Nomadic dani

The Magical Yellow City and Its Sweetest Treat

Tucked away in the heart of Yucatán, Izamal is a hidden gem that radiates charm, history, and an undeniable golden glow. Known as the “Yellow City” because of its striking mustard-colored colonial buildings, Izamal is one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), a title given to places rich in culture, history, and beauty. The perfect stop off on your Yucatan tour.

Walking through its cobbled streets, you’ll feel transported in time, surrounded by a fusion of pre-Hispanic and colonial influences that make this town unique. At the centre of the town is the Franciscan temple. This is a must to walk around to admire the tranquility and beautiful colours. But this beautiful place also has a history. Built on the ruins of more Mayan temples during the Spanish conquest, you will see that the temple is built from the destroyed Mayan structures, a pretty normal sight across a lot of the Yucatan Peninsula.

But just as fascinating as its history is its culinary scene—especially its delicious ice cream. After a day of exploring, nothing beats cooling off with a refreshing scoop (or two) of locally made helado from one of the town’s beloved ice cream shops or stall. We decided to choose a local seler at the bottom of the monastry. One of the most popular flavors is elote (corn), a creamy, slightly sweet treat that perfectly captures the flavors of Yucatán. Other favorites include coconut, guanábana (soursop) as you can see in the photo, and zapote negro (black sapote), each offering a taste of the region’s vibrant fruit culture.

Ideally a few hours at this location is enough to enjoy its beautiful colours and history. From a safety perspective there are plenty of tourists around the area on a daily basis, most in couples or small groups and families. There are less same sex couples at this location, so me and my partner didn’t hold hands during our time here as it is a much smaller town.

Izamal is a destination that blends history, culture, and food in the most magical way. Whether you’re climbing ancient ruins, marveling at the bright yellow facades, or indulging in a scoop of authentic Yucatecan ice cream, this charming town is sure to leave a lasting impression.