Valladolid is gaining attention from tourists because of its colonial atmosphere and its central location: 30 minutes from the archaeological zones of Chichén Itzá [1] and Ek’ Balam [2], an hour from the ruins at Cobá [3] and the flamingo reserve [4] in Río Lagartos [5], and two hours from Mérida [6], Cancún [7], and Tulum [8].
It’s an easy bus or car ride to any of these destinations, restaurants and hotels are reasonably priced, and you have the advantage of staying in a colonial Mexican town. If you’re en route to one of the regional sites or simply want to have a small-town experience, consider spending a night here—you’re sure to be happily surprised.
By Bus: Valladolid’s bus station (Calle 39 at Calle 46, tel. 985/856-3448) is an easy walk from the central plaza, or if you have a lot of bags, a cheap taxi ride. With the exception of a few first-class departures, most of the service here is second-class.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/the-state-yucatan/chichen-itza-and-piste/chichen-itza-archaeological-zone
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/the-state-yucatan/ek-balam/ek-balam-archaeological-zone
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/cancun-cozumel-and-the-riviera-maya/tulum-and-southern-quintana-roo/coba
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/the-state-yucatan/rio-lagartos-and-san-felipe/rio-lagartos/flamingo-tours
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/the-state-yucatan/rio-lagartos-and-san-felipe/rio-lagartos
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/the-state-yucatan/merida
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/cancun-cozumel-and-the-riviera-maya/cancun
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/cancun-cozumel-and-the-riviera-maya/tulum-and-southern-quintana-roo/tulum