Attractions near Izamal

To visit Izamal (Mexico), one of the most beautiful destinations to see in the Yucatan Peninsula, is to discover a charming little colonial town with yellow buildings that give it a unique personality. Besides, there are little secrets surrounding it that you will love. Here are some attractions near Izamal.

Get the best view of Izamal

With its 100 ft height, the pyramid of Kinich Kakmó is the largest pyramid in Izamal and one of the highest pyramids in Yucatan. In fact, it surpasses even the famous pyramid of Kukulcan of Chichen Itza. You can climb to the top for free to get a great view of the city. Kinich Kakmo or Kinich Kak Moo means “parrot of fire with solar face”.

The Mayans built the pyramid in honor of a sun goddess. She came down every day from the sky in the midday sun in the form of a parrot to bring her offerings.

Attractions near Izamal: doing ecotourism in Oxwatz

Here’s a community-based, off-the-beaten-path project worth encouraging. The Oxwatz Nature Park is a 1200 acre ecological reserve. Fifty six members of the surrounding Mayan community take good care of it.

You can take several tours with certified guides: an 8 hour tour (min 4 people, departure at 7am) and a 24 hour tour with 1 night camping in the jungle (departure at 3pm).

Attractions near Izamal: Swimming in a cenote

Visit the cenote Chihuan in the village of Holca, only 30 min from Izamal. This cenote has a long history: in pre-Hispanic times, it served as a refuge during the confrontations between the Cocomes and Chichen Itza. Today, this cenote full of history is on private property, but is open to the public.

It is a very nice cenote inside a cave, the place is well maintained, you can snorkel and dive. The ceiling of the cave is quite low, which gives an intimate side to the place. And the best thing is that no group arrives here and there is very little promotion, so it is quite quiet.

By public transportation, take a colectivo that runs along the 180, the cenote is only 200m from the highway.

The cemetery of Hoctun

Mexican cemeteries are very colorful and the cemetery of Hoctun, 20 minutes from Izamal, is a good example. It is said to be the most decorated cemetery in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Here, since 1866, flowers, angels and different religious images are painted on the tombs and mausoleums.