Top things to do in Cancun

Why visit Valladolid

Cavalry Academy building and fountain on Zorilla Square, Valladolid.
Tapas and drinks on a table.
The Way of Calvary, Gregorio Fernández, National Sculpture Museum,
Fountain with statue in Valladolid's central park, Mexico, surrounded by greenery.
Travelers on a coach
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Follow in the footsteps of history

Visit the house where Christopher Columbus spent his final days and explore landmarks tied to Spain’s monarchs and literary icons. Valladolid lets you connect with stories that influenced the nation’s course.

Savor traditional Castilian flavors

Indulge in local specialties like roast lamb, tapas, and regional wines from nearby Ribera del Duero. The city’s markets and taverns make every meal an authentic cultural experience.

Admire vibrant art and museums

Discover treasures at the National Sculpture Museum, where Spanish art comes alive in intricate detail. Valladolid’s museums and galleries showcase the depth of its artistic spirit.

Combine Valladolid with other attractions

Your Valladolid tours also include access to other major attractions, including the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, a cenote in which you can cool off, and an authentic Mexican lunch.

Seamless round-trip transfers

Your Valladolid tours also give you the option of seamless round-trip transfers from a common meeting point or directly from your hotel. You’re transported from one site to another in an air-conditioned coach, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the logistics of touring Mexico’s best highlights.

Things to know before booking Valladolid tours 

  • All your Valladolid tours include free time in the city of Valladolid, giving you the flexibility to discover its history, enjoy the local cuisine, or simply soak in the beauty of its charming streets. 
  • If you’re staying in Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen and want the utmost convenience, you can book a Valladolid tour with hotel pickups. 
  • On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, you can also join your tour group from a shared meeting point in Cancun. Keep in mind that you'll have to arrange for transport to the pick-up point.

Highlights of your Valladolid tours

Colorful colonial buildings line a street in Valladolid, Mexico, with people walking and cars parked.

Valladolid

This is a charming colonial town in the Yucatán that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Its colorful streets, shaded plazas, and grand churches reflect its Spanish heritage, while cenotes and Mayan ruins nearby make it a gateway to adventure.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the site in Mexico.

Chichén Itzá

Your Valladolid tours also include a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of Chichén Itzá, an ancient Mayan city that flourished between 600–1200 CE. Spanning 4-5 square kilometers today, this site is a time capsule that takes you back to a world of stunning architecture, trade, ritual, and sacrifice.

Tourists swimming in a lush Cenote pool surrounded by vines and rock walls in Mexico.

A swim in a cenote

Another highlight of your Valladolid tour is a swim in a cenote - natural sinkholes created when a bed of limestone rock collapses, revealing the groundwater beneath. You’ll find these exclusively in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes were sacred to the ancient Maya, but today, you can swim, snorkel, and cool off in one, giving you a much-needed break from the heat.

Tourists serving themselves at a buffet lunch during Chichen Itza tour.

A Mexican-style buffet

Your tour also includes an authentic Mexican buffet lunch to give you a taste of the local cuisine and refuel you for the remainder of your day.

Understanding local taxes

Person using a laptop and smartphone to purchase online tickets.

When you visit Chichén Itzá as part of your Valladolid tour, you will need to pay local taxes on site via credit card. These are not included in the ticket price. The Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch from Cancun requires a tax of $42 USD per adult and $7 USD per child. On the other hand, the Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch from Riviera Maya requires a tax of $39 USD per adult and $6 USD per child, payable at the site during your visit.

Plan Your Visit to Chichén Itzá

Tips for your Valladolid tour 

  • Carry adequate cash on your trip, including the smaller denominations in the Mexican Peso, as some places may not accept credit cards or e-payments. 
  • You’ll also need enough cash ($9 USD) to rent the life jacket for your stop at the cenote. This is mandatory if you plan on taking a dip in the sinkhole. 
  • Carry a hat with you, as the Yucatán sun can be quite sharp, especially during the dry months between November and March. Also, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. 
  • If you’re staying in Valladolid and plan on exploring more of Yucatán from there, you can rent a car to get around. Rentals will cost you anywhere between 1,000 - 1,500 Pesos, including insurance. 

Frequently asked questions about Valladolid tours

Do Valladolid tours include a visit to Chichén Itzá?

Yes, all your Valladolid tours include a bilingual guided tour of Chichén Itzá in Spanish and English.

Do you get round-trip transfers?

Yes, you can choose round-trip transfers in an AC coach from a shared meeting point in Cancun, or directly from your hotel in Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen.

Do all Valladolid tours include lunch?

Absolutely! Your tours include an authentic Mexican buffet lunch, giving you a taste of the local cuisine.

Do you have to pay additional taxes upon entering Chichén Itzá?

Yes, your tickets don’t include the local taxes applicable for your visit to Chichén Itzá. The tour from Cancun requires a tax of $42 USD per adult and $7 USD per child, while the tour from Riviera Maya requires a tax of $39 USD per adult and $6 USD per child. Note: these taxes must be paid via credit card.

Do I need to carry extra cash on my tour?

Yes, you should carry extra cash for your tour to pay for tips, any food or souvenirs you buy in Valladolid, and for the mandatory life vest rental of $9 USD if you’re planning on taking a dip in the cenote.