Valladolid

Valladolid is one of the most important colonial Yucatan cities and a true pleasure to visit. Simply in terms of architectural richness, Valladolid is a city meant for strolling. The old monastery of San Bernardino de Siena and the Cathedral of San Servacio together dominate a city center as alight with enchantment as any in Mexico.  

Nearby are the Zaci Cenote and the X-kopek Beekeeping Park. Both keep nature lovers busy. In fact, more than a small town, Valladolid is a starting off point for all kinds of natural, ecological, and environmental points in the area. 

The more historical and cultural mind will want to explore the old Monastery, and the San Servacio parish church. Servacio is better known, in English as Saint Servatius, one of the so-called Ice Saints whose feast days mark the last cold days of spring. Visitors walk the Calzada de los Frailes, or wait for Las Noches de Valladolid when the old monastery is lit up with projections telling the story of the city and the peninsula. Nearby are the Zaci Artisan Center and the even more illustrious Candelaria Church.

Valladolid is perhaps most famous for the Escabeche oriental, lomitos de Valladolid, traditional Valladolid longanzia, and the Pan de espelón. A magnificent place to eat and walk around, many visitors will want to eat again. While strolling, take in the traditional embroidery on handmade clothing and other textiles. Visitors find good examples of carved stone, plus bejuco and hennequen weaving.  

Valladolid, after years of slumber, is back on the map because the Tren Maya stops in town. The station is roughly 15 minutes north of the center city, and locals meet guests arriving from the airports are Cancun or at Tulum. The train is simply the best way to get here and the trip to Mérida is about the same distance, just over two hours.