Understand

Izamal, in ancient Maya times, was a revered place for worship, dedicated to the Creator God "Itzamna" and the Sun God "Kinich Ahau". People from all over the Maya lands would make pilgrimages to this sacred city. When the Spanish arrived in Yucatán, they chose to build their new town on top of the existing Maya structures in Izamal, rather than tearing them down completely. The sheer size and grandeur of the Maya ruins left them in awe. Even today, Izamal remains a significant place of pilgrimage. However, the focus has shifted to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Our Lady of Izamal. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited Izamal and adorned the statue of the Virgin with a beautiful silver crown. In Izamal, the ancient Maya, Spanish colonial influences, and modern culture coexist harmoniously. The Mayan language can still be heard here, although most residents are proficient in Spanish as well.

Get in

To reach Izamal, you can choose between different transportation options. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, you can take a second class bus from Mrida or Valladolid. From Mrida, there are plenty of buses and colectivos heading towards Izamal. From Valladolid, you can catch a bus at the Centro bus station on Cale 37 203. These buses run regularly throughout the day, from early morning until late afternoon. The ticket price is around 76 MEX pesos for a one-way trip. You can usually buy your ticket before departure, as the line is not usually busy. The timetable is available at the bus station, and you can also find some limited information on their Facebook group "Autocentro Valladolid." Another option is to take a first class bus from Cancun, which departs from a centrally located bus station just a block west of the Municipal Palace.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**Tacos al Pastor**: A traditional Mexican dish consisting of marinated pork (although sometimes made without meat or with chicken and other meats) cooked on a vertical spit, then thinly sliced and served in corn tortillas. The dish is typically garnished with pineapple, fresh cilantro, and diced onions, and accompanied by a spicy salsa.

**Mole Poblano**: A rich, complex sauce originating from the region of Puebla, mole poblano is typically made with a combination of chili peppers, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and spices, resulting in a slightly sweet and deeply flavorful sauce. It is often served over chicken or vegetables, and garnished with sesame seeds and edible flower petals.

**Guacamole**: A famous Mexican dip made from mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and often combined with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro. It is typically served with tortilla chips or used as a condiment for various dishes.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing