Valladolid Things to Do

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In Yucatan water flows quickly to a low level, being accessible through big holes called cenotes.

We visited this one, a big cave with a natural pool inside.

It was cool, and no one risked a swim, but there was someone doing it.

We paid 50 pesos for a taxi to take us to Cenotes Dzitnup and Samula, about 7 km away from town. The 2 cenotes are right next to each other. Water is crystal clear with fishes swimming around and the caves are impressive. We went to Dzitnup first. There were many people swimming in it. Later we walked across the street to Samula. Cenote Samula is even prettier with an opening at the top of the cave like a natural skylight creating a dramatic effect on the water. We swam in Samula and it was a fun experience not to be missed. You can also ride a bike to the cenotes. We saw a bike path along side the road to the cenotes. Tips: wear swim suit before you go as there is no place to change.

WOW!

You won't believe how much art this retired American couple has collected over 30 years....over 3,000 pieces. The live in a restored 400 year old hacienda style house about 1/3 block from the town main square (easy to find) They give tours every day at 10 AM - but we rang their door bell and they gave us a tour in the after noon since we were leaving he next morning. Very accomodating.

We would highly rcommend visiting their home. it has also wons some architectural awards too.

They also have some postcards with pictures of the interior of the house and some of their art to take home.

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Near my hotel i could share a taxi with some Mexican people who were waiting at the same stop. The taxi leaves untill it is full and you share the price. Think as tourist you pay more but ok.
The first picture i went up all there fantastic view and i still dont understand how i went down as i was scared to go down it was terrible steep and i really really didnot like that.

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Swim in cool ( cold ) waters like the Myans did 2000 years ago in the Zaci cenote, which is the original Myan name for Valladolid. Just to take a walk on the path is a refreshing respite from the heat. 20 pesos admission fee. Nice restaurant. Check out the Xtabentun a Myan drink made from honey and anise and rum. A mild licorice flavor .

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The French couple and me wanted to see Cenote Zaci. we arrived at 17.10 and it was closed.
But some nice guard let us go to the restaurant and from here we could make some nice pictures.
Open 8.00-17.00
Entrance 15 adult 10 kids toilet 2 pesos

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3 march 2008
Tina (German girl i met at Chichen Itza) wanted to see the cenote Dzitnup so i joined her.
We paid 200 pesos for a taxi together (think that was a lot to much) so 100 each.
He would bring us then wait 30 minutes and then bring us back to the zocalo in Valladolid.
It is 10 a 15 minutes with the taxi.
Entrance 25 pesos
video 30 pesos.
Open i left at 16.20 and an busload tourist came then. so think open till 17.00
Some childern were swimming in the water.
My pictures are bad. I did make them lighter with photoshop.
It is a bit steep and you really need to watch your head.
you can hold on a rope as it is also a bit slippery.
Biantim went to this on a bike so maybe thats a better idea.
dont forget swimming stuff

3 march 2008
I took the bus from 7.15 from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá at the busstation i met a german girl Tina and we stayed together. (It is always nice to have some pictures of yourself)
Bus cost 20 pesos each way. Return ticket (10.35) you can buy later at Chichén Itzá (was not open yet when we arrived. It is still quiet not many people around 8.00. very nice. I think you walk against the west side of the castillo after main entrance.
Kukulcan / Castillo you CANT climb it no more. Think for about 1 or 2 years the closed it for public. Think to many people died.
Bus 10.35 was late and there is not much shadow were we needed to wait.
also "collectivo's"ask if you want to go with them.
some sites with info

http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-chichen-itza.php
http://www.tourbymexico.com/yucatan/chichen/chichmap.jpg

open 8.00-16.30 (times on the ticket)
entrance 98 pesos including the light show that i didnot see think at 19.00 winter or 20.00 summer
parking 10 pesos

More pictures at Chichén Itzá page