Built in the fifth century, Izamal is one of the oldest cities of the Mayan culture and it's located 72 km from Merida and 255 km from Cancun, on the Yucatan peninsula. Its name comes from the Mayan word Itzmal which means dew from the sky. This city is also referred to as the Three Culture City due to the presence of buildings and remainings from the pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Mexico.
One of the most recognized features of Izamal is that all its houses and buildings are painted in yellow, giving this beautiful city such a unique look. As you walk safely through its cobblestoned streets, you'll see why people call Izamal an open museum. In fact, his city is considered the most important cultural destination of the Mayan World and was designated Pueblo Mágico in 2001 by the Mexican Tourism Board.
Where to stay?
There are many beautiful hotels here. Some of the best hotels are the Hotel San Miguel Arcángel, which is lovely and it is very close to the main plaza, Hotel Hacienda San José Cholul, Hotel Green River, and Hotel Macanche.
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| Hotel San Miguel Arcangel |
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| Hotel San Miguel Arcangel |
Where to eat?
Kinich restaurant is one of my favorites, and it serves delicious Mayan dishes with an elegant touch. Other great restaurant options are Tumben Lol, El Toro and Los Mestizos. If you want something more casual, you can walk through the market and find many little places serving traditional dishes and snacks.
How to move around Izamal?
You can rent a Calesa which is a cart pulled by a horse. For me, it is the best way to move because you can see all the city meanwhile the guide explains everything to you, and you can stop to sightsee wherever you want. Izamal is a small town, so you can also rent a bike or even walk through it with no problem.
Beautiful Calesas
What to do?
1. Discover the ruins of Kinich Kakmo
This pyramid was built between 250 and 600 d.C. and its name means sun-faced macaw. It is the highest pre-Hispanic structure in Yucatan with 35 meters, and it’s the third most important pyramid in Mexico. You cannot miss it!
As it is little known, it is not as visited as Chichen Itza, and some days you can be alone up there taking lots of photos of the wonderful landscapes.
As it is little known, it is not as visited as Chichen Itza, and some days you can be alone up there taking lots of photos of the wonderful landscapes.
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| Ruins of Kinich Kakmo |
2. Visit the Itzamatul Pyramid
The name of this pyramid translates to the one that receives the grace of the sky, and it was dedicated to the Mayan god Zamná. This pyramid is 22 meters tall and from its top, you can see the magnificent Kinich Kakmó Pyramid and the Franciscan Convent.
The name of this pyramid translates to the one that receives the grace of the sky, and it was dedicated to the Mayan god Zamná. This pyramid is 22 meters tall and from its top, you can see the magnificent Kinich Kakmó Pyramid and the Franciscan Convent.
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| Pyramid of Itzamatul |
3. Explore the Franciscan Convent
This great construction was erected at the center of the city, and for its development, builders decided to use the pre-Hispanic materials available, such as rocks that used to be part of pyramids and Mayan buildings. In this building, you will find the largest atrium in America.
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| Franciscan Convent |
4. Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal
This cultural center in Izamal was created in 2006 with the purpose of supporting the diffusion and commercialization of the products elaborated by 16 Mayan communities. It exhibits various crafts and has a store where you can purchase these crafts. So if you buy something there, you will be helping the artisans.
This cultural center in Izamal was created in 2006 with the purpose of supporting the diffusion and commercialization of the products elaborated by 16 Mayan communities. It exhibits various crafts and has a store where you can purchase these crafts. So if you buy something there, you will be helping the artisans.
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| Mayan Crafts |
In this museum, you can enjoy the work of great masters of Popular Art. Pieces of great beauty and traditional technique.
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| Musem |
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| Mayan Crafts |
How to get to Izamal
You can take a bus from Cancun to Merida or Valladolid and then another one to Izamal. However, the best way for me is to book private transportation because you can relax and enjoy the ride without having to worry about not knowing the way. Also, since you get a vehicle exclusively for you and your companions, you manage your schedule and can choose how long you want to stay before going back to Cancun. This is the safest and nicest way to get everywhere in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
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