Valladolid

Valladolid enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate typical of the region. The city is known for its hot temperatures, warm winds, and a mix of dry and rainy seasons. Thanks to its inland location, it tends to be hotter than coastal cities like Cancún or Progreso.

The weather in Valladolid is hot year-round, with average daily highs around 33 °C. The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures often exceed 38 °C. Nights stay warm, with average lows between 18 °C and 23 °C.

Humidity ranges from moderate to high, depending on the season.

Dry season (November to May)

The dry season runs from November through May. This is the best time to visit Valladolid for most travelers. Skies are mostly clear, rain is rare, and humidity is lower. Temperatures gradually rise from a pleasant 29 °C in January to a peak of 36 °C in May.

Sunshine is abundant – March and April are the sunniest months, perfect for exploring cenotes or colonial streets. Rainfall during this period is minimal, with only 3–7 rainy days per month, and precipitation averages under 60 mm/month.

Wet season (June to October)

The rainy season begins in June and continues through October, coinciding with the Mexican monsoon. Warm, moist air from the Caribbean fuels frequent afternoon showers and occasional tropical storms.

Rainfall peaks in September, with over 175 mm of rain and 18+ rainy days per month. Despite the rain, this season still brings daily highs around 33–34 °C and muggy conditions, especially in July and August.

Rain and storms

Rain usually comes in short, intense bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening. While storms can be heavy, they typically pass quickly, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing. Tropical waves and even hurricanes occasionally affect the region, especially in late summer and early fall.

Best time to visit Valladolid

The ideal time to visit Valladolid is during the dry season (November to April). You’ll enjoy sunny days, mild humidity, and cooler nights. It’s also the most comfortable time for visiting Chichén Itzá, cenotes, or day trips to Río Lagartos and Ek Balam.

If you don’t mind some rain and prefer fewer tourists, the shoulder months of May and October offer a mix of heat, some rain, and lush green landscapes. Just prepare for higher humidity.

In the Mayan language, the city is known as Sakiꞌ. The name comes from the Yucatec Maya words sak (white) and iꞌ (hawk or gavilán), meaning “white hawk.” This indigenous name reflects the area’s deep Mayan roots, long before the arrival of the Spanish.

Valladolid is named after the Spanish city of Valladolid, which was the capital of Spain during the early colonial period. The name was chosen by the Spanish conquistadors to honor the motherland and reinforce colonial identity in the New World.

The original Spanish name “Valladolid” itself is believed to derive from the Arabic phrase Ballad Al-Walid (بلد الوليد), meaning “City of Al-Walid” — a reference to the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid I. This reflects Spain’s long Moorish history before the Reconquista.

When the Spanish founded the city in 1543, they named it Valladolid to mirror the prestige of its namesake in Spain. The name symbolized the imposition of Spanish culture, politics, and religion on the newly conquered Mayan lands.

The city’s full colonial name was “Very Noble and Loyal City of Valladolid” (meaning “Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Valladolid”), a title granted by the Spanish Crown to emphasize its loyalty and status within New Spain.

Valladolid is a place where centuries of cultural, political, and social history converge. From its ancient Mayan foundations to its role in major national conflicts, Valladolid has been at the center of important transformations in Mexican history.

The Spanish foundation (16th century)

Valladolid was founded on May 28, 1543, by Francisco de Montejo “el Mozo”.

The site was strategically chosen to dominate the region formerly controlled by the powerful Maya Cupules. The new settlement was named Valladolid, in honor of the Spanish city of the same name, which at the time was the capital of Spain.

The foundation took place in a location called Chauac-Há (or Chauacá).

The city was placed under the spiritual protection of Our Lady of Remedies and Saint Servatius (San Servacio). Montejo oversaw the city’s initial layout, established its first city council, and distributed encomiendas—land and labor grants—to 45 conquistadors.

However, this first location proved unhealthy.

The settlers suffered from diseases, likely including yellow fever, and poor sanitary conditions. Despite Montejo’s resistance, the city council took action, threatening to report him to King Charles I of Spain for neglecting the welfare of both Spanish settlers and Indigenous peoples.

Relocation to Zací (1545)

On March 24, 1545, Valladolid was officially relocated to the nearby ruins of the ancient Maya city of Zací, which had been the capital of the Cupules, making the relocation not just practical, but symbolic – replacing a major Indigenous city with a new colonial power center.

The reuse of Zací’s materials and sacred spaces for the new colonial buildings signified the Spanish domination over Mayan land and identity. From that moment on, Valladolid became a key city in the eastern Yucatán and would remain so throughout the Spanish colonial era.

19th century: industry and Indigenous resistance

After Mexico gained independence from Spain, Valladolid became a site of early industrial development. In 1833, it opened Mexico’s first steam-powered textile factory, La Aurora de la Industria Yucateca, marking Yucatán’s entry into the industrial age.

However, the 19th century also brought deep social unrest.

On March 14, 1848, during the Caste War of Yucatán, Valladolid was captured by Maya rebels led by cacique Cecilio Chi. Tired of oppression and abuse, the Indigenous Maya rose in arms after the assassination of Manuel Antonio Hay, a mestizo official, in Valladolid.

After months of siege, the Maya took control of the city, reclaiming lands that had originally belonged to them. Many of the city’s Spanish and mestizo residents fled, while others were killed during the uprising.

Later that year, with support from the federal government, Miguel Barbachano’s army retook Valladolid. In return, Yucatán dropped its separatist aims. However, Maya resistance continued, and the city remained a center of conflict for years.

20th century: the spark of revolution

Valladolid again played a key role in national history during the early 20th century.

On May 10, 1910, in the nearby village of Dzelkoop, the Plan de Valladolid – also known as the Plan de Dzelkoop – was signed. This document called on the Mexican people to rise against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, declaring the regime illegitimate for lacking democratic legitimacy.

On June 4, 1910, a revolutionary movement erupted in Valladolid. This made Valladolid home to what is known in Yucatán as “La Primera chispa de la Revolución” (the first spark of the revolution), marking the city’s important role in igniting national change.

Valladolid is perfect for a day trip full of history, culture, and local flavor.

Start your visit in the city center, where you’ll find the Cathedral of San Gervasio facing the lively main square. The streets follow a neat chessboard layout, making it easy to explore on foot. Around the plaza, enjoy traditional snacks, or simply relax in the park under shady trees.

A short 10-minute walk from the center brings you to the Sisal neighborhood, home to the beautiful Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. Built by Franciscan missionaries between 1552 and 1560, the convent is one of the most important colonial landmarks in Yucatán.

The quiet park of the convent offers a peaceful break from the busy streets.

For a refreshing adventure, head to Cenote Zací, just a few blocks from the main square. This semi-open cenote invites visitors to descend into a cavern of cool freshwater, with spots to swim and a nearby restaurant and artisan market.

Downtown Valladolid

• Cathedral of San Servacio o Gervasio
• Main center park Francisco Cantón Rosado
• Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal)
• House of the Culture (Casa de la Cultura)
• House of the Deer (Casa de los Venados)
• Mercado de Artesanías (Handcraft Market)
• Centro Artesanal Zaci (Handcraft center Zaci)
• Bazar Municipal
• Museo San Roque
• Parque de los Héroes (Park of the Heroes)
• Las 5 Calles
• Calzada de los Frailes

Sisal Neighbourhood

• Temple and former Convent de “San Bernandino de Siena”
• Park of Sisal (parque de Sisal)

Candelaria Neighbourhood

• Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
• Park of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
• Ex Telar “La Aurora”

Santa Lucia Neighbourhood

• Church of Santa Lucía
• Park of Santa Lucía

San Juan Neighbourhood

• Church de San Juan de Dios
• Park de San Juan de Dios

Other locations

• Cenote Suytun
• Cenote Xkeken
• Cenote Samulha

Valladolid is not only rich in history and colonial charm – it’s also a culinary treasure. Valladolid’s cuisine is deeply rooted in maize-based preparations. Tortillas, tamales, and masa dough are the foundation for many local dishes. A few standout specialties include:

The local Maya cuisine blends ancient traditions with bold flavors, centered around maize, native meats, and aromatic herbs. From street snacks to ancestral dishes cooked underground, food in Valladolid is an essential part of the travel experience.

Traditional dishes

• Cochinita pibil – Pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, slow-cooked in banana leaves in a traditional pib (earth oven).
• Pibil waaj (tamales de pibil) – Tamales filled with pork and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and baked underground.
• Frijol con puerco – Pork and black beans stewed together, typically served on Mondays.
• Relleno negro – Turkey or pork in a dark, smoky sauce made from burnt chiles and spices.
• Queso relleno – Edam cheese stuffed with minced meat and served in a savory white sauce.
• Panuchos and salbutes – Fried tortillas topped with turkey, onions, and habanero salsa.
• Papadzules – Egg-filled tortillas bathed in pumpkin seed sauce and tomato.

Puchero de gallina, lomitos de Valladolid, pipian de venado, longaniza, joroches, and mucbil pollos (giant tamales made during Day of the Dead) are also commonly enjoyed. Chaya (a local leafy green) is often mixed with eggs or used in drinks and stews.

Salsas made from habanero and chile max give many dishes a spicy kick.

Traditional sweets

Valladolid’s desserts are often made with local fruit, coconut, pumpkin, and honey.

• Dulce de yuca con miel – Cassava cooked with local honey.
• Buñuelos de yuca – Cassava fritters drizzled with syrup.
• Calabaza melada – Candied pumpkin in a thick honey glaze.

Camote con coco, mazapán de pepita (pumpkin seed marzipan), melcocha, cocoyol en almíbar, arepas, teocotes, and dulce de ciricote are also popular during holidays and festivals.

Typical drinks

Valladolid’s local beverages are refreshing, sweet, or even mildly alcoholic.

• Xtabentún – A sweet liqueur made from fermented honey and anise.
• Balché – A ceremonial Maya drink made from tree bark and honey.
• Pozole con coco – A drink made from corn and coconut milk.
• Atole de maíz nuevo, horchata, and fresh fruit-based aguas frescas round out the local offerings.

These foods and drinks are a cultural blend of Maya roots and colonial influences.

Popular festivals

Valladolid is a city deeply rooted in tradition, where Catholic celebrations blend with vibrant local customs. These festivals are a unique opportunity to witness music, dance, community meals, and processions rooted in centuries-old traditions.

• Jan 26 – Feb 3: Fiesta of the Virgen de la Candelaria.
• Apr 16 – 25: Festival honoring Santa Inés and San Marcos.
• Apr 23 – May 3: Santa Cruz festival.
• May 28: Anniversary of the founding of Valladolid.
• June 13 – 19: Festival of the Divino Redentor.
• July 26: Feast of Nuestra Señora de Santa Ana.
• Oct 15 – 30: Festivities in honor of Cristo Rey.

Traditions and customs

One of the most heartfelt traditions takes place during Día de Muertos. Families set up home altars to honor deceased loved ones, offering their favorite foods, mucbil pollo (a large tamal baked underground), atole made with fresh corn, and chocolate whisked with water.

During local celebrations, residents dance a traditional Yucatecan dance.

Valladolid is located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, making it easy to reach from major tourist hubs. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or tour, getting to this colonial gem is straightforward and rewarding.

From Mérida:

• Drive east on Highway 180D (Cuota) for about 2 hours (160 km).
• ADO buses leave regularly from Mérida’s main terminal. The ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Many day tours from Mérida include stops in Valladolid, especially those visiting Chichén Itzá.

From Cancún:

• Drive west on Highway 180D (Cuota) for about 2 hours (155 km).
• Frequent ADO and Oriente buses run from Cancún to Valladolid (around 2.5 hours).
• Rent a car or take a bus/taxi to the Cancún terminal and continue from there.

From Tulum or Playa del Carmen:

• By car: About 1.5 to 2 hours west via Highway 109 and 180.
• By bus: ADO buses connect both towns to Valladolid daily.
• Colectivos (shared vans) also operate the route from Tulum.

Thanks to its central location, Valladolid also makes an excellent base for exploring major nearby attractions. Visit the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam, or swim in the famous Cenote Ik Kil – all just a short drive away.

Suggested 1-day tours from Valladolid

• Ek Balam
• Ria Lagartos
• Chichen Itza
• Chichen Itza + Balankanche Grottoes
• Chichen Itza + Yaxunah
• Cenote Ik Kil
• Izamal
• Coba
• Tizimin

Valladolid is a perfect place to stay for a while, exploring the surrounding areas in daily tours on your own or guided ones. For more information about all these suggested places to visit and how to get there, use the search form on our website or related tags.