The enigmatic town of Izamal

This is us, the mayas, and this is our light… (Excerpt of the narration of the show, “La Luz de los Mayas”)

Those who know the magical town of Izamal, know that it is a place that should be part of the itinerary of the trip because it shows features of its pre-Hispanic origin, its colonial period and the current era, that's why it is also known as "The city of the three cultures".

During the day it is advisable to go in search of the vestiges of the ancient Mayan city such as Akel, Kantunil and the Kinich Kakmó pyramid that date from the year 300 before our era, until very close to the Spanish conquest; of which, one of the most iconic buildings is the Temple of the Immaculate Conception and ex-Convent of San Antonio de Padua, also built on an ancient Mayan city and where important local culture parties and events are currently held.

Every corner of Izamal is full of history and its temple and houses painted a peculiar yellow, seem to shine more in the sunlight, but if you want to discover the origin of The Light of the Mayans, we suggest you discover it under the glow of the moonlight.

Glimpses of an ancestral culture that form Paths of Light

Trails of Light is the name of a video mapping that is part of an audio-light show called “The Light of the Mayans”, its duration is 30 minutes in which through projections of images and careful narration, the past comes to life, immersing the viewer in an atmosphere of mysticism.

The 75 arches and the tall, thick walls of the Franciscan cloister, as well as the Plateresque-style facade of San Antonio de Padua, are the setting for "Paths of Light". Two Mayan stelae appear in four symmetrical arcs to invoke Zamna, the Mayan god of knowledge, indicating the beginning of the spectacle.

Using projections and music alluding to each stage of the history of the city of Izamal, the symbolism of the Mayan cosmogony and of important events of its splendor, of the stage corresponding to the intervention of the Spanish conquerors, of the resistance of the Mayan people and the important role that the settlers of Izamal have played throughout history to show proudly, the current preservation of the Mayan culture.

The magic can start from the transport that takes you to the place, since you can book a carriage that picks you up at the hotel, taking you on a walk through the main cobbled streets of Izamal, then to the light and sound show and at the end of it, can take you to "Kinich", one of the most typical restaurants in Mérida and later back to your hotel.

This show is presented every Tuesday and from Thursday to Saturday at 20:30 hrs; If you want advice to attend the show we can help you organize your private tour here