Why Honeymoon in Valladolid
It puts the Yucatán's best sights within easy reach. Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and a string of cenotes are all less than an hour away, so you can see them on your own schedule instead of on a long bus tour.
The town itself is charming and calm. Evenings center on the main square, where families gather and vendors sell marquesitas, crisp rolled crepes filled with cheese. Streets of colorful colonial houses lead to the old convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
It is also good value. Courtyard hotels with pools cost much less than beach resorts. Dinner is affordable. For couples who want culture and a slower pace between beach stays, Valladolid adds depth to a Mexico honeymoon.
When to Go
November through March is the best time, with warm, sunny days in the 80s Fahrenheit and comfortable evenings. These months are also the most popular, especially around Christmas.
April and May are the hottest months, with highs often in the upper 90s. Plan sightseeing early in the day and spend afternoons in a cenote or the pool.
The rainy season runs from about June through October. Expect heavy afternoon storms and high humidity, though mornings are often clear. September and October also bring the highest hurricane risk on the peninsula. Chichén Itzá draws large crowds at the spring and autumn equinoxes, when a shadow serpent appears on the main pyramid, so plan around those dates if you dislike crowds.
Where to Stay
The historic center is the best base, within walking distance of the square, the convent and restaurants. Many hotels are converted colonial homes with courtyard pools, high ceilings and gardens.
Mesón del Marqués, a historic hotel on the main square, is a long-running classic. Coqui Coqui Valladolid, part of a small perfume house, offers a few stylish rooms in a restored building near the convent.
The Calzada de los Frailes, a pretty street leading toward the convent, has small boutique hotels and cafes. Approximate rates: about US$80 to US$200 a night for good boutique hotels, with a few higher-end options costing more.
Romantic Things to Do
Drive to Chichén Itzá for opening time. The site is cooler and calmer before the day-trip crowds arrive. Hire a licensed guide at the entrance to understand the carvings and the astronomy behind El Castillo.
Visit Ek Balam, about 30 minutes north, known for its detailed stucco carvings. Check on arrival whether climbing the main pyramid is allowed.
Swim in cenotes. Cenote Zací is right in town, while others such as Suytun, X'Keken and Samulá are a short drive away. Go early or late for quieter water.
In the evening, watch the light show projected on the convent of San Bernardino de Siena, then walk back along the Calzada de los Frailes for dinner.
Getting There and Around
Cancún International Airport (CUN) has the most US flights and is about two hours away by toll road. Mérida International Airport (MID), also around two hours, has nonstops from a few US cities. Many couples rent a car to explore cenotes and ruins at their own pace.
The Tren Maya stops at Valladolid, linking the town with Cancún, Mérida and the Riviera Maya. Schedules have changed often since it opened, so check current times.
In town, walk everywhere in the center. Taxis are inexpensive for trips to nearby cenotes. Use toll roads between cities and drive in daylight, watching for speed bumps in villages.
Food and Drink
Valladolid has its own specialties. Try longaniza de Valladolid, a smoky sausage. Order lomitos de Valladolid, pork in a tomato sauce. Relleno negro, turkey in a black chile sauce, is another regional dish.
The town market serves cochinita pibil tacos and fresh juices in the morning. The main square has evening stands with marquesitas and esquites.
Courtyard restaurants in the center serve Yucatecan dishes in leafy settings, good for a long dinner. Try xtabentún, an anise and honey liqueur made in the region. Drink bottled or filtered water. Small places may take only cash.
Honeymoon Tips
- Visit Chichén Itzá at opening time to beat the heat and the tour buses.
- Bring swimwear every day. Cenote stops happen often.
- Rinse off sunscreen before swimming in cenotes. Many sites require it to protect the water.
- Mosquitoes are common, especially in the rainy season. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- The State Department rates Yucatán state at "exercise normal precautions," its lowest level. Valladolid is relaxed, but use normal sense.
- Light, breathable clothes and a hat are essential. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the ruins.
