About the ride from Tulum to Valladolid
Say farewell to the coastal beauty of Tulum and head inland to discover the vibrant city of Valladolid in the Yucatán peninsula.
The best travel option for conquering the 102-kilometer (64-mile) distance is to hop on a bus and complete the journey quickly.
In just an hour and a half, you’ll step out of the bus and dive straight into the lively atmosphere of Valladolid. From here, you can discover the city’s many delights and book day trips to some of the fascinating archaeological sites nearby.
What is Valladolid like?
Too many people skip over Valladolid on their way to somewhere more famous and Instagrammable, but it’s so worth stopping by to explore the city.
Valladolid is a relatively small city in the eastern area of Yucatán. The vibrant city is known for its laid-back atmosphere and small-town feel, and it is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos (magical towns). This promotional initiative by Mexico’s Tourist Board highlights some of the country’s most spectacular towns and cities.
The city is full of beautiful architecture, including colonial buildings made using stones the Spanish stole from local Maya temples.
Valladolid doesn’t cater to tourists like other popular spots in Mexico. However, that’s ideal if you want to experience a different side of Mexico.
Five unique activities in Valladolid
When visiting Valladolid, you’ll struggle to narrow your itinerary to fit everything in; there’s just so much to do in and around this magical city.
Put these activities at the top of your must-see list:
Book a walking tour to discover the city: Numerous vendors offer free walking tours to introduce tourists to one of Mexico’s famed magical cities. Start your day with the tour so that you can spend the rest of the day revisiting your favorite highlights.
These tours are also ideal for solo travelers eager to make friends to explore with.
Take a trip to Casa De Los Venados: This gorgeous house is packed with fascinating Mexican folk art. An American couple spent years collecting thousands of pieces to showcase during guided visits. It’s a quick trip that offers a fascinating window into Mexico’s diverse culture.
Discover a Seventh Wonder: The archaeological marvel of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The sprawling site earned the title thanks to its fusion of Maya construction techniques with modern techniques. Book a tour with a guide to get the most out of your trip.
Watch the sunset at the Temple of Saint Servatius: First built in 1545 before being demolished and rebuilt in the 1700s, this epic church is the perfect location to watch the sunset. Arrive early to people-watch in a cozy cafe before watching the golden light fade into darkness on the building’s white facade.
Dive into the cuisine: Valladolid has an array of delicious food on offer, especially indigenous Maya food. Immerse yourself in the local market for an afternoon and sample all the dishes you can get your hands on.
How to get from Tulum to Valladolid
The best way to get from Tulum to Valladolid is to take a bus.
Ado operates this service, and it takes less than 90 minutes.
Air-conditioned buses depart from Autobuses Terminal ADO in Tulum and arrive at Valladolid Bus Terminal in the heart of the city. From there, you can easily find a taxi or a public bus to reach your hotel.
Tickets cost around $9 for a one-way ticket.
Some buses have reclining seats, bathrooms, and TVs. All have a generous luggage allowance of one trolley bag weighing a maximum of 21 kg (46 lbs) and one backpack or small handbag per passenger.
The best things about the journey from Tulum to Valladolid
The best thing about the journey is how easy it is. You’ll follow one road all the way from the coast into the city center.
Watch the beautiful ocean views disappear in the rearview window and then wait to be amazed as you enter the heart of Valladolid’s lively streets.
As you reach the city, you’ll see numerous brightly painted houses, catch glimpses of the varied architecture, and find your mouth watering as you pass delicious street eateries.
When is the best time to visit Valladolid?
Travelers descending on Valladolid should plan their trip during the dry season, which starts in November and ends in April.
These gorgeous months offer bright, sunny days and little rainfall. You’ll have ample opportunities to explore the city’s outdoor attractions before hopping between chic restaurants and bars in the cooler evenings.
The dry season averages around 86°F (30°C), perfect for all your sunbathing needs. However, keep in mind the dry season attracts many more tourists to the area, so accommodation prices may be higher than usual.
If you prefer exploring cities in the low season, book a trip between April and August. These quieter months have higher rainfall, but the weather is still warm, and the prices drop, too.
How long should I spend in Valladolid?
Visitors to Valladolid should spend at least two to four days exploring the colorful city. A few days is plenty of time to meander the city, tick off all the top sites, and enjoy a day trip to one of the nearby cenotes or archaeological sites.
However, if you’re a slow traveler, consider booking up to a week’s accommodation in Valladolid. A week gives you plenty of time to experience the city at your own pace and take a few trips outside the city limits.
Where should I go after Valladolid?
Switch city life for beach life again by heading northeast to Cancun to enjoy one of Mexico’s most famous tourist destinations. Cancun is a vast city surrounded by sparkling blue water, just waiting to invite you in.
While you’re there, book an excursion to the nearby islands of Blanca and Mujeres to see some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.
Alternatively, visit Merida to swap one colorful Mexican city for another. Along the way, you can stop at glorious cenotes to cool off before arriving in the bustling capital of the Yucatán state.
If you want to keep discovering the layers of Mexico’s Maya culture, visit Chetumal to the south, which almost borders Belize. The city is most famous for its museum, which explores the region’s history.