The town of Izamal is located on the Yucatan peninsula and it will surprise and fall in love with you in equal measure.
The most surprising thing about this city is that it is painted in yellow/gold. And yes, not only the most emblematic buildings, but also houses, shops, even streets.
If you are considering a route through the Yucatan Peninsula, you cannot miss a stop in Izamal.
In this post I tell you what to see in Izamal, the city of 3 cultures. I also add some interesting facts, what to do in the surroundings and where to stay (if you want to spend the night here).
WHAT TO SEE IN IZAMAL, THE CITY OF THE 3 CULTURES
Izamal is known as the city of the 3 cultures because it has a very marked mix of its past; pre-Columbian, colonial and current.
The reason why Izamal is monochromatic is simple, before the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993, it was decided to paint the entire town in this color to welcome him. Since then it acquired this peculiarity and became very popular. So much so that the tourists who barely arrived in Izamal at that time have multiplied every year because everyone wants to know the yellow city of Mexico.
The origin of its name is found in the Mayan word "izmal" which means "dew from heaven".
And now yes, we are going to start with the list of the essential places to know and see in Izamal:
1. Visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, an essential thing to see in Izamal
Under the supervision of Fray Diego de Landa, this sanctuary is one of the oldest in Mexico. His works finished in the year 1561 and this building is the main reason to visit Izamal.
A curious and little-known fact is that the atrium is the second largest in the world, behind the one in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican.
It also has the largest enclosed courtyard in America, and the second largest in the world, after St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
The convent was built on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic temple, a building known by the natives as pap-Hol-Chac.
Since Izamal is one of the most sacred places for the Mayans, the Spanish in their conquest set out to build something that could counteract that force, and they did so with this impressive convent. It has a one-nave church, and inside you will find many murals, as well as a baroque-style altarpiece covered in gold.
To visit it, I recommend you do it in the morning, however, in the afternoon before sunset, the convent square has a beautiful orange hue. At night they put on a light and sound show. Do not miss it!
2. Do not miss the local market of Izamal
In Zamná square you will find the local market. Here you will find street stalls selling souvenirs, ice cream, food to eat something fast, as well as being able to find a local guide to hire a tour of the city.
Inside the market you will find stalls selling fresh and cooked products... full of color, smells and Mexican flavors.
3. Walk the archaeological route of Izamal
In Izamal there are several pyramids from the Mayan era. In the spaces that many of the pyramids had previously occupied, today various buildings, mansions and churches have been placed. However, when demolishing them, many chose to keep the materials as the basis for new constructions.
The most important pyramid is that of Kinich Kakmó. This pyramid has a double elevation and a total height of 34 meters. It is considered the largest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula and the third in Mexico after the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán and Cholula in Puebla.
Admission is free and I recommend that you visit it in the afternoon when the sun lowers its intensity. So you can enjoy the sunset. It is accessed via 27th street. And climb all the way to the top, it's worth it!
Another of the interesting pyramids to visit in Izamal is Itzamatul, although much smaller, it is very well preserved and it is a quick visit.
4. Tour the center of the city of Izamal
In Izamal you will find many churches and sanctuaries in each of its neighborhoods. Izamal invites you to wander and get lost in its streets. And although the vast majority of buildings will look the same to you (because of the color), they always find a closed patio, a lady sewing in the garden or a group of children playing ball.
The Chapel of Remedies is located in one of the most traditional neighborhoods of the city. The Chapel stands out for having a Gothic-style altarpiece.
Another of the chapels to visit in the city is the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
The Plaza de los cannons is a meeting place for both tourists and locals. Here are displayed war cannons used in the 20th century and a traditional arch, typical of the architecture in Izamal. In addition, it is an area with several street stalls, where music plays and where you can take a horse-drawn carriage to tour the city.
The Plaza de la Constitución is full of colonial buildings with beautiful porticoes. One of the most emblematic buildings is the Municipal Palace.
If possible avoid these types of activities in which animals are used :)
5. Craft workshops
The Ruta de los Artesanos is one of the most interesting things to do in Izamal. You will find workshops where they work with wood, embroidery, herbalism, even miniature figures, hammocks and henequen jewelry.
In addition, you can buy a souvenir in one of these workshops. You will contribute to local commerce and you will be able to bring your closest friends something traditional and authentic from the area.
6. Legends of Izamal
Izamal is full of legends, and in the town you will find plaques along several of its streets telling them. Some of the most popular are; that of the deer, that of the Ceiba de Los Remedios and that of the fallen cross.
WHERE TO STAY IN IZAMAL, MEXICO
Izamal is only 51 km from Mérida. So if you want you can stay in Mérida, base yourself there and do day trips by rental car. It is a good option to avoid constantly changing hotels.
If you do not have a rental car from Mérida there are some excursions that include visiting Izamal and the area, you can see more information from this link.
However, if you come from Cancun by car to Izamal to go on a route through the towns, Izamal is one of the largest in the area and where you will find very charming and interesting accommodations where you can stay.
Great options to stay in Izamal:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Mexico a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!