Bacalar to Valladolid tickets

About the ride from Bacalar to Valladolid 

You may not want to say goodbye to the Lagoon of 7 Colors in Bacalar, but there is something just as magical waiting for you in Valladolid.

Yes, this colorful colonial town is known as the jumping-off point for visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, but did you know it's also home to mystical cenotes?

Not sure what a cenote is? Wait 'til you see one! 

They're natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and capturing great photos. Some of them feel like you've entered another world!

Keeping things simple, there's only one way to cover the 250 km (155 miles) between Bacalar and Valladolid in Mexico: by bus. 

The journey takes just under four hours. You'll leave from Terminal de Autobuses in Bacalar and arrive at Valladolid Bus Terminal. 

With only one daily departure, there's not too much to think about for this journey from Bacalar to Valladolid. So book your ticket, enjoy the ride and start planning your trip!

Five amazing things to do in Valladolid

Valladolid became famous as the city to stay in before you visit Chichen Itza. While this initially brought visitors, they quickly discovered there's so much more on offer — the other-worldly cenotes are just one of them. 

Keep reading to find out five must-do things in Valladolid, Mexico:

1. Go cenote hopping — Valladolid is home to some of the best cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, offering one of the most refreshing and memorable swims you'll ever experience.

Pro tip: Cenotes can get crowded later in the day when tour groups arrive. Visit early in the morning for a chance to enjoy the serene beauty all to yourself.

2. Admire Chichen Itza — A mere 45-minute drive from Valladolid lies Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take in the sight of the El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and other remarkable ruins. Valladolid is a great place to stay the night before, so you can get there early and beat the crowds.

3. Stroll through Valladolid's Historic Center — It's a charming blend of cobblestone streets and vibrant colonial buildings. Spend time wandering and soaking up the historic atmosphere. Key sites include San Gervasio Cathedral and the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.

4. Eat your way around Valladolid — One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to EAT! Be sure to try local dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), papadzules (egg-filled tortillas with pumpkin seed sauce), and marquesitas (crispy crepes with various fillings).

5. Explore Ek Balam — For a less crowded archaeological site, head to Ek Balam. This slightly more hidden gem offers a more tranquil experience and allows you to climb the Acropolis for breathtaking jungle views.

How to get from Bacalar to Valladolid 

The only way to travel between Bacalar and Valladolid is by bus.

The journey takes around four hours, crossing from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo into Yucatan. 

There's only one daily departure leaving at 7:50 am, and it is operated by Mexico's biggest bus company, ADO. 

You'll be riding in style as it's a first-class bus. Expect comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning and a toilet onboard. Prices start from $35. 

The bus leaves from Terminal de Autobuses in Bacalar and arrives at Valladolid Bus Terminal, right in the center of town. 

Your ticket includes one large piece of luggage weighing no more than 21 kg and one piece of hand luggage. 

What to expect from the journey from Bacalar to Valladolid

With such a comfortable bus to cover the 4-hour trip, use this journey as a chance to take a break and do nothing. 

Simply look out the window, catch up on a series or listen to some music. 

With a toilet onboard and not a particularly long journey, the driver may not make a stop. If they do and you want to go to the toilet, make sure to have some small change on you as most toilets charge a small fee. 

This journey is safe for solo and female travelers. 

When is the best time to visit Valladolid?

For the best weather in Valladolid, plan your visit between December and April, the dry season. During these months, you can enjoy warm, sunny days with low humidity. Perfect for exploration without feeling like you've taken a shower at Chichen Itza.

Remember, this ideal weather also attracts many tourists, making it the peak season and the busiest time to visit. 

Try to time your trip to coincide with one of Valladolid's vibrant festivals. Check out the Festival of San Bernardino de Siena in May, the lively Valladolid Carnival in February, or the Day of the Dead celebrations in November.

How many days should you spend in Valladolid?

Some people only spend one night in Valladolid, with the sole purpose of exploring Chichen Itza.

Since you're already there, we think it's worth spending at least 2-3 days here. Use one of them to, of course, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but use the rest for swimming in cenotes, eating a lot of food, and taking other day trips outside the city. 

Where to visit after Valladolid?

After Valladolid, why not visit the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, Merida? Fewer tourists venture further into Yucatan, which is exactly why you should! 

Aside from the spectacular city, you can also explore other less popular archaeological sites like Mayapan and Uxmal. 

The bus from Valladolid to Merida takes just over two hours.