©1999-2006
Isla Mujeres Net
Apartado 73
Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo
Mexico 77400
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Fun on the Land |
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On Isla Mujeres,
there is much to do without getting wet! There are many small craft
stores tucked
between the hotels and restaurants, fine jewelry and clothing stores
and souvenir shops at almost every corner. You can explore the
island on a moped or golf cart and visit the various points of
interest listed below. |
Garrafón Park is named for an incredible reef formation, part of the longest reef in the hemisphere. There are gift shops, restaurant and snack bars, bathrooms with showers and dive shops. The entrance fee gives you full use of the facilities,lLockers, towels and snorkel gear are additional charges. The park also offers guided tours to Punta Sur and the "Blue Eye Cave", Zip line flights and Caribbean Bungee jumping. A great way to spend the day and well worth the entrance fee! Garrafón Park is located on the south end of the island facing Cancun. |
Isla Mujeres is the ancestral hatching ground for the giant sea turtles who lay their eggs in the soft sand every May through September. For many years the sea turtles were killed for their meat and shell and their eggs dug up for food. They are now federally protected. The eggs are placed in pens to keep them safe from predators and the newly hatched turtles are placed in tanks until the are released into the wild by the local school children. The Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm is located on Sac Bajo. Entrance fee is $30 pesos. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tel: 877-0595 |
At the tip of the south end of Isla Mujeres is the Mayan temple dedicated to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of Fertility. For centuries, Mayan women came to Isla Mujeres on yearly pilgrimages to seek her help. The temple was also used to send signals to the mainland. Partially destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, the Mayan temple and the surrounding area has recently been renovated. The Lighthouse keeper occasionally will allow visitors to climb to the top (remember to tip) there you will see the most spectacular view of Isla Mujeres. |
Hacienda Mundaca originally covered almost forty percent of the island. Built by Fermin Mundaca after he "retired" from pirating and slave trading around 1858, the hacienda was surrounded by magnificent gardens including the solar clock garden called "The Rose of the Winds". Mundaca dedicated his hacienda to a local beauty, 37 years younger then himself, known as "La Triguena" (the brunette). The arches above the gates were known as "The Entrance of the Triguena" and "The Pass of the Triguena". His dedication was in vain, she married a man closer to her own age and as legend tells it, Fermin Mundaca slowly went insane and died, alone in Merida. His empty tomb still awaits him in the Isla Mujeres cemetery. Carved by his own hands are the skull and cross bones, in memory of his pirating days and the words meant for his love, "As you are, I was. As I am, you will be". Today, the Hacienda's
remaining structures, gardens and pathways are being restored and
recently a small zoo has been added. You will see monkeys, various
birds, crocodiles, pythons and even a Jaguar.
The entrance fee is $10 pesos and well worth a visit. The best time
to go to Mundaca is in the morning before it gets too hot. Remember
to wear bug repellent for the mosquitoes! |
The Cultural Center of Isla Mujeres was built by the efforts of Mrs. Josefa Adame Solís, a beloved teacher who helped the people of Isla Mujeres widen their knowledge and culture. Located on Ave. Guerrero overlooking the Caribbean, the Casa de la Cultura is host to frequent activities for children, music, art and dancing classes, as well as a library that has several shelves of paperback books in English. |
Isla Mujeres is home to many workshops and retreats every year. The Na Balam Hotel host several and there are also classes offered at the Casa de la Cultura and The Red Cross. Sabina at Soñadores del Sol offers readings, visit her between 11 AM and 2 PM at #9 Av. Juárez. Elements of the Island offers morning and evening yoga classes. Located on Av. Juarez in downtown Isla Mujeres. Spanish Classes at the
Instituto Ixchel - Whether you are here for a few days, or are planning a longer stay, Laura
Hernández offers Spanish classes designed to meet your needs. Practical and fun, these classes will help you learn Spanish you can use in Isla Mujeres and in your future travels! Private and group classes available.
E-mail Laura at:
ixchelinstitute@hotmail.com |
Isla Mujeres is home to several massage therapists. Treat yourself to at least one massage while you are here. For more information visit their web pages. |
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Anchor
Sportwear Andale Batik Artesanias Market Artesanias Arco Iris Artesanias
Azteca Bahia Dive
Shop Beach
Company
Body Map Caribbean
Colors Casa del
Arte Mexica
Casa Isleño II Cosmic Cosas Crazy Cactus El Coral
Negro El Grillo Gomar
Boutique Gold and
Silver |
Omega Photo
and Gift Shop Pancho Villa Paulita's Plaza del
Sol
Poco Loco Rachat & Rome Sea Hawk
Divers Shop Soñadores
del Sol Tlaxczlteca Tobacco & Co. T-Shirt Club T-Shirt
Corner Van Cleef & Arpels Vicky's Store Wayan
Natural Wear |
The most common mode of transportation on Isla Mujeres is by foot. You can easily walk everywhere in the downtown area but to see the entire island rent a bike, moped or golf cart.
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©1999-2006
Isla Mujeres Net
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