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Magical Towns are some of the most sought-after attractions in the Mexican Caribbean, most popular for giving tourists a glimpse into the historical and cultural offerings that the incredible region has to offer.
A world away from the infamous hotel zones of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, which continue to develop more and more infrastructure to combat the huge influx in tourist interest, these “Pueblo Magicos” give a different feel to visitors, highlighted for their natural beauty, and commitment to preserving tradition.
Mexico now has a total of 177 magical towns, with the list continuing to grow, but one specific area that is breaking visitor records this year ahead of high season is Valladolid.
The previous weekend saw a total of 1,500 visitors to the magic town, bringing good business to restaurants and artisans, as well as bringing them high hopes for winter, which is expected to be another hugely popular time for vacationers to come to the Mexican Caribbean.
@alishaaudrey A must stop location in Mexico – Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico 📍🇲🇽 #mexico #travelvlog #minivlog #travellife #visitmexico #2022 #fyp ♬ Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) – Doja Cat
With the arrival of the Maya Train beginning its inaugural route from Cancun to Chiapas on December 15th, transportation to the magical town of Valladolid is expected to improve and become more accessible to all visitors, giving more opportunities to visit either for the day or a longer stay if so desired.
So it begs the question: why is this magical town so ever popular?
@kellyandgeorgia_ What we spend in a day as full-time budget travellers in Valladolid, Mexico! This area has some of the most incredible cenotes #budgettravel #whatispendinaday #travel #traveltiktok ♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus
Close To Cancun
Well, for one, it is extremely close to Cancun.
Though beach-less compared to its neighbor, Valladolid offers something completely different.
Boasting its proud Mayan culture, this incredibly colorful town is bursting with interesting architecture and friendly locals who are more than happy for you to be there.
If you are looking for the perfect photo for your social media, you have come to the right place…
It’s Gorgeous
With a mixture of colonial buildings that date back to the 18th century, as well as French-style, cobble-stoned streets, you’re not going to be hard-pressed to pick the best background for your Instagram.
The stunning architecture culminates in the Valladolid Cathedral, which was originally built in 1547 on the site of an ancient Mayan pyramid before being restored in the early 1700s to the building you can now experience today.
As well as its man-made beauty, Valladolid is also host to some stand-out environmental attractions that more and more tourists add to their bucket lists each year.
Nearby Adventures
Cenotes, which are some of the best natural attractions in Mexico, can be found right in the heart of the town, with the local pools being perfect for an afternoon dip to escape the heat.
Cenote Zaci is just a five-minute walk from the central town square, and its crystal-clear waters are ever enticing for a swim and a dive, as well as another perfect photo opportunity.
If you are willing to travel just a little further outside of Valladolid, you can visit Rio Lagartos (or Alligator Lake), which is known to be the home of the largest population of flamingos in the country…with a few alligators added in for good measure!
Cultural Immersion
Back in Valladolid, you will be sure to feel the warmth and love of its locals, who are keen to show you their traditions proudly.
Whether you try some of the local street food, grab a drink from one of the many boutique cafes, or something a bit more alcoholic from the plethora of bars, you are going to find yourself fully immersed in Mexican culture, with tastes that will be unique to the area and some won’t find anywhere else.
Near Incredible Destinations
But the most perfect reason for visiting the charming town of Valladolid is for just how close it is to other bucket list destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, such as the stunning capital city of Merida or the infamous archeological site of Chichén Itzá.
With so much to see and do beyond the stereotypical beach vacation of somewhere like Cancun, we recommend you hop on the new Mayan Train in the coming months and explore the region that surrounds you; there are hidden gems to be seen and admired by absolutely everyone.
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