Izamal is the yellow city of Yucatán. Almost every building in the centre of this town of around 17,000 people is painted a warm golden yellow, from the arcades of the squares to the huge Convent of San Antonio de Padua. Around them, the mounds of Maya pyramids recall that Izamal was an important sacred city long before the Spanish arrived.
Why visit Izamal
For a unique, photogenic town that mixes Maya and colonial history, a slower pace than Mérida, and an easy base for cenotes, haciendas and Chichén Itzá.
Top things to do in Izamal
Convent of San Antonio de Padua
Built in the 16th century on top of a Maya platform, the convent has a vast arcaded atrium, one of the largest in Mexico. A sound-and-light show is held some evenings.
Kinich Kak Moo
One of the largest pyramids in Yucatán by volume, right in town. Climb its steps for views over the yellow rooftops.
Yellow streets and carriages
Explore the arcades and squares on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, and visit the town’s craft workshops and small museums.
Other pyramids
Smaller structures such as Itzamatul and Habuk are scattered between the houses.
Day trips from Izamal
Mérida is about 70 km away, Chichén Itzá around 1 hour 15 minutes by car, and several cenotes and old henequen haciendas lie in the surrounding countryside.
Best time to visit Izamal
November to March is the most comfortable time. April and May are very hot, and June to October brings rain and humidity. Visit the pyramids early in the morning.
Getting to Izamal
Mérida airport is about an hour away. Buses run from Mérida, and Izamal has a station on the Tren Maya. A car is useful for cenotes and haciendas.
What to eat in Izamal
Yucatecan classics: cochinita pibil, poc chuc (grilled pork), sopa de lima, panuchos and fresh tropical fruit.
Izamal FAQ
Why is Izamal yellow?
The town’s buildings are painted yellow by tradition; the colour was renewed for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993.
Is one day enough?
One day covers the centre; stay a night to enjoy the quiet evening and nearby cenotes.
