Why You NEED to VISIT VALLADOLID [2022 Travel Guide]

This week we're traveling to Valladolid, one of the most charming cities in the Yucatan! We can't believe it's taken us this long to get to a town that's only two and a half hours away by car / bus from Mérida, but we're so glad we finally made it here. From it's vibrant colonial architecture, warm people and beautiful parks, we loved every minute here (even with some gray weather) and can't wait to come back and explore some more! If you've been to Valladolid and have any tips for things to do, places to see or restaurants to eat at, please leave them in the comments for your fellow caffeiños!
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0:00 Intro
0:13 Leaving Mérida
2:18 Arriving in Valladolid
3:42 Casa de los Venados
7:16 Elela Cafe
9:01 Parroquia de San Bernardino de Siena
11:01 Calzada de Los Frailes
12:33 Xkopek Bee Park
16:50 Francisco Cantón Rosado Main Park
18:32 Casa Maca
20:27 History of Valladolid
21:10 Yerba Buena
22:28 Convento de San Bernardino de Siena Museum
24:51 Cenote Zaci
26:23 Valladolid Museum
27:07 Iglesia de San Servacio
28:53 Vegan Ice Cream @ Oxxo??
29:44 Travel Tips for Valladolid
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[@TravelWTravis]

What's your favorite thing to do in Valladolid? Let us know!

[@thislifeadventure1447]

Thanks for your videos! We're headed to the Yucatan next month and are looking forward to visiting Vallodolid. Question -- who does your drone work? DId you have any issues using it in Mexico? Cheers and keep the videos coming!

[@PhilipSteeves]

Everything looks so tasteful! I love all those pocket gardens and those courtyard restaurants!

[@darleneenglish5864]

My husband and I found this place years ago. We brought our adult children - they loved it. The center is in an open cave - everyone needs to experience this! Stayed at Hotel El Mesón del Marqués Historic rooms, great food!

[@darleneenglish5864]

Cenote

[@TravelWTravis]

That’s so wonderful! There were so many beautiful hotels we wanted to check out!

[@spunkieboii]

I loved Valladolid on my last visit to the Yucatan region last year! Something that was a highlight for me besides the food and colonial look of the town, was the light show in the San Bernardino de Siena convent. It's a spectacular light show (1 in Spanish and another in English) animations of the history of Valladolid. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@GringoLoco1]

The drone footage adds another, um, dimension to your already fine work! 🤩

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks! We love it so much, it's hard to not film the entire thing from the sky 😂

[@pixiechicy]

OMG, when you were talking after sipping the coffee Travis you looked like John Travolta! In the eyes.

[@TravelWTravis]

🤣 I’ll take it!

[@CulinaryGuide]

Great job fellas. I love all your videos. You make a great team.

[@tomasmundo3367]

One of the best vlogs of Valladolid I have seen. Can't wait to "throw down" there. Casa de Venados looks muy lit. Gracias guys! And as someone else said, when a bird poops on your shoulder it is a good sign.

[@TravelWTravis]

🤣🤣 Thanks Tomas!!

[@tomasmundo3367]

@@TravelWTravis De nada, looking forward to mas.

[@patricialaureles9475]

That cenote is so BEAUTIFUL! It has like cave-in spiral path, it's amazing

[@TravelWTravis]

Right?! Can’t wait to get in it!

[@andercoyote4170]

You guys make some of the best travel videos on the Tube. Thx so much!!!

[@margaretwheeler8681]

Thank you guys for the recommendation for Casa de Los Vendados. Without your video, we would have missed this. Truly a memorable home and heartwarming experience.

[@TravelWTravis]

So glad you liked it!!

[@yvonnefischer28]

Thank you again for a wonderful adventure 💖 I loved the museums and the 🐝 bee place. That would be awesome camping!! I learn so much from you guys. You are both so sweet and funny. I was late catching your video drop as I was listening to David's music 🎵🎶 OMG what a voice you have!!! I loved your Adore so much! Can't wait to see your next adventure 💖

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks so much!!

[@uliseszarate6561]

Great video as usual guys and once again I want to commend you for reading up and giving informative facts about the places you visit. And yeah, when you mispronounced Valladolid at the beginning I was going to comment on that but you two in true Cafe con Leche form corrected yourselves! : ) On that note, let me correct your pronunciation of Chichen Itza. The accent or stress is on the second syllable in both words and thus the correct way to say it is chiCHÉN itZÁ ; ) Big abrazos to you both and please keep going 'cause I'm loving your content!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah thanks so much!! And after we edited we realized we *also* butchered Chichén Itzá so thanks for the tip!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@uliseszarate6561]

You guys are truly an inspiration. Keep it up!

[@brandianderson287]

Just want to thank you!! Such a good vine you Two have. Everytime i watch a video, i come away feeling like ive just had a lovely brunch on the beach w friends. Also great music and tour!!!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah thanks so much for watching!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@spachick2000]

Love your vibe! I’m in Cancun now and was thinking about not going because of some other videos but yours maxed it seem fun. Thanks so much for all the work you put into it.

[@PhilipSteeves]

That restaurant you guys went to looks amazing, the bee park was cool, and that cabin thing looked great!

[@TravelWTravis]

Right?! Thanks so much for watching Philip!!

[@esthercasoluengo2732]

That cenote is wonderful when you go down, the drone was not very fair with its beauty

[@Wanderluster888]

I definitely need somewhere kid friendly to drive to. This looks cool

[@rithagalambos4971]

I'm planning a week in Valladolid in November. Will you 2 please come and be our tour guide. You are awesome. Thank you for this very informative and entertaining video

[@juliea4857]

loved this place when we visited.

[@sophiemarcaurele]

vallAdOlid! 🙃😉 Thanks for the visit! I think Valladolid is a good option for people who find Mérida too big, too dirty, noisy, too expensive. It’s also well-located between Mérida and Cancun, the Centro is much cleaner and pretty, and as you noted, there’s a lot of potential to start little businesses to service the visitors and Mexicans alike. You would have to go much further in Mérida to find a nice, affordable little piece of jungle land! Right across the convento de San Bernardino is a charming little boutique hotel I like called Casa Valentina, with big balconies overlooking the convento or the trees in the quiet yard. It’s definitely a safe base to explore the area, and to relocate to as well. Will you be visiting Izamal next? How about the ruins along the Ruta Puuc? (A bus does the tour from the TAME station in Mérida on Sundays, Uxmal is especially nice) 🤔🤗 🇲🇽

[@TravelWTravis]

Izamal is on our list for sure!

[@niquelamar7973]

I think I want to expat to Valladolid! Could you share more, please?🙏🏾💜💜

[@rubicela3343]

Last summer, my daughter and I also walked in the wrong direction form the bus station in Vallodolid for a bit😅

[@lome28]

Great video and thanks for sharing your Valladolid experience! I love Valladolid (except during the couple of hours when the tour buses from Chichén stop by in the afternoon, which is the reason why I think it is important to spend the night there); there is a beautiful restaurant/garden on Calle de los Frailes called Idilio Folklore Cervecero; while not vegan, it does have some of the best vegan/vegetarian tacos I've ever had.

[@TravelWTravis]

Oooo we’ll have to check it out next time!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@carmensotelo7676]

Thank you for sharing the information you learn from all those new places you visit. Both seem to genuinely enjoy your short trips and it's a pleasure to hear you talk about your discoveries and brief history info. You're also a cute couple.

[@lose999]

I love that Mexico is so colorful. Every building looks cheerful and inviting. You always seems to find the coolest little places to explore.

[@ishastrega6851]

There's a sound and light show in Spanish and then English at the Parroquia de San Bernardino after dark that tells the history of the Mayans and the arrival of the Spanish and the eventual "caste wars" for history lovers.

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah we tried to go but it wasn’t playing the night we went for some reason - we’ll have to go back!

[@urveca]

Very informative!

[@tecoboy]

Hi Cafeiños! Fun video…. Thank you! Love today’s very detail video… Great and useful information. As always, be safe and stay healthy!

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@letsgrabcoffee]

OMG! I love 💕 the place already, I must visit when next I am in Mexico.

[@joemvasquez6889]

You guys are GREAT !, thanks for all the tips.

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Joe!

[@jessy_e]

Fantastic editing, Travis! This was great

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks so much Jessica!

[@lose999]

Once again, the music is also wonderful.

[@lailja21]

You guys are really getting good at this!! Thank you

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@flyyymamatravels5585]

I am in love with this channel! Thanks for all of the information!!

[@TravelWTravis]

Aw thanks so much!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Great video you guys. Loved the choice of music. It s very relaxing to listen and watch. A lot of info to take in and of course very much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your destinations. Love😍

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Armando!

[@m.susanlight9235]

Happy to see you discovering one of Mexico's Pueblo Magicos. They are truly magical! I sincerely believe one of the best things the Mexican government has ever done is the designation/protection of these beautiful places.

[@TravelWTravis]

Truth!

[@chilangomex]

Hello guys! Love your videos. You know, in Mexico if a bird poops on you it is considered good luck 🍀👍🏻!

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha we’ve heard now!

[@saus675]

Wow, lovely.

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@napanest1019]

Loved this video and seeing Valladolid again. Those pancakes looked so delish. Enjoy your blogs so much.

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Ann!

[@artemisapelaez6902]

Great video Guys and l love how you are using the drone!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks! (We love flying it!)

[@vivvv]

Beautiful town… We went very briefly yesterday for a quick tour and we can’t wait to go back to stay a couple days. You guys are a great resource for us visiting Merida! Thanks for all you post!

[@TravelWTravis]

Oh we’re so glad you enjoyed yourselves - isn’t it charming?? Thanks so much for watching and supporting!

[@tashalyn3232]

David,your face when the bird pooped on your should!!!! I couldn't stop laughing 🤣. Great video as always!!!!!

[@TravelWTravis]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@cann9155]

Nice. Another hidden gem. ❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 That was so good y'all. I learn something new every single video. Thank you.

[@TravelWTravis]

You're so welcome! Thanks so much for always being so supportive!

[@riseupbloom9836]

Another well done, informative and enjoyable video! I’ve driven through Valladolid on my way to Playa. It looks lovely! The online coffee sounds amazing… except I don’t drink it! Get something in there for us tea drinkers!😊Great job guys!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah we’ll work on some tea. Thanks so much!

[@susanarivera3658]

I enjoyed very much your video !! Very well done !!! Thank you !

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@christaedwards4500]

Great job guys! Tried the coffee link, but said the discount could not be applied, oh well....ordered anyway! Looking forward to the adventure!

[@TravelWTravis]

Oh no! Sorry that didn’t work - thank you so much for the order and we’ll send you a code in your email for the next one!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@amirahaidary4187]

You mentioned not relying on the google map air bnb gives you when arriving to your Airbnb. I agree. I’ve run into that problem. The map from inside the app sent me to the wrong location. The correct location was right around the corner and it cost me two hours waiting for the host to help.

[@cpantoja82]

I adore u guys. Love your videos! Watching u both from Chicago. Xoxo

[@cpantoja82]

Ps... getting pooped by a bird is good luck 😉😁

[@TravelWTravis]

haha thanks Cathy!!

[@DouradaBambina]

Amazing content and presentation

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@carlonoble4903]

Valladolid looks awesome

[@TravelWTravis]

It is!

[@travelingthediaspora7996]

The soundtrack is niiice!

[@TravelWTravis]

Travis bops out when he’s editing 🤣

[@ruthsantiago1745]

What a beautiful place, Love watching your videos

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Ruth!

[@ruthsantiago1745]

@@TravelWTravis bought the coffee ☕️

[@TravelWTravis]

@@ruthsantiago1745 You're the best! Let us know what you think!!

[@tunemistress8433]

You guys get way more rain in Merida than we get in Progreso, but we did get rain the other day. Glad too because we needed it! Not disaster but adventure! A bird pooping on you is good luck. Those pancake breakfasts looked amazing. The little dog who changed his mind about going out once he saw you was pretty cute! - Anne

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha right?! The pancakes were delish and we wanted to steal that adorable dog! ❤️❤️❤️

[@rocioflores2430]

I had to laugh hard because we’ve been lost “walking in the wrong direction” looking for our Airbnb. But hey I call it sightseeing 😂 it’s all part of the adventure. Right?

[@cobblestone977]

When we were in Valladolid in January 2020, we visited a cenote just north of the highway and in town, a young artist making beautiful paper mache alebrijes. I messed and now wish I purchased one.

[@TravelWTravis]

Awwww

[@spitfiremty]

In Mexico is considered good luck when a bird poops on you 😉

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha then we’ll take it!

[@prime8nate]

@@TravelWTravis David used a napkin and really didn't change shirts, right? You can tell me.

[@TravelWTravis]

@@prime8nate haha no he fully changed shirts in the same exact shirt 😂

[@vonnpowell3844]

Great video you two! Packed with tons of information, culture, and gorgeous aerial shots. Do they have any restrictions on drones? Do they have to be registered like they do in the states? Ohhh how I love the rain. Being native to Florida, rain showers are so peaceful. I've been to chichenitza maya ruins, its a must see. Loved the video 🦋🦋🦋

[@TravelWTravis]

So glad you’re liking it! As far as we’ve been told, you don’t have to register the drones under a certain weight (ours is just under the limit). And we think there are *technical* restrictions about not flying around crowds buuuut we see so many other people (and the shots are so cool!) that we just try to be as careful and respectful as possible! 😬🤦‍♂️

[@nnamdi721]

David can sing!!!

[@TravelWTravis]

He sure can!!

[@cynthialopez9950]

Omg I’m glad I found your vids. Would you say it’s a good place to live? Or do y’all like Merida better

[@TravelWTravis]

It's muuuuuch smaller (50K vs. 1 million) and so definitely is more limited in terms of things to do, but it's chaaaaarming and if you're into more small-town vibes, it could be a great place to live!

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

Enjoyable vid and Like David said (15:13) "I appreciated it ALL" LOL How long did it take you to fall asleep on the Collectivo?

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha about two minutes

[@karinamartinez7681]

Hi guys, very nice place. You might want to include some facts about music from the regions you visit. For example, there is a famous and loved musician from Mérida named Armando Manzanero, there is a museum in Merida. Also, one of the greatest and also loved Mexican singers, Pedro Infante, used to visit Merida. Unfortunately, he lost his life in an airplane crash, right downtown. We (Mexicans) love music as much as we love food (tacos) jeje. I very much enjoy your videos, thanks!

[@TravelWTravis]

On great idea! Thanks for those tips - we’ll definitely try to include that as we love music, too!

[@rodcamp4472]

If you think about it, honey is very plant based. Just because bees did some work on it...

[@MoTheTravelingJamaican]

your drone amazon link no longer works, time to update! I'm planning to visit merida real soon so doing al my research thanks for the great vids so far!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah thanks for letting us know!

[@miroslavputnik6606]

Are there low carbs menus available?

[@robinsamy]

I can't wait to visit Valladolid! But that cathedral only faces Rome if you take a reeeeaaaaalllly crazy route around the entire world to get there LOL.

[@TravelWTravis]

haha truth!

[@brussell1626]

You guys are moving so fast you're leaving no foot prints lol, but the the rational is I love all your videos. Keep it coming

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@brussell1626]

@@TravelWTravis thanks for responding so quickly. BTW I been living at Lake Chapala México for three years now..do come and visit soon

[@TravelWTravis]

@@brussell1626 It's on our list!

[@mariagkok4me]

ok call me dumb, but where do i find the coffee??? Great town by the way, going to have to visit that place. Anyway, why am i unable to find the button to order some coffee? Never mind, i just found your link and got me some coffee!

[@TravelWTravis]

haha not dumb at all! If you click on this link, you'll save 10% off your first order (it'll automatically be applied at checkout!): bit.ly/TenOffCuentame

[@Mr-lw7gy]

This looks awesome. How are you all finding such nice airbnbs? We have stayed at a few in Yucatán with, um, mixed results. I feel like you got a secret method :)

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha we scour the reviews and hope for the best! 🤷‍♂️🤞😬

[@pennykamkourkong6076]

Do you walk to bike to see the city?

[@niquelamar7973]

How far away from Progresso is Valladolid? Also, is it a good city to live in with children?

[@lvncsr6166]

Is decaf coffee available?

[@TravelWTravis]

Not yet but we’re working on it!

[@goldvideo]

Fun fact: Valladolid España is known to have the best Spanish in the Iberian Peninsula. I'm not sure it's as pretty as Valladolid México but the people sure have a nice accent 😃.

[@shiroumxm2052]

valladolid España is obviously better, its a city in amore developed country.. this Valladolid here in México is a town

[@miguelangelquezada6404]

Hey, in Mexico it’s a belief that if a bird poops on you it’s good luck.

[@TravelWTravis]

🤣

[@jessy_e]

“It’s like a little bit of fun with a little bit of disaster.” 😂

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha always

[@rhyslud]

Production question: In the shots where we see both of you walking, do you just leave your camera set up across the street? Do you enlist someone to watch it for you? Do you lock it? Or do you only set it up in uber-safe locations?

[@TravelWTravis]

haha great question! We have the Sony ZV1 which has a little tripod remote thing, so we just prop that up wherever we're at and wander away. Most places are super safe and no one is going to steal it - we even have had people run after us, wanting to let us know we forgot our camera!

[@rhyslud]

I don't think you could get away with that in the San Francisco Bay Area.

[@rhyslud]

Not where I live in Richmond for sure.

[@artemisapelaez6902]

I want to order coffee ☕

[@TravelWTravis]

Great! Use this link for 10% off your first order: bit.ly/TenOffCuentame (it'll be automatically applied in your cart!)

[@jeffbeeman5131]

Of course, love you guys and all of your awesome videos! I see you're tasting Honey, I thought you were vegan! :) Of course, no judgment, just curious. Gay and Vegan in Vallarta!

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha yes, we don’t mind honey as long as it’s ethically farmed and this place was great!

[@dreamydaze]

Ok seriously, I need to connect with you two. I will be relocating to Mexico in the next year....my partner doesn't know it yet! LOL although he does want to g move to Mexico, he has lived in South Affrica and other countries, and he wants to go in on another 5 years. I can't wait and I may have to go ahead of him! So what I need to know if you know of other men that would be willing to relocate with me as a roommateroommate? Or how to go about to find someone who might be of similar ilk that could be a good same-sex roomate?

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha we’re not sure how you’d go about that - maybe ask in the Facebook expat groups? Someone might be in there that’s in the same boat?

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

HMU I’m right there with ya...

[@irenemassey6292]

The outpouring of Europeans tourists is because the tour package includes chechintza and Valladolid

[@prime8nate]

Wouldn't the biggest "spark" of the revolution be Dolores Hidalgo? A bit north of San Miguel de Allende. The famous Grito de Hidalgo, right? Great video, as always.

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah yes! So many sparks but we forgot to include the biggest one!

[@prime8nate]

@@TravelWTravis I think you can still get a good fire going with the other sparks ha ha.

[@mariobruyere9169]

Not VallOdalid but VallAdolid! Jajajaja

[@TravelWTravis]

Haha yes - we corrected ourselves at the end. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@miguelangelquezada6404]

Why is everyone going in the wrong direction?… oh… it’s us.

[@JaimeBurciaga]

If Mérida is The White City, Valladolid is The Yellow Town.

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Nah, the yellow town - officially - is nearby Izamal, another gorgeous little pueblo. In fact, I hope they visit there as well! 🤔🤗

[@TravelWTravis]

It’s on our list for sure!

[@massivecumshot]

Do you guys find that certain apps in Mexico BREAK at various times of the day? Seems like one reason for this is they don't use parallel systems for backup or consistent maintenance windows. If you're a night owl and try to transfer money or buy tour tickets late at night it may be a hit or miss proposition.

[@judithgrace9850]

People please leave. I left at 79. Excellent No problems in Querétaro Move out of the USA. Relocate. The people. $75k direct deposits. God is in control. 50 -80's best music Move to Querétaro folks, and be safe,clean.cooland

[@letsgrabcoffee]

OMG! I love 💕 the place already, I must visit when next I am in Mexico.

[@TravelWTravis]

Yes!