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Over There - Valladolid |
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 If looking for an interesting day trip, consider taking a drive or bus to Valladolid for the day. Located just 2 a hour drive from Merida, Cancun or the Riviera Maya area, Valladolid is one of the most beautiful cities in the Yucatan. Founded in 1543 by Francisco Montejo, Valladolid also makes a perfect "hub" point for those travelers who have a few days and are interested in visiting several different Mayan ruins.  Because it turns out that Valladolid is central to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Coba. Plus it's just a bonus that the Rio Lagartos and San Felipe ecological reserves are nearby as well.
Filled with majestic churches, old mansions and buildings that speak of times of conquest, a Spanish heritage and the indigenous Mayan past, Valladolid's rich historical legacy is carried on proudly by its friendly people who open their doors daily for visitors to get a glimpse of one of the Yucatan's most beautiful Colonial cities.
| History & Spanish Influence |
 Valladolid played an important role in the conquest and holds a special place in the heart of all Mayan people because the area's natives refused to accept Spanish dominion. When conquistadors arrived, the area was known to Mayan's as "Saci" (white hawk in Maya) and was a major political and religious center of the lords of the noble Mayan house of Cupul. Because of its importance, Saci was home to other Mayan nobles as well such as the Cupules of Conil and Cocones of Satuta who were not at all interested in being dominated by Spaniards and refused to subjugate themselves to their rule.
 However, with time the entire Yucatan Peninsula was finally conquered by Montejo and after the difficult war on the Cupules of Conil he built Valladolid right on top of the Mayan temples of Saci. Montejo called his new headquarters Valladolid, after the city of the same name in Spain is where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were married. Interestingly enough the Spanish Government has recently deemed Valladolid as one of the most authentic Spanish cities in the Americas and has granted large sums of money to aid in its preservation.
Valladolid is the second oldest city in the Yucatan and its narrow streets and aged buildings give testiment to a glorious past that even bore witness to the War of the Castes. Today Valladolid is known as a city that carries its rich legacy quietly in the tourism sector so not much is ever publicized about it. But upon arrival visitors will find a thriving commercial center that has been critical to the Yucatan's development throughout the years.
| Accomodations in Valladolid |
Use INSIDER'S Search & Reservation Tool for the best Valladolid hotel prices available!
NOTE: Sometimes the hotels are very small and are not registered in our master database. In case nothing comes up in the search box, listed below are a few of the small but wonderful hotels in Valladolid!
Please tell them Sherri at Cozumelinsider sent you! ;-)
Some wonderful little places in Valladolid ~
 Hacienda Sanchez
Calle 23 x 40 y 42
985-856-5212
51 rooms/suites
Hotel Zaci
Calle 44 #193 x 39
985-856-2167
60 rooms
Maria de la Luz
Calle 42 #191 x 37 y 39
985-856-2018
40 rooms
Casa Quetzal
Calle 51 #218-C x 50 y 52
985-856-4796
El Meson del Marques
Calle 39 # 203 x 40 y 42
985-856-3042
90 rooms
BY AIR
The Kahua Airstrip is 20 minutes away from Valladolid.
Check local air charter companies for potential prop plane service.
BY BUS
Several buslines leave hourly from Merida, Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen going to Valladolid.
Check with local bus lines for current departure times and pricing.
BY CAR
When driving, the Merida-Valladolid-Cancun highway is the main highway connecting the city to the rest of the country by Federal Highway 180. Several highways now connect with 180 from the major cities of the southeast like Campeche, Merida, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
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Great Activities on the Mainland to Reserve Online with Us!
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 Design Your Very Own Custom Mainland Tour! |
| Tired of visiting the sights as part of the "herd?"
Not seeing an excursion that exactly fits how you'd like to spend your day on the mainland?
No problem! COZUMELINSIDER can custom design a mainland excursion just for you and your group!
From US$168
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| Cancun - Rio Secreto Expedition |
| Dare to live a fantastic experience in one of the most incredible locations in the Riviera Maya that begins in the moment you arrive at the Natural Reserve.
US$ 99 Adult / US$ 99 Child
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| Cancun - Sian Ka'an Wilderness Adventure |
| Come to this adventure tour and visit “Sian Ka’an", the beautiful and impressive Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Sian Ka'an means 'Origin of the Sky' in the Maya language. Cross unspoiled wetlands by boat, watching how the ecosystems and colors change.
US$ 146 Adult / US$ 102.20 Child
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| Isla Mujeres - Dolphin Royal Swim & Manatees |
| Includes Dolphin Royal Swim, Manatees or Sea Lions (15 min.), Sea Transportation R/T, Dock Fee, Lunch Buffet at location, National Open Bar, Fantasy Snorkel (stingrays and sharks), Bicycle Tour, Isla Mujeres downtown tour
This most popular program can be described in two words: "action" and "speed". Get a handshake, a kiss and then you give them one. Feel the strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet in the thrilling foot-push. It is "the experience of a lifetime!"
US$129 Adults & Children
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| Isla Mujeres - Dolphin Royal Swim + Garrafon Park Discovery |
| Includes Dolphin Royal Swim, Sea Transportation R/T, Dock Fee, Lunch Buffet at location, National Open Bar, Fantasy Snorkel (stingrays and sharks), Bicycle Tour, Isla Mujeres downtown tour. Towels and zip line access for additional fees.
US$159 Adults & Children
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| Isla Mujeres - Dolphin Royal Swim + Royal Garrafon Park ALL INCLUSIVE |
| Includes Round trip ferry transportation Cancun - Isla Mujeres from the ferry pier El embarcadero, Full Breakfast, Transportation Garrafon-Discovery Island-Garrafon, Dolphin Royal Swim program at Discovery Island, International open bar on board and Domestic open bar at the Park Garrafon.
Buffet lunch at Garrafon, Snorkel equipment, life jacket, kayaks, hammocks, pool, showers, trepachanga (two lines to cross a body water), marine platforms, lockers and towels, Bicycle tour, Zip line & climbing tower & Isla Mujeres shopping tour
US$199 Adult / US$179 Child
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| Isla Mujeres - Garrafon Park Discovery |
| Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers you the best Isla Mujeres tour since the moment you board our ship. Here you will find the perfect blend of pleasant relaxation in the great Garrafon facilities and contact with the exotic marine life when snorkeling at the Great Maya Reef, the second largest coral barrier in the world.
US$69 Adult / US$50 Child
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| Riviera Maya - Dolphin Royal Swim Program |
| This most popular program can be described in two words: "action" and "speed". Get a handshake, a kiss and then you give them one. Feel the strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet in the thrilling foot-push. It is "the experience of a lifetime!"
US$129 Adults & Children
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| Riviera Maya - Rio Secreto Expedition |
| Dare to live a fantastic experience in one of the most incredible locations in the Riviera Maya!
US$ 89 Adult / US$ 89 Child
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| Riviera Maya - Sea Life Discovery Plus |
| See them all!! Dolphin Discovery's Sea Life Discovery program provides a unique opportunity for some playful, educational interaction with amazing sea animals like manatees, dolphins and sea lions.
US$169 Adults & Children
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| Cozumel Whale Shark Snorkel Adventures |
| Spectacular whale shark snorkel experience!
Personal service from a professional guide who escorts guests the entire way!
US$ 210 per person
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Cancun - Sian Ka'an Wilderness Adventure
Isla Mujeres - Garrafon Park Discovery
Design Your Very Own Custom Mainland Tour!
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