Today, we are going to get lost and dream in a heroic city.
I am pleased to present you the small city of Valladolid. It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, you know in Mexico. It is also knows and the Heroic City or The Sultan of the East. Her motto is “Cuatro Veces Heroica” or Four Times Heroic.
Valladolid is not that well known among visitors to the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Some people visit for a few minutes as part of an all day Chichen Itza tour. And it is precisely the famous Mayan city that brought me here.
See, I really wanted to take my time to explore Chichen Itza. I wasn’t that enthusiastic about taking a day tour from Cancun. First, the drive is about 2 to 3 hours each way. Additionally, some of these tours reach the ruins in the afternoon when they are packed with hundreds of tourists. Looking for options on where to stay close to Chichen Itza, I stumbled upon Valladolid. After reading some info about the city (and looking at some pictures), I was sold. I was going to stay in Valladolid for two nights. And thank God, it turned into a fantastic experience. I feel like a got a taste of the real Yucatan. I am so grateful for skipping horrific Cancun (more on that at another time).
Valladolid’s original name was Zaci or Zaci-val (like the cenote found on town). When the Spaniards arrived to the area, the Mayan structures resembled them of Valladolid, Spain. And that is how the town got its current name. The conquistadores ended up using the stones of the Mayan buildings to give life to their own constructions.
The city played an important role during the Yucatan’s Caste War (approx. 1847-1901). During this revolt, the native Maya of the peninsula reveled against the residents with European blood. History books recount how this bloody conflict lasted more than half of a century. Others claim that this war lasted about 85 years. A lot of Mayas moved to British Honduras (today Belize) trying to find peace. It is also accepted that the first spark of the Mexican Revolution was ignited here.
Nowadays, Valladolid is a charming colonial tow. It is known for its colorful houses, elegant churches, authentic food and traditional clothing. I strongly urge you to consider this town. It is located 45 minutes from Chichen Itza (you can even reach the ruins by colectivo and pay very little money). There is 1 cenote in town and 2 nearby. You can ride bikes around Mayan towns. You can enjoy the real atmosphere of the peninsula. There is something about this little town that is not easy to find somewhere else.
To get you excited, I put together this post showcasing the doors and windows of the town. Some time ago, I did a similar post about Parati, Brazil. Hope you enjoy the beautiful and unique Valladolid.
Blue door with multicolor frame
Door in Candelaria Park
Cake making accesories store
Door frames by uneven surfaced wall
Twin doors over pink surface
Door over orange surface
Pink and green houses
Door
Door and windows surrounded by burnt orange
Door in San Bernardino
White on white
Hostel Door
Well done. Extremely colorful and artistic.
inka recently posted..Köfte,lentil soup and soft pillows in Antalya
Thanks, Inka.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
I really like photos of interesting windows and doors — these in Valladolid are wonderful.
Thanks, Cathy.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
Nice compilation of colorful shots here! Never thought pictures of doors could make for such an interesting post!
Jeremy from Idelish recently posted..{Spain} Best Tapas at Pinotxo Bar in La Boqueria, Barcelona
Jeremy,
Hopefully, you took a look at my other post The Doors and Windows of Parati, Brazil. that one is different because the doors and windows are the ones with colors. In Valladolid, the walls were the colorful ones.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
Glad to see I’m not the only one obsessed with taking photos of doors and windows
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Foto of the Week from … Perito Moreno Glacier in Black and White
Yes, you are not the only one. Yayyyyyyy.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
I LOVE doors and windows! Beautiful photos.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Dream Destinations for 2012
I read on your travels ABC’ that you are obssesed with doors. I liked them too. Much more in architecturally interesting cities.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
I can see why you loved these doors! They really do set a tone for what to expect from Valladolid’s character.
Emme Rogers @ Roamancing recently posted..Snowy Canadian Flashbacks to the Tub at Le Chamois
Emme,
I will post more photos of the town later. Everything there was so charming.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun
I have never heard of this town, but it looks really unique. Colorful photos!
Christy recently posted..The Fear of Failure & Why I Refuse to Let it Win
A lot of people don’t know about it but it is quite a beautiful place. The atmosphere is great too.
Ruth recently posted..That Boring Place Called Cancun