Izamal in Mexico – The Yellow City (2025 Travel Guide)

Izamal, known in Mayan as "Place of the Iguanas," is a small town with a rich history and one of the most charming places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s no surprise that it’s also a popular spot for travelers.

The town is often called the "Yellow City" because nearly every building in the historic center is painted in a warm, golden yellow. Izamal’s history goes way back, with roots stretching to the Middle Preclassic period (700–300 BC).

One of the main highlights is the San Antonio de Padua Monastery, which was built on the ruins of a former Maya temple after the Spanish conquest.

Its massive atrium is among the largest in the world. Pope John Paul II visited the site, and in his honor, a statue of him was placed in the monastery, which is open to visitors.

Mayan Pyramids

Several Mayan pyramids have been preserved in Izamal, and what makes them unique is that they are all within the city itself. The largest one, Kinich Kak Moo, has a base of 200 meters and rises 36 meters high.

In fact, Kinich Kak Moo is the largest pyramid by surface area in the entire Yucatán. You can easily walk there from downtown Izamal, heading to Calle 27 between 28 and 26.

Climbing the pyramid is allowed, and once you reach the top, you get a fantastic view over the town. Other pyramids in Izamal include:

• Pirámide de Itzamatul (Calle 26, No. 296)

• Piramid El Conejo ("Tu'Ul") (Calle 22 and between Calle 31 and 33)

• Pirámide Habuk (Calle 28 and between Calle 35 and 37)

• Pirámide Kabul (Calle 31 and between Calle 30 and 32)

While entrance fees for many archaeological sites have gone up significantly in recent years, you can still explore all the pyramids in Izamal for free. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking them out.

How to Get to Izamal from Mérida?

The easiest way to get there is by car. If you prefer to take the bus, there are a couple of options. In Mérida, Oriente tour buses run to Izamal several times a day.

They leave from the Noreste Terminal and take about 90 minutes. Another option is the minibuses operated by Autobuses Centro, which depart from a station on Calle 65 between Calle 46 and Calle 48.

Maya Ruins Hidden in Modern Cities

While the Yucatán Peninsula is renowned for ancient Maya cities like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, many contemporary towns also house significant archaeological sites.

In Acanceh, for instance, the town center features a prominent pyramid and the "Palace of the Stuccos," showcasing intricate Maya architecture. In Maxcanú, located south of Mérida, the ancient Maya site of Oxkintok is nearby, and the town itself contains remnants of Maya structures integrated into the modern landscape.

Destruction of Maya Sites by the Spanish

During Spanish colonization, numerous Maya structures within these urban areas were unfortunately destroyed, with their stones repurposed for constructing Christian churches.

This blending of ancient and colonial architecture is evident in several towns across the region. Exploring these cities offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of Maya heritage with colonial influences.

Pueblos Mágicos

Izamal is one of the places designated by Mexico 2002 as "Pueblos Mágicos".

Since 2001, SECTUR (Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism) has awarded this title to places known for their unique folklore, rich history, or breathtaking natural beauty.

On the Yucatán Peninsula, fourteen destinations have earned the designation of Pueblo Mágico. The 14 Pueblos Magicós are (as of 2025):

• Quintana Roo: Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Cozumel

• Yucatán: Izamal, Maní, Sisal, Valladolid, Espita, Motul and Tekax

• Campeche: Isla Aguada, Palizada and Candelaria