Izamal is better known as the yellow city of Mexico. When I first heard about this city I thought: Oh that must be a city with just some yellow 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 reason why the city is yellow is unfortunately unknown. But Izamal is a wonderful destination to include in your Mexico itinerary. In this article you will find the best things to do in Izamal Mexico, including tips for the most beautiful hotels and restaurants.
A bit of history | Izamal Mexico
Izamal means: Dew that falls from the heavens. The city was founded by the Mayans two thousand years ago and is named after the Mayan god Itzamná. For a long time, Izamal was a ceremonial center, where temples stood to honor important gods. Until the 16th century, when the city was conquered by the Spaniards and completely destroyed. The stones from the temples were used, as in many places during the Spanish conquest, to build churches and monasteries.
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.
The best things to do in Izamal Mexico
Walk around and take pictures in the yellow city of Mexico
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!
You can take a ride in a carriage. It is a bit touristy but believe me, in Izamal it can be quite a nice trip.
Visit the yellow Convento de San Antonio de Padua
You will often see this building pass by when you read about Izamal. The most famous building in the yellow city, Izamal, is the Convento de San Antonio de Padua in Mexico. 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 fantastic view of 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.
Discover Maya ruins | Things to do in Izamal mexico
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. 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.
Shop regional products
In the center of the city you can find a number of small boutiques, like Raices Maya, where you can buy handmade products made from sisal. Sisal is a tropical fiber and it’s extracted from leaves of Agave plants. The Mayans already used this material for their clothing. Nowadays in Izamal and surroundings you can buy beautiful products such as bags, hats and decorations for your home.
Visit the at Coqui Coqui Perfumeria
Coqui Coqui is a designer perfume store where really everything is beautiful. There are branches in Valladolid, Cobá, Mérida and Izamal. 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. In almost every place you can stay overnight in one of the fantastic luxury suites.
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.
Best things to do around Izamal Mexico
The church of Uayma
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 definitely 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 & Chichen Itza
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 an ideal 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. There are boutique hotels, small restaurants and beautiful stores.
Want to know more about Valladolid in Mexico? Read all my tips for the best things to do Valladolid here.
Mérida
Mérida is the capital of Yucatán and is also called the art and culture city of the peninsula. Because of the museums, beautiful stores, good restaurants, numerous festivals and art projects that take place there. Despite the size of the city, it has the friendly atmosphere of a provincial town. 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.
Mini travel guide to Izamal
Izamal restaurants
Enjoy local Izamal cuisine at the best and most enjoyable restaurants in the yellow city of Mexico with these tips.
Kinich | Izamal restaurants
Kinich is without a doubt one of the best Izamal restaurants. It is a popular spot for tourists but also among locals. In an open and beautiful colonial setting, several tables and chairs are set up. 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.
Zamna | Izamal restaurants
Another tip for restaurants in Izamal in Mexico, where you can enjoy great local dishes is Restaurante Zamna.
Izamal hotels
Spend the night at Hacienda Sacnicte
Many people visit Izamal as a day trip from Mérida. 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 has incredible rooms for an affordable price. I initially booked 1 night here but ended up staying a week. Defintely one of the nice things to do in Izamal in Mexico.
Hacienda Sacnicte is a former hacienda transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. The colonial rooms are situated around a beautiful pool with numerous iguanas that have made their place here. Each room is decorated in a unique and stylish way. The master suites and presidential suites are located in the main building and 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.
How to reach Izamal in Mexico
The best way to reach Izamal is by car. Driving by car in Mexico is easy and it gives you all the freedom in the world. 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 to Mérida or the other way around. From Mérida 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.
Car rental
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.
On the road in the yellow city in Mexico
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.
More about Mexico
Did you enjoy reading this guide with the best things to do for the yellow city, Izamal in Mexico? Looking for more tips and inspiration? In the next articles you can discover more about beautiful Mexico:
- 30 things to do in Mexico
- Itinerary Mexico 3 weeks
- City Guide Valladolid
- Oaxaca City Guide
- What to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Interested in art, culture and archaeology? Read my articles about:
- Monte Albán, the ruines near Oaxaca
- The best ruins to visit in Mexico
- Frida Kahlo house and museum
- Discover the Yaxchilan ruins – the remote Maya site in Mexico
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