Chichen Itza Classic with Suytun Cenote and Valladolid City
➥ Private Tour to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Suytun, and Samula with a Local Expert
▶ How to Get from Merida to Valladolid?
Traveling by Bus from Merida to Valladolid
The best option for getting from Merida to Valladolid is by taking the ADO bus. The journey covers around 160 kilometers (99 miles), but it’s a comfortable trip that costs 226 pesos (around 10 dollars) to reach Valladolid. There are many scheduled departures throughout the day.
Traveling by Car from Merida to Valladolid
Alternatively, you can choose to rent a car if you prefer to drive and visit other tourist destinations on your way to Valladolid or past this colonial city. There are many car rental companies in Merida that you can turn to.
This 160-kilometer journey can be done by car in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
▶ How to get from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid?
You can take the new toll road 305; this is a toll road but offers the fastest route to Valladolid (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).
Another option is to drive to Tulum and then find the sign that leads to Valladolid, but it takes an additional 40 or 50 minutes.
You can also take the bus to get to Valladolid from Playa del Carmen, the ADO bus is the best option.
The bus journey takes between 1 and a half to 2 and a half hours, depending on the schedule and if the bus you take stops at towns along the way.
Make sure to check the bus schedule in advance to know when to take it.
▶ How to get from Mexico DF to Valladolid?
If you’re traveling from Mexico City to Valladolid, your best bet is to book a flight to Merida or Cancun and then take a bus. Unfortunately, Valladolid does not have its own airport.
Fortunately, you can book cheap flights in advance through these options:
Visiting Valladolid is an absolute must for anyone interested in art and culture. It’s one of those places that stays with you, so you’ll definitely remember it in the future.
✅ Best Time to Visit Valladolid Cenotes in Mexico
Valladolid, like the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. That makes it a great destination all year round.
However, if you want to make the most of your time in Valladolid, the best time to go is between the months of November and March/April. These months offer the best conditions for traveling and sightseeing.
The hottest months of the year are from May to July. During this time, the average temperature reaches 37 degrees Celsius.
If you want to avoid rain, the best month to go to Valladolid is in mid-December. On the other hand, the chances of rain increase when visiting in August, especially during the latter part of the month.
✅ How to Get the Best Hotel Prices in Mexico?
When it comes to finding the best hotel prices in Mexico, our top pick is Booking.com. We’ve found that they consistently offer the best rates on the market.
To get started on your search, click on the link below to find the best hotel prices in Tulum, Mexico.
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