Best Things to Do in Izamal
Houses painted in bright ocher, cobbled streets, and a religious center across centuries and cultures: Izamal invites you to stroll through its streets, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and get in touch with the past and present. Once an important religious center of the Mayan culture, it’s now the center of the Catholic faith on the Yucatan. That’s why on religious holidays, the town gets suddenly more active than usual when Mexicans from the surrounding area come to visit its convent and join the festivities.
Izamal is known under various names that have to do with its past:
- “The Yellow City” because many houses in the city center are painted yellow. The reason for this – according to my tourist guide from the local tourist police – has to do with the end of the henequen boom in the 1960s, which had been an important economic factor. By then, the city’s appearance wasn’t very welcoming, with many buildings having commercial signs. So the city decided to make a new start and become a tourist attraction by painting the city center yellow. Why yellow? Well, it was affordable. When the Pope announced his visit in 1993, the city decided to paint the access roads through which the Pope would enter the city also yellow. Whether it’s a coincidence or intention that the Vatican City flag is yellow and white is left to speculation.
- “The City of Three Cultures” because here you can find evidence from three different eras – the pre-Hispanic era of the Maya still visible in its pyramids, the colonial era depicted by its architecture of houses and the main square, and the contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The Mayan language is still being spoken by the majority of its inhabitants for many of whom it’s their first language.
- “The City of Hills”, because there are 5 larger Mayan pyramids here that appeared like large hills before they were excavated (you have to know that the Yucatán Peninsula is very flat and covered by a lot of forest, so natural hills are uncommon).
Apart from many names, Izamal has so much to offer, among them handicraft workshops and typical Yucatecan cuisine. Wait no more, and visit this beautiful town in the heart of the Yucatan state!
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At a Glance: Izamal’s TOP 8 Highlights
- Visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua
- Climb the Pyramid Kinich-Kakmó
- Visit Handicraft Workshops
- Discover Izamal’s History (City Tour)
- Swim in Cenotes
- Visit More Archaeological Sites
- Visit the Mayan Workshop Museum
- Make a Day Trip to Merida or the Beach
1. Visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua
Izamal’s religious and architectural center, this convent was built on top of a former Maya pyramid, Ppap Hol Chak, the main Maya temple of Izamal and residence of ancient Maya priests. Three ramps lead to the atrium – one right in front, and one to each side. The convent’s atrium is the largest in the Americas, and the world’s second-largest (after St. Peter’s Square in Rome). On August 11, 1993, Pope John Paul II. visited Izamal. A statue in the church’s atrium commemorates this event.
The convent’s origin dates back to 1553, the year it was built under Fray Diego de Landa, a Franciscan friar and later bishop. Diego de Landa was sent to the Yucatán in 1549 to convert the indigenous Maya to Christianity. He was responsible for burning Mayan codices and cult images to end idol worship. At least he conserved some of the knowledge about the Maya religion, language, culture, and writing system in his book “Relación de las Cosas de Yucatán”.
Dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the convent’s interior houses the sculpture of the Virgin that Fray Diego de Landa brought from Guatemala in the 16th century. Actually, he brought two identical sculptures, one for Izamal and one for Mérida. However, in 1829, there was a fire in the church that destroyed the altar and the statue. As the convent is of such importance for the Catholic faith on the Yucatan, it was replaced by its twin from Mérida. Since the fire, worshippers have been lighting their candles for the Virgin outside in a little alcove to prevent another fire from happening. Little fun fact: Every night after the evening mass, the statue is brought inside a little alcove (camarín) behind the statue where she stays for the night before it is taken out again in the morning before the morning mass.
Tips & Tricks
Enjoy the video mapping that is displayed at the weekends in the atrium of the convent. It starts at 8:30 PM, ticket sales start at 8 PM at the convent’s front ramp.
2. Climb the Pyramid Kinich-Kakmó
This pyramid (sometimes spelled Kinich Kak Moo) was built between 250-600 a.C. for the cult of the sun god whom the Mayans worshipped with offerings of flowers, fruits, animals, and incense. It’s the tallest prehispanic structure in Yucatan at 35 meters (115 feet) high and its base dimensions make it the third largest pyramid in Mexico (after the pyramids of Teotihuacan in the state of Mexico, and Cholula in the state of Puebla).
First, you climb a plateau which is quite large and has another structure on top of it. This upper structure used to hold the altar which had been destroyed by the Spanish when they arrived in Izamal. You can climb to the very top of it and have a great view of Izamal and the surrounding forest. The pyramid features Izamal’s unique architectural style for pyramids, such as rounded edges and megalithic stone structures.
Tips & Tricks
The entrance is at the pyramid’s southern side via Calle 27. The gates are closed at 5 PM; you can still climb off the pyramid via the pyramid’s western side; however, watch your steps as the stony stairs are quite uneven. Wear good shoes when climbing the pyramid!
3. Visit Handicraft Workshops
Izamal has been a Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) since 2001, amongst others for its emphasis on heritage preservation. One part of it is the handicraft workshops (“talleres artesanales”) that ensure the survival of local traditions and skills.
For example, you can visit local craftsmen to see how hand-made jewelry is made from henequen thorns and cocoyol seeds. Esteban, who runs the workshop with his family, can also teach you something about the Mayan language. Other workshops can be found for hammocks, cross-stitch, paper mache, tinwork, machine embroidery, and herbal medicine.
For those who love hands-on practice, I suggest the woodcarving workshop with Gabriel Pérez Rajón. Learn how to carve animal figures like jaguars, iguanas, armadillos, or frogs. These workshops normally last several days, depending on the type of handicraft you choose. If you’re staying only a day, you can learn how to paint a wooden figure in traditional style within 2-3 hours. Get more information from the tourist information, or contact Gabriel directly via WhatsApp at +52 999 198 350 2.
4. Discover Izamal’s History (City Tour)
If you want to know more about Izamal’s history, the best thing you can do is a city tour in one of the following ways:
- By foot: Ask for a scheduled tour at the tourist office in Calle 30-A. You can also have a private tour on a donation basis. This is what I did, and it was very helpful to get a better understanding of Izamal’s history.
- Horse-drawn carriage: At the northern side of the convent, in Calle 31, there are always some horse-drawn carriages that offer a tour around the town. They show you the bigger pyramids and also pass by the occasional artisanal workshop. 45 minutes cost around 400 pesos (22 USD).
- By quad or bike: Why walk when you can drive? The tour starts from the hotel Rinconada del Convento south of the convent.
5. Swim in Cenotes
Cenotes (sinkholes) are one of the treasures of the Yucatan peninsula. Whether it’s an open, semi-open, or closed cenote, all of them have a certain magic to them. Around Izamal, you can find various public (and some not-so-public) cenotes. Most, however, concentrate in the bio reserve “Ring of Cenotes” (Anillo de Cenotes) southwest of Izamal. If you drive 1 hour to the town Homún, you can find various cenotes in and around Homún. Please make sure to not wear sun blockers or anti-mosquito repellents when you swim in the cenotes, as these might harm the delicate water life.
Tips & Tricks
If you’re looking for great pictures of cenotes without the tourist masses, contact Esteban Abán from the Cocoyol workshop in Izamal at +52 988 967 04 44.
6. Visit More Archaeological Sites in Izamal
Izamal was an important Mayan ceremonial center, and more than 80 prehispanic structures have been discovered. Only a few are open to the public, though. Apart from Kinich-Kakmó, you can visit the following sites.
- Itzamatul: This pyramid consists of 3 structures built on top of each other in different eras. You can climb the pyramid at the side of it.
- Habuk (or Habuc): 2 blocks south of the convent, this pyramid shows rounded edges as is typical for Izamal’s pyramids. It’s speculated that this structure provided rooms for priests traveling to Izamal for big ceremonies, or maybe for the occasional human sacrifice offering. By the way, the opinion of scientists about whether there were human sacrifices or not tends to vary over the decades; currently, it is believed that in Izamal, they happened only occasionally and not in masses like it is suspected from other ancient Mayan sites.
- Chaltún Ha: This pyramid is the farthest from the city center, about 20 minutes by foot to the convent’s southwest. However, once you’re there, you can visit the local shaman for some traditional Mayan rituals (see “Shamanismo Maya”).
- Tu’ul (also called “El Conejo” / The Rabbit): Only the basement is left of this pyramid that’s located 3 blocks east of the convent. When I was in Izamal, I found the gates closed every time I passed although according to my local tourist guide, it should be open.
7. Visit the Mayan Workshop Museum
In this museum/shop (“Taller Maya Izamal” in Spanish) you can learn more about folk art and also buy some pieces. The broad variety of handcrafted products comes from seven indigenous cooperatives in 16 rural communities of the Yucatan Peninsula. So with each purchase, you support the local people and the survival of their traditions. The center is located in Calle 31, on the northern side of the park “5 de Mayo” (May 5th).
8. Make a Day Trip to Mérida or the Beach
If you spend more than just one day in Izamal, you can head off to explore its surroundings:
- Visit the colonial city of Mérida and enjoy the splendid architecture or visit the Maya Museum. It’s only a 1-hour drive from Izamal.
- Spend a day at the beach: In a 1.5-hour drive, you reach Progreso, Mérida’s favorite beach resort on hot summer days. If you prefer a small fishing village, visit Telchac Puerto or Santa Lucía.
- Visit Valladolid and admire its colonial architecture in the famous Calzada de los Frailes street and its main square.
…What Else Can You Do in Izamal?
Have a Shamanic Mayan Ritual
If you’re open to spirituality and traditional healing methods, why not have the local shaman perform a cleansing ritual? Hermano Mayo helps you cleanse your energetic body; you can find him at the entrance of the Cháltun Ha pyramid in the southwest of the city.
Where to Eat in Izamal
There are so many places where you can enjoy local dishes, and the quality has surprised us. If you want to taste Yucatecan specialties at their best, you won’t be disappointed.
Los Arcos
This restaurant is very popular with tourists because it’s located right in the center and offers not only Yucatecan specialties but also vegetarian and vegan variations of the same. Take a seat in its garden backyard, or directly in front of the restaurant under the portal arches. We recommend the Chaya drink with lime or pineapple, which is also available as a cocktail version, and to order any of the Yucatecan specialties. Try also the Torta Izamaleña, which is a sandwich filled with turkey, pork, lettuce, and carrots, accompanied by Russian salad and chips.
Kinich Izamal
This restaurant is also frequented by locals from all over the region. Prices are a bit higher, but this is made up for by the beautiful setting under a palapa roof. The restaurant is located next to the pyramid. Enjoy Yucatecan dishes and watch how the homemade tortillas are being prepared. It’s recommended to make a reservation and keep in mind that they close at 7 PM.
Zamna Restaurant
A similar atmosphere to Kinich Izamal, but it’s a bit more economical. This restaurant also serves Yucatecan specialties and the waiters are very friendly. It’s located next to the Park of the Cannons, so take some photos after you’ve eaten. Zamna can be quite busy around lunchtime with tourist groups, but for dinner time it is usually pretty empty. Try the Venado Zamna, Papadzules with Longaniza, or the Sopa de Lima.
Market Stalls
If you want to save money, there’s no way around eating like a local. At the local market (Mercado Municipal) opposite the church at the central park, you can get tacos, tortas, and more. Keep in mind that many of these market stalls and loncherías (lunch restaurants) close at 4 PM. On some days, there’s a mobile market stand called “Coyote” that puts up its tables and seats on the platform of the local market at 5 PM; check out their tacos mestizos (tacos with cheese).
Where to Stay in Izamal
Macanche Garden Hotel
At just a 10-minute walk from the city center, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nature. This hotel offers individually decorated rooms and bungalows. The reception is located under a large palapa where you can also enjoy your breakfast. There’s also a pool and a yoga platform, and a yoga house is currently being built for future seminars.
Hotel Rinconada del Convento
This hotel offers city tours on a quad or bike. It has a nice garden cafe where you can have breakfast with a view of the convent. It’s not the quietest hotel you could find in Izamal, however, it’s the perfect central location to get easily to the main square and Izamal’s main attractions.
How to Get to Izamal
The nearest international airports are in Mérida (MID) and Cancún (CUN). You can also fly in via Mexico City and then book an onward flight to Mérida.
From Mérida, Izamal is just about an hour’s drive away; you can travel by public transport or a rental car, though it usually takes longer by public transport (roughly 1:40 hours). From Mérida’s city center, there are several bus stops from which you can choose. You can also book a tour from Mérida if you want to stay in Izamal only for the day.
So…Is it For Me?
If you love smaller towns with a calm atmosphere and an interesting past, then you’ll definitely enjoy this town as much as I did. Also if you love going for walks as I do (a typical German in that regard, I guess:-)). Izamal can give you a good understanding of Yucatan’s past and how the Mayan heritage is being preserved today. Whether you stay just for a day, or longer – I’m sure you’ll love Izamal’s beautiful appearance just as much as I did.
Plan and Book Your Trip
– Where to find cheap flights: Skyscanner.com
– Get compensation for delayed or canceled flights: AirHelp
– Which Travel Insurance to use: safetywing.com
– Where to book accommodation: booking.com, hostelworld.com
– Where to book rental cars: Discover Cars
– Where to book tours: Get Your Guide, Tripadvisor, Viator
– Transportation: Busbud for sustainable travel by bus, inDrive for city-to-city transportation service
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- Best Things to Do in Izamal – The City of Many Names