Izamal

Izamal, a small city in Mexico's Yucatán state, greets visitors with yellow-painted streets, colonial-era arches, and Maya pyramids standing among homes. The entire city center shines in shades of yellow, a practice started in 1993 to welcome Pope John Paul II and echoing older traditions tied to sunlight. Walk to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a monastery from the 1500s constructed over a Maya pyramid, or climb the wide stone steps of the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid. You’ll find fewer tourists here compared to Mérida or Chichén Itzá, giving you space to explore on foot, rent a bicycle, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Convento de San Antonio de Padua

Begin your visit at the city’s main monastery, finished in 1561 where the Ppap Hol Chak pyramid once stood. The church and its surrounding courtyard cover 7,806 square meters, making it one of the largest enclosed religious spaces globally after St. Peter’s Square. Look closely at the lower walls to see stones taken from older Maya structures, reused by Franciscan builders. Inside the church, faded murals from the 1500s line the walls, and a wooden statue of the Virgin of Izamal draws pilgrims who believe in its healing power. Evening visitors can watch a light display projected onto the convent walls, explaining the city’s history in Spanish and Maya.

Kinich Kak Moo Pyramid

Walk five minutes from the convent to reach this pyramid, rising 34 meters above the city. Built for the Maya sun god Kinich Kak Moo, its massive base covers an area larger than a soccer field. Climb the steep, uneven steps to reach the top, where you’ll see Izamal’s yellow buildings and the flat Yucatán landscape stretching to the horizon. Unlike busier sites, you won’t pay an entrance fee here or compete with crowds—just watch your step on the weathered stones. Bring a hat and water, as shade is scarce on the structure.

Walking and Riding Through the City

Izamal’s grid of yellow buildings, accented with white trim, creates a bright, consistent look across the center. Local rules keep the color scheme intact, originally chosen for the pope’s visit but now a defining trait. Stroll down Calle 31 to browse shops selling cotton hammocks and traditional shirts, or pause at Parque Itzamna to take photos by the large “IZAMAL” sign. For a faster pace, rent a bicycle from shops near the main square or hire a horse-drawn carriage for a tour that includes smaller pyramids like Itzamatul.

Local Dishes and Markets

Eat at Kinich, a restaurant with a palm-thatched roof, known for cochinita pibil—pork cooked in banana leaves with citrus and spices—and sopa de lima, a tangy turkey soup. Near the convent, street vendors sell marquesitas: rolled wafers filled with melted cheese and jam. Visit the Mercado Municipal to watch tortillas being pressed by hand or try panuchos, fried tortillas topped with beans, shredded chicken, and pickled onions. Stop by a local distillery to sample mezcal made from agave plants grown in the region.

Trips to Nearby Destinations

Izamal sits halfway between Mérida and Chichén Itzá, both reachable in under two hours by car or bus. For a shorter trip, head 20 minutes north to Hoctun Cemetery, where graves mix crosses with Maya carvings. To see flamingos, drive two hours to Celestún Biosphere Reserve, where boats navigate saltwater channels through mangroves. East of Izamal, Valladolid provides access to cenotes like Xkekén, a cave pool with stalactites, and Samulá, lit by a natural skylight.

Festivals and Local Traditions

Izamal’s identity intertwines Maya customs, Spanish colonial history, and modern Mexican life. Over half the population speaks Yucatec Maya, and festivals like the April 3 Holy Cross celebration include processions with traditional jarana dancing. On August 15, crowds gather for the Feast of the Assumption, carrying the Virgin of Izamal’s statue through streets lit by fireworks. Visit Taller de Madera, a workshop where artisans carve wooden masks used in regional dances, to see centuries-old techniques in action.

Planning Your Visit

Visit between November and April for cooler temperatures and minimal rain. Buses from Mérida’s Noreste Terminal run regularly, taking about 90 minutes. For lodging, Hacienda Sacnicte offers quiet gardens and pools, while Posada Ya’ax Ich has affordable rooms near the convent. Bring enough pesos—credit cards work in few places, and ATMs are limited. Spanish suffices for most interactions, but locals appreciate greetings like “ma’lob k’iin” (good day) in Yucatec Maya.