Why This Timeless Town Near Cancun Is Mexico’s Next Tourism Hotspot

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Now that Tulum’s aura has faded, more travelers are finding themselves venturing west of some of Cancun’s most notable locales.

Sure, vacationers still hit up the usuals and have even found themselves making Isla Mujeres all but a household name, but with the long-anticipated Maya Train finally garnering the attention that was first expected after some initial launch hiccups, an array of map-dot towns and off-grid enclaves have become commonplace on Cancun itineraries.

There’s one town in particular that boasts far more than a simple day trip — with vibrant Colonial streets, cultural delights, otherworldly cenotes, and staggering remnants of bygone eras that make the extra stretch more than worth it!

Cancun may be as popular as ever, but new access across the region has reshaped the scope of excursions — and there’s no denying the timeless town of Valladolid should be your first stop before it draws unsightly crowds.

All Aboard! Valladolid Leads The Maya Train Surge

If you’ve been to Cancun any time in the last year or so, surely you’ve noticed more signs directing you to Maya Train stations.

When I visited Cancun for the first time earlier this year (hard to believe, I know!), I was practically slapped in the face by the amount of marketing the Maya Train has rolled out.

There are a variety of ways to plan an unforgettable train ride from Cancun, but it all boils down to what you’re looking for.

According to experts at The Cancun Sun, Valladolid is a key driver for a 250% surge in Maya Train ridership.

For a town many travelers still haven’t discovered (and likely struggle to pronounce – myself included), Valladolid has become one of Cancun’s biggest surprises as even old school Cancun-ers are shifting their usual butt-in-sand beach-only mindset by venturing outside the city limits.

The truth is, many Americans are sketched out driving in Mexico. Heck, I’ve been to Tijuana hundreds of times and still don’t understand the rules of roundabouts south of the border, so I can’t say I blame them…

With the Maya Train proven to be safer, more reliable, and efficient, more tourists are embracing scenic rail journeys, making Valladolid roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours away.

To book a trip to Valladolid from Cancun, all you have to do is hop on the Maya Train’s official website and grab a ticket.

Is Valladolid The Next Bacalar?

Even before the Maya Train first took off, there were plenty of Cancun tourists up for an adventure beyond awaking at the crack of dawn to reserve a poolside lounger.

Near the Mexico-Belize border lies one of Mexico’s trendiest and undoubtedly most beautiful destinations — Bacalar.

The small town known for its seven-shade blue lagoons and crystalline cenotes has become a hugely popular getaway in recent years to the point it’s tough to portray it as a “hidden gem”, and may even feel touristy at this point.

Valladolid, on the other hand? Not so much. It’s still on the rise.

While you won’t find gorgeous lagoons, you will find less-crowded swimming holes for your own slice of paradise.

And that’s exactly what makes it feel like Bacalar in its early days — plus, the charm of Valladolid’s colorful townscape goes without saying, as its authenticity still outweighs obvious outsiders, making for a great base should you opt for a longer stay in real Mexico.

Consider checking out Cenote Zací, the easiest of the area’s plethora of cenotes or venturing out further into the wilderness to lessen the odds of sharing waters with tourists at such places as Dzitnup Cenotes Park since they charge an entry fee, and picture-perfect Cenote Suytun.

Gateway To World Wonders

Valladolid isn’t just a destination — it’s a gateway to some of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring wonders.

First in line, of course, is Chichen Itza, which speaks for itself as a literal ‘world wonder‘ with the likes of Machu Picchu, among other icons.

What’s off-radar for others magnetized by Chichen Itza are Ek Balam — typically less packed and only a half-hour ride away from Valladolid.

It’s known for being very well-preserved and better for photo ops since it’s hard not to snap pics at Chichen Itza without some unintentional photo-bombers.

But even lesser known than Ek Balam is the lost city of Coba in the midst of thick jungle, about an hour from Valladolid.

You’ll find hieroglyphic inscriptions that have stood the test of time, as well as ancient stone causeways to explore.

In fact, experts at Mexico News Daily highly recommend booking a local guide for this one to explore by quite possibly the most unsuspecting way possible — by tricycle!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.