Mérida to valladolid route: what to see and where to eat

Route through Yucatán: from Mérida to Valladolid, What to Visit and Where to Stop to Eat

If you are thinking of discovering Yucatán by car, the route between Mérida and Valladolid, Yucatán is a classic that cannot be missing from your itinerary.

Valladolid is a destination rich in colonial history, with a strategic location, cenotes, and proximity to archaeological zones.

With car rental from Hertz Mexico, you will make the most of this route: you can stop wherever you want, adjust times, and move around without relying on public transport.

Start planning your trip!

How to Get from Mérida to Valladolid by Car?

The route from Mérida to Valladolid is one of the easiest and most pleasant to do by car, especially if you plan a tour with several stops.

It is approximately 163 km, which is usually completed in 1 hour and 50 minutes via the Mérida-Cancún toll highway (Highway 180D).

This is the fastest option: the road is straight, with several sections surrounded by low jungle, clear signage, good lighting at key points, and booths where you can pay with cash or card.

From the highway, the detour to Valladolid, Yucatán, is perfectly marked and leaves you a few minutes from the historic center.

If you prefer a more local experience, the free Mérida-Valladolid highway (Federal Highway 180) is an excellent alternative.

Although the journey is a bit longer, it has a lot of charm:

• It passes through Mayan towns such as Teya, Cacalchén, Ekmul, Sotuta, and Kantunil, where traditional houses, community markets, and artisanal bakeries are seen.
• On the sides of the road, you will find stalls with fruits, handmade tortillas, and marquesitas, typical of the region.
• There are several sections with welcome arches marking the entrance to the towns and small colonial churches, ideal for a brief stop.

In addition, the car journey gives you the advantage of stopping at some of the best cenotes between Mérida and Valladolid.

Along the road, you will find signposted detours to places like:

• Cenotes of Homún and Cuzamá, famous for their deep blue color.
• Cenote Yokdzonot, managed by a local cooperative with a restaurant and rest area.
• Cenotes X’kekén and Samulá, near Dzitnup and popular for their naturally illuminated underground vaults.

You can also take detours to the Route of the Convents, such as the former Franciscan convent of Maní or the convent of Izamal, one of the most photogenic "Pueblos Mágicos" in Yucatán, completely painted yellow.

By renting a car in Mérida, you will be able to take this fascinating road trip and get to know the corners that exist between both cities.

What to Do in Valladolid, Yucatán?

Arriving in Valladolid, Yucatán, is meeting one of the most authentic and complete destinations in the Mexican southeast.

The city combines colonial history, Mayan traditions, local gastronomy, and natural scenarios, making it an essential stop on any road route between Mérida and Cancún.

Whether you visit for a day or choose it as a base to explore the region, you cannot miss the multiple activity options the city offers you.

• Tour the center of Valladolid: its streets, colonial architecture, San Servacio Church, the main square, and corners are ideal for photographs, walks, and quiet coffees.
• Visit Cenote Zací, located in the center of the city: it is semi-open, with crystal clear waters, stalactites, local fauna, and easy access from any point in Valladolid. It is ideal for a refreshing dip without leaving the city.
• Explore the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena: one of the most emblematic monuments of Valladolid. Its 16th-century architecture and ancient corridors will allow you to better understand the region's history.
• Use Valladolid as a base for excursions: from the city, you can visit Mayan ruins, nearby cenotes, or neighboring towns. Its location allows planning car routes to other points in the state, something perfect if you have time and want to explore beyond the urban area.

Gastronomy of Valladolid, Yucatán: Suggestions and Recommended Stops

Traveling by car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want to eat, rest, or change plans.

In Valladolid, there are options for all tastes!

• Eat at the local market or in traditional inns (fondas) to taste typical dishes such as panuchos, salbutes, cochinita pibil, chaya puree, regional food, and traditional snacks (antojitos).
• Try typical Yucatecan desserts and sweets, or artisanal ice creams to refresh yourself.
• If you plan a way to cenotes or rural sites, you can stop at small restaurants or stalls outside the city, combining nature, the road, and local flavor.

Recommended 2-3 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Leave early from Mérida to make the most of the day and arrive in Valladolid around 9 or 10 in the morning.

Start with a quiet tour of the historic center: walk through the main square, admire the Church of San Servacio, the colonial facades, and the arcades full of local life.

At noon, visit Cenote Zací. After the dip, look for some regional Yucatecan food option and end the afternoon resting in your local hotel or inn.

If you still have energy, you can go to the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena for a sunset visit or to enjoy the night show (if available during your travel season).

Day 2

After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring the surroundings.

You can choose between nearby cenotes like X’Kekén and Samulá, ideal if you want to swim in calm waters surrounded by rock formations.

If you prefer something more cultural, drive to an archaeological zone, such as Ek Balam, which is only 30 minutes away and is less crowded than other Mayan sites.

Return to Valladolid in the afternoon to rest or take another walk through the center.

At night, have dinner in the city or dare to visit a nearby town to enjoy a more local atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.

Day 3

Take advantage of the morning to walk leisurely through Valladolid. It is the perfect time to explore shops, artisan workshops, chocolate shops, markets, and cooperatives, where you will find authentic Mayan textiles, hammocks, embroidery, and crafts.

At noon, start the return to Mérida or continue your route to your next destination, whether it is Cancún, Tulum, Chichén Itzá, or a town in the interior of Yucatán.

The route from Mérida to Valladolid represents one of the best ways to get to know Yucatán.

If you decide to travel with the best car rental agency, the experience becomes even more comfortable, flexible, and full of possibilities.

Travel calmly and let yourself be surprised by the authentic Yucatecan magic!