Situated
eight miles off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or "island of
women," offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling mainland
resort areas. The island is blessed with beautiful beaches,
exquisite sunsets, and is ripe for relaxation and discovery.
Discovered by Spanish explorer Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba
1517, Isla Mujeres has an interesting history behind its name.
Cordoba found the island while searching the region for slaves
and gold. It was in an abandoned state, yet decorated by
semi-clothed statues of the Mayan Goddess Ixchel.
The island is five miles long and less than a mile wide, which
allows easy access to the interesting attractions. Visitors will
find most sightseeing opportunities are either a short walk, a
bicycle ride or golf cart drive away from the resort area
(bicycle and golf cart rentals are aplenty). The beaches are a
main attraction here, with waters that fade from fluorescent
lime green at Playa Norte to pale turquoise at the
snorkel-worthy Garrafon reef.
On Isla Mujeres, the major beaches are on the north and west
sides. The north side's most popular and crowded beach is Playa
Norte. More secluded beaches appear on the west side, such as
Playa Paraiso, Playa Lanchero and Playa Indios, which are known
for their shark pens. The Manchones Reef, Banderas Reef and
Cuevones Reef also provide for wonderful scuba diving and
snorkeling. There is also much to do without getting wet, like
visiting the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm, the Mayan Temple
(dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility) and the Lighthouse,
which marks the tip of the island. |
