Girls Trip in Mexico: Valladolid & Isla Holbox

VALLADOLID

Valladolid pleasantly surprised us with its charm and authenticity. This ‘Pueblo Magico’ initially caught our attention when we realized Merida was too far for our six-day trip. Valladolid, relatively untouched by tourism, turned out to be a lot of fun and an ideal base for exploring nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes. We could have easily spent more than two days here.

Things to do in Valladolid

If someone asks me what to do in magical Valladolid, I tell them to simply wander around and enjoy the architecture, colorful facades, cobblestone streets, little churches and the food! And of course, to take trips to explore the Yucatán.

1. Wander Around Town

Calzada de los Frailes: A quiet, picturesque street lined with pastel-colored buildings, perfect for photography. Don't miss the lovely art galleries and shops like Kuxtal Arte Popular.

Casa de los Venados: Explore the largest museum-quality collection of Mexican folk art in a private house museum.

Convent of San Bernardino de Siena: One of Valladolid's most important historical sites, founded in the 16th century. At night, witness an impressive sound-and-light show that reflects the history of the building (check beforehand, it’s not every night)

Iglesia de San Servacio: Admire the stunning Spanish colonial architecture and snap a photo with the iconic Valladolid letters.

Mercado Municipal: Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring this authentic Mexican market and enjoying delicious street food.

Take an evening stroll through the main square and Calzada de los Frailes to end your day beautifully.

2. Visit the Private Chenxunan Cenote

You can have the exclusive Chenxunan Cenote from Posada San Juan, all to yourself! We swam, floated and indulged in a beautiful lunch with a breathtaking view. It was unforgettable. There are public cenotes nearby, which will be more affordable.

3. Visit Ek Balam

Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam are the famous Mayan historic sites near Valladolid. We opted for Ek Balam over Chichen Itza for a less crowded experience. This wonderful day trip from Valladolid pairs perfectly with a cenote visit. Admission is around $30, and I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.

4. Indulge in the Incredible Yucatán Cuisine at These Restaurants in Valladolid

Yerbabuena del Sisal: Enjoy creative vegetarian Yucatán dishes and refreshing cocktails.

Wabi Gelato: Treat yourself to excellent ice cream.

El Gavilan Blanco: Try the classic Yucatán dish 'Cochinita Pibil'.

Conato: Relax in a cozy atmosphere with a courtyard adorned with plants and murals.

Hostería del Marques: Dine with a sunset view of the plaza and San Servacio Church from the rooftop ‘Terraza Don Diablo’.

Aldea Xbatun Cocina Ancestral: Experience authentic Mayan cuisine.

ISLA HOLBOX

Isla Holbox, a picturesque island off the Yucatán Peninsula, captivated me with its unspoiled beauty and laid-back charm. Picture silky white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and a car-free environment that epitomizes island life at its most serene. Flip- flops are optional!

Embracing the essence of island living, the primary activity on Isla Holbox is to simply relax and dip your toes in the water now and then. While I'm adept at the art of doing nothing (especially with a stack of books and a cocktail in hand) my curiosity urges me to explore. Luckily, Isla Holbox offers opportunities:

1. Explore Holbox town

Exploring Holbox town reveals a vibrant community of locals, known as Holboxeňos. Wander through streets lined with thatched-roof restaurants, bars and charming shops adorned with colorful murals. Our hotel was a delightful 10-minute walk along the beach.

2. Walk on the Sandbar to Punta Mosquito

Venture out to the pristine sandbar stretching along Holbox's idyllic shoreline, known as Punta Mosquito. The shallow turquoise waters invite leisurely strolls, especially during ebb tide when the water recedes, revealing a lovely pathway. Keep an eye out for flamingos!

3. Take a Boat Tour and See Flamingos

Catch a boat from Holbox’s harbor to explore the island. These tours offer a magnificent perspective of the island's natural beauty. Easy to book online or through your hotel. When I was there this was $30 per person. Make sure to include these three must-visit stops (most tours do):

• Cenote Yalahau: An eye of water surrounded by mangroves and lush vegetation. You can swim in its crystalline waters, known as the "source of eternal youth".

• Isla Pajaros: A protected refuge for a great diversity of birds (like flamingos, for one!). Their 'official' season is from April to October, but we saw flamingos in January!

• Isla Pasión: A tiny secluded beach adorned with pink seashells.

4. Swim with Whale Sharks

Isla Holbox is renowned as one of the few places on Earth where you can get up close and personal with whale sharks. It’s crucial to choose a tour operator committed to ethical tourism practices to ensure minimal disturbance to these gentle giants.

5. Kayak in Bioluminescent Water

Bioluminescence is a magical natural phenomenon where living organisms emit light when disturbed. This creates a stunning display of glowing blue-green lights in the water when you kayak under the starry skies. An unforgettable experience during spring and summer. Easy to arrange, and costs around $50 to $60.

6. Stay in a Hotel Right on the Beach

In my opinion, the ultimate island getaway means staying in a small boutique hotel right on the beach with a few special friends. Somewhere where no footwear is needed, because the path from your room to the turquoise water is nothing but a stretch of pristine, powdery sand.

7. Take the Ferry from Chiquila to Isla Holbox and Back

This scenic ferry journey is more than a mode of transportation, it’s a quintessential part of the island experience. The hustle and bustle in the small harbor, the feeling of leaving the mainland behind and seeing the island approaching and knowing you will get to stay for a couple of days. It sets the tone for a memorable experience. There are two companies Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. They leave about every 30 minutes, take 25 minutes and cost around $13, at the time of writing. No need to book ahead.

8. Getting Around the Small Island

Walking is the way to go on the island! Or you can grab a bike. One of the first things you’ll notice when you get off the boat is the unpaved sandy roads. Therefore, hopping in a golf cart to get your luggage to your hotel is advised and easy. It will cost around $6 to $12, mostly depending on the location of your hotel.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR THIS GIRLS TRIP TO VALLADOLID & HOLBOX

We visited during the dry season (December to April) and enjoyed very pleasant weather. Even though this is the high season, Valladolid and Ek Balam specifically, weren’t that busy at all.

The peak rainy season is in September and October, and since the roads in Holbox are unpaved, it can get muddy and sticky.

Isla Holbox is less rustic than it used to be. However, because it’s still a distance from Cancun, the real crowds are weeded out and the idyllic atmosphere stays preserved. For now!

Transport and transfers: We arranged our private transfers through the hotels. There are also several reputable companies you can reach out to, or you can take a train from Cancun to Valladolid (though I haven't tried the train yet). We enjoyed the drive, making some stops along the way to buy snacks and fruit. There is also a quick flight from Holbox airport to Cancun airport.

Seaweed: Sargassum may be present on some beaches, but Isla Holbox generally has fewer issues with it.

Cancun has non-stop flights from many places. For me, coming from New York City, the trip was incredibly easy and short. My friends took a non-stop flight from Amsterdam, which was quite a bit longer but also easy.

I would do the combo Valladolid and Isla Holbox again in a heartbeat. Next time with my family of five! Explore the Yucatán Peninsula further by adding Merida to your itinerary.

Buen Viaje!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Amy Jade Dempsey’s guide, 3 Days in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico.