Vacation in Izamal

Last weekend Doug and I and good friends, Neal and Mary took a mini-vacation to a B&B in Izamal. We have been wanting to visit inland and Izamal sounded wonderful. It is located 39 miles east of Merida and is a gorgeous town. The name Izamal is derived from the Mayan word Itzamna which means "mist from heaven." Izamal just received an award for being the cleanest city in Mexico. It is a town rich in history supposedly the oldest city in the Yucatan and was the most important ceremonial point of the early Mayans. It is called among many things "the yellow city" as the entire center of town and main streets are painted yellow. It is a lovely colonial city with cobblestone streets, a large market place and horse and buggies to taxi you around the town.

Izamal is also know as the "magic city" and is well known for miracles and healing. Pope John Paul II visited the Franciscan convent in 1993, the convent is supposed to be second only to the Vatican in it's architecture size and boasts a lovely atrium. It was here in the convent that monk Fray Diego de Landa burned all the Mayan scripts containing the only written history of the people. Later in his remorse he tried to rewrite them.

The city was founded around 750 B.C. and has 5 pyramids in town and 2 on the outskirts. Here is a link from Wikipedia for more info.

After asking around we decided to stay at Macanche B&B for our visit to this beautiful city. It was a fantastic choice! The owners Emily and Alfred are superb hosts and have thought of everything. Our casita was lovely, clean, airy and bright. The breakfast included a fresh fruit plate and choice of Mexican style eggs, ham and eggs or hotcakes. You could also have dinner there with an hours notice, we ate there 2 nights out of 3. There is internet available in the lobby/restaurant area as well as a fridge stocked with beer, water and soft drinks that you may take advantage of 24/7, you just write down what you have had to drink! They offer manicures, pedicures, divine massages, private yoga lessons and more. This is a must see if you are in the area!

Entrance to Macan che





Lobby/restaurant area with wireless internet, books and local information

The casita we stayed in
The grounds were lush and tended daily
Entrance to our casita

The massage casita
Doug relaxing after a massage

The grounds were just filled with exotic flowers, this is a ginger plant
Flower from an orchid tree
Pool area, there are hammocks under the palapa to read a book or take a siesta
Picture of the front of the convent in town

The mercado (market)
Other side of the mercado
Lots of fresh fruits and veggies
Another thing the town is known for is it's embroidery
These are the dresses that most local woman wear, the are called huiples
Locals taking a taxi
The taxis or calesas waiting for customers
Women and men in local dress
This is part of the tourist center in the heart of town, vendors from all over set up their wares
Neal, Doug and Mary negotiating with a silver dealer
Side of the convent
Looking down one of the main streets
Back of the convent
How many peppers do you want?
Next day we found a local woodworker, he works out of his home and has so many interesting things



What a wonderful trip! Thanks Emily and Alfred for the wonderful time at your B&B! Izamal is a wonderful city and so close to the beach that I love! Just one more reason to live here in the Yucatan! Until next time,
Chillin' in Chelem