Chiquila to Valladolid Trip Overview
Distance 122 km (76.3 miles) | |
Price range US$ 15-US$ 18 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 30m-2h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 12:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
There are many buses throughout the day that will help you make the connection from Chiquila to Valladolid Yucatan. They’re affordable and the ride only takes between two to three hours. Valladolid is great for sightseeing and exploring. Take pictures of the San Gervasio Cathedral and Convent of San Bernardino. You will also want to visit Chichen Itza and Cenote Zaci. Going from November to March will allow you to experience temperatures in the 70s and 80s with little humidity, perfect for sightseeing.
Taking a bus from Chiquila to Valladolid
Fastest bus: 1h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$ 15

About the ride from Chiquila to Valladolid
Chances are, if you’re in Chiquila, you’ll have just left the idyllic island of Holbox.
While you may feel like you’re leaving paradise behind, Valladolid is blessed with more of Mother Nature’s mind-blowing creations — cenotes. These sinkholes reveal crystal-clear underground rivers that form magical pools ideal for swimming.
As heavenly and remarkable as cenotes are, this isn’t why most people visit the colonial city of Valladolid. Most of the time, it’s used as a gateway to beat the crowds at Chichen Itza, the Mayan ruins that made their way onto the Seven Wonders of the World list.
Lucky for you, getting from Chiquila to Valladolid is one of the simplest and shortest journeys you’re likely to take in Mexico.
The trip takes 1.5-2.5 hours on a bus or a minivan.
There are departures in both the morning and afternoon, giving you some flexibility. Both transport options will pick you up close to the port in Chiquila and drop you off in a central location in Valladolid.
Wave goodbye to Mexico’s stunning coast and embrace small-city life as you arrive in Valladolid.
Continue reading to learn everything you need about getting from Chiquila to Valladolid in Mexico.
Unforgettable things to do in Valladolid
Valladolid is more than just a place to base yourself to visit Chichen Itza. Of course, this is a great selling point, but there is a lot more.
Here are five must-do things in Valladolid, Mexico:
Have a float in stunning cenotes. Valladolid is surrounded by numerous spectacular cenotes filled with crystal-clear water. They are the perfect place to go for a refreshing and probably one of the most memorable swims. Some popular ones include Cenote Zaci, Ik Kil, and Suytun.
Pro tip: The cenotes can get pretty busy later in the day when tour groups begin to arrive. Visit early in the morning, and you might be lucky enough to have the whole place for yourself.
Tick off Chichen Itza. This ancient Mayan city is one of the iconic Seven Wonders of the World and is just a 45-minute drive from Valladolid. Admire the famous pyramid of El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and other impressive structures.
Explore Valladolid's historic center. The city is a masterpiece with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture. You can spend hours simply wandering around. Make sure to check out San Gervasio Cathedral and the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
Stuff yourself with Yucatecan cuisine. Valladolid is one of the best places to sample this unique fare. Don't miss trying local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), papadzules (tortillas filled with boiled egg and topped with pumpkin seed sauce), and marquesitas (crispy crepes rolled and packed with fillings).
Pro tip: Try a marquesita with a combination of cheese, chocolate, and fruit. It may sound like a strange mix, but the sweet and salty contrast is heavenly.
Visit Ek Balam. If you want to avoid crowds and see fascinating Mayan ruins, head to Ek Balam. It’s not as well known as Chichen Itza, and you can even climb to the top of the Acropolis for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
How to get from Chiquila to Valladolid
There are two ways to cover the 76.3 miles (122 km) between Chiquila and Valladolid: by bus or minivan.
By bus
The bus between Chiquila and Valladolid is operated by Mexico’s biggest bus company, ADO, so you’ll travel in style and comfort. The seats are spacious and recline, depending on the bus you choose. Plus, there’s air conditioning and usually a bathroom onboard.
Tickets start at $14.
The bus leaves from the ADO Bus Station in Chiquila, a 5-minute walk from where you’ll disembark the ferry from Holbox. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours, and you’ll be dropped at Valladolid Bus Station.
Every passenger is allowed one large piece of luggage and one hand luggage.
By minivan
An alternative to the bus is to hop in a minivan to get from Chiquila to Valladolid. There’s not a huge difference between the two, but the minivan takes 2-2.5 hours.
There are multiple daily departures throughout the day, leaving from Chiquila Port (look for the yellow shuttle bus stand) and arriving at the Banco BBVA in the center of Valladolid.
The minivans are comfortable and offer air conditioning, a welcomed escape from Mexico’s hot temperatures.
Tickets start at $16.
What to expect on the journey from Chiquila to Valladolid
The trip from Chiquila to Valladolid will likely be one of the shortest journeys you take in Mexico, as it’s only around two hours.
There’s nothing too spectacular about the views on this journey, so have a book or a podcast downloaded to keep you amused. Or use it as a time to catch up on some sleep!
It’s unlikely that the driver will make any stops along the way as it’s a relatively short drive.
This route is safe for both solo and female travelers.
When is the best time to visit Valladolid?
If you want the best weather for your visit to Valladolid, head there in the dry season between December and April.
During this time, expect warm and sunny days with relatively low humidity. Traipsing around Chichen Itza sweating so much you feel like you’ve just taken a shower isn’t much fun.
You won’t be the only one chasing the ideal weather, so keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, too.
Consider planning your visit around one of the festivals celebrated in Valladolid, like the Festival of San Bernardino de Siena in May, the electric Valladolid Carnival in February, and the Day of the Dead celebrations in November.
How many days should you spend in Valladolid?
Most people stick around Valladolid for two days. One day is spent visiting Chichen Itza and the cenotes near there. The second day can be used to explore more cenotes and soak up Valladolid's charm.
Some love the vibe of Valladolid so much that they stick around for a while.
Where to visit after Valladolid
Once you’re finished exploring Valladolid, continue your adventures along the east coast of Mexico.
A convenient place to get to is Tulum, one of Mexico’s most popular beach towns, famous for beach clubs, cenotes and ruins overlooking its remarkably turquoise sea.
The journey from Valladolid to Tulum takes around 2.5 hours.
Companies Operating from Chiquila to Valladolid
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Popular stations and stops in Chiquila and Valladolid
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Chiquila to Valladolid
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Who are the service providers on this route?
MINIVAN: Peninsula Travel | Chiquila Holbox Extreme
BUS: ADO
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