Frequently asked questions

Valladolid is approximately 100 miles from Cancun, the journey takes around 2 hours driving.

Currently, the easiest way to get to Valladolid is by ADO bus from Cancun. Private transfers are available, however, you can also rent a car and drive there.

It is safe to drive to Valladolid, from Cancun there is a toll road which is the quickest, easiest option. Follow the rules of the road, and carry your license and rental papers with you.

Compared to the bustling beach towns along the Caribbean, Valladolid is a less busy destination, that is slowly growing in popularity.

Winter and Spring, (December - April), is when Valladolid’s peak season typically falls, with great weather, making it easy to sightsee and wander around. Summer and Autumn are usually quieter with hot temperatures in Summer, and the rainy season (usually from September to December).

Spanish, and Mayan (the indigenous language of the Yucatan region) are both widely spoken in Valladolid. It is a great place to practice your Spanish, and it is recommended to learn some basics before your visit. Some English is also spoken in some of the tourist establishments ( some restaurants, bars, boutiques, at archeological sites, and cenotes), but not as commonly as it is in the Caribbean beach towns.

Valladolid is a small city, and easy to walk around. You can enjoy its colorful streets and historic buildings.

Cenotes, pronounced “say-no-tays”, are a natural, and interesting phenomenon in the Yucatan region. Cenotes are water-filled sinkholes that have been naturally formed. There are different types of cenotes including open cenotes, semi-open cenotes, underground, and cave cenotes. You can swim in many of the cenotes, or just go to visit them and see them.

Most cenotes are not free to access and have an entrance fee, or access may be included with a tour. Cenotes are typically located on private land, so they are not free.

The local currency in Valladolid is the Mexican Peso, while some places may accept USD, it is recommended to exchange them before your visit or go to the banks in the city where you can exchange them.

You can exchange money in the banks (for example Banco Azteca, HSBC, Citibanamex) remember to take your passport with you.

There are several banks in the city with ATMs, and in the main square, there are some ATMs where you can take money out easily.

There is a general hospital in Valladolid, as well as doctors, and private clinics.

Valladolid is a very safe city, however, like traveling anywhere it is important to exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your belongings safe.

Yes, there are several grocery stores in Valladolid including Soriana Express, Bodega Aurerra, and Super Chedraui, and there are smaller convenience stores and corner shops.

No, it is not legal to carry an open container and drink alcohol in public in Valladolid.

In supermarkets, you can buy alcohol Monday to Saturday between the hours of 11 AM - 10 PM. On Sunday sales end at 5 PM. You will find that most bars and restaurants will start to close just before 11 PM, after that some bars may stay open later, with a license until 3 AM.

The closing times of the bars and restaurants depend on the license that the business holds. There are many places closed by 11 PM, however, there are some with a license until later at 3 AM.

There are strict laws in place that restrict you from bringing products CBD products from your home country to Mexico.

Cannabis is illegal in Mexico.

If you are traveling from another country that is not Mexico (USD, Canada, UK, Europe, etc.) to Mexico you will need to travel with a passport that has at least 6 months validity, to enter Mexico at the airport/border. You will also need to fill out a visa form before arriving in Mexico, which will be taken when they check your passport at immigration.

No, you should not drink the mains supply water from the tap. Drink only purified water from the garrafons, or buy bottled water. The ice you receive in your drinks from restaurants and bars is made from purified water, as is the ice you buy in bags in supermarkets and convenience stores.

It is recommended to tip in restaurants and bars 15% or more. Check the bill for an added or suggested tip so you don’t tip twice.

Traveling to Valladolid is easy with your pet, with lots of walking options to exercise them. Several accommodation options will allow pets, and there are also some bars and restaurants that welcome them in.

Yes, Valladolid has public transport options available, you can get a taxi around the city. There are also colectivo buses that will take you to different areas outside the city.

Yes, there are some bars with TVs available for you to watch your team or favorite sport while visiting Valladolid.

Yes, there are bars, restaurants, and rooftop lounges with live music for you to enjoy with a drink or a meal.