Izamal: More Magical Than Ever

There are no stoplights, speed bumps, no chain convenience stores, no banks, no traffic, no noisy motorcycles, no chain restaurants or hotels, and no pollution. This town painted in yellow has all the ingredients of a small provincial pueblo set in the 1930’s. Actually, it is all these ingredients that helped Izamal achieve the status of being named a Magical Town / Pueblo Mágico in 2002.

Izamal, only 72 km from Mérida, is where you will see couples walking hand in hand and families sitting in front of their houses in the early evening to get a breath of fresh air, catch up on their day and say “hello” to passersby.

The cleanliness of the town and the friendliness of its people invite one to flow with the peaceful life that reigns in Izamal.

As mentioned above, there are no banks, but there is an ATM machine near the market. You will also find a gas station on Calle 31 on the west side of town.

This is Izamal, “the city of three cultures” where Pope John Paul II came for a few days in 1992, and met with representatives of all the ethnic groups of the Americas, leaving his mark in the magisterial Convent of San Antonio Padua. Izamal is synonymous with a short trip into the past, with its horse-drawn “calesas”, its impressive ancient pyramids, its unique colonial buildings all painted yellow, and its delicious food. Small hotels with today’s conveniences dot the historic centro; with AC and pools to help refresh you.

While Izamal is a small, tranquil town, it is a bit spread out, so do use the horse drawn buggies (calesas) as your mode of transport, and to see the galleries and workshops.

If you want to not simply “see”Izamal, but to “feel” it, we recommend spending at least one night. Come spend time with its people. It is a unique opportunity, with a magic touch, of a Mexican Pueblo Mágico.

Great website for more info:

www.izamal.com

How to get there:

It’s easy to go by car. Take the Cuota road toward Cancún, and exit at km. 48 towards Izamal. The trip takes 45 minutes. Or go by bus, the station is at Calle 67 between 50 and 52, with departures every hour. The cost of the ticket is $31 pesos one way, $62 pesos roundtrip. Also you can take a van on Calle 65 between 52 and 54.