MAYAN RUINS

Isla Mujeres has one small archaeological site, which happens to be located at the most easterly point of Mexico. The Mayans, being astute celestial observers built a structure there for some unknown reason although the fact that sunlight hits this point first every morning might have something to do with it. It is also thought the structure may have been used as an observation post/lighthouse as well as a communication post being able to signal both boats and people on the mainland.

The structure is believed to be dedicated to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of Fertility. Remnants of traditional ceremonies combined with Catholic overtones have been passed down from generation to generation and there are still Mayans alive today who practice the fertility ceremonies.

In 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hit the island hard and reeked havoc on the site but the site has been cleaned up and "renovated".

NOTE: Many present day Mayan ruin sites have been rebuilt. Some people consider these sites "fakes" however the Maya have been rebuilding their structures since the day they were first built. Today's sites are just a continuation of the endless building cycle.

A good day to visit the site is December 31.

NIGHT LIFE

Isla Mujeres is not Cancun. It is still somewhat of a sleepy fishing village that springs to life during the day and falls asleep at nightfall. If you're looking for wild bars and all-night action you won't find it here.

This is not to say you cannot have a great time and meet interesting people but realize that Isla Mujeres is not party central like Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

If you are looking to party or simply sit down for some relaxing cocktails simply venture up Hidalgo Ave. [the main pedestrian walkway] and you can bar-hop or select the club/restaurant you wish to relax in.

HACIENDA MUNDACA

"As you are, I was. As I am, you will be".

Hacienda Mundaca was built with the plunder of the brutal butcher Fermin Mundaca. As the story goes Mundaca worked as a mercenary for the Spanish government. Mundaca scoured the Mayan coastlines looking for Mayans who were not already "property" or who had become "rebels".

As the Spaniards moved throughout the Americas and captured people, the people were divided up between the conquistadors. Each division of people was given a specific symbol which was to be worked into their traditional dress, such as a Mayan women's huphil. This identified the person as a person owned by a particular conquistador.

Mundeca found Isla Mujeres a perfect location to set up his operation and with the blessing of local authorities he established the Hacienda Mundaca, which was built by slaves whose enslavement he had engineered and facilitated. Much of the stone used to build his mini empire was taken from traditional Mayan temples and buildings already on the island. This served two purposes; first it provided easy access to building materials and secondly it helped to "denounce" the previous culture.

In a vain attempt to enter "proper society" Mendeca proceeded to build his lavish hacienda which he named "Vista Alegre". Complete with gardens with imported plants and animals he even went so far as to have a "solar clock" commissioned in a further attempt to discredit the Mayan time system by replacing it with the Roman Catholic system.

Mundeca fell madly in love with a local beauty many years his junior. In fact in order to demonstrate his adoration for her he constructed and named the large entrance arch "El Paso de la Triguena" [the entrance of the brunette] for her. She however did not reciprocate his feelings. As the story goes he died a miserable lonely monster. His empty tomb lies somewhere in the island cemetery with the popular saying "As you are, I was. As I am, you will be." inscribed on his tomb. A message believed inscribed by him personally to be intended for his lost love.

Hacienda Mundaca is located near Playa Lancheros toward the southern end of the island. The entrance fee is $10 pesos. The graveyard is located at the west end of the town, you can't miss it.

ECOTOURISM IN ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres has for years managed to maintain a sense of remoteness, even while being a stone's throw away from Cancun. To this end much of the island's wilderness has been left intact. Add the fact that the windward side of the island is too rough for beaches makes at least half the island unsuitable for hotels.

Ecotourism plays a big roll on the island and helps support the islands pro-conservation mandate.

Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park is a popular beach and snorkeling site. It was acquired by the company that operates Xcaret and Xel-Ha. There are restaurants, lockers, stores and the beach is kept in excellent condition.

Park schedules: 8:30 to 17:00 hrs. (winter) or 18:00 hrs. (summer)

Garrafon de Castilla is located next to Garrafon Eco Park at the south end of the island. There are restrooms, shower facilities, snorkel gear rental, lockers, towels, a restaurant, snack bar and a small gift shop.

Admission is $20 pesos, which includes use of lounge and beach chairs with beach umbrellas, restrooms and shower facilities.

The Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm is located on Sac Bajo and is federally protected and funded by the Mexican Government and donations. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is also a small gift shop and snack bar. Entrance fee is $30 pesos.

SNORKELING & DIVING

Family Snorkeling

Isla Mujeres is a great place for family snorkeling. There are numerous boats and guides at the docks to take you out. All equipment is provided including life-jackets. Lunch/dinner is included in many of the tours. Tours average three hours in length. These are also great tours if you are a beginner snorkeler.

"Snuba" diving is available at Garrafon Eco Park!

Snorkeling for the Avid Snorkeler

Don't waste your time with any of the tours offered by the guys at the docks. These tours are geared for passive family fun. If you want to do some good snorkeling you have to go to a dive shop. Make sure if you do not want a lunch/dinner that you specifically book a tour without it or other people wanting it. Currents can also get pretty strong around the island so be prepared to do a lot of swimming. We encountered a large school of barracudas off the south side once which was pretty exhilarating!

Scuba Diving

Isla Mujeres is a world-class diving location with lots of dive shops, a hypobaric chamber, tours and lots of visiting divers.

Here you will find Grey Nurse Sharks, Barracudas, Turtles, Blue and Green Parrot fish, Grunts, Porcupine, Jurels, Yellowjacks, Snappers, Midnight Parrot fish, Lobster, Starfish, Shrimp and a large variety of soft corals.

Isla Mujeres is perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver. You can obtain your PADI certification if you do not already have it.

Popular dive sites:

Cave of the Sleeping Sharks where Nurse Sharks can be found having their siesta. Nurse Sharks are harmless but it is still an exhilarating experience to swim near them. Bull, Black Tip, and Gray Reef Sharks are also commonly sited. The shark cave is at a depth of 60-70 feet.

In Manchones Reef, just off Isla's shore at a depth of 40 feet you will find the Cruz de la Bahia [Bay Cross - planted into the Manchones Reef in 1994 as a tribute to the men and women of the sea]. Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by.

The Navy Boat Shipwreck & Shrimp Boat Wreck can be found at a depth of 70 ft. and is home to Green Morey Eels, Nurse Sharks, Rainbow Parrot fish, schools of Cobia fish, Groupers, Amber jacks, Snappers, Shells, Stone fish and Lobsters. You can explore the inside of the Navy Boat wreck.

Punta Sur is located at the southern end of the island where the Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean Sea merge. It is a favorite playground for dolphins and sea turtles and has the remains of an old wreck with a 400 year old anchor.

Tavos Reef is a small reef at 35 feet. There are unique lime stone formations with lots of crevices & tunnels. The site attracts Gray and White-Tip Reef Sharks.

Media Luna is on the Caribbean side of the island at a depth of 30-40 feet. There you will find an interesting variety of coral, arches, and ridges, as well as large sea anemone, spiny sea urchins, and lobster.

ISLA MUJERES FISHING

The fishing around Isla Mujeres is consistently good and there are lots of tours to take you out [you can also fish from shore]. Just go to the docks and make your enquiries for a fishing tour or boat charter.