Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Izamal Mexico, the Yellow City in Yucatan

Planning to visit the Yellow City of Izamal Yucatan?

Smart choice! Izamal Mexico is a pueblo magico (magic town) that’s been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

There’s plenty to see and photograph — from the colorful yellow streets, to Mayan Ruins and nearby cenotes, you’ll love Izamal Yucatan Mexico.

As I live in Merida, not far from Izamal, this has become one of my favorite day and weekend trips. Still mostly off the tourist radar, it’s a charming place to escape the Merida crowds, and access from Merida.

If you’re not coming from Merida, Izamal’s central location in the Yucatan Peninsula means it’s also easy to get to from Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid and more.

While it makes a great day trip from these places, consider staying the night in one of these Izamal hotels.

From hotels and haciendas, to Mayan pyramids and swimmable cenotes (natural jungle pools), and plenty of Izamal things to do, you’re about to discover everything you need to know to visit the Yellow Town in Mexico.

Where is Izamal Mexico?

Izamal is in Yucatán State, one of the three states that comprise Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Located off Highway 180 (Carretera Costa del Golfo), it sits between the Colonial City of Merida and Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

🗺️ Izamal Mexico Map

Is Izamal Worth Visiting?

Yes — Izamal Mexico is both unspoiled and flying under the radar (at least for now!) so you can still enjoy this Mexico hidden gem before it gets wildly popular.

As a small town, centrally located in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s easy to get to, and perfect for a day trip.

Wondering, what’s the Izamal meaning? In the Maya language, the word Izamal means dew that falls from the heavens 💛

For those renting a car in Mexico and doing a Yucatan road trip, you must add at least one night in Izamal.

There are plenty of great places to stay in Izamal, which you’ll discover later in the article — or you can head there now: Best hotels in Izamal Mexico.

Izamal is a Pueblo Magico (Mexico Magic Town)

This small town — Izamal has a population of 15,000 — is one of the 135 or so pueblos mágicos (magic towns).

🤔 So just what is a pueblo magico? This prestigious designation is awarded by Mexico’s Tourism Secretary to exceptional small towns in the country.

To qualify for the Mexico Pueblo Magico program, towns need to have good infrastructure and plenty of things to do that a visitor will enjoy.

These pueblos also need to be safe, with something noteworthy about them — like how Izamal is completely yellow.

🕌 City of Three Cultures

Izamal showcases a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian (Mayan), Spanish Colonial and modern-day Mexican culture. For this reason, it’s often referred to as the City of Three Cultures.

From the ancient Mayan Ruins in Izamal, seeing women in traditional dress (called huipil, and pronounced wee-peel) even hearing Maya spoken on the streets, ancient traditions still flourish here.

Mixed with Spanish Colonial architecture, Izamal will fascinate you! It is truly one of the most unique Yucatan destinations.

⛰️ Town of Hills

Izamal is in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is pretty flat with no mountains or even large hills.

It is still pretty flat in Izamal, though the numerous pyramids and Mayan archeological sites in Izamal which are the “hills” in this Ciudad de los Cerros, or Town of Hills.

Why is Izamal Yellow?

One of the most fun Izamal Mexico facts is that no one knows for sure! That’s right — no one knows exactly why Izamal is painted yellow.

However, there are a few theories about why this Yellow City in Mexico is, well, yellow. Here they are:

🟡 Mayan Sun God

Some say this color honors the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Kak Moo (meaning, fire macaw with the sun face) — the same deity the Kinich Kakmó Ruins were built for.

🟡 The Pope’s Visit

The town was painted its current shade of bright yellow right before Pope John Paul II visited Izamal in 1993 — so some say it was to honor his visit.

🟡 Yellow was a Neutral Color

In 1993, the color yellow wasn’t one used by either of the two ruling parties in Mexico’s government.

This made it “politically neutral,” and a color that wouldn’t accidentally show support for any one party.

🟡 It Keeps the Mosquitoes Away

The last, and most practical reason some say locals painted Izamal yellow is because the color supposedly repels mosquitoes.

Best Things to Do in Izamal Mexico

Stroll Downtown Izamal

Izamal is such a small town that you can really just show up and wander around with no agenda!

On my first visit, I didn’t have many expectations, but I just walked around smiling going from one yellow street to the next — as it’s just such a happy color.

At just four square miles (10.5 km²), Downtown Izamal is walkable in a day. It is, however, very hot most days of the year.

To combat the heat, wear a sun hat and cool clothes, and don’t forget your sunscreen and this Water To Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water in Mexico.

Convento de San Antonio de Padua & Atrio del Convento

Built in 1561 on the site of the destroyed Ppap Hol Chak Mayan temple, the former Franciscan Convento de San Antonio de Padua is one of the oldest Catholic monasteries on the Americas Continent.

To this day, pilgrims head to this site in Izamal to seek blessings from the Saints.

You can walk the grounds, or hire a guide for about $200 pesos ($10 USD), and support the locals.

There’s no signs on the site explaining anything, so a guide will be able to tell you just why this Izamal church is special.

Inside the convent, there’s a small museum with memorabilia from the Pope’s visit to Izamal in 1993.

For $10 pesos, you enter the Santuario de la Virgen de Izamal, where the Pope left a statue of Nuestra Señora de Izamal, patron saint of Yucatan State, which he blessed.

⛪️ El Atrio del Convento de Izamal

The outdoor atrium at the Convent is the second largest in the world — after the Vatican!

While strolling El Atrio (The Atrium), don’t miss the sundial and 16th Century fresco paintings.

Inside, there’s the Santuario de la Virgen de Izamal, where the Pope left a statue of the Virgin.

🗿 Monumento a Fray Diego de Landa

Located in a roundabout behind the convent, you’ll see the statue of the Fransiscan Friar Diego de Landa.

A controversial figure, he is credited with spreading Catholicism after the Spanish seized control of the Yucatan Peninsula in about 1545.

Parque Itzamna

Parque Itzamna is the park in Izamal’s Zocalo (Main Square), located in the center of downtown.

There are benches to sit and relax on, the Izamal letters sign (see image above) to take photos of, and vendors selling street food like marquesitas, agua fresca and esquites, at this lively park.

🌳 To visit other parks in Izamal Mexico, head to Parque 5 de Mayo and Parque de Los Cañones (AKA Plazuela de la Cruz, or Park of the Canyons).

🛍️ best Shopping in Izamal Mexico

Head to Hecho a Mano, a charming shop on the southern edge of the park. They sell folk art and handicrafts like wood carvings and embroidered textiles made by locals — which make great souvenirs.

Another great place for shopping in Izamal is Raíces Mayas.

Kinich Kakmó Pyramid

There are many pre-Hispanic sites in and near Izamal, but none more impressive than Kinich Kakmó Pyramid — named after a Mayan solar deity.

Kinich Kak Moo, meaning “fire parrot,” had a macaw’s head and flew to Earth to accept offerings when the sun reached its apex in the sky.

The pyramid is still an important pilgrimage site for the Maya, and a popular place for Izamal visitors.

At 700,000 m³, it’s one of the biggest pyramids in Mexico by volume (the largest is in Cholula). Unlike other Mayan Ruins near Merida, you can climb Kinich Kakmó Pyramid.

🤑 Kinich Kakmó Pyramid is FREE to enter. It is open daily, from 8am to 5pm.

This is the tallest pyramid in Yucatan state, and the climb to the top is a bit steep — so use caution, and make sure you buy some Mexico travel insurance!

When you reach the top, you’ll have great views of the San Antonio de Padua Convent, Izamal and the Yucatan jungle.

🗿 Archaeological Zone of Izamal

If you want to see the other Mayan ruins in Izamal, check out Izamatul, El Conejo (which means The Rabbit), Chaltun Ha, Habuc, and Kabul Ruins (seen in the photo above).

Try Authentic Yucatan Food

Traditional Yucatecan cuisine is not what many know as traditional Mexican food! When you’re in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll absolutely want to try Yucatan foods.

While there’s some overlap between Yucatan and Mexican foods, the most popular and best Yucatan dishes, cochinita pibil, sopa de lima (lime soup), panuchos, salbutes, queso relleno and relleno negro, are endemic to the region.

You can head to these best Izamal restaurants or the local Mercado Municipal to sample some.

Even if not in Izamal, do sample some authentic Yucatec dishes, which feature local ingredients like naranja agria (sour orange), chaya (tree spinach), and achiote (annatto).

Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal

On the northern side of Parque 5 de Mayo, don’t miss the Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal (Izamal Cultural Center), a 16th Century mansion that’s now a museum.

Within its 11 halls, there’s art exhibits with materials including wood, ceramics, metal and textiles.

You’ll also see artisanal items woven from henequen plant fibers. This agave plant (the same one used to make tequila) was the raw material used to make sisal rope twine — the main export from Yucatan up until the 19th Century.

🌱 Sisal: Green Gold

During the Henequen Boom from about 1880 to 1915, Yucatan and Merida hacienda owners became incredibly rich selling sisal.

In fact, Merida was the wealthiest city on the continent at one point! For this reason, henequen is sometimes called “green gold.”

Mercado Municipal de Izamal

When you want to do some shopping, or work up an appetite, head to the Mercado Municipal De Izamal.

This lively local market is located in the center of town, and the perfect place to shop for Yucatan souvenirs and cheap eats with the locals.

At the mercado, be on the lookout for one of the area’s most interesting dishes, tzic de venado.

This is a shredded venison, similar to salpicon, and served cold so it’s refreshing on a hot day. Tzic de venado is a local delicacy, and one of the best traditional Yucatan foods.

Light of the Maya: Izamal Video Mapping

The video mapping show called Senderos de Luz (Path of Light sound and light show) takes place at 8:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

To see the show, head to Convento de San Antonio de Padua in the center of town, and bring a blanket to sit on. The show is FREE.

Take a Calesa Tour (Horse & Buggy)

A horse and carriage tour on the caleza (sometimes spelled calesa) is a nice way to see the town — especially on a hot day.

You’ll see these horse drawn carriages lined up around the main park, Parque Itzamna, in the center of town.

Best Restaurants in Izamal Mexico

Many people don’t know the Yucatan has its own cuisine — and it’s not just tacos! In fact, panuchos and salbutes are much more common than Mexican tacos in a standard tortilla.

Sample authentic Yucatan food in Izamal at the restaurants listed below:

🍽️ Kinich el Sabor de Izamal

Kinich is probably the most popular restaurant in Izamal, especially for visitors. They have great ambiance, and even better food, all made by hand.

If you want to try the quintessential Yucatan dish, cochinita pibil (sucking pig slow roasted underground), this is the place.

🍽️ other favorite izamal restaurant:

• Restaurante los Arcos
• Restaurante Zamna Izamal
• Restaurante Muul
• Restaurante La Conquista

Best Things to Do Near Izamal Mexico

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins are the most visited of all the Yucatan ruins.

It is also one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and located only about one hour (44 miles/70 km), so you can visit both in a day.

Celestun (Flamingos & Beaches)

Located about two hours from Izamal (105 miles/170 km), you’ll be at one of the best beaches in Yucatan — Celestun.

This quaint town not only has gorgeous beaches, but it’s home to the giant flock of Yucatan flamingos, which some say numbers at about 35,000!

Valladolid Mexico & Cenote Zaci

Valladolid is a popular Yucatan pueblo magico and Mexico travel destination.

Located about 1.5 hours from Izamal (69 miles/111 km) you can stroll the colorful streets of this charming Colonial, then head to the Cenote Zaci for a refreshing swim.

Best Cenotes Near Izamal

If you’re planning to climb the Izamal Ruins at Kinich Kakmó, you’ll love taking a refreshing swim in one of the Izamal cenotes to cool off.

While the closest cenote to Izamal is Cenote Francisco Ayun Nah, this isn’t one of the nicer ones. Below, you’ll find the best options for Izamal cenotes:

Cenote Ik Kil

Ik Kil Cenote is located about one hour (47 miles/75 km) from Izamal. It is only about 10 minutes from Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, so many visit these two on the same day — starting at Chichen Itza and ending with a swim in the cenote.

Cenote Suytun

Cenote Suytun, one of the most Instagrammable cenotes in Mexico, is located about 1.5 hours (72 miles/116 km) from Izamal by rental car.

A bit of a trek, Cenote Suytun is worth it — this is one of the best cenotes in Mexico, and located fully underground in a cave!

Homun Cenotes

Homun Yucatan is another pueblo with numerous beautiful cenotes.

Located 55 minutes (30.5 miles/49 km) from Izamal, many visit the popular Santa Barbara cenotes.

This is a group of three cenotes in one place — Cenote Chaksikin, Cenote Cascabel and Cenote Xoch.

Cuzama Cenotes

The pueblo of Cuzama Yucatan is located about one hour (31 miles/50 km) from Izamal.

There are numerous cenotes in Cuzama, including Cenote Bolonchoojol, Cenote Chacsinicche and Cenote Ucil — some of the best cenotes in Yucatan, Mexico.

Uxmal Ruins & Ruta Puuc

Though overshadowed by Chichen Itza, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall), is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just as impressive.

It’s also much less crowded and less touristy, seeing only about 10% the annual visitors as Chichen Itza.

Uxmal is just one of five Mayan Ruins on the Ruta Puuc, or Puuc Route — along with Labna, Kabah, Sayil and Xlapak.

The Puuc Route is a 36 mile drive (58km), which you’d start at Uxmal Ruins, located 1 hour and 45 minutes (91 miles/146 km) from Izamal.

Best Hotels in Izamal Mexico

Coqui Coqui Casa de los Santos

Coqui Coqui Casa de los Santos (AKA Coqui Coqui Izamal) is one of the best hotels in Yucatan, and maybe all Mexico!

The ultimate in exclusivity, there’s only one room in this boutique hotel, so don’t hesitate to book it now using the button below.

Hacienda Sacnicte

Hacienda Sac Nicte is about 15 minutes (2.5 miles; 4 km) from Downtown Izamal, but worth it to stay in a real Mexican hacienda.

Enjoy a sprawling property with Old World charm and modern amenities at this gorgeous Yucatan hacienda.

Hacienda Hotel Santo Domingo

Located on the outskirts in downtown, you’re still within walking distance of all the best restaurants and things to see in Izamal Mexico.

After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool at Hacienda Hotel Santo Domingo — trust me, you do want a hotel in Izamal with a pool!

Hotel San Miguel Arcángel

Stay right next to the Convento San Antonio de Padua and Parque Itzamna — right in the middle of all the action!

The pretty Hotel San Miguel Arcangel has charming colonial architecture and a peaceful outdoor garden.

🏡 Izamal Vacation Rentals

If you prefer, there are also a few Izamal Airbnbs and Izamal VRBO home rentals for those you need a bit more space than a hotel room provides.

As a small town, options can be limited, so don’t hesitate to book if you find a great place.

How do I get to Izamal Mexico?

✈️ The closest airport to Izamal is Merida International Airport (code: MID)

Izamal Mexico is centrally-located in the Yucatan Peninsula, so it’s no more than three hours from all the big destinations of Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.

Located in Yucatan State, you’re even closer to the colonial city of Merida and the Valladolid pueblo magico.

🚗 CANCUN TO IZAMAL TRAVEL INFO

Distance: 158 miles (254 km); Drive Time: 3 hours

🚗 Tulum TO IZAMAL

131 miles (210 km); 2 hours 45 minutes

🚗 PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO IZAMAL

Distance: 149 miles (239 km); Drive Time: 3 hours

🚗 CHICHEN ITZA TO IZAMAL

Distance: 44 miles (70 km); Drive Time: 1 hour

🚗 VALLADOLID TO IZAMAL

Distance: 69 miles (111 km); Drive Time: 1.5 hours

🚗 MERIDA TO IZAMAL

Distance: 42 miles (68 km); Drive Time: 1 hour

Best Izamal Tours

The Instagram worthy Mexico town of Izamal is gaining in popularity, thanks to its unique monochromatic color scheme and Mayan Ruins.

While there aren’t an abundance of options (yet!), you can find tours to Izamal from a few places in Yucatan.

Drive to Izamal

If you’re renting a car in Mexico, you can easily drive to Izamal. In fact, this is the best way to get to Izamal Mexico.

The roads in the Yucatan are well-maintained and safe, and Yucatan road trips are very popular so visitors can access smaller pueblos like Izamal!

🚗💨 Best Mexico Rental Car Company

For Mexico car rentals, I recommend and personally use Discover Cars.

They check both local Mexican companies and large international corporations so you get the best price. You can also add in full coverage insurance for only about $10 USD per day — which I always do!

🅿️ Parking in Izamal

Since it’s still mostly off the beaten path, it’s very easy, and usually free, to park your car anywhere in Izamal.

You’ll find ample street parking during the week, though there will be more people vying for spots on the weekends — but you still shouldn’t have any issues.

Bus to Izamal

ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company, providing service throughout the entire country. You can take an ADO Izamal bus from most places in Yucatan.

Check their schedule on the ADO website, but it’s easier to book tickets via Bookaway, as the ADO site only takes Mexican credit cards.

🚌 Colectivo to Izamal

Colectvios are small, shared vans, popular with locals and budget travelers because they are the cheapest way to travel in Mexico.

Some places, like Valladolid, have Izamal colectivo options, but you’ll want to ask a local because colectivos never have online schedules.

Traveling to Izamal Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Izamal safe for travelers?

Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, Izamal is safe for both visitors and locals.

Izamal is in Yucatán State, which is among the safest states in Mexico (along with Campeche State), according to the U.S. State Department.

While safe overall, that’s not to say you should throw caution to the wind.

Rather, you should exercise the same travel precautions and safety measures you would when traveling anywhere on Earth.

In short, stay aware of yourself and your belongings, and you should be totally safe!

What’s the best time to visit Izamal?

The best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula and Izamal, is from November to March.

This is during the dry season, when the temperatures are cool, and the humidity’s at bay.

Winters are the busy season in Yucatan, but since Izamal is off the beaten path, it still shouldn’t be too crowded.

The worst time to visit Izamal Mx is from May to September.

Even Mexico expats who live in the Yucatan (like me!) dread this time of year, when the sweltering humidity makes it feel like it’s 110°F (43°C) during the day 🥵

🌡️ Izamal Weather Average Temperatures

How do I get around in Izamal Mexico?

Izamal is a small town, especially if you’re just sticking to downtown and the Kinich Kakmó Pyramid.

If so, the Izamal is very walkable, but there’s also inexpensive bike rentals available at Izamal Bikes and Crafts, which helps supports the local economy.

You can also take a caleza (horse-drawn carriage) tour around the city if you don’t feel like walking.

This is a great option, especially on hot summer days. If you want to visit the cenotes near Izamal, you can take a taxi.

🐴 Las Calezas: Izamal Horse Drawn Carriages

Izamal is quite hot year-round, and a caleza (horse-drawn carriage) tour is the prefect way to escape the heat, see the town and support a local from Izamal.

City tours last about 40 minutes and cost about $300 pesos ($18 USD).

What do I pack for Izamal Mexico?

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Izamal has a tropical climate. This means it’s hot year-round, so think cool, breathable clothing.

As a walkable town with Mayan pyramids you can climb, comfy sneakers are ideal.

You’ll want a reusable water bottle, sun hat and a mineral sunscreen as well.

Final Thoughts: Reasons to Visit Izamal Mexico

I have lived in Yucatán since 2019, and Izamal is still among my favorite places! It’s just so charming, and the yellow color will put a big smile on your face.

Besides the gorgeous Colonial architecture, the Mayan history makes Izamal a must-add to your Merida itinerary.