"Colonial Charm Without the Crowds" Valladolid by dek516

Valladolid is like a mini-Merida, but I liked it much better. Granted, there isn't a ton to do, but that makes it all the more appealing. Unlike Merida, which has nearly a million inhabitants, Valladolid is a town of around 60,000 people. The town has a lot of history; several structures date back to the early to mid 16th century. The main square is very pretty, as are the surrounding buildings. Another big plus for Valladolid is its location, only 45 minutes from Chichen Itza, and 2 to 3 hours from both Cancun and Merida. All of these factors, combined with its affordable food and hotels, nearby cenotes and the ease of getting around make it very worthwhile. I've heard that more and more tourists are coming to it, but for now it still has a relatively uncrowded, authentic feel.

• Pros:Uncrowded, small town feel, good location
• Cons:Not a ton to do here-- can be a pro depending how you look at it!