7 Best Things To Do In Izamal, Mexico: Yucatan’s Yellow City
Looking for the best things to do in Izamal, Mexico? In this guide, I’ll share the top activities in this quaint and captivating town famous for its bright yellow color.
Yes, the entire town of Izamal is painted in shades of yellow ranging from pastels to deep yellow reminiscent of the sun! Hence its nickname as Yucatan’s “Yellow City”.
When I heard that Izamal was a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) and entirely yellow, I knew I had to visit. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed…
One of the smaller and sleepier towns in the Yucatan, Izamal has an uplifting charm that is hard to pass up.
Some may skip it but I think Izamal is worth visiting for its visually unique yellow color, rich history, and Mayan ruins that welcome you to visit whether you are coming from Valladolid or Merida.
You can easily visit Izamal from either city but it is one of the most popular Merida day trips as it is a little closer than Valladolid.
What I found most attractive about Izamal is there are no crowds and the pace of life slows down in an enticing way.
Join me as I provide everything you need to know on what to do in Izamal, how to get there, where to eat, and tips for visiting!
Why Is Izamal Yellow?
First things first, you may be wondering why is Izamal painted yellow?
Of course, it looks amazing and stands out in comparison to other cities in Mexico but as with many things, there is a story behind it all.
There is no one official reason as to why Izamal is adorned in a bold yellow but three versions lead us to the likely origin.
Tribute To The Sun God
Many believe that the town was painted yellow in honor of the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Kak Mo who is the patron god of Izamal.
And as corn is one of the most valued items in Mayan culture, it may be a nod to the yellow staple you eat in many Yucatan dishes.
A Way To Attract Tourism
In the 1960s, Izamal was painted yellow after the decline of the henequin industry (twine/fiber).
In an attempt to boost tourism and entice visitors to explore the increasingly talked about “Yellow City”, the town got a new look.
Although they could have painted the historic center of Izamal any color, I do think they may have chosen yellow as a tribute to the Mayan Sun God.
In Preparation of Pope John II’s Visit
The other reason floating around is that the town was painted yellow in anticipation of Pope John II’s visit to Izamal in 1993.
I’ve never been good at math, but this reasoning makes no sense as the town was painted in the 1960s prior to the Pope’s arrival over 30 years later…
In my opinion, a combination of the first two theories seem the most plausible reasons as to why the city is painted in yellow with white trim.
Either way, the Yellow City of Izamal is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and worth seeing!
👉 Visiting Valladolid? Don’t Miss These Remarkable Day Trips!
Best Things To Do In Izamal, Mexico
1. Stroll Through Central Itzamna Park
At the heart of this tranquil Yucatan “Pueblo Magico” is Itzamna Park or the central town square.
In the wide open square, you’ll find several benches underneath trees offering shade on sweltering hot days.
And in the very central part of the park are the IZAMAL letters or Letras Izamal with vibrant colors that pop against the yellow backdrop of the convent.
Street food vendors, shops, and taxi’s line the square with live music and cultural celebrations on weekends or during holidays.
2. Visit Convento de San Antonio de Padua
Convento de San Antonio de Padua is a Catholic monastery built between 1533 and 1561 during the Spanish colonization.
Prior to the Spanish conquering the Mayans, the site of the monastery was an important Mayan temple.
Much like in other cities in Mexico, the Spanish built their churches over existing indigenous temples many times using the temple stones to erect the churches.
Matching the town’s yellow hues, Convento de San Antonio de Padua is decorated in yellow with white accents that is impossible to miss.
The long atrium lined with 75 arches surrounds the convent offering shade and various vantage points.
On the north and south side of the convent is a two-tier cobblestone ramp that you can walk up to reach the convent grounds.
Or if you enter via the main entrance facing west, there are wide, stone steps with a direct view of the church.
I recommend entering one way and exiting the other for a range of really beautiful viewpoints to capture.
The front entrance will drop you into Cinco de Mayo Park where you’ll find vendors selling snacks and treats.
Tip: If you do stay the night, make sure to see The Night Mapping Show that runs Monday – Saturday evenings at 8:30pm.
There are a few spots along Calle 31 between the convent and Parque de los Canones where you can view different scenes of the area’s history and culture.
3. Delight In Yucatan Cuisine
Every time I travel to a different region of Mexico I am delighted to discover so many new flavors.
The cuisine in the Yucatan is very distinct and quite delicious! There are so many tasty dishes to try but a few of my favorites are:
- Huevos Motulenos (breakfast) – my favorite Yucatan breakfast!
- Huevos Longaniza (breakfast) – eggs and a Yucatan sausage
- Cochinita Pibil (lunch or dinner) – pork cooked underground, a Yucatan specialty
- Poc Chuc (lunch or dinner) – grilled pork
- Longaniza de Valladolid ( lunch or dinner)
The top two places to eat in Izamal are Restaurante Los Arcos (for breakfast or lunch) and Kinich (for dinner).
At both of these restaurants, you’ll find authentic Yucatan dishes that are sure to be a hit.
4. Wander The Charming Streets
It’s no surprise that in a town painted in yellow that there will be endless opportunities to take photos.
Take a stroll down the different streets (calles) that radiate from the main town square to admire the one of a kind impressions.
On most of the streets you may find yourself the only one walking which makes taking photos even easier.
A few of the most photogenic streets to capture are Calle 31, Calle 30, Calle 28, Calle 26A, and Calle 33.
Make sure not to miss the white colored El Arco de Izamal (Izamal Arch) that marks the gateway to the historic center.
It adds to the beauty of the town and makes for stunning photo backdrops bordered with pops of yellow.
5. Climb Up Kinich Kakmo Pyramid
Just a few blocks east of Itzamna Park is the entrance to Kinich Kakmo. This is also known as the Izamal Pyramid.
Kinich Kakmo is a Mayan archaeological site where a well preserved pyramid stands up on a hill overlooking Izamal.
At one point there were five pyramid structures but today, Kinich Kakmo is the one to visit as it is the largest and oldest of them.
Kinich Kakmo translated to English means “fire macaw with solar face”.
As the legend goes, a macaw on fire would swoop down to the top of the pyramid and accept offerings left for it.
Construction is estimated to be between 300 and 600 CE during the Mayan Classic Period.
Unlike most Mayan ruins, you can climb up to the top for spectacular views of the Yellow City below.
The climb is a little difficult as it is steep with uneven stones so if you don’t have good balance I would caution against going up.
As a bonus, it is free to visit Kinich Kakmo between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Note: You can enter on Calle 27 between Calle 26 and Calle 28.
6. Stop In At Izamal Cultural Center
Right across from Cinco de Mayo Park and diagonal from the convent is Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal.
This is a museum (museo) that is also a cultural center with all sorts of art, pottery, and handicrafts on display.
Housed in a beautiful 16th century home, you can explore several rooms learning about the various ways natural items are used to make handicrafts.
You can even purchase some of the pieces made by indigenous people throughout Mexico with a focus on the Yucatan.
Hours: Open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
7. Go Swimming In A Nearby Cenote
No matter where you are in the Yucatan, finding a cenote to swim in is a must.
If you have never heard of a cenote, the literal translation means “deep well” and is a natural sinkhole.
Over time the ground caved in leaving a stunning pool of water with some completely open at the top, some with a partial covering, and others fully enclosed in a cave.
There are thousands of cenotes scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
Some cenotes near Izamal on your way back to Valladolid or Merida are:
Cenote Chihuan: in Holca, about 35 mins from Izamal
Cenote Yokdzonot: 55 mins from Izamal near Valladolid
Cenote Tza Ujun Kat: (in Homun), 55 mins from Izamal on the way to Merida
Cenotes Santa Barbara: (3 cenotes – Cascabel, Xooch, and Chaksikin), 55 mins from Izamal on the way to Merida
What to bring when visiting a cenote?
Tip: No matter which cenote you visit, rinse off all sunscreen and lotions before entering the water.
Izamal Hotels Worth Staying At
If you do plan to spend a night in Izamal, each of these hotels offer a prime location in walking distance to Izamal’s center.
🛏️ Search Places To Stay In Izamal
Tours To Izamal
Rather visit Izamal on a tour instead of traveling on your own? Book one of these tours to the Yellow City of Izamal!
👉 Chichen Itza, Izamal & Cenote From Merida
👉 Chichen Itza, Izamal & Cenote From Valladolid
How Much Time Do I Need In Izamal?
Izamal is a rather small town where you can walk from any one point to another within the central historic district.
I would plan to visit a minimum of 4 hours up to a full day. That would include enjoying at least one meal.
If you are traveling between Valladolid and Merida, you could easily spend one night before moving on.
How To Get To Izamal
You can get to Izamal by car or bus. If you don’t plan on needing a car other than a day trip to Izamal, taking the bus is super easy.
I always recommend taking the bus throughout the Yucatan and the rest of Mexico when you can.
🚌 READ MORE: Taking The Bus In The Yucatan
From Valladolid: It will take approximately 1.2 hours via the toll road
From Merida: It will take about 1 hour to reach Izamal
Renting A Car In Izamal, Yucatan
Is it safe to drive a car in the Yucatan Peninsula? In my opinion, yes!
Although I mostly take the ADO buses, I did rent a car for one of my day trips from Merida, Mexico.
I found the roads, especially the toll roads, to be nice and safe to navigate.
If you still aren’t sure, the Yucatan is the safest state in Mexico. But of course, things can happen anywhere so for that reason I do not recommend driving at night.
🚗 Search The Best Car Rental Rates!
Parking In Izamal
Parking in Izamal is not only easy but free! You’ll find ample parking spots along the streets branching off from the main town square and the Convento de San Antonio de Padua.
So, Is Izamal Worth Visiting?
Yes! Izamal also known as the “Yellow City” is painted all in yellow making it an eye-catching beauty and one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns).
With its small size, you can easily explore Izamal by foot to see the beautiful Convento de San Antonio de Padua and the Mayan ruins of Kinich Kakmo.
Izamal makes for the perfect day trip from Merida, Valladolid, or Cancun.
Map Of Izamal, Mexico
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.