Best things to do in Valladolid

Over a thousand years old yet remarkably well-preserved, the World Heritage-listed Mayan architecture of Chichen Itza draws huge numbers of tourists every year. Once one of the largest Maya cities, the ruins consist of numerous stone buildings, originally linked by a well-planned network of paved streets. The biggest crowds gather at the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, when the sun's rays produce an illusion of a snake climbing up the stairs of the imposing central pyramid. A nightly light-and-sound show recreates the spectacle for those visiting at other times.

When in Valladolid, you can cool off in Cenote Xkeken, a spacious limestone chamber with a natural pool. One of two cenotes in the area, Xkeken is easily accessible and filled with crystal clear, azure water. Drive or cycle from Valladolid to the vast cavern, where you can swim and snorkel in the large sinkhole. The shady cove offers a great getaway from the heat, while interesting stalactites hanging from the ceiling, sprinkled with rays of sunshine, add to the cenote's pleasant aesthetic.

Admire a fine private collection of Mexican folk art, and learn about the passion of the couple who collected it, at Casa de los Venados, the art gallery and home of American couple John and Dorianne Venator. Having bought the house in ruins, the couple spent 10 years remodeling it and filling it with over 3,000 items of Mexican folk art. Colorful skulls, antique furniture, and vibrant paintings dominate each room, bringing together different artistic styles and influences from across the country. Take a tour of the house, still home to the Venators, and learn about the history of the project.

Step into the ancient past at Ek Balam, a well-preserved Mayan site at its pinnacle from 770 CE to 840 CE. The site included one of the largest structures excavated in the region; it includes defensive walls and an arched entrance. Take a guided tour to learn the history of this sacred place. Be sure to take the opportunity to climb to the top of the main temple--something not permitted at larger Mayan sites--and see views of the ancient city and jungle beyond. There's some shade on site, but bring along plenty of sunblock (and your camera).

Marvel at centuries-old architecture with a visit to Zona Arqueologica de Coba, whose name means "water stirred by wind" in Mayan. Home to the tallest Mayan pyramid located in modern-day Mexico, which stands at 40 m (130 ft), the archaeological site showcases the ingenuity of ancient architects. Experience a steep climb to the top of the pyramid, where you can catch various views over the site. Take a tour to learn about the cultural and scientific achievements of the Mayan people, who were the first to acknowledge the importance of the number zero in mathematics.

Swim in sacred Mayan waters at Cenote Ik kil, a naturally formed water basin, 60 m (200 ft) in diameter and located 26 m (85 ft) below ground level. Twinkling, clear waters fill the pool, decorated by hanging vines cascading from the treetops above. Step down the ornately carved limestone stairway to reach the swimming platform, where refreshing 35 m (114.8 ft) deep waters await. Keep your eyes out for the shoal of black catfish that call the cenote their home--don’t worry, they don’t bite. When you’re feeling rejuvenated, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the surrounding restaurants.

Bird-watching reaches new heights at Parque Natural Ria Lagartos, home to flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds you can see and photograph on a guided boat tour. If you're lucky, you'll probably see a few non-avian animals as well, including alligators.

Cenote Zací is a cenote located in the city of Valladolid, Yucatán.
The name Zací (“White Hawk”) comes from the Mayan settlement that was located there. It is where the Capul clan fought against the first conquistadors. Valladolid was later founded in 1543. The cenote was once the city’s water source.
The cenote is in a partially collapsed cavern. The cave is 150 feet across and 260 feet deep. There are some stalactites on the ceiling of the cave. There is a sloped passage with stairs carved from the rock that lead down to the water. It is larger and more open than most other cenotes. The flora around the cenote include poplars, ferns, philodendrons, and orchids. The fauna include swallows, bats, catfish, dragonflies, beetles, and snails. The rocks inside the cave have algae and moss on the outside. The water depth is 25 to 30 meters in the shallow areas and 100 meters in the deepest area. Swimming is allowed. However, it is not encouraged since there are no changing rooms. Furthermore, the proximity to sewer pipes discourages some visitors from swimming. Some jump off a ledge into the water. There is an open-air restaurant at the top of the cenote. Mayan artifacts can be found at a museum.
Its urban location makes it unique amongst other cenotes. It is located only a few blocks northeast from the main plaza. It is on the block formed by Calles 34, 36, 37, and 39.
There is an entrance fee, which was $1.50 USD per adult and $0.75 USD per child in 2019.

Dive into Cenote Hubiku and swim in waters beneath the earth's surface. A Mayan village surrounds this large cenote, which you may first explore before taking a dip. Consider renting life jackets and towels in the village if you need them. Be prepared, as the water stays cold. After your experience, you can find a buffet lunch adjacent to the cenote; tequila is made next to the cenote as well.

Head to Iglesia De San Servacio and take in the grand 16th- and 18th-century architecture. The church was first built in 1545 and was partially demolished, before being restored during the early 1700s. It features two tall towers that loom large over the adjacent town square. In the middle of the facade, find a stone-carved shield with a white sparrow, and just above, you can see a 19th-century clock. Inside, tall arches support the domed interior. The building takes up a total surface area of 6,658 sq m (71,666 sq ft).