Ever wondered why this island is called Isla Mujeres? It means “Island of Women” in Spanish. Prepare to step back in time as we explore the captivating story of Isla Mujeres.
Around 1517 Francisco Fernández de Córdoba stumbled upon Isla Mujeres. Legend says that the island was inhabited only by the priestesses of Ixchel and her entourage. They found many statues of Ixchel crafted in gold silver and clay. This led to naming the island Isla Mujeres the Island of Women.
Before the Spanish arrived Isla Mujeres was a Maya sanctuary. It was dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. She was revered for fertility medicine and happiness. Mayan girls journeyed here. They sought Ixchel’s guidance for their transition from childhood to adulthood. The southern tip of Isla Mujeres housed a temple to Ixchel. It also served as a lighthouse guiding mariners.
The island was part of the Maya province called Ekab. The Maya people exploited the salt produced in the salinas. They used it for food preservation medicine and currency.
Later Isla Mujeres became a haven for pirates. The shallow lagoon offered shelter from storms. Pirates like Henry Morgan Jean Lafitte and Hernán Mundaca frequented the island. Mundaca built a hacienda hoping to win the heart of Martiniana Gómez Pantoja. She however married someone else.
Since the 1970s tourism has grown substantially on Isla Mujeres. Despite this the island retains its relaxed nature. Violent crime is rare here. The biggest danger has historically been hurricanes like Hurricane Wilma.
Transportation on Isla Mujeres consists mainly of taxis and golf carts. Moped scooters are also popular. Ferries connect the island to the mainland at Puerto Juárez Cancún.
Isla Mujeres boasts a vibrant restaurant industry. You can find fresh seafood and diverse cuisines here. Playa Norte is a famous beach known for its beauty. You can swim with dolphins here.
Isla Mujeres is near coral reefs like Garrafon Park. The Cancún Underwater Museum lies off its western coast. The island is home to a sea turtle population. Tortugranja is a facility dedicated to their rehabilitation.
Sailfish abound in the waters around Isla Mujeres. It is considered one of the best places in the world to catch them. Many homes have been built on Isla Mujeres. These include homes for long time residents seasonal visitors and fishermen. Some residents commute to Cancún daily for work or school.
Isla Mujeres is also home to a Mexican naval base. It is known as Quinta Región Naval.
So as you wander the beaches and streets of Isla Mujeres remember its rich history. From Mayan goddesses to pirate hideouts this island has many stories to tell.