Valladolid: It feels like home + a travel guide for your next vacation
Hello everyone! It has been a while, how have you been?
It has been a crazy whirlwind these past few weeks! After a season of loneliness, the Lord really delivered, because first, I went home for Thanksgiving, which filled my cup SO much. It was wonderful being home during that time, so wonderful in fact, I worried about how hard it would be to go back to Valladolid alone after being surrounded by so much love for a week. But after that, I had a revolving door of visitors here in Valladolid which was the biggest blessing. Some dear college friends of mine flew into Mexico the same day I flew back from being home. It was the perfect way to ease back into my life here in Mexico through the help of their company. After they left, I welcomed a few other Fulbrighters to Valladolid, and then later got to travel to Chiapas, Mexico with my cousin for Christmas.
All in all, I got to see my little pueblo mágico through a whole new lense and show these visitors all my favorite spots in town! Throughout this time, Valladolid has finally started to feel like a real home to me. It was special to be able to share my home with the people who have visited, that I wanted to extend that opportunity to all of you guys! I believe I have narrowed down to a T all the must see places in and around Valladolid. I thought it high time to share these with y'all so it makes planning your trip to visit me that much easier. 😉
LOCALS GUIDE TO VALLADOLID:
Valladolid is a beautiful, colorful, walkable, and safe town located in central Yucatán. It is known as a "Pueblo Mágico" which is a name given to certain towns in Mexico that have a lil somethin' special about them. Whether that be an impressive landmark, historical significance, or good old fashion charm. I can attest that Valladolid, in fact, has all three. I could sit here all day and tell you about all my favorite things about my home a way from home, but for the sake of all our time, I am going break it down in to 3 separate categories, those being: things to do in Valladolid, favorite places to eat, and things to do surrounding Valladolid.
Things to do IN Valladolid:
Valladolid is the perfect mix between tourism and the authentic cultural experience. It's a town rich in Mayan culture, with people kind enough to rival the southern hospitality from home. These are my top recommendations that you see while here!
San Servacio Church: This church is unmissable. Smack dab in the middle if the town center, it is a stunning colonial building with lots of beauty and history.
Calzado de Los Frailes: This is a mostly blocked off street from cars perfect for walking. It is in the "boujee" part of Valladolid and is filled with cute boutiques, yummy cafes, and live music.
San Bernardino Convent: Another must see in the cozy neighborhood of Sisal, just off the Calzado de Los Frailes. The convent has a stunning light show projected on the facade of the church in the evenings that presents the history of Valladolid, both in Spanish and in English. Definitely a must-see. There are often pop-up markets in the square of Sisal with artisanal goodies; honey being one of the main ones and most delicious.
Casa de Los Venados: "House of the Deer" is a private owned home with the largest collection of Mexican Folk Art. It is open for public viewing at no charge, just the simple request of a donation that goes directly to charity. It is super impressive! I know my mom will LOVE IT when she comes in March.
Choco-Story Valladolid: This is an interactive museum that tells the history of chocolate in Mexico. I had low expectations going into it, but was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Cenote Zaci: If not to swim, at least go just take a peak! It is basically a natural sinkhole/cave-like watering hole formed form collapsed lime-stone that exposed ground water. It makes for a surreal swimming experience. They are a TON around the Yucatán peninsula.
Pictured above left to right: San Servacio, Gringa at the Coco-Story Museum, Casa de Los Venados Entrance.
Favorite places to eat:
Like I said the influence of the Mayan culture is strong here in the Yucatán. Being in the Yucatán is very much like being in a whole new country outside of Mexico in itself. Much of the food here is different that what we traditionally think of as "Mexican Food". These are my favorite restaurants that I have tried in Valladolid, all ranging from traditional Mayan cuisine to "American" foods when you're craving something from home.
El Atrio: Yummy traditional Yucatan food with a lovely garden to enjoy your meal in. Located right next to San Servacio.
Carolin in Cacao: Café/Brunch place when you want something substantial but fresh to eat. Great smoothie bowls, and a Botanical Garden just off the patio.
Zentik: Located in an adults only hotel, the meals here never disappoint. They have traditional food, but also a few things a little closer to home if thats what you're feeling. The drinks never disappoint as well.
El Mercado o el Bazaar: I'm not actually sure its proper name, but this is a place right in the center that I could best describe as a high-quality food court. Theres lots of options for tacos, tortas and more in various small restaurants. Great if you want something quick and delicious but don't quite trust street food yet.
Yerbabuena: Sooooo good. Literally aways happy after I eat there. More on the traditional side, located by the convent this place has a variety of options including vegetarian and vegan, and fresh juice menu that can heal a cold lickity split.
If you're looking something that has more of a "vibe" (even though all the ones above are a vibe), I recommend the following. All either have live music or a twinkly balcony with a view to enjoy your drinks at, or both.
El Mesón de Marques
Mirador Don Alfonso
Mezcalería Don Trejo
Le Kaat
Los Frappes
Things to do AROUND Valladolid:
One of the great things about Valladolid is its central location. Though its small and there isn't an endless list of things to do in the town, its a great place to have as a home base while you do some day trips. The day trip list is pretty endless, so I have tried to narrow it down for you to some of my favorites.
Ek Balaam: This is an impressive site of old ruins that you are able to climb and a swimmable cenote located about 40 minutes outside of Valladolid. I much prefer to spend a day here than at the well-known pyramid of Chichén Itza.
Uxmal: Is another site of old ruins that are MOST impressive.
Izamal: Is a cute small town with all yellow buildings perfect for a quick visit and instagram photos.
Mérida. Is a bigger city with anythig you could ask for. It has markets, shopping, good food, culture and history.
Progreso: If you are wanting a beach day, Progreso is a beach town about 30 minutes outside of Mérida, and 3 hours from Valladolid.
There are so many other things I'd love to share with you about Valladolid but this will have to do for now. If you have any questions or an itch to come see these sights for yourself, let me know!
I have learned a few things during these past few weeks of silence from the Blog. The biggest reminder I relearned has been that God is SO GOOD. He meets you exactly where you are, whether He meets you face to face at the altar, or through the company of another person.
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