Isla Mujeres

INTRODUCTION

Isla Mujeres is a privileged place with a unique natural and cultural wealth in Mexico. This beautiful island combines the beauty of the Caribbean, the dense tropical jungle and the wonderful heritage of the Mayan civilization. It stands out as one of Mexico´s natural treasures, a truly delightful paradise on earth.

In addition to its beaches and the stunning natural architecture of its cliffs, Isla Mujeres has archaeological vestiges and marine parks with incredible natural reefs. Visiting Isla Mujeres is like discovering a magic world which all visitors would like to call their second home. Isla Mujeres is fascination at first sight, since no one escapes from the natural beauty of the island and the charm of the Caribbean. On Isla Mujeres, many different worlds are combined by a common factor: the genuine flavor of the Mexican Caribbean.

HISTORY

A quick journey through time will give you a good vision of Isla Mujeres´ rich and long history.

The first news about Isla Mujeres date back to 564-1516 A.D. when it was a mayan province, Ekab, one of the four provinces or Mayan territories that formed what is today the State of Quintana Roo.

At that time, Isla Mujeres was not a human settlement, it was a sanctuary to Ixchel (goddess of weaving, happiness, the moon, abundance and medicine, among others). From March 1st to 4th, 1517, a Spanish expedition under Francisco Fernández de Córdoba´s leadership, discovered the island and found a sanctuary with a representation of Ixchel and a court of women, hence the name Isla Mujeres it was given.

By 1850, more than 250 fishermen, pirates and mayas running away from the cruel War of Castes, established themselves in the village of Dolores, on Isla Mujeres.

The construction of Fermin Mundaca y Marecheaga´s Hacienda Vista Alegre, was a milestone in the history of Isla Mujeres, since it covered 40% of the total surface of the island, and controlled agriculture and cattle raising.

At the end of the nineteenth century, Isla Mujeres had a population of 651 inhabitants in a defined urban area. The marine landscape, with its numerous birds, sailboats and fishermen made up a beautiful scenery.

What it is like

Located opposite Cancun coast, with its 7.5 km long and an average 500 meters wide, Isla Mujeres has a lot to offer. Its hotel infrastructure includes 1 to 5-star hotels, specialty, international and regional restaurants, bars to listen to different kinds of music, beach clubs, Caribbean shows, swimming with dolphins, turtle farm and much more to discover.

Its inhabitants, mostly fishermen, invite you to join in the simple and pleasant tropical way of life. With its white sand beaches, ideal for sunbathing and watch the sea, it is easy to yield to the temptation of good food, dancing, water sports and serenity.

Attractions

The traditional boat tours are a good option to discover the sites of interest of the island and surrounding areas. The boats leave all day long from the fishing cooperatives located on the main avenue, Rueda Medina.

In order to explore every corner of the island and get to know its friendly inhabitants, there is nothing like touring the island on a golf cart, moped or a bike.

Several companies offer tours to another nearby island: Contoy, a refuge for over ninety bird species and a great variety of flora and fauna.

Activities

Isla Mujeres offers unique options for water activities, from windsurfing to admiring the wonderful coral reefs while snorkeling, to diving the underwater paradise of El Garrafon National Park, the impressive cave of the sleeping sharks and reefs such as Farito, Islaché and Manchones.

On the white and fine sand beaches of Playa Norte, you can enjoy the air, the sun and the water, and it is a perfect place for those who practice yoga, since at dawn they can get full of energy and at sunset a complete peace invades them.

On the other end of the island, on a cliff known as Punta Sur, there is a temple the Maya used to worship goddess Ixchel. Furthermore, Isla Mujeres has a continental part with a new development, Costa Mujeres ; El Meco, a Mayan archaeological site and Boca Iglesias, the birthplace of this tourist destination.