Surrounded by the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, just eight miles from Cancun, is Isla Mujeres. This island is a hotspot today, but it also has significance for the region’s cultural heritage. Isla Mujeres, which translates to the island of women, was sacred to the Mayan goddess of childbirth. Today, travelers arrive by ferry from Cancun to relax on the scenic beaches, visit the local turtle farm, scuba dive or snorkel in the clear waters or just relax away from the Cancun beach crowds.
Isla Mujeres is one of the best kept secrets of Quintana Roo. It's a wonderful island located in the Caribbean Sea that is considered as one of the destinations that any person should have on their bucket list.
If you are looking to relax you will find panoramic pools, hammocks and lounge chairs.
And if you are looking for adventure and entertainment opportunities, this is the best place. The calm waters and the beautiful coral reefs of the western area of Isla Mujeres are the perfect alternative for snorkeling or diving even if you're a beginner.
Be sure to visit El Farito reef, Isla Contoy National Park, or see the underwater sculptures near the Manchones reef. You can also enjoy swimming with whale sharks, go to the cliffs, swim with dolphins, go zip lining or biking.
Come to live a unique experience in one of Mexico's Pueblos mágicos; visit Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres (Spanish pronunciation: ['izla mu'xeɾes], Spanish for "Women Island") is an island in the Caribbean Sea, about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) off the Yucatán Peninsula coast. The island is some 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long and 650 metres (2,130 ft) wide. To the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and to the west the skyline of Cancún can be seen across the clear waters. In the 2010 census, the namesake town on the island had a population of 12,642 inhabitants.
The island is part of the Isla Mujeres Municipality in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
History
In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ixchel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" because of the many images of goddesses. The first information available about Isla Mujeres is from the period between 564–1516 AD, when it was part of the Maya province called Ekab. There were 4 Maya provinces in what is today the State of Quintana Roo. The Maya also exploited the salt that the island produced in the "salinas" (small interior lagoons). The salt was used not only for the preservation of food and medicine but also as a generally accepted currency for commerce of goods along the whole Maya region. The Maya goddess Ixchel had a temple in what is today the Hacienda Mundaca (Mundaca's Plantation House).
A small Maya temple was once located on the southern tip of the island. However, in 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage, leaving most of the foundation but only a very small portion of the temple.
Since the 1970s, along with nearby Cancún, there has been substantial tourist development in Isla Mujeres.
Transportation
Transportation on the island of Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis or golf carts and moped scooters. As of 2005 there were 121 taxis, 500 golf carts, and 1500 moped scooters.[2] There is also a bus service that runs from the downtown to the different neighborhoods, called colonias in Spanish (where most locals live). The island is also served by Isla Mujeres National Airport.
Ferry service to the mainland
Ferry boats run from the island and Puerto Juárez or Gran Puerto on the mainland. The island is popular with day trippers, but activity quiets down in the evening after the tour groups leave.
Reference:
1. touropia
2. visitmexico
3. wikipedia
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