What things to do in izamal during a day visit?
Known locally as the City of Hills, this town is surrounded by large areas of pre-Hispanic vestiges that cover about 10 square kilometers. In addition, international tourism has set its sights on this Magical Town of Mexico, located one hour from Merida, attracted by its distinctive yellow walls. Churches, civic buildings and private homes sport facades of the same charming hue.
If you are planning a trip to the south of the country, don't miss this Mexican Pueblo Mágico that combines culture, history and natural beauty. We tell you what places to visit in Izamal in one day and what to do, so get ready to plan your next getaway!
How to get to Izamal from Mérida by car?
A good option to get from Merida to Izamal is by car. If you don't have your own vehicle, car rental is very convenient. In this case, there are no toll booths on this route, you will only spend money on gas and it will take you about an hour to get there. In addition, by renting a vehicle you can take advantage of the opportunity to take a road trip around the Peninsula.
Hertz Mexico, a leading company in the sector, offers you the best service for your trip to Izamal. Enjoy the comfort of their cars, safety and all the advantages of renting a car from this company.
To travel from Merida to Izamal, first head east towards the town of Kanasin. There you will find the exit and see signs for the Carretera Costera del Golfo-Mérida Valladolid. Follow this road, and in a short time you will arrive at the entrance to Izamal.
What tourist sites to visit in Izamal?
Izamal is one of the most beautiful destinations in Yucatan: this picturesque Pueblo Magico with its yellow buildings is unique. Located between Valladolid, Chichén Itzá and Mérida, it is easy to include in a road trip through Mexico. From colonial streets to pre-Hispanic pyramids, from traditional neighborhoods to local markets, this small town has it all. What's more, it's possible to visit it in one day.
If you are planning a day trip to Izamal, we tell you what to do in this Mexican Pueblo Mágico and get to know its culture and natural beauty. Pay attention!
San Antonio de Padua Convent
The Convent of San Antonio de Padua is the architectural and spiritual core of this Magical Town, so it must be on your itinerary to Izamal. It is located on a pre-Hispanic foundation that housed an important sanctuary dedicated to Itzamná, formerly known as the House of the Heads and Lightning.
Archaeological Site
Izamal is not only close to Chichén Itzá; within this Pueblo Mágico you can also explore the vestiges of the Maya culture. When visiting Izamal, you can't miss its archaeological site: the most outstanding pyramid in Izamal is Kinich Kak Moo, the third tallest pre-Hispanic building in Mexico.
Other pyramids you can visit in Izamal, although not as big as Kinich Kak Moo are:
- Itzamatul Pyramid
- Kabul
- Habuk
- The Rabbit or Tuul
- Chaltún Ha
Strolling through the streets of Izamal
One of the most beautiful activities to do in Izamal is to walk through its picturesque streets. Yes, exploring the city on foot is the best option. With its yellow streets and colonial buildings, you will be amazed immediately.
During your visit, you can't miss Itzamná Park, 5 de Mayo Park, the Municipal Palace, San Ildefonso neighborhood, Los Remedios and El Gallito neighborhood.
Cultural and Artisan Center
If you travel to Izamal, don't forget to visit this center, located in a 16th century mansion. Here you will appreciate handicrafts produced in small workshops in the region. Among the most outstanding artistic pieces, you will find rosaries with coyol and henequen thorns, hammocks made with cotton or henequen and handmade huipiles. Don't leave this beautiful Pueblo Magico without a souvenir!
Oxwatz
If you are looking to connect with nature and adventure, visit Oxwatz Park. Here you will discover the cenotes of Izamal, lagoons, swamps, Mayan pyramids and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
This park has 412 hectares, where you can take a tour, camp, ride a bike, go bird watching, participate in environmental education activities and learn about the Mayan language.
Izamal's gastronomy
Yucatecan cuisine fuses pre-Hispanic Mayan ingredients with those imported by Spain during colonialism. Izamal's cuisine is unique: all of its recipes are corn-based. Some of its traditional dishes that you cannot miss if you visit this town are: papadzules, joroches, cochinita pibil, relleno negro, joroches and frijol con puerco, a traditional dish of this Mexican Pueblo Mágico.
Some restaurants in Izamal that we recommend are Zamna Izamal, on Calle 31, and Kinich, on Calle 27. Finally, don't forget to go to the Mercado Municipal to Lonchería la Conchita!
Izamal is a Pueblo Mágico of Mexico that offers you culture, history, nature and gastronomy. If you are planning a trip to Izamal, we recommend car rental in Merida. Travel comfortably and explore this charming city at your own pace. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit other nearby towns and cities, so don't hesitate any longer!