Izamal Yellow City

Izamal is a colonial town in the state of Yucatán, Mexico, known as the Yellow City because nearly every building is painted in yellow ochre. It lies about 70 kilometers east of Mérida and was an important Maya religious center before the Spanish built the Convento de San Antonio de Padua on top of a pre-Hispanic pyramid in the 16th century. The convent's atrium is one of the largest in the Americas, ringed by 75 arches, and the church holds the image of the Virgen de Izamal, which draws pilgrims each year. The monastery is open daily from about 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and entry is free. Around town, several Maya pyramids remain within the streets, including Kinich Kakmó, a large mound that can be climbed for views over the town. Visitors can ride horse-drawn carriages, called calesas, around the plaza and the main streets for roughly $400 to $500 MXN, and many local restaurants serve Yucatecan dishes such as sopa de lima, cochinita pibil and papadzules. The artisan shops around the plaza offer crafts and embroidery. A visit usually lasts three to five hours, and the town is easy to see on foot. The yellow facades are photographed best in late afternoon, when the light is warm, and the convent hosts a light and sound show some evenings. Heat is strong in summer, so mornings and evenings are best for walking. Izamal is often combined with Chichén Itzá or Mérida in a day trip.