Izamal is better known as the yellow city of Mexico. When I first heard about Izamal, I imagined a few yellow-painted houses, but nothing is further from the truth. All the houses in the colonial center of this city are completely painted yellow. And in different shades. The exact reason behind the yellow unknown, but Izamal is a wonderful destination to include in your Mexico itinerary. In this travel guide you will find the best things to do and see in Izamal Mexico, including tips for the most beautiful hotels and restaurants.
Izamal, meaning “dew that falls from the sky,” is believed to be named after the Maya deity Itzamná. Founded over two thousand years ago, the city was an important ceremonial center dedicated to gods like Itzamná and Kinich Kakmó. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors overtook Izamal, constructing colonial churches and monasteries, such as the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, on the ruins of ancient temples. Today, Izamal remains a pilgrimage site where pre-Columbian and colonial influences converge.
Izamal has always been an important place of pilgrimage. It is also one of the “Pueblos Mágicos”, magical cities, of Mexico. A program developed by the government to preserve and promote the cultural significance of the city.
Izamal is located in the northern part of Mexico’s Yucatán state, approximately 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) east of Mérida. Strategically positioned between popular destinations like Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, Izamal is easily accessible by car or public transport from various cities in Yucatán. Personally, I always opt for renting a car when traveling through this region of Mexico, it gives you maximum flexibility. If you prefer to travel by bus, shuttle service, or private driver, you can book your route through Bookaway.
It may not surprise you when I say that one of the best things to do in Izamal is to walk around the yellow streets and take lots of pictures. Many houses are decorated with flowers and plants, which makes for great pictures. Don’t forget to visit the Parque de los Remedios to have a look at the little church Capilla de los Remedios. I also couldn’t stop taking pictures of the little yellow chapel San Idelfonso, located at the outskirts of the town. Both churches are super cute and photogenic.
One of the most famous sights in the yellow city of Mexico Izamal, is the Convento de San Antonio de Padua and you will often see this building pass by when you read about Izamal. In the time of the Mayans, this was the place of the Papp-Hol-Chac temple. The Spaniards used the stones of the temple to build the first Franciscan monastery in Yucatán in 1533. According to reports, it was even one of the first monasteries in the Western Hemisphere. You can take great photos in the plaza of the monastery, walk around the arches and enjoy a view over the square of Izamal.
Are you interested in the history of Izamal? Then one of the best things to do is to visit the interiors of the Izamal monastery, which is nowadays a museum.
In Mayan times, the temples in Izamal were used to honor gods, such as Itzamna and sun god Kinich-Kakmo. Three of the twelve temples have been partially restored and some of them can be visited today. I am fascinated by the history of the Mayans and other Pre-Columbian cultures and walking through a city where you suddenly see remnants of Mayan temples still impresses me. Pyramids to visit in Izamal include Itzamatul, el Conejo, Chaltún Há and Kinich-Kakmóen. Kinich-Kakmo was the temple of the sun god, with a base of 8000 square meters and 34 meters high. You can climb the pyramid for a view of the city. All pyramids are free to visit.
Mexico is known for its many archaeological sites. Each complex has its own characteristics and stories. You can stroll through the ancient cities, climb temples, admire ornaments and learn more about the history. This is a list with the best ruins to visit in Mexico.
In the center of Izamal you will find a number of small boutiques, like Raices Maya, where you can buy handmade products made from sisal. Sisal is a tropical fiber that is extracted from leaves of Agave plants in Yucatan. The Mayans already used this material for their clothing. Nowadays in Izamal and surroundings you can buy beautiful products such as bags, hats and home decorations.
Coqui Coqui is a designer perfume store where really everything is beautiful. There are branches in Valladolid,Mérida, Izamal and Coba.. At Casa de Los Santos in Izamal, you’ll find blue and pink frescoes, antique tapestries, ornate floor tiles and everywhere rich scents and candles that Coqui Coqui is so famous for. Coqui Coqui is a concept by duo Nicolás Malleville and Francesca Bonato, who were inspired by the lifestyle, scents and colors of Yucatán in Mexico and French Polynesia. Note: Coqui Coqui in Izamal is only open when guests are staying, so if you find it closed, you may have to try again the next day.
At Coqui Coqui, you can stay overnight in stylish and luxurious suites. However, there are usually only one or two rooms available. Only in Cobá will you find multiple suites, and believe me, this is a place you want to stay, because it doesn’t get any more beautiful than this.
If you drive from Izamal to Valladolid in Mexico or vice versa, make sure you stop at the church of Uayma, all in pink with numerous decorations. In the village itself there is not much to do but the church is worth a picture. Around Uayma there are more sleepy villages with small churches in different colors. It is definitely one of the best things to do when you are in Izamal in Mexico.
Valladolid is located less than a 1.5-hour drive from Izamal. This is a typical Mexican city with a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Moreover, it is a perfect startinpoint for a visit to Chichén Itzá and the surrounding cenotes. Both are among the top things to do in Mexico and therefore not to miss.
Valladolid in Mexico has a large plaza with a cathedral, a monastery, colonial buildings with countless colors and even a cenote located in the middle of the city. One of the most beautiful streets in Valladolid is Calle de los Frailes, where almost every building is worth a picture.
Chichén Itzá is an ancient Maya city and currently listed as one of the wonders of the world. The temple of Kukulchan (El Castillo) is probably one of the most photographed buildings in the region. It is a perfect pyramid, consisting of 4 stairs with 91 steps each, which are equal to the number of days of the solstice.
If you’re planning to visit wonder of the world Chichen Itza, here are my tips: arrive at Chichén Itzá right when it opens at 8:00 AM. This way, you can explore the site before the market stalls are fully set up and ahead of the tour buses that typically arrive between 10:00 and 10:30 AM. Also make sure, to book an early access ticket to skip the lines. If you’re interested in a guided tour to delve deeper into the history, there are several options available that include transportation here.
Want to know more about Valladolid and its surroundings? Read all my tips for the best things to do Valladolid here.
Merida, nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca – the White City – thanks to the many whitewashed buildings in its historic centre, is a charming Mexican city on the Yucatan peninsula. You can walk through the colonial center and discover the Paseo de Montejo, also known as the Champs-Élysées of Mérida. This is a long boulevard with old mansions that have been transformed into museums, stores or restaurants. Mérida is a nice city to include in your Mexico itinerary and a 1-hour drive west of Izamal.
Want to know more about Merida? Read all my tips for the best things to do Merida here.
Many people visit Izamal as a day trip fromMérida. Something that is perfectly fine. But what if I told you that you will find one of the most beautiful haciendas of the region just outside Izamal? Hacienda Sacnicte is a former hacienda in Izamal that has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with incredible rooms for an affordable price. I initially booked 1 night here but ended up staying a week.
Each room is decorated in a unique and stylish way. The master suites and presidential suites are located in the main building and are the largest rooms. On the veranda of the former mansion you can enjoy the Mexican slow vibe while delicious food and drinks are served. Highly recommended to include in your Mexico itinerary, even if you have little time.
Check availability and current rates for Hacienda Sacnicte here. Looking for more hotels in Izamal? Here you will find a comprehensive overview.
Curious about my favorite places to eat in Izamal? Enjoy local Izamal cuisine at tmy favorite restaurants in the yellow city of Mexico with these tips.
Kinich is without a doubt one of the best Izamal restaurants. It is a popular spot for tourists but also among locals. In is located in an open and beautiful colonial setting wih several tables and chairs. The menu consists of typical Yucatán dishes like papadzules. Make sure to also have a look at the small boutique store at the front. You’ll find beautiful local products here.
Another tip for restaurants in Izamal in Mexico, where you can enjoy great local dishes is Restaurante Zamna.
The best way to reach Izamal is by car. Driving by car in Mexico is easy and it gives you a lot of freedom. Moreover, you can park for free in Izamal. Keep in mind that there is one way traffic everywhere so a good navigation is recommended. Izamal is best visited on the way from Valladolid toMérida or the other way around. FromMérida it is a one-hour drive, depending on traffic, and from Valladolid 1 hour and 45 minutes. Of course you can also visit Izamal with an organized tour and guide. This is an overview of interesting tours in and around Izamal.
Need a rental car for your trip to Mexico? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
You can easy walk around Izamal, as it’s a small city. Park your car at the monastery, or Kinich restaurant and continue on foot from there.
Curious about how to include Izamal in your trip through Mexico? In the next article, you’ll find my tips for a three-week journey through Mexico that takes you from Mexico City all the way to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Did you enjoy reading this guide with the best things to do in the yellow city Izamal in Mexico? Looking for more tips and inspiration? In the next articles you can discover more about beautiful Mexico:
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
