All about Uayma in Yucatán, Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

Perhaps you stumbled upon it the same way I did – I first saw a photo of the uniquely designed Church of Santo Domingo, and that’s what led me to discover Uayma.

Nestled in the heart of Yucatán, Uayma is a charming and peaceful town with around 3,000 inhabitants, offering a insight into authentic Mayan and colonial heritage.

Located just 15 km west of Valladolid on the Yucatán Peninsula, this hidden gem, founded in 1549, boasts a rich history, vibrant traditions, and one of the region’s most unique churches.

In recent years, Uayma has gained popularity for its stunning 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo, renowned for its beautifully adorned and colorful façade.

The Church of Santo Domingo is dedicated to Saint Dominic (Santo Domingo de Guzmán). He was the founder of the Dominican Order and is venerated as the patron saint of astronomers and theologians.

The Church of Santo Domingo

The unusual church is often considered one of the most striking in all of Yucatán. The former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is now attached to the church, but it is no longer used as a monastery.

The church was built by the Spanish. As was customary at the time, stones from surrounding Mayan temples (including Chichén Itzá) were used for it. The design with the star patterns that run across the church is continued inside the church.

Exterior colors fade quickly in Yucatán’s tropical climate, but inside, the walls are even more vibrant in red, yellow, green, and blue. These colors hold meaning – blue stars for the Virgin Mary and red for the blood of Christ.

During the Caste War of Yucatán in the 19th century, the Cruzob Mayas set the church on fire, leaving it almost completely in ruins. As part of their fight against oppression, many colonial buildings were destroyed during the conflict.

Fortunately, in the 20th century, the church was rebuilt, bringing it back to life while still reflecting its mix of Mayan and Spanish influences.

Other Places of Interest in Uayma

Even though the church is clearly the main attraction of Uayma and the reason why most tourists come here, there are other beautiful places in Uayma. In addition to old Mayan and colonial buildings, some newer buildings have been constructed in the style of the church.

The Casa de los Pianos, located just across from the church, reflects many of the same architectural features. The house has four bedrooms and can be rented, though the origin of its name is still a bit of a mystery.

There is also a building opposite the main square of Uayma, which is hard to miss. The Casona Santo Domingo de Guzmán is blue in color and its design reflects many of the church's motifs.

This historic building is also named after Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the town’s patron saint. Once part of the 17th-century Dominican convent, it has been restored while preserving its colonial architecture and historical importance.

Combine a Trip with Valladolid or Chichén Itza

From my perspective, a long journey just for Uyama is probably not worth it, but if you visit Valladolid (14km east of Uayma) or Chichén Itzá (40km west of Uyama), you can combine it with a visit to Uayma.

In particular, there is a direct road connection from Valladolid and it is only 15 minutes away. In colonial times Uayma was a major stop on the so-called El Camino Real (in English: The Royal Road) between Mérida and Valladolid.

Image Source: ©Xe3osc, wiki commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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