One of the best ways to visit a country is by renting a car and exploring its most secluded corners. By car, you can reach places where local buses don’t go and explore them when the tourist crowd has already gone. It gives you the flexibility and the freedom to live your vacation at your own pace. This is why I always encourage my readers to rent a car and get lost whenever possible – and what better part of Mexico to explore than doing an epic Yucatan Road Trip from Cancun to Valladolid and beyond!
Unfortunately, Mexico has quite often been labeled as a dangerous country, especially in the last couple of years with the recent episodes of violence in some tourist spots that are normally quiet and peaceful.
I have lived in Mexico for 8 years and despite the recent news, I still believe that it’s a peaceful country, filled with kind-hearted people, an interesting and vibrant culture and a magnificent landscape. Mexico is an exciting and immense world to explore. And explore I did, as much as I could anyway. You just need to be wise and apply some common-sense rules.
I would like to share with you one of my favorite itineraries, suitable for those travelers who want to see as much as possible in a short time, because who doesn’t want to relax on the beach and enjoy their hotel.
The itinerary covers the highlights of Yucatan and requires a car rental.(no new paragraph here)I suggest you book your car ahead of time and make sure to agree to an early pick up in so that you can make the most of your day.
So, buckle up, and let’s start.
NOTE: All photo credit goes to the author, Isabella Biava of Boundless Roads.
Yucatan Road Trip ItineraryYucatan Road Trip Day : Cancun – Valladolid
Have a decent breakfast at your hotel and remember to bring some snacks with you because you won’t find anything to eat on the road until you get to Valladolid in the afternoon.
I would suggest leaving Cancun in the morning around 10.00 am the latest, and set off to Puerto Morelos where you will enter the “Ruta de los cenotes”. (no new paragraph)
If you leave later, I would suggest you skip this stop and go straight to the cenote Choj-ha, as it is more spectacular.
“La Ruta de los cenotes” is a road that is packed with cenotes, hence the name. I would suggest you stop by Lucero Verde, an open cenote with a relaxed atmosphere. You will see a sign by the road so keep an eye out. Take a swim and jump from the platform or soak up the jungle vibes.


Here is a list of all the other cenotes in the area.
When you are ready, (not later than 2pm), get back in the car and keep driving towards Leona Vicario and Valladolid (in the direction of Cemax) on the “libre” which is the regular road, as opposed to the highway. After about 1 hour of driving, you will see signs and directions to the Cenote Choj-ha, with the sign visible on the left side of the main road.
This place is a must-see stop. It’s an unbelievably huge cave cenote. You will be asked to shower before entering, for ecological precautionary measures, and then you can walk down and into the cave. The path is made of stairs, down are very well kept and very easy to walk. You will enter a surreal world, of crystalline water, stalactites and stalagmites. It’s no wonder why in the Mayan Civilization believed the cenotes were considered the getaway to the underworld. It’s a really magical place, especially if you go on a weekday when there are, with fewer tourists. Here you can take Take your time to explore the cenote and swim and relax.

When you are ready you can Once you have had your fill, it’s time to continue your drive. Another 45 minutes and you will arrive at to the beautiful town of Valladolid.
This is It’s the gateway to the colonial Yucatan. You will notice immediately the architectural difference with the modern Cancun, but also the more laid-back relaxed atmosphere and people.
By the time you arrive get there, you will be hungry. I would suggest you should check-in at your hotel and get ready to enjoy the magic atmosphere of Valladolid by night and the Yucatecan food.
Suggested hotels in Valladolid:



High-end option: – Coqui Coqui – stunning luxury boutique hotel in a colonial mansion with a relaxing internal garden and a superb spa.
Average price: – Casa San Roque Valladolid – Cozy little property reflecting the colonial style of the city – great attention to details and service.
On a budget? Check out these great hostels!
Suggested Restaurants in Valladolid
For the veggie lovers: – Hierbabuena on calle 54 nr 217 between 45 and 49
Typical Yucatecan food: for dinner – Restaurante Conato 1910, located at – calle 40 nr 226 between 45 and 47
For a hearty breakfast: – Chan café’ – calle 44 between 35 and 37
Yucatan Road Trip Day 2 – Valladolid On the third day of our trip we are going to actually explore the colonial city of Valladolid and its lively historical center.
Valladolid is the second most important city in Yucatan, after the capital Merida, and has been appointed Pueblo Magico for its beauty and historical heritage.
Things to do in Valladolid:
- Get lost in the vibrant city
Just walk around the main plaza and visit the Basilica of San Servacio, and the nearby streets, get an ice-cream and enjoy the local life slowly buzzing by.
- Mingle with the locals
Visit the colorful market and sample try the local food


- Learn about the history
Pay a visit to at the museum of San Roque, dedicated to the pre-Hispanic times
- Experience Know about local art
If you love art, you cannot miss the Casa de Los Venados, a private collection of stunning art
- Walk through the popular Calzada de Los Frailes
From the main plaza take this animated touristy road full of interesting local shops, restaurants and small boutique hotels up to the Sisal neighborhood, where the convent San Bernardino da Siena is located
- Visit the Convent San Bernardino da Siena
This convent is one of the most important and largest biggest and most important in Yucatan. It is one of the first convents which was that has been founded by the Franciscan orders when they Spanish came to Mexico and started the evangelization of the Mayans in the 16th century. Quite an interesting visit.
- Take a dip in the cenote Zacì.
After walking around all day in the heat, this is what you need to refresh and cool down. The cenote is right in town, two2 blocks from the city center and is a beautiful oasis of relaxation.
Transfer to Chichén-itzá
At around 5 pm hop in the car for a short drive to Chichén-itzá (which should take about 45minutes)
I suggest you should Stay stay in one of the hotels inside the area as it’s the best and most comfortable option to visit Chichén-itzá before the crowds arrive.
Suggested hotels in Valladolid:
- The Lodge at Chichén-itzá
- Hotel and Bungalow Mayaland
If you are traveling on a budget you will find more modest options in the nearby town of Pistè at only a 5 minutes’ drive from Chichén-itzá. Both hotels offer restaurant service for your breakfast and dinner.

