Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo is one of the most beautiful locations in Mexico. If you are going to the country, this is one of those places you will want to visit.
Location
The island town is about 8 miles off the north Cancun coast. It is to the northeast of the Yucatna Peninsula at the Caribbean Sea. You can get there via taxi boats.
What to See
The island is 400 yards at its widest and 5 miles long. At the southern end of the island are some Maya ruins. The biggest draw here are the waters, which are perfect for snorkeling.
The town is not that big, but there are plenty of gift shops and restaurants. Unlike Cancun, it is serene and peaceful, which is what draws people to Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo.
If you are on a boat, you will see some reefs on the waters. In the vicinity are plenty of colorful fish ideal for those who want to go snorkeling.
History
During Pre-Columbian times, the island became known for its devotion to Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of medicine and childbirth. The oldest records of the island are from 564 – 1516. During the period, the island became part of the Ekab, a Mayan province.
From that time on, the island became sacred to the Mayan. It did not turn into a village or home, but rather a shrine for the goddess. The salt on the islands was used for medicine and also a form of currency. There used to be a small temple at the end of the island but was damaged by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
Cost
It depends on how long you plan to stay. If you are staying in Mexico for a week and in comfortable hotels, figure on spending about 3,000 USD. If you are on a budget travel and will limit yourself to street food, you can have a budget of 25 to 30 USD daily.
A taxi boat to the island will cost about 9 USD one way.
Other Info
you can also rent a mountain bike and tour around the island. Since it isn’t very big, you can see most of the interesting spots in a day. You can also rent scooters or engine golf carts if you prefer. You can also check out the bay where the private boats are.
Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo also has several beautiful homes and neighborhoods. Close to the lagoon you will see a few resorts and some hotels.
