WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN IZAMAL, THE YELLOW CITY OF MEXICO

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If you are planning a visit to this charming town in Yucatan, this post is for you with a fewtips on things to see and do in Izamal. Before, however, we will tell you a couple of curiosities:

- The first thing that catches the attention of the small town of Izamal is its monochrome. All streets here are tinted yellow! The reason is simple, before the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993, it was decided to paint the town completely of this color to welcome it. Since then he acquired this peculiarity and hopefully it will last for many years, because we love it!

- In addition to "The Yellow City", Izamal is also known as "The city of the three cultures“, Where pre-Columbian, Hispanic and contemporary culture coexist. Y "The city of the hills“, Because it is surrounded by what was believed to be small hills, and turned out to be Mayan pyramids. And also, no, now ... There are no more motes. But yes, Izamal is a box of surprises!

- The origin of its name is found in the Mayan word “izmal”Which means“ dew from heaven ”.

- Finally, you have probably heard of the Magic Towns of Mexico, because Izamal was the first to hold this title. The other magical town in Yucatán is Valladolid.

Find cheap accommodationin Izamal here

1. TheConvent of San Antonio de Padua It is the great reason to get here. It has the largest enclosed courtyard in America, and the second largest in the world, behind St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Being Izamal one of the most sacred places for the Maya, the Spaniards in their conquest set out to build something that could counteract that force, and they did it with this impressive convent. It has a church of a nave, and inside there are some interesting murals.

advice: visit it both day and night (especially at sunset it is very beautiful). There is a light and sound show (called video mapping) every night at 20.30, although the boys from The world upside down They went and told us that they didn't like it very much (it also costs 100 pesos, about € 4 and a peak). The video mapping of the Convent of Valladolid is much better.

Convent of San Antonio de Padua, Izamal

2. In Izamal there are several pyramids of the Mayan era, although the most important is the Pyramid of Kinich Kakmó. It has a double elevation, and a total height of 34 meters, being the third highest in Mexico, even above the Kukulkan pyramid of Chichen Itza. You enter through 27th Street. Eye: when you make the first staircase do not stop, keep walking until the second climb, which will take you to the top. Worth it, but be careful! According to tradition, it was dedicated to the sun goddess who every day descended from the sky into a macaw to collect her offerings.

3. Another of the pyramids of Izamal is the Pyramid of Itzamatul, the truth is that if you visit Kinich Kakmó's one, this is a bit lazy but good ... if you have time (and you want) you can get close to meet her.

Pyramid of Kinich Kakmó de Izamal

4. In the main square of IzamalLike other cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, you can find the lyrics of IZAMAL. When we went there was a fair, so the photos are not wonderful, but it is certainly one of the most photogenic places in town. That square and the neighbor Square of theConstitution They are surrounded by beautiful arcaded buildings from the colonial era, including the Municipal Palace.

5. Here is also a beautiful boutique hotel, theHotel San Miguel Arcángel, with an inner courtyard where continental breakfasts and local recipes are served (Hun Pic Tok Cafe). The truth is that it is a very cool place, and we believe it is a good option to stay. Although we were attracted by the “capuccino” sign at the entrance and we did well to enter! There is another cafeteria / museum just across the square, which we did not enter (it opened at 10am and we needed our dose of caffeine well before) but it might be worth it.

6. The whole town is dotted with small plates where the legends of Izamal, like that of the deer, that of the fallen cross or that of the ceiba de los Remedios. And also corners dedicated to different things. Notice why some accompanied by small sculptures or drawings.

Izamal Corners and Legends

8. There is a craft store (is named Toulouse) where, apart from gossiping among the souvenirs, you can go to an inner courtyard where there is a mural that represents the Mayan culture. It is tiny but curious (and free!).

7. The Chapel of Remedies It is the second largest in Izamal and quite cool. Yellow on the outside (of course) and with a beautiful black and white floor that reaches the altar. The walk here is very nice, so do not miss it 🙂 It is located at the intersection of 34th Street and 27th.

Chapel of Remedies, Izamal

9. We didn't go since we only had breakfast at Izamal, but the boys from Street Travelers, recommend the Kinich restaurant and, considering that we did not see a lot of restaurants in the city (and especially that the photos that hung from their dishes are very, very attractive) here we leave the data 🙂

10. Considering that this magical town is a beautiful past, what you will enjoy most is get lost in its streets paved with yellow and white facades. Pay attention to the small details and the daily and leisurely life of the locals. Surely you love it!

Details of Izamal

Arches of the Convent of Izamal

Izamal ended up being one of the positive surprises of the trip. Its location makes it a perfect getaway of a few hours from Mérida or Valladolid, however we recommend spending a night. The town, when the sun disappears and with it the majority of tourists, is truly magical. We loved being able to see both of your faces.

These are our recommendations of the best things to see and do in Izamal, the yellow city of Yucatán and one of the magical towns of Mexico.