Unique Things To See In Izamal Mexico

An Overview of Izamal

Izamal is a small city in Yucatán and one of the hidden gems in the region. The town is incredibly photogenic, as the vast majority of the preserved colonial buildings are painted an eye-catching yellow. The town was painted entirely yellow, following the visitation of Pope John Paul II.  The color ‘yellow’ represents the sun.  It also supposedly represents the color of corn, a staple food of Mexico. Considered one of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” Izamal has a long history, first as a sacred Mayan site and then as a major Spanish Convent. Due to its long history, unique design, beautiful colors and ancient ruins, there are many unique things to see in Izamal. The town is quite small, so it’s possible to explore the entire area on foot. The name Izamal means “Dew from the Sky” in the local Mayan dialect.

Unique Things To See In Izamal

Kinich Kakmo Pyramid

Three of the towns original 12 Maya pyramids of this region are partially restored after being uncovered. The Kinich Kakmo Pyramid is largest and most famous intact pyramid of Izamal. It’s an utterly huge structure. The lower portion of the structure is actually a wide pyramid leading to an expansive plateau before extending further to an even higher, much steeper pyramid atop it.  Legend has it that a deity in the form of a blazing macaw would come from heaven to collect offerings here.

Izamal Acheological Status

This archeological zone of Izamal once served as the headquarters of the Bishop Landa. Ironically, the friar who destroyed ancient Mayan civilization by destroying the Mayan codes and the local culture is also credited with preserving it by providing the only firsthand written documentation of Mayan society.

Convento de San Antonio de Padua

This large, yellow Convent structure is actually built upon the expansive ruins of one of Izamal’s original temples.  When the Spaniards arrived, they determined the amount of effort needed to dismantle the Mayan temple was too costly, and as such built the Christian feature atop the elevated pyramid platform.

Parque 5 de Mayo

This is a tiny park area in the city center which showcases colorful hammocks, odd, fluttering toys, numerous Maya-styled carved trinkets and a strong turnout of food carts.

Centro Cultural y Artesanal

This is a splendid little street looping past the Covento.  Flags and streamers flutter overhead and cobbled roads. It’s a popular stop for photos, as the street is extremely photogenic.

 Zona Arqueologica de Izamal

This is the current excavation area for Mayan artifacts within the city. Much of the ruins are visable from the roadside and new excavations are constantly revealing more about the ancient Mayan culture.

Habuk Archeological Site

This is a secondary ruin site with numerous trees and plants looping about the ruined Mayan structures.

El Conejo

This is a surprisingly intact series of excavated ruins which once contained a large Mayan residential area.

Kinich Restaurant

Located right next to the main pyramid of Izamal, this is a painted restaurant showing the traditional bright yellow of the town.  It is recommended that visitors make reservations in advance, because at four PM, there was still a sizable crowd waiting for their own table.

Read more about unique things to see in Izamal and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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