Known as “the yellow city,” Izamal is one of the most picturesque communities in Yucatán.
But despite its grand Mesoamerican and colonial architecture and undeniable charm, investment in the city has always been rather limited.
Though the city receives a decent amount of tourism, the vast majority of visitors spend no more than a few hours in town, which means most hotels stay virtually empty.
To revitalize the city and compel visitors to stay the night, Izamal has embarked on a series of infrastructure projects.
“We have built a series of covered corridors with storefronts for shops and restaurants, we really hope locals and visitors alike enjoy the improvements we have made,” said Mayor Warnel May Escobar.
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The walkway to the city’s most famous pyramid, the Kinich Kakmó, has also received a makeover with a fresh cover of paint and new shops.
The city has also invested in a new community library, and sports center, as well as the remodeling of several parks.
Izamal was designated a “Magical Town” in 2002 by the federal tourism ministry and is popular with daytrippers on their way back to Mérida from Chichén Itzá or Ek-Balam.
But Izamal’s proximity to Mérida has turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing, as most visitors choose Mérida’s vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene over Izamal’s quiet streets.
