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 Cantón 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 Yucatán, 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 Oxmán, Valladolid
Hotel El Mason Del Marques, Valladolid
Kinich Kakmó Mayan Ruins, Izamal, Mexico
Xkopek Beekeeping Park, Valladolid

Marysa

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!