Hotel Zentik Project: Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
- Naureen Chhipa
- May 25
- 12 min read
The Yucatan Peninsula is full of adventures. We found Valladolid's small town the ideal midpoint spot for all the activities we wanted to cover. We were lucky to discover the perfect nook to recoup and relax after long days of exploring, Hotel Zentik Project, a gem in the middle of a small quaint town full of local tradition, colonial architecture, and colorful houses. Eating and exploring at Hotel Zentik Project (they have an underground mineral salt cave pool) was also one of our favorite things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.
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After renting our car and spending a day in Cancun, we drove two hours west to the small, friendly town of Valladolid. This charming town was the perfect midpoint for the places we wanted to visit, cutting our drive time in half while exploring the YucatƔn Peninsula.
Valladolid was the perfect midpoint for the places we wanted to visit, cutting our drive time in half while exploring the YucatƔn Peninsula.
Hotel Zentik Project: Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
Table of Contents
Is Valladolid, Mexico, Worth Visiting?
Yes! Valladolid is perfect for travelers looking to experience local, authentic Mexican vibes. During our road trip through the area, it was one of the least touristy towns we visited in the Yucatan Peninsula. The small town is charming, and it's a great mid-point to see one of the most famous Unesco world heritage sites in MexicoāChichen Itza.
Where Is Valladolid
Valladolid is situated east of MĆ©rida, the state capital, and west of Cancun, making it a convenient halfway point between the two. It's only a 45-minute drive to Chichen Itza and is our preferred town for visitors who want to explore the pink lakes at Las Coloradas.
How Far Is Valladolid From Cancun? How To Get To Valladolid
How To Get To Valladolid From Cancun
My favorite was driving! We rented a car using Discover Cars, a search engine that finds the best rental car deals. We loved renting a car because it gave us the luxury of traveling at our own pace. So, if we wanted to stay longer in a town or leave earlier, time was never an issue. Click here for more information on car rentals in Mexico and for the latest prices.
Suppose you don't want to drive but still want to visit Valladolid from Cancun in a small group setting. In that case, my favorite Yucatan guided day trip from Cancun will take you to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a Cenote Swim with lunch included. This day tour is excellent for those with less time who want to experience the local side of Mexico and visit major landmarks. What's neat about taking a city walking tour is that you get to learn from a local guide about Mexican culture. We enjoy taking tours every time we travel as we immerse ourselves deeper in the culture. Guided tours are one of our favorite things to do whenever we visit a new city, town, or village. Click here for more information and the latest guided tour prices from CancĆŗn to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenotes.
If you want to take the local route, you can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid. Public transportation in the Yucatan Peninsula is constant and efficient, with many options. Travel time will depend on traffic, but a good estimate is about 1.5 hours to travel from Cancun to Valladolid using public transportation.
How To Get From Playa del Carmen to Valladolid
With a rental car, the distance between Playa del Carmen and Valladolid is about 1 hr and 45 minutes. Click here now for the latest prices on car rentals in Playa del Carmen.
For Guided tours, you can take a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a Cenote stop, with pickup and lunch included. Click here for more information and the latest prices on guided day trips from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid and Chichen Itza.
Local transportation, such as the main ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Mexico Valladolid, takes approximately 2 hours. If you are taking public transportation, I recommend booking a hotel for the night or even staying a few daysākeep reading to find out about my beautiful stay at Hotel Zentik Project Valladolid.
How To Get From Tulum to Valladolid
The driving time between Tulum and Valladolid is approximately 1.5 hours. Click here for more information on Tulum car rentals and the latest prices.
You can also take a guided tour from Tulum that will pick you up and take you to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a stop at a Cenote all in one day. Click here for more information and the latest prices on a guided tour from Tulum to Chichen Itza and Valladolid.
The ADO bus from Tulum to Valladolid's main square takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the departure point.
How Far Is Valladolid From Chichen Itza?
āŖļøDriving from Valladolid to Chichen Itza will take you approximately 45 minutes. āŖļøThe local ADO bus makes a direct trip and takes about 50 minutes. āŖļøYou can also turn your trip from Valladolid to Chichen Itza into a day trip with a guided tour! Click here for more information and the latest prices on guided tours to Chichen Itza.
Is Valladolid, Mexico Safe?
We found Mexico to be a safe country to visit. We spent a total of 18 days there and never had any issues driving, using public transportation, taxis, or even walking the streets. Of course, we were always alert of our surroundings, never wore jewelry or anything too flashy, and rented a regular, common-looking car. Valladolid was no exception. We found the streets of Valladolid, Mexico, safe to walk, even at night, and never had any issues.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Valladolid, Mexico?
Best Time to Visit Valladolid, Mexico for Weather:
ā«ļøNovember to April: This is the best time to visit, with pleasant/ cooler weather ideal for walking and exploring iconic landmarks like the world heritage site of Chichen Itza.
ā«ļøMay to June: This is a good time to visit. You'll find occasional showers, as this is the start of the rainy season in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, but the crowds are less, and the prices for hotels are also lower, making it an ideal time for budget travelers. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, allowing you to enjoy some amazing day trips and visit refreshing cenotes to swim in warmer weather for an unforgettable trip!
ā«ļøJuly to October: This is my least favorite time to visit. The weather is hot and humid.
Best Time to Visit Valladolid, Mexico for Festivals:
āŖļøJanuary to February: Valladolid Fest
āŖļøFebruary to March: Carnival
Best Time to Visit Valladolid, Mexico for Foodies:
ā«ļøMarch: Yucatan Food Fest
How Long Should I Stay In Valladolid?
How Many Days To Spend In Valladolid, Mexico
We spent 5 days in Valladolid, which was perfect for us. We used Valladolid as a hub for nearby day trips to Chichen Itza and Rio Lagartos (Las Coloradas.) If you're not doing day trips, 1 to 2 days is enough time to explore Valladolid and visit nearby Cenotes.
Want to visit Las Coloradas on a guided day trip instead? Here's my Favorite Guided Tour from Valladolid, which includes visits to Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas, Ek Balam, and a Cenote! Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Where To Stay In Valladolid, Mexico
Budget Saline Cave, Spa, Breakfast Included
Hotel Zentik Project, Valladolid, Mexico
Calle 30 no.192c Fernando Novelo, Valladolid, Mexico 97780
We stayed at the Zentik Project Boutique Hotel for five days, and it was one of the highlights of our trip! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a complimentary welcome drink: a local tequila. Surprisingly, this experience turned meāsomeone who usually doesn't drink tequilaāinto a daily margarita enthusiast.Ā Click here for hotel Zentik Project prices.
Zentik Project Hotel (Valladolid) features a unique underground saltwater mineral-heated cave pool, the only one of its kind in all of Mexico. Additionally, there's an outdoor pool perfect for cooling off on hot days. They also offer rooftop yoga on weekends and serve the best breakfast, which is included with your stay at their restaurant, Naino. I highly recommend checking out this beautiful spot! Zentik Project Hotel is the best hotel in Valladolid, Yucatan. And did I mention that it's budget-friendly too?
At the Zentik Project Valladolid, you'll immerse yourself in original artwork created by world-renowned artists. Walking through Zentik feels like you're part of a beautiful, vibrant living art gallery. The outdoor pool showcases a mural by artist Leon Alva from Mexico City, depicting two girlsāperhaps sisters? What captured my attention was that each strand of hair on the girls was painted a different color, culminating in the face of a snake, which echoed the theme present in our room. We stayed in a room just across from the pool featuring the work of artist Johny Alexander from San Diego, California. The entire room was adorned with a giant ouroboros, an ancient symbol that depicts a serpent or dragon consuming its own tail. This symbol represents continuous renewal, something we greatly needed after long days of exploring the Yucatan Peninsula on our road trip.
The Zentik Boutique Hotel features only 10 uniquely decorated rooms. One of my favorite elements is the wall mural in their outdoor restaurant, Naino, which is beautifully illustrated in this picture. The mural was created by artist Rodolfo Baeza from Mexico City, and it has a sense of mystery with a haunting, inviting gaze that I found irresistible.
Dream Catchers are found all throughout Mexico, and Zenkik was no exception. We were surprised to see so many during our three-week stay. According to Indian legends, dreamcatchers are hung before the window, where bad dreams disappear through the holes, and good dreams are captured by precious stones or shells. In Mayan culture, they are used to stray away from bad vibes and bad dreams. Materials used to make most local dream catchers are hammock tread and wild turkey feathers.
For us, staying at Hotel Zentik Project was a great introduction to what was to come from our backpacking adventure. For 5 days, we woke with renewed energy, always surrounded by good vibes and even better food. We may have the ouroboros, dreamcatchers, and attentive, friendly staff to thank for that. Click here for Hotel Zentik Project prices.
Additional Recommended Hotel Stays in Valladolid, Mexico
Mid-Range Breakfast Included with Stay, Friendly Staff, Charm meets Elegance
Cancun C 41x30 N 169 - G, Sta Ana, Valladolid, Mexico 97784
Olbil Boutique Hotel provides modern accommodations in an eco-friendly setting. With a friendly staff dedicated to ensuring you have a wonderful stay and delicious culinary delights from their in-house restaurant, the hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere. We found Olbil Boutique Hotel an excellent choice for those seeking an elevated experience without overspending. For more information and the latest prices, click here.
Luxury Jungle Stay, Private Pool, Romantic Get-Away
Carretera Libre MĆ©rida, Valladolid km.3.5. Entroque a, Dzitnup, 97780 Yucatan, Mexico
When jungle meets luxury, Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas provides complete seclusion while remaining in a prime location in Valladolid. Some rooms even feature private pools. This hotel is ideal for couples, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Your stay includes breakfast, private parking, and bicycles to explore the charming town of Valladolid. ā Valladolid Hotel Yucatan ā
Best Restaurants in Valladolid, Mexico
Where To Eat in Valladolid, Mexico
Naino Restaurant
Naino is the restaurant inside Hotel Zentik Project, and I enjoyed all my meals thereāfrom breakfast to a mid-day swim and a margarita (there's a buzzer in the underground cave pool where you can order margaritas, and they bring them right down for you!) Even dinner was a great experience here. If you don't stay at Zentik Project, you can still book a Zentik Project Day Pass and enjoy the mineral pool or make a reservation to dine at Naino.
Restaurante Ahal
Ahal can be found inside Hotel Peregrina Mahana. What we loved about Ahal were the seating options; you can opt to sit indoors or outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Ahal also serves good cocktails and vegetarian dishes. Prices and portion sizes are good at Ahal, and my favorite part is that on some nights, they have live music, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the nightlife in Valladolid. ā Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico at Night ā
El MesĆ³n del MarquĆ©s
El Meson del Marques is a beautiful restaurant with a stunning inner courtyard that creates a charming atmosphere. The restaurant offers excellent cocktails and traditional Mexican dishes. For us, dining alfresco was one of the top things to do in Valladolid, Mexico. The relaxing atmosphere in this town is laid back and does not feel touristy compared to other locations. Meson del Marques is also a hotel for those looking to spend the night.
Top Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico
What To See in Valladolid | Valladolid Things to Do
Valladolid is a relatively small townāyou can see most of it in a day! We love Valladolid because its location makes it an excellent hub for day trips to iconic places. However, there are still plenty of things to do when you visit Valladolid. Here are a few of our favorite ones:
āŖļøGet a Picture with the Valladolid Sign
āŖļøVisit a Museum for Culture in Valladolid (My favorites listed below)
ā Casa del los Venados (Mexican Folk Art in Private House)
ā Museo de Ropa Etnica de Mexico (Heritage Museum)
ā Casa RamĆ³n Mendoza (Art Museum)
ā Choco-Story (Chocolate Museum)
āŖļøTake a Walking Tour with a Local (Click here for my favorite Valladolid walking tour)
āŖļøStroll Down "Calzada de los Frailes" a Street Full of Colorful Houses
āŖļø Visit La Parroquia de San Bernardino de Siena
āŖļø Stop by Iglesia de San Servacio (San Servacio Church)
āŖļøCheck Out San Lorenzo Convent
āŖļø Hike the Xocen Birding Trail and Go Birdwatching around Valladolid
āŖļø Take your Shoes off at Parque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado
āŖļøIndulge in Local Crafted Ice Cream at Subterra Helados
āŖļø Jump Into One of the Many Cenotes Near Valladolid (My Favorites Listed Below)
āŖļø Visit a Traditional Agave Distillery and Have a Tasting!
Cenotes In Valladolid
I love visiting the Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are a must-see while in Valladolid! Dare I say, I prefer them to the beaches! The water can get cold, especially in the close, underground cenotes, but the experience of swimming inside a cave is incredible! During my many trips to Mexico, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit a bunch of them. I have an entire blog post on Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula that you can read here. I shared a self-guided route and a list of my favorite Cenotes by location and proximity to different towns. But for Valladolid, here are my favorite Cenotes in the area:
Cenotes Near Valladolid | Valladolid, Mexico
āŖļøCenote Zaci
āŖļøCenote Samula
āŖļøCenote Dzitnup
āŖļøCenote Xkeken
āŖļøHacienda Cenote Oxman
āŖļøCenote Suytun
Here are My Favorite Guided Tours for Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula
Day Trips From Valladolid, Mexico
From Valladolid: Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas, and Cenote Visit
From Valladolid: Tour Chichen Itza, Visit a Cenote, and Ek Balam w/ Lunch
What Are The Best Attractions in Yucatan, Mexico?
What Places Should I Visit in Mexico?
This all depends on your available time and your traveling style. You can easily spend a long weekend pampering yourself at an all inclusive resort or take nine days and do a mini road trip. On our first visit, some of the places we visited in Mexico were CancĆŗn, Valladolid, Rio Lagartos, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Click here for a complete nine-day road trip itinerary for first-timers visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.
I would add a few islands with two weeks. Some of my favorites are Isla Holbox (Holbox Island,) Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel.
In three weeks, I would travel south to Bacalar, a magical lagoon town bordering Belize renowned for its deep-hued lagoons. I would also plan a day trip to Belize.
With a month or more, I would focus on slow travel and continue exploring beyond Valladolid to El Cuyo, Izamal, MĆ©rida, and Campeche.
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