The San Antonio de Padua monastery is an imposing structure for such a small town and it boasts one of the largest atriums in the world. Only the atrium at the Vatican is larger. Walking up the inclined steps to the monastery, you feel as if you are about to touch the sky as it peeks through the arches of the arcade. You can walk all around the atrium and see the town from different angles. Then, you can go inside the monastery's church, named the Purest Conception.

From the monastery, you can make your way along one of several streets and meander around. You will find the mercado municipal (municipal market) where you can try the local fares, various shops, restaurants, and residences in the all-yellow streets. Try the marvelous Yucatecan cuisine and take home an authentic, Mayan-made souvenir such as a hammock or a traditional blouse.

Apart from the picturesque streets, you can also visit multiple archeological sites in Izamal, including the Mayan pyramids of Kinich Kak Moo, Hun Pink Toc, and Kabul. Other nearby places to visit include Valladolid, another “pueblo magico”, the famous Chichen Itza, and a number of cenotes (freshwater sinkholes).

Izamal may be a small town but it certainly packs a punch. Enjoy an enchanting visit as you walk down its yellow, cobblestoned streets, ride a carriage, eat authentic Yucatecan food, and absorb the rich culture of the Mayan people.