Before you go

Your trip to Izamal.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Izamal – Yucatán Destination Mérida and Uxmal about 70 km from Mérida

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida (MID) Mérida · 75 km
Terminal de Autobuses de Izamal 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Mérida it’s about 70 km, a one-hour drive, with regular buses from the downtown bus station. Izamal has a Tren Maya station on the outskirts. From Valladolid it’s about 90 km.

How many days

One day: the convent and the Kinich Kak Mo pyramid in the morning and a carriage ride through the center in the afternoon.

When to go

From November to March the heat is milder. In August there is the festival of Nuestra Señora de Izamal, patron saint of Yucatán, and in December there are pilgrimages.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is explored on foot or by carriage, and the town has buses from Mérida and Valladolid.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Izamal

Morning
Convent of San Antonio
Start with the convent of San Antonio de Padua, with its large arcaded courtyard and the image of Nuestra Señora de Izamal.
Afternoon
Kinich Kak Mo
Climb the Kinich Kak Mo pyramid, a few blocks away, and see the yellow town from above.
Late afternoon
Carriage ride
In the late afternoon, tour the center by carriage, among the yellow façades and craft workshops.
Evening
Dinner in Izamal
Dine in the center, with Yucatecan dishes, and see the convent lit up at night.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why is Izamal called the yellow city?

Because almost all the façades in the center, including the convent, are painted yellow.

Is Izamal far from Mérida?

About 70 km east, a one-hour drive.

Can you climb the pyramid in Izamal?

The Kinich Kak Mo pyramid usually allows ascent via a side staircase; confirm on site.

Does Izamal have a Tren Maya station?

Yes, on the outskirts of town, on the line between Mérida and Valladolid.

Back to Izamal