If you’re road-tripping through the Yucatán with your family, there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stop that needs to be on your list: Iglesia de Uayma.

This vibrant pink and teal church is located in the small town of Uayma, just 15 minutes outside of Valladolid. It’s the perfect family-friendly detour on your way to or from Chichén Itzá, Cenote Suytun, or even during a longer road trip from Cancún or Mérida. It’s easy to visit, stroller-friendly, and makes for stunning photos.

What Makes Iglesia de Uayma Special?

The Iglesia de Uayma Yucatán isn’t just beautiful, it’s historic. Built by the Spanish in the 1600s using stones taken from nearby Mayan temples, the church represents a unique (and complex) blend of Mayan and Catholic symbolism. The floral and star patterns on the facade are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in Mexico.

After being burned down during the Caste War, it stood abandoned for over a century. It was only recently restored in the early 2000s, making it one of the region’s most photogenic and meaningful buildings.

You’ll find fotos de Iglesia de Uayma all over Pinterest and Instagram, but trust us, it’s even better in person.

Is It Worth Visiting with Kids?

Yes! This is a low effort, high impact stop for families. There’s a large open plaza in front of the church where kids can safely walk or play, and the small town vibe makes it a calm break from the bigger tourist cities.

We pulled in just planning to stretch our legs and ended up spending longer than expected. It’s that magical. The malecon is at the center of the town and you can walk around the center here.

We had a slightly creepy but unforgettable moment here that I think is worth mentioning, especially for families.

After spending about 20–30 minutes exploring and taking photos, we noticed the same vehicle circle the plaza three separate times. Each time, the men inside would get out, linger nearby, and watch us while on their phones. But the last time, another vehicle pulled in with them. It could’ve been nothing, but the vibe was off enough that I trusted my gut and made the call to leave immediately.

We’ve traveled all over Mexico and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences, but this moment felt different, especially as a mom. The taxi mafia presence in the region is well-known, particularly around popular tourist stops, and this wasn’t that. It honestly just gave us an uneasy feeling.

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So here’s my advice:
👉 Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and keep a close eye on your kids.
This was still a beautiful stop that I’d recommend, but with a little extra awareness.

Better to be safe than sorry.

How to Visit Iglesia de Uayma

📍 Location: Uayma, Yucatán
🛣️ Route: Located right off Highway 180 between Valladolid and Chichén Itzá
🚗 Best Way to Get There: Rent a car so you can explore towns like Uayma at your own pace
📸 When to Go: Morning or golden hour for the best light and fewer crowds
🕊️ Respect: It’s still an active place of worship, be mindful of quiet hours and local customs

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a family trip through the Yucatán, don’t skip the Iglesia de Uayma. It’s the kind of hidden gem that turns a good travel day into a great one. Whether you’re after beautiful architecture, meaningful history, or simply a unique stop to break up the drive, this little town delivers.

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