Izamal

To visit Izamal is to visit a city/town that is alive with three cultures - the ancient Mayan, the colonial and the present day bustling Izamal. Izamal is a monument of color, history and pride that can be felt in its streets and buildings. Called the City of Hills and located right in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula, Izamal may be the oldest city in the Yucatan. Izamal was conquered by the Spaniards, and the monks in their eagerness to convert the Indians to Catholicism gave the city its religious distinction. To this day, Izamal's people are very devoted to the Immaculate Virgin. Izamal is a jewel of a colonial city, with almost all the buildings painted an egg-yolk yellow. Cobblestoned streets and colonial lampposts complete the scenery. Clean, peaceful and quaint, this is a great town to stroll through. There are Mayan pyramids, colonial-style buildings, parks and plazas, horses and buggies, and lots of people watching. How to get to Izamal To get to Izamal by car, take the Periferico (beltway of Merida) to Tixcocob. You will pass the towns of Kakalchen and Citilcum on your way to Izamal. There are plenty of signs. The ride takes about 45 minutes (check the Yucatan map). By bus, the terminal is on Calle 50 by 65 and 67; buses leave every half hour, cost around $24 pesos and take about an hour and 15 minutes.