Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Beaches
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Beaches
Information
MICE tourism
"CITY OF THREE CULTURES"
It is one of the oldest cities in Yucatan.
It is characterized by its ochre yellow color that adorns the facades of its colonial buildings.
It is a place with a rich history dating back to pre-Hispanic times. From its foundation to the present day, it is linked to a strong religious tradition, as this site was once a vast Maya ceremonial center during the Classic Period.
Currently, it is known as the "City of Hills" since archaeological remains remain in the city center. Almost all its buildings are painted in ochre yellow.
Izamal has restaurants, charming craft shops, and hotels, and there is no better way to explore it than on a horse-drawn carriage tour.
The Magical Town is located just 68 km (50 minutes) from Merida and 110 km (one and a half hours) from Valladolid.
Yucatán has so many attractions that it's worth discovering other places besides Izamal. You can take the Izamal, Valladolid, and Chichén Itzá Tour, which, in addition to including this Magic Town, will also allow you to visit Valladolid and Chichén Itzá.
Another interesting tour is visiting the Magic Town of Motul, the birthplace of the famous "huevos motuleños," followed by the fabulous Cenote Sambulá,where you can swim if you'd like.
Izamal
What to See in Izamal
Tourist Attractions in Izamal
Plaza Principal (Main Plaza)
The peaceful town has a beautiful main square where works of Yucatecan artisans are exhibited, such as hammocks, wooden pieces, and jewelry. It is a place to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Izamal, or take a traditional horse-drawn carriage and discover the town's secrets and legends.
Convento de San Antonio de Padua (Convent)
The Convent of San Antonio de Padua stands out as a masterpiece of the colonial era dating back to 1561. The Convent was built on an ancient Maya worship site called Pap Hol Chac (Castle of the Kings), and many stones from the pre-Columbian city were reused for this construction.
The Franciscan cloister consists of 75 arches painted in yellow, with 26 located in front of the temple facade (east), 25 to the west, 13 to the north, and 11 to the south. Together, they form an impressive corridor enclosing a 7,806 square meter esplanade, the second-largest enclosed atrium in the world, after St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
Inside the temple, there are two images: the Black Christ and Our Lady of Izamal, the Patron Saint of Yucatan. The Camarin de la Virgen (Chamber of the Virgin) stands out with a beautiful golden and polychrome altarpiece that combines painting and stipes. It also has a small museum commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II.
In the convent's atrium, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, there is a light and sound show called "The Light of the Mayas," which narrates the history of the place.
Other Religious Constructions
There are several religious constructions you can visit, such as the Temple of the Virgin of Candelaria and the chapels of Santa Cruz, San José, and San Ildefonso.
Izamal Archaeological Zone
As a representation of pre-Hispanic culture, its archaeological zone reveals the grandeur of its ceremonial plaza flanked by five pyramids, with the Temple of Kinich Kakmó standing out. It consists of a structure with a base of 200 m long by 180 m wide and a height of 34 m. Other important buildings include Itzamatul and Kabul, basements decorated with stucco masks dedicated to the Maya solar god.
Izamal Cultural and Craft Center
You can also visit the Izamal Cultural and Craft Center, which exhibits magnificent craftworks and a shop where popular art pieces are sold.
What to Do in Izamal
Select your Adventure in Yucatán
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN IZAMAL
Explore the Cenotes
Like many other places in the Yucatan Peninsula, there are several cenotes in the surroundings that can be explored, as well as jungle tours to learn about the region's flora and fauna.