Which is better to visit, Valladolid or Izamal?

Valladolid and Izamal are both tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula. They both offer colonial charm, a more authentic look at the local culture, good value and a pleasant experience. But if you have to choose between one or the other, which one is the best? It depends on where you are traveling to and how much time you have. After visiting these two colonial towns many times, here is our opinion about visiting Izamal and Valladolid.

Which is better for a day trip?

If you are staying in Merida, Izamal is closer and makes for an easy daytrip. If you are in the Riviera Maya, Valladolid is better because the drive is nearly half the time. If you go to Izamal, it is about 3 hours each way and that really eats up a day with 6 hours of travel time.

If you base your decision just on what attractions there are and unique things to see, we will say Izamal is better. Things are close together and it is easy to walk around and see some really cool things. Izamal has pyramids inside the town. One of the largest on the peninsula is there and is free to climb up and get a 360-degree view of the area. Valladolid has a lot to see as well, but Izamal has more unique things and is less crowded, making it a little more enjoyable to look around.

If you do go to Izamal for the day, we do recommend spending the night. You get a real feel for the town and its laidback way of life. Sometimes during the day, it can feel a little busy with people out and about and a few tourists around. It is much quieter in the evening, and you would get a chance to go out to a local restaurant and take in the atmosphere.

Izamal Yucatan Mexico — The pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo in Izamal.

Which is better for a couple of days, Izamal or Valladolid?

Because Izamal is a small town (population 17,841), there is enough to see and do here for a day, but you do run out of options and things to see when you plan multiple days in Izamal. There are also not that many things close to Izamal for side trips. For this reason, we recommend Valladolid for any more than one night.

Valladolid (population of 56,494) has more things to see and things just outside of the town to also take in. The restaurant scene in town is also growing. You can find everything from gourmet restaurants to local taco carts. Valladolid offers many more side trips as well. Both Ek Balam and Chichen Itza ruins are close, and Valladolid is often the jumping off point to see both of these. There are also many cenotes around Valladolid, some of which are beautiful and receive less visitors.

Valladolid restaurants — A colonial setting on the main plaza in Valladolid.

What is there to see in Valladolid?

Valladolid, located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is a captivating destination steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and rich Maya heritage, Valladolid offers visitors an authentic Mexican experience. Wander through the charming streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, visit the iconic Cathedral of San Gervasio, or explore nearby archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the cenotes dotting the surrounding landscape, perfect for swimming and diving adventures. With its warm hospitality, delicious regional cuisine, and proximity to top attractions, Valladolid Yucatan beckons travelers seeking an unforgettable journey into Mexico’s diverse and enchanting soul.

Some of the other highlights of visiting Valladolid is the shopping for local made things, Casa del los Venados, Frailes Street, the Xkopek Bee Park, and lots of cenotes in and around Valladolid. See our complete guide to visiting Valladolid here.

Our video introduction to Valladolid

Transportation to Valladolid

Valladolid is at the crossroads of the peninsula. This privileged position means it is fairly easy to get a bus, drive or take a train to Valladolid.

Driving from the Riviera Maya means taking the toll highway. The toll is approximate $15 USD. Having a car allows you to park and walk different parts of town. There are also two ruins nearby, Chichen Itza and Ek Balam that are good to see.
By bus Valladolid is very accessible. There are buses almost every hour. Just be sure to check how long it takes. Some buses are more direct, and others make more stops.
The Tren Maya passes by Valladolid. The station is a few minutes outside of town and connected by bus or taxi. If you are arriving by train from the Riviera Maya, you will have to go to Cancun and then continue one from there. Check the schedule to make sure the same train is continuing onward to Valladolid.

So, what is there to see in Izamal?

Izamal Yucatan is known as the yellow city and for good reason. You will find this charming colonial town awash in the color yellow. Izamal is also known as the city of hills for the ancient Maya temples that dot the town. these two facts make this an interesting place to visit among other things. Putting this city on your tour plans of the Yucatan will reward you with a visit to a unique place.

We like visiting this town because it is unique. It has a lot to offer the visitor, and the residents have kept up with preserving the history and culture of the area.

Enjoy the yellow color of Izamal, the Mayan ruins, the market, and the Convento de San Antonio. See our full article about visiting Izamal here for more details.

Our video introduction to Izamal

Transportation to Izamal

Driving from the Riviera Maya takes about 3 hours. You will need to take the 180-toll highway where you will have two tolls. Once you are in Izamal, you can walk most places in town.
Bus transportation is all connected to other towns by local buses. There is not direct service from the Riviera Maya. We do not recommend planning a trip by bus to Izamal. You would first need a bus to Valladolid and then a local bus to Izamal. It would take close to 4 hours or more to reach Izamal.
The Tren Maya does service Izamal. The station is outside of the town and connected by a local bus or taxi.

Conclusion

Both options, Valladolid and Izamal are great towns to visit. There are many cute gift shops with local artisanal items, regional food in the restaurants and they both give you a good feel of the Yucatan. We hope you get to visit one of these towns or both on your vacation in the area. They are both well worth a visit!