IZAMAL
If you're searching for a picturesque town with lots of 'Instagrammable' locations to explore on foot and take some amazing vacation photos, then Izamal is the perfect choice. This beautiful and peaceful town, also known as Yucatan's 'Yellow City', is recognized as a Pueblo Magico, or “Magic Town”, for its vibrant culture, rich history, quaint, colorful buildings, architecture, and scenery. Most of the historic buildings and houses in Izamal have been painted yellow and white, which gives the town a unique atmosphere and adds to the colonial charm. Located between the stations of Tixkokob (pronounced ‘Tish-ko-kob’) a small stop east of the city of Merida, and the station of the archeological site of Chichen Itza, Izamal connects the Yucatan I Route, and the Yucatan II Route of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train”. Izamal is a unique town, not only due to its painted buildings but also due to the fact that amongst the modern town and its buildings stand several ancient Mayan pyramids. Izmal is thought to be one of the oldest cities of the Mayans, and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
What is there to do?
While small in size, there is a lot to see in Izamal, this beautiful town is easily explored on foot. Visit ancient Mayan ruins, take lots of photos, relax with the locals in the city’s parks, and get a real insight into the culture and history of this unique town. There are also places to explore outside of the main town, see the production of handicrafts, and dine on popular and delicious regional dishes.
Top Activities in Izamal:
Marvel at the Yellow City
Explore Izamal’s quaint, picturesque streets - walk around the town, sightseeing its beautiful yellow colonial buildings and cobbled roads.
Relax in Izamal's Parks
Hang out and relax in one of the parks close to the convent - Parque Itzamna, and 5 de Mayo.
Visit Izamal's Famous Convent
Visit Izamal’s convent. The Convent of San Antonio de Padua, the centerpiece of Izamal. This convent has the largest atrium in Latin America, and a long history, it was built over an ancient Mayan Pyramid. Inside you can learn about the history of the convent and Izamal in the museum.
Climb the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid
Climb to the top of the ancient Mayan ruins, the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, for wonderful views, and a unique experience. Marvel at how this ancient pyramid, and Izamal’s other ruins, are located on the cobbled streets, coexisting with the modern-day town, and its colonial buildings and houses.
Take Lots of Photos
Take lots of photos! Izamal is a truly photogenic town. Don’t forget to get a picture in front of the Izamal letters in the park, Parque Itzmana.
Mayan Embroidery in Kimbila
Make a trip to Kimbila, Yucatan’s town of traditional embroidery. This small town, just a short trip from Izamal, is known for its embroidery, with many of the locals handmaking clothing and accessories with traditional Yucatan embroidery. Go by and do some shopping.
The Center of Culture and Crafts
Vist the Centro Cultural y Artesanal, or The Center of Culture and Crafts. This museum is located in front of Parque 5 de Mayo, you can view a diverse range of art and crafts from all over Mexico, portraying the cultures of the country.
Take a Horse and Carriage Ride
Enjoy a horse and carriage ride - You can take a ride from the side of Parque Izamal, close to the convent.
Go Shopping
Take a walk through Izamal’s market, Mercado Municipal de Izamal. Shop for souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and trinkets, pick up some fresh fruit and veg or try something cooked by one of the vendors.
Take a Hammock Making Workshop
Go to a hammock-making workshop. Visit the workshop of Don Agustin Kanatun, with years of handmaking hammocks in Izamal.
Eat Local at Restaurante Kinich
Dine on regional cuisine at the town’s popular restaurant, Restaurante Kinich.
Visit a Botanic Garden
Take a tour of the Jardin Botanico de plantas medicinales, Itzayana - the botanical garden of medicinal plants. Learn about the use of different plants as a medicine.
Getting to Izamal & Where to go After:
If you're arriving in Mexico, you might arrive at Merida's International Airport. From there, you can take the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train," from Teya Station to get to Izamal. Izamal is a short journey east of Merida and is an excellent location for a day trip if you're staying in the city. It's also a great place for a stopover if you're on your way to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, or even Cancun and the beaches of the Caribbean coast. From Izamal, you can explore the Chichen Itza archaeological site, visit the historic and cosmopolitan city of Merida, or head to the coastal town of Progresso. Additionally, you can travel east to the popular colonial city of Valladolid from Izamal on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train."
If you're looking to visit Mexico's famous beaches, the Yucatan II Route connects Izamal to the Caribbean I Route of the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train." This means that you can take the train from Izamal to Cancun Airport and then start enjoying the Caribbean sunshine on the white sand beaches of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen.