Valladolid –  An Authentic Mexican Town in the Yucatan

Valladolid (pronouced Viyo – doh – leed) is deeply Mayan, from the cuisine — sweet and spicy, heavy on the beans and slow-roasted pork — to the guttural consonants of the Mayan language heard on its streets. Valladolid is a place to stop and relish, in hindsight we would have chosen it over Merida for our stay. I’m not saying we didn’t like Merida, Valladolid just felt better.

Because it fits with our love of small, tranquil places and it feels – well authentic. I know “ authentic” is a bit cliche, but I think Valladolid is truly deserving of authentic.

The natural splendor of the Yucatán surrounds the town…the flat, porous limestone shelf of the Yucatan Peninsula is penetrated by thousands of sinkholes, or cenotes, filled with fresh water and there are many to be found in and around  Valladolid.

We found one of them, the Cenote Zaci, about three blocks east of the central square. Though it’s not exactly remote, the stone steps leading down to the sinkhole, which lies within a cave like formation surrounded by jungle foliage, delivered me to another world yet again –  seemingly far away from Valladolid.

Lizards and birds were perched in the nooks and crannies of the limestone walls that rose up around the sinkhole; the cool, blue water, about 280 feet deep, was perfect for diving if you must. Otherwise you can just jump off the 23ft walls into the cool blue water.

Or you could just stand in the way and pose for selfie with your iPad!