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Valladolid
The colorful houses and haciendas make this colonial city the most iconic in the Yucatan peninsula! It’s a fun stop after a long day visiting archeological sites. All Chichen Itza tours will take you for a quick stop in Valladolid.
History
Valladolid was the second colonial town built by the Spaniards in Mexico, the first was Merida. It was established by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo’s nephew on May 27, 1543. The town was originally 50 miles from the coast in Tizimin but the Spanish settlers complained about the mosquitoes and humidity so it was relocated to where it stands today. It was moved to it’s new location on March 24, 1545.
The city was built on top of a Mayan town named Zaci-Val. The Mayan buildings and temples were dismantled and reused to build the town. This outraged the Mayans and the next year they revolted. Their efforts were put down by the Spanish who received reinforcements from troops that came down from Merida to stop the revolt.
The Mayans were calm for a few hundred years until January 1847. It was the beginning of the Yucatan Castle war and the Mayans decided to riot. They killed eighty whites and sacked their homes. A Mayan noble was killed by firing squad and the riot turned into an uprising. The entire region was at war and intense battles took place between the Mayans and the Ladino forces.
On March 14 1848, Ladino forces abandoned Valladolid and half were killed by ambush before reaching Merida. It was a temporary win for the Mayas, the Spanish took the town back later on in the Spanish war.
Cathedral of San Gervacio
The Cathedral of San Gervacio was originally built in 1545 and it faced west cause it was built on top of a Mayan temple and the temple faced west. In 1705 it was destroyed and rebuilt the following year with a new orientation. The new church faced north into the plaza instead of west. The church that was built in 1706 is the one that stands today.
Fun Facts
- Valladolid is only 44 km from Chichen Itza or 27 km from Ek Balam.
- Until the 20th century, it was the third largest and most important city in the Yucatan peninsula.
- Valladolid comes from the Arabic expression Ballad Al-Wallid, which means “city of Al-Walid”.
- The first Sisal manufacturer in the Yucatan peninsula was in Valladolid.
- The clock on the cathedral of San Gervacio dates back to the 19th century and it’s the only public clock in town.
Tours
From USD$99.00
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Duration:
9 to 11 hrs
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Departs:
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Visit Chichen Itza Mayan ruins at the best times to avoid the crowds. …
From USD$190.00
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Duration:
5 to 9 hrs
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Departs:
Tulum, Mexico
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Explore spectacular Chichen Itza on this full-day tour of the UNESCO World …
From USD$74.00
-
Duration:
9 hours
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Departs:
Cancún, Mexico
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Accompanied by your own certified guide walk through this archaeological …
From USD$144.00
-
Duration:
8 hours
-
Departs:
, Mexico
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This is tour for those who doesn’t want to rush to see all remarkable …
From USD$79.00
-
Duration:
11 hours
-
Departs:
Cancún, Mexico
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Get to know one of the New7Wonders of the World during this full-day tour …
From USD$153.51
per group
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Duration:
2 hours
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Departs:
Valladolid, Spain
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It is a monumental walking tour, to know the places and most emblematic …
From USD$69.00
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Duration:
12 hours
-
Departs:
Cancún, Mexico
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Visit two of the most important Maya archaeological sites on this full-day …
From USD$66.00
-
Duration:
12 hours
-
Departs:
Cancun, Mexico
-
Enjoy the most exclusive and fascinating luxury tour to Chichén Itza …
From USD$111.00
-
Duration:
12 hours
-
Departs:
Cancún, Mexico
-
If you are interested in the real Mexico, this tour is for you! Visit …
From USD$129.00
-
Duration:
12 hours
-
Departs:
Cancun, Mexico
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Enjoy a guided tour to visit 4 incredible sites in one day. First, a visit …
Directions
Valladolid
Yucatan, Mexico
The easiest way to get here from Cancun is on a tour. If you prefer driving. From Cancun, take Cancun-Kantunil/Mexico 180D. Take the Carr. Federal 295 exit towards Tizimin. Take Calle 41/Valladolid and arrive at destination.
Accommodations
There are accommodations in Valladolid. This is an easy site to visit from Cancun. Please search for your vacation below. Start with your flight dates and add a hotel to create a personalized package! My link will find you the Best Price online!
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