Should you stay or should you go?

As much as I’ve enjoyed Mexico on repeat, it’s crazy to think that after 2 years and like 8 trips, it’s only natural to assume I’ve been to Chichen Itza, right? WRONG!! Well, in my defense, Chichen Itza is in another state of Mexico entirely, heck, it’s a different time zone so I always felt it needed a dedicated trip to make it worthwhile. Well then, I’m happy to report, we finally made it and it was worth the drive, but unfortunately the closer local stay, well… not so much.

If you’re looking to venture to Chichen Itza on your own instead of a tour group, you’ve likely heard about the ‘obligatory’ stop in Valladolid. Well, before you commit, let me give you another point of view to consider; because while this colonial town in the Yucatan Peninsula might seem like an attractive destination on the surface, there are several reasons why you might want to think twice. The quaint town of Valladolid might not live up to your vacation expectations.

Overpriced, Underwhelming Dining Experience

Like most of our trips to Mexico, I was sure I'd get to enjoy some good eats. Heck, it's one of the focuses of our pre-trip research. Unfortunately, Valladolid might leave your taste buds wanting more. Despite the plethora of dining options, many establishments in the town serve food and drinks that are simply... okay. What's worse, the prices don't always reflect the quality. Prepare to shell out more pesos than you'd expect for a meal that fails to leave a lasting impression. From bland tacos to lackluster cocktails, Valladolid's dining scene might leave you feeling unsatisfied and lighter in the wallet. Usually, I'd say go for the 'hole in the wall' local spot, but honestly, the best one we found was about a 10-15 minute walk from the center. This isn't too bad until you realize that you'll be hungry again by the time you make it back.

Lack of Evening Entertainment

Looking to spice up your evenings? ummm, not here. Valladolid's evening scene leaves much to be desired, with limited options for entertainment once the sun sets. Unlike bustling cities that come alive after dark, Valladolid seems to quiet down early, leaving visitors with little to do once dinner is over. We walked around for what seemed like forever, with nothing really pulling us in for excitement. This town is more of a pit stop for weary travelers en route to or from Chichen Itza rather than a destination and hangout spot. Don't get me wrong, there are a few things to do, I mean, Hello- it's a town with locals ready to party and unwind. It's just not as lively. Much more laid-back and chill vibes. Grown folks looking to have a few drinks be unbothered, this may just be the vibe.

Tourist Trap Vibes

While Valladolid boasts charming colonial architecture and a rich cultural heritage, it's hard to shake off the feeling that the town is primarily a tourist pit stop. Many of the attractions cater to day-trippers visiting nearby landmarks like Chichen Itza, rather than offering authentic experiences for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture. As a result, Valladolid can feel somewhat lacking in authenticity, with a focus on catering to the needs of passing tourists rather than fostering genuine connections with visitors. The city center is flooded with tour buses by mid-morning and again in the afternoon. The 5 o'clock crowd is serious! The streets are packed with buses, people and the street performers are out in full force to entertain.

Hidden Gems Hard to Find

Sure, there are a few bright spots amidst the mediocrity, they're just a bit tougher to find. There's an open air Cenote right in the city, about a 10 -minute walk from the city center park. Great for cooling off midmorning.

Every evening from about 9:30-11:00pm they close off the main road in front of the church allowing for a nightly audio/visual projected history of Valladolid. The story itself doesn't take an hour and a half, just giving the timespan for you to keep in mind in case you want to find a prime spot in the park. They present in Spanish and English making it an inclusive opportunity to learn more. Our hotel room wasn't too far off from the center, so we could see the lights from our balcony, some hotels or open-air bars in the area may offer great vantage points as well.

Just to the left of the church is a small restaurant called 'El Atrio' which has both indoor and outdoor open air seating. We only had breakfast there which wasn't bad, but the food and drinks were a bit pricier than expected. There's also a spot that can best be described as a college bar tucked away just off the main road from the park. You've got drinks, music and wings, what else could you ask for? When compared to the other places to eat we found, we were left wishing this spot was open for breakfast too. Wings in the morning would have been so much better.

Would I Go Back?

All in all, Valladolid might appeal to some travelers I'd say set your expectations low since you aren't likely to be 'blown away' by anything here. Now, this could be because of the days of the week we were there, but even thinking of it that way, are people likely to leave the better-known 'party towns' to come here? Between the overpriced dining options to a lack of evening entertainment, the town is a perfect pitstop but not a sleepover and stay type town in my opinion. So, I think I'll pass on a repeat trip. Ultimately, if you're looking for an authentic Mexican experience with vibrant nightlife, great food and IG worthy photo spots, you should consider exploring other towns like Mexico City, Tulum or Cancun to name a few.