Valladolid was probably going to be the last "authentic" Mexican city we'd spend some time in, before hitting the popular tourist spots on the coast and with it - Starbucks, McDonalds et al.

And it was. Valladolid is a small city in the state of Yucatán. Located about a 45 minute drive from the (lesser-used) east entrance of Chichén Itzá, it offers an alternative base for the ruins, while having its own charms as well. Although further from the ruins, Valladolid is less tourist-oriented and has more historic charm.

We managed to get some beds at Hostel La Candelaria, a tranquil hippy-ish place located in the middle of town, recommended by the couple we shared TimTams with in Merida, and it was certainly well received. An ample kitchen motivated us to whip up a spaghetti bolognese on the first night, which quenched our appetites as well as our budgets. The following morning we gathered a group of fellow travellers, from all corners of the world, hired bikes and rode out to a few cenotes just out of town. The feeling of refreshment after taking a swim in each one after riding several kilometres in the heat and humidity only added to the beautiful scenery we were able to enjoy.

The last cenote we visited that day - Oxman - was equipped with a makeshift swing and as we were the only people there, it made for a great afternoon which was well captured on my GoPro.

As we only spent 2 nights in Valladolid, we woke up early the next morning and took a collectivo bus out to Chichén Itzá, in an attempt to beat the crowds and get a few decent photos. The early rise paid off, although it wasn't long before we were swamped with locals offering every variety of handicrafts and souvenirs, and tour busses dropping off what seemed to be mostly Americans by the hoards. So, continuing our journey towards the coast, we made our way back to the hostel and hopped on a bus to Playa del Carmen.