The Pearl of the East
The Yucatán government lists Valladolid as a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) and calls it the Pearl of the East. It's 160 km east of Mérida and was one of the state's first two Magical Towns.
What to see
- Convent of San Bernardino de Siena: the city's great Franciscan landmark.
- Main park: a tree-lined civic square.
- Historic neighborhoods and churches.
- Houses painted in bright colors.
- Manuel Lizama's murals: four works on local history.
A coat of arms with a Maya zero
Valladolid's coat of arms features a white hawk, six turrets and the Maya zero, a nod to its pre-Hispanic roots.
Eating and shopping
The state source highlights lomitos and smoked longaniza. The traditional market serves panuchos, salbutes, tamales and cochinita. For crafts, Valladolid works in leather, henequen, hammocks, vine and stone.
Tips
- Visit in the late afternoon, when it cools down.
- Explore the neighborhoods on foot.
- Go to the market in the morning.
Valladolid from Mérida
Mary Tours' Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Selva Maya cenote and Valladolid trip ends in Valladolid, with Francisco Cantón Rosado park, the San Servacio church and the city hall murals. There's also a private transfer to Chichén Itzá. Trips leave from Calle 61 in downtown Mérida; prices are in the booking section.
Fun facts
- Valladolid's coat of arms includes the Maya zero.
- Valladolid has four murals by Manuel Lizama.
- It was one of Yucatán's first two Magical Towns.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 17 h
Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte, which makes every list for a reason
from $2,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
5:00 AM – 10:00 PM · daily
- 4:45 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 5:30 AM Drive to Valladolid — Two hours on the motorway, with a fifteen-minute stop.
- 7:45 AM Drive to Puerto Juárez — Two more hours to the pier in Cancún.
- 10:00 AM Isla Mujeres — Sailing the Caribbean, snorkelling at the reef with gear included, a stop at Playa Norte, buffet lunch at the beach club and free time in town.
- 6:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Transport, Guide, Boat transfer, Snorkelling gear, Lunch
Not included: Environmental tax, Shopping on the island, Extra drinks
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Frequently asked questions
How far is Valladolid from Mérida?
160 km east, according to the Yucatán government.
Why is it called the Pearl of the East?
It's the nickname the Yucatán government uses for it.
What should I eat in Valladolid?
Lomitos and smoked longaniza, among other dishes.
How do I get there from Mérida?
On Mary Tours' trip combining Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid.
