Magical Towns of Yucatán

Yucatán has 7 Magical Towns: Espita, Izamal, Maní, Motul, Sisal, Tekax and Valladolid. The first to receive the designation was Izamal (2002) and the most recent, Tekax (2023). Discover their history, traditions and what to see in each one.

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  Magical Town since 2023

  Espita

  A less-visited Yucatán: the Temple of San José, an old Franciscan convent, hammocks, vine baskets and cross-stitch embroidery.

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  Magical Town since 2002

  Izamal

  Yucatán's “yellow city”: the Convent of San Antonio de Padua built on a Maya platform and the huge Kinich Kak Moo pyramid right in town.

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  Magical Town since 2020

  Maní

  Deep Maya history in Yucatán: the San Miguel Arcángel convent (1549), Xcabachén cenote, Maya home gardens, embroidery and stingless bees.

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  Magical Town since 2023

  Motul

  Birthplace of huevos motuleños and Felipe Carrillo Puerto: Yucatán's henequen country, Sambulá cenote and social history.

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  Magical Town since 2020

  Sisal

  Yucatán's historic henequen port: a quiet beach, lighthouse, old customs house, El Palmar reserve mangroves and kayaking.

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  Magical Town since 2023

  Tekax

  Adventure in southern Yucatán: caves, rappelling and zip lines, the San Marcelino Maya village and easy access to the Puuc Route and Uxmal.

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  Magical Town since 2012

  Valladolid

  A colonial Yucatán town and ideal base for cenotes, Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam: San Bernardino Convent, the Calzada de los Frailes and Yucatecan food.