Izamal, Mexico
On a whim, I jumped on a bus to Izamal from Valladolid. The promise of a city painted in egg yolk yellow, basking in gold in sunset prompted me on. The only bus to Izamal was leaving in 20 minutes. A sign? I think so.
The guidebook says it’s 1.5 hour ride. On a second class bus from Valladolid, it took me closer to 2.5 hours passing through and stopping at every tiny dot on the map.
Upon getting off, I learned that the last returning bus to Valladolid was 55 minutes away.
Drat!
I was hoping to do some souvenir shopping in Izamal. Izamal is home to a group of artisans – clearly posted signs direct you to different workshops: papier mache, hammock, jewelry, and more. I was really looking forward to that.
But 55 minutes just about gave me enough time to check out the Monastery at the center of town, which was worth the trip by itself.
I had enough time to make a dash around the plaza, peeking my heads around corners to see rows and rows of yellow painted buildings with white trims.
Izamal proved me wrong. I thought I had enough of colonial towns after South America, but I guess there’s always room in my heart for yet another one. Especially a brightly painted yellow one like this one.
Swoon!
10 comments
add commentDoesn’t it remind you of the bright yellow buildings in Lima? Izamal does look a tad bit dreamier with its blue skies!
We didn’t make it to Izamal when we were in Valladolid, but it looks beautiful! Definitely a must on my next trip out there.
wow Izamal!!its so yellow no wonder its nicknamed ‘the yellow City”very sad you had 55 minutes to explore,i bet you kept looking at your watch every step.great picures
wow Izamal its so yellow,no wonder its nick named ‘the yellow city’ how very sad you had 55 minutes,you must have been checking your watch every step and wished you could fly..!great pictures too.
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing. I visited Izamal almost 3 years ago and unfortunately it was not painted at that time
It became absolutely gorgeous now!
Izamal looks like a completely yellow version of Valladolid. I am thinking about going back to the Yucatan to visit places like this.
Wow I had no idea that was there, it’s gorgeous.
It’s crazy how much Izamal looks like Evora, Portugal! Worth a visit if you get to Iberia.
Sucks you only had 55 mins there. I know I would have need way more than that. I hope I make it there one day… just the thought of a yellow town intrigues me so much. Love the shots you were able to get!!! Oh & yes always room for one more colonial town.
I want to see the yellow city! Even though you only had 55 minutes – these photos are incredible. I’ll have to add Izamal to my Mexican Itinerary!
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