Isla Mujeres - Cancun (Mexico)

Cancun: Isla Mujeres

Versión Español

Mexico is one of the most desired tourist destinations when it comes to finding trips to the Caribbean. However, most people opt for the all-inclusive Cancun hotels unaware of the delightful beaches that Isla Mujeres offers, which are just 15 minutes by boat from Puerto Juárez (Cancun).  Drinking a smoothie below the shade of a palm tree, diving, with or without the smoothie, in its turquoise waters and walking through ancient Mayan ruins are some of the activities that can be done in the island.

Some music for the trip:

                             

           

Directions:

- Catch a ferry in Puerto Juárez, El Embarcadero or Playa Tortugas (Cancun) for around 5 dollars (one way). In 15 minutes you will be in Isla Mujeres.

Information:

-  Trip made in August 2007

    - Isla Mujeres name comes from the offerings the island inhabitants used to surrender to the Mayan goddess of the Moon, love and fertility Ixchel, which were shaped like women.

    - The island was also home and refuge to pirates and slave traders such as Fermin Mundaca and Marecheaga (Basque-Spanish origins). The ranch he built is still maintained and open to the public.

It is about 6 miles long and only half a mile wide.

Things To Do:

The best transportation choice to go all over the island is to rent a golf cart, just in front of the pier, for around 400 pesos (35 dollars). This way you can visit:

Punta Sur

Isla Mujeres-Cancún-Punta Sur (México)

Here, you will find a lighthouse where beautiful views of Punta Sur and the coast of Cancun can be experienced. It is also home to an ancient Mayan temple (or what remains of it), where goddess Ixchel was worshipped, and Garrafon Natural Reef Park.

Isla Mujeres (Cancún) México- Punta Sur 

Isla Mujeres- Cancún (México)-Among iguanas

In addition, you can walk among the numerous groups of iguanas, which can also be seen all around the island. Nevertheless, it is especially notable in this area.

However, for the animal lovers there is another indispensable place: Dolphin Discovery, where you can swim with dolphins, seals, sea lions and more.

Near the dolphinarium, there is a quaint and quiet restaurant on the beach. With several pools to spend all the time you wish, provided, of course, that you have consumed there: Zama Beach Club.

Isla Mujeres (Cancún) Zama Beach Club 

Playa Norte

In regards to the beaches, Isla Mujeres has endless options to choose from. But if I had to pick one IT would be Playa Norte (North Beach), regarded as the best beach of the Mayan Riviera. With white sand, crystal clear water and palm trees ... this beach combines all the features you would expect from an island in the Mexican Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres (Cancún-México) Playa Norte

Isla Mujeres (Cancún-México) Playa Norte

However, Isla Mujeres is much more than sun and beaches. There are also many streets filled with shops and quaint Mexican restaurants. Everything decorated with colorful beads that are typical of Mexican culture. At night, in the same area, you can also enjoy live music ranging from classical rock songs to rancheras.

Isla Mujeres (Cancún)-Mexican Restaurant -

Giant Tortoises:

Finally, I would like to add that Isla Mujeres is also home to hundreds of giant tortoises which are a federally protected species that arrives to the island shores every year between May and September. If you plan to go during these dates will be possible to witness this ceremonious act of nature. You can also visit a nearby turtle farm aimed at protecting these endangered animals.

However, if there is something the Islanders take great pride in, it's their docks, boats and fishing nets, which are an unmistakable symbol of the longstanding fishing tradition of the village.

 Isla Mujeres Piers (México)

Definitely a very quiet place to relax, enjoy good company and soak up the rich Mexican culture. All this accompanied by the close and friendly nature of its people.

Isla Mujeres - Cancún- (México)

More:

Isla Mujeres offers a wide variety of activities to do within its limits, but it also provides a strategic point of accomodation to visit many other places such as:

• Isla Contoy: declared national park by the Mexican Government.
• Arrecife de coral Ixlaché: part of the second largest barrier reef in the world.
• Chichén Itzá: where you will find the Temple of Kukulcan, considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Vestige of power and wisdom of the Mayan civilization.
• Ik-kil sinkhole
• Tulum: ancient Mayan walled city.
• Valladolid
• Playa del Carmen 
• Parques Xcaret (Cancún) y Xel-há etc...