Izamal
The Yellow City—colonial Pueblo Mágico with climbable Maya pyramids and horse-drawn carriages
Overview
Izamal, the "Yellow City," enchants visitors with its entirely yellow-painted colonial center and fascinating blend of Maya and Spanish heritage. Located 72 km east of Mérida (about 1 hour), this Pueblo Mágico designation honors its unique character: the massive Convento de San Antonio de Padua (one of the oldest monasteries in the Americas) was built directly atop a Maya pyramid platform, while the climbable Kinich Kakmó pyramid rises in the town center. Horse-drawn carriages (calesas) offer tours through the golden streets, and the town's compact size makes it perfect for a half-day visit. Oriente buses depart hourly from Mérida for just 35 MXN.
Highlights
Practical Information
Half day
35 MXN
Oriente bus from Mérida ~35 MXN hourly. Convento entry is FREE. Kinich Kakmó pyramid is FREE. Calesa (horse carriage) tours ~150-200 MXN.
Morning for best light on the yellow buildings and cooler climbing temperatures. Weekdays less crowded. The golden hour before sunset creates magical photography conditions.
More Day Trips Nearby
Chichén Itzá
New Wonder of the World—Maya and Toltec architectural marvel with equinox serpent shadow
Cenotes of Riviera Maya
Swim in sacred Maya sinkholes—from $6 budget gems at Puerto Morelos to world-class diving at Dos Ojos
Uxmal
Puuc Maya masterpiece—more intimate than Chichén Itzá with stunning evening light show
Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Thousands of pink flamingos in protected Gulf coast estuary—peak season November-March
Progreso Beach
Mérida's closest beach—55-minute bus ride to calm Gulf waters and Mexico's longest pier
Homún Cenote Route
Over 20 cenotes near Mérida—cave swimming, moto-taxi tours, and the unique Cuzamá horse-cart experience