City of the Three Cultures - the ancient Mayan, the colonial, and present day Izamal. This beautiful colonial town was founded by the Spanish Franciscan Monks by half of 16th century, during their evangelization of Yucatan. They established a small Christian temple atop the great pyramid and building a large Franciscan Monastery atop the acropolis (former Mayan Pap-Hol-Chac ceremonial center). Built in 1553 and completed in 1561, the atrium of the Monastery was second in size only to that at the Vatican.

It is here where Pope John Paul visited in 1993. This visit has been one of Izamal's claims to fame ever since, and is commemorated by a statue of the Pope in the convent courtyard. Be sure to hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you on the handicraft route to see the shops and watch the local artisans craft their works. Enjoy the magical Light and Sound show 8:30pm.