On a recent trip to Mexico, we decided to return to the town of Valladolid. Valladolid is just over two hours from Cancun, and we rented a car from Avante Car Rental and drove there on a road trip.
We stayed at Hotel el Meson del Marques in Valladolid for about 4 nights (right on the central square, which was a great location), giving ourselves several days to explore. There is plenty to see right in Valladolid, which has lots of character as a Colonial Mexican City. It is common to see colorful buildings and cobbled streets.
We did some walking around town and had heard of Calzada de los Frailes, or Calle 41A.
To get there, we actually walked from our hotel on the center square (Parque Principal Francisco CantĆ³n Rosado) down to the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena. We got a snack in the center square before walking to the Convent (I couldn’t resist the street corn!).
The walk from the center square to the convent is about a mile and takes about 15 minutes, although we took our time to take in the sights, take photos, and shop.
There were street vendors along the way. This was on the way to Calle 41, but there were others.
I had heard there are lots of VW Bug cars in Valladolid and on Calzada de los Frailes. Indeed, we did see some!
This street is so lovely and scenic, from the shops to decor. Even the beautiful pots of tropical flowers made it so nice for a walk.
At the Southwest end of Calle de los Frailes, there is the Convent. We wanted to stay for their nightly light show, but it was a long evening and the show is late, so we decided not to go this trip.
We did enjoy some Marquesitas. If you aren’t familiar with this dessert, it is something you have to try while in the Yucatan!
Marquesitas are a dessert native to the state of YucatƔn, Mexico. They consist of a crepe, rolled like a taco, filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, chocolate or edam cheese, also known as queso de bola. They are sold in squares, parks and streets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquesita
Overall, we had an enjoyable time walking Calzada de los Frailes. It was a lot of walking by the time we were done, and it can be very hot, so make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the experience, and do some shopping or find somewhere to eat along the way.
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen or hat on sunny days, money for shopping, camera, comfortable bag / backpack.
Check out our other Mexico blog posts here.
Our other travels in and near Valladolid:
Cenote Chukum, Tikuch
Cenote X’Canche, Ek Balam
Cenote X’Keken, Valladolid
Cenote Zaci, Valladolid
Cenotes Cuzama, Cuzama
Cenote Samula, Valladolid
Ek Balam Ruins, Ek Balam
Hacienda Cenote OxmƔn, Valladolid
Hotel El Mason Del Marques, Valladolid
Kinich KakmĆ³ Mayan Ruins, Izamal, Mexico
Xkopek Beekeeping Park, Valladolid
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
This makes me want to visit Mexico. It looks like a nice place to take a vacation.
I will have to visit one day. It looks like a lovely area to check out.
This looks like such an amazing experience, I would love to visit.
Mexico is beautiful, and I love how it is a riot of colour. I would love to try the Marquesita, yum!
That Corn snack looks soo good. I love trying out new food and snacks when I travel.
I really wanted to go to Mexico someday. It is really a amazing and wonderful place!
Wow, what great photos. I really do hope to go to Mexico one day. I have always wanted to go. Looks like you had an amazing time too.
I love the colors of those buildings and I’d love to eat from those food carts!
Ha, yes comfy shoes are a must when out and about exploring a city. I’m envious of the street corn. I’ve been seeing them on tv with the various sauces and really want to try one.
This looks like such a beautiful place to explore. I would absolutely love to visit MExico and walk around this city.
I would love to get to go and visit Mexico some day it seems like such a really interesting place to explore.
Looks like great place to visit. May be next time if plan a trip to Mexico, we will visit there. that corn looks delicious.
I love to discover new places. Love that this one is not typical for tourist and you can feel the Mexican spirit.
Looks like an amazing place to visit and stay for a fabulous vacation š Love the beautiful pictures and that corn…. I want some!
This looks like it would be an amazing place to visit. I would like to go and see it for myself after seeing it through your eyes.
I love those colorful buildings. Just so cheerful to look at. And I’m going to enjoy the food, too.
That corn has me drooling! That’s one of my favorite things to eat in Mexico!
Valladolid, Mexico is an incredible hidden gem. I would love to visit this someday. It’s an undeniable place to visit for its attractions and great restaurants.
This is one of the most laid-back cities in Mexico. I love their food and rooftop bars.
The colors, the food, wow! I would love to visit Mexico one day too.
since Cancun is a trip on our bucket list, I will definitely keep this beautiful place in mind as well for that whenever-future- trip. love this virtual visit thru your blog in the meantime
Lovely photos! The city looks vibrant, and the food looks delicious! I’d love to try the marquesita, I’m so intrigued!
You take such great pictures! I love seeing all the sights. It’s almost like I’m there!
Nnnniiiiiccceeeeee….I love streets that look this. Multiple colours just give any street the life and pretty glow it should have! So pretty….thanks for sharing.
As a current resident of Bogota, Colombia, I can appreciate the colorful buildings. That says a lot about the identity of a place. I also like that the town seems to be stuck in a time warp. I don’t see a lot of the advancements in technology in the images and that’s a good thing. I’m a big fan of cities that retain their authentic natures.
Looks like an incredible place! Loved learning more!
Looks like such an amazing place to travel to!
Thanks for sharing so informative blog !
Can you give me more info on the shopping. I was told it sas great shopping for art. If i am looking to explore as well as have a good āmore authenticā shopping day is this a good spot ?