Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory
Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory
Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory
Hola and welcome! Today it‘s about an island that totally enchanted me: Isla Mujeres. I was lucky enough to visit this wonderful place and can only recommend it to you. The small island off the coast of Cancun offers not only beautiful beaches and turquoise blue seas, but also a vibrant culture and plenty of activities. Whether you‘re travelling alone, with friends or as a family, Isla Mujeres has got something for everyone. Join us on a journey full of experiences and discoveries!
Content: Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory
What to expect
Mexico has very few islands, and Isla Mujeres is one of them. Although close to Cancún, the island is a cozy tropical holiday paradise without the hectic high life of Cancún or Playa del Carmen.
However, Isla Mujeres with its colorful houses has an incredible charm, and the beauty of its beaches is second to none. The island is a small, tropical paradise with a very relaxed ambience.
The only town on the island with its rustic houses makes you want to take a long walk. The food on the island is delicious and consists mainly of seafood and Mexican cuisine. And the beach is just too good to be true.
Isla Mujeres on the Map
Isla Mujeres (“Island of Women“) is a small island on the Mexican Caribbean coast about 13 km north of Cancún and is accessible via the ferry service of the port of Puerto Juárez. The ferry runs every 30 minutes, the journey takes 15-20 minutes.
The island has an area of about 7 km in length and 650 m in width, with an area of 4.2 km ². The west coast has been part of the National Park Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc since 1996.
How to get to Isla Mujeres?
The closest international airport is in Cancún. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Puerto Juárez or Playa Tortuga. This is where the ferries to Isla Mujeres start. The crossing itself takes about twenty minutes. From Puerto Juarez there is an hourly ferry, at some times during the day even more every 30 minutes. From Playa Tortuga in the Hotel Zone of Cancún, the connection has slightly longer intervals.
Once you arrive at Isla Mujeres, you can easily explore the only town on the island walking. For an island tour you can rent a bike, a scooter or a golf cart.
Isla Mujeres in the past and nowadays
Isla Mujeres has been used by the Maya since 550 BC. At that time, however, the island was not permanently inhabited, but there was a sanctuary in honor of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. The Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba discovered the island in March 1517.
Isla Mujeres today has a population of just over 11,000 inhabitants, who make their living mainly from tourism and fishing.
The most beautiful beaches of the island are located in the north near the city center, where the water is calm and looks like a gigantic turquoise swimming pool.
To the south is the Garrafon National Park with the temple ruins of the Mayan goddess Ixchel and a breeding station for sea turtles. Wide coral reefs full of colorful life invite you to snorkel. Only suitable for experienced and certified divers are the reefs of Punta Norte and Manchones in the south, as well as the cave of the sleeping sharks and the positions of two sunken ships.
On Isla Mujeres, time passes slowly. The center of the only village is just four by six blocks in size and has retained the charm and tranquility of the former fishing village.
During an evening walk among the colorful houses of the island you can watch the fishing families mending their nets, and in the restaurants of the island you can taste the catch of the day prepared according to delicious traditional recipes.
Hotels on Isla Mujeres
If you don’t just visit Isla Mujeres for a day from Cancún, you’ll need a place for the night. You will certainly find a place that you love and would like to come back to.
One of the best things about Isla Mujeres is that it offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and style. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a cozy guesthouse, you’ll find plenty of great options on the island.
Here are some highly recommended places to stay on Isla Mujeres:
Most hotels are located in the north of the island, where most activities are also offered for tourists. For a more secluded stay, you better turn south. From upscale resort to small cheap hotels, everything is on offer – perfect for enjoying the ambience on Isla Mujeres for a few days.
Restaurants on Isla Mujeres
One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is through food. Isla Mujeres offers a variety of restaurants and street stalls offering delicious local cuisine. The cuisine on the island is of course dominated by seafood and fish, and you should not miss that … it doesn’t get any fresher than that! Traditional spices and local ingredients promise unforgettable taste experiences.
In addition to many Mexican restaurants, Isla Mujeres also offers a variety of restaurants with the cuisine from other countries, whose owners could not escape the charm of Isla, so they simply stayed after a holiday.
Here are some wonderful places to eat on the island:
Cheap food is also available during the day at the market Mercado Municipal on Avenida Guerrero and in the evening at the food stalls in front of the church Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción. Warning: many locations don’t accept credit cards, better take cash with you!
Isla Mujeres Nightlife
On Isla Mujeres, the entertainment definitely doesn’t end as the sun sets. Although the nightlife of the island is very relaxed, there are some nice places where you can enjoy a few drinks, listen to music and mingle with the locals. Don’t miss out on visiting the idyllic restaurants and bars on the beach of the island, where you can enjoy not only great food but also the fresh breeze from the sea and the sound of the waves on the beach.
For the evening, you could also try these bars:
Also in Avenida Hidalgo in the center there are a lot of trendy bars and restaurants and you will certainly find something that best suits your mood and taste. Or you can simply enjoy the shows of street performers, dancers and fire swallowers, which are offered for a small tip in the evening in Avenida Hidalgo.
What to Do on Isla Mujeres
During the day, Isla Mujeres offers activities around the turquoise Caribbean Sea for all ages. From relaxing on the beach to exploring ancient ruins, there’s something to do for everyone. There are some attractions that you should not miss.
For exploring the island, it is best to rent a bike or golf cart. So, you are flexible and can discover the Isla Mujeres on your own. Relaxing massages, yoga classes and shopping opportunities complete the offer of the island.
Is it worth visiting Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is almost a paradise on earth and definitely worth a visit. With the white sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and an abundance of activities, there is something for everyone to do here. From exploring the ancient ruins to snorkeling and diving, you can do exciting things. The island also offers a variety of restaurants that will spoil you with delicious cuisine. If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and experience new adventures, then Isla Mujeres is probably a good choice.
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FAQs
Isla Mujeres is an island in the Caribbean Sea and is located off the coast of Cancun in Mexico. There are ferries that depart hourly from Cancun and take about 20 minutes.
The climate on Isla Mujeres is tropical and hot with an average temperature of 27°C. The best time to travel is the winter months from November to March.
The best mode of transportation on Isla Mujeres is a golf cart that can be rented for the day or longer. There is also public transport such as taxis and buses.
Top attractions on Isla Mujeres include the beaches, snorkeling and diving sites such as the MUSA Underwater Museum, as well as Manati Park and Dolphin Discovery.
Some of the best beaches on Isla Mujeres include Playa Norte and Playa Lancheros.
On Isla Mujeres you can do water sports activities like snorkeling trips, dives, sport fishing, jet skiing and parasailing.
The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is from December to April,when the weather is dry and pleasant. It is also the best time to watch whales and dolphins.
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