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Description:
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. |
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Located opposite Cancun coast, with 7.5 km long and an average 500 meters wide.
Here are a few tips on how to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun International Airport.
You have different options to go to Isla Mujeres:
By car. From Punta Sam, there is a ferry that takes 45 minutes.
By express boats. They leave from Puerto Juárez every 30 minutes and take 15 minutes.
By comfortable tourist boats. From Cancun hotel zone, there are several departures and take 35 minutes.
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El Meco it is an important Mayan archaeological zone, known as the center of mayan civil and religious functions. Its original name is unknown. El Meco was the nickname of a 19th century local resident, probably nicknamed El Meco because he used to limp (cojo in Spanish).
Strategically located on the coast in front of Isla Mujeres, El Meco is thought to have been an important point for navigation during the post-classic Maya period along the peninsula; it is related to Isla Mujeres and had strong relationships with its inhabitants.
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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.
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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. 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. |
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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.
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 Natural Park, the impressive cave of the sleeping sharks and reefs such as Farito, Islaché and Manchones.
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.
There are lots of things to do on Isla Mujeres day and night, such as different kinds of tours, some of them including meals, drinks and snorkel equipment included.
On Isla Mujeres, ecotourism is an active part of the tourist industry, where you can find places for nature and adventure lovers. You can visit protected areas such as Contoy Island or the Birds´ Island, where you will learn how to respect the environment, since it is a natural reserve that has become the most important home to marine birds on the Mexican Caribbean.
You can enjoy the adventure of ecotourism by visiting diving sites such as the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, Cuevones, Half Moon, Barracuda Valley, which will provide an unforgettable experience and your best adventure ever. |
For those who love shopping, Isla Mujeres has a great variety of regional handicrafts, as well as from the rest of the country, in addition to sophisticated jewelry stores.
There is a lot to see on the island, including small handicraft shops inside hotels and restaurants.
In downtown Isla Mujeres you will find jewelry stores, boutiques and souvenirs on almost every corner.
After admiring the unique beauty of the sunset on Isla Mujeres, it is time to enjoy exciting nightlife, in places with a Caribbean and magic touch that make them unforgettable.
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Puerto Aventuras Map
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Quintana Roo Map
Click image above to enlarge |
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