Journey of Discovery in Isla Mujeres: A Mexican Adventure

Traveling, to me, is the most enlightening school one can attend. Each journey transforms my perspective of the world and shapes my outlook on life. It has also fortified the bond between my husband and me, filling our lives with countless cherished memories, with many more to come. Touchwood!!! 😀

But let’s get back to the purpose of this blog post.

During our recent trip to Mexico, we found ourselves in Cancun. After two days of leisure and a visit to Chichen Itza, we decided to explore the nearby gems.

On the third day of our stay, we hopped onto an Ultramar ferry at the Punta Sam ferry terminal. It was an exhilarating experience, with strong winds gusting at an impressive 11 mph. Finally, after this thrilling, roller-coaster-like 30-minute ride, we arrived at Isla Mujeres.

To make the most of our exploration, we decided to rent bikes. Starting from the north, here’s a rundown of the places we visited:

Playa Norte: Situated at the island’s northernmost tip, Playa Norte, according to reviews, is a beautiful and serene beach with pristine white powdery sand. However, on the day of our visit, it was virtually empty due to high waves, and people were advised to stay away. So, we contented ourselves with a leisurely stroll, some photographs, and moved on.

Mia Reef: Located at the dead-end of the island’s northeast side, Mia Reef is a hotel built atop a reef. After reaching this point, we turned back and headed south.

Punta Sur: The southernmost tip of the island harbors historic Mayan ruins. Among the attractions is a statue of the Mayan goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and the Moon. Although only a few ruins remain, the view from this site is breathtaking.

Cliff of the Dawn: We then followed a trail along the cliffs to the “Cliff of the Dawn.” This spot marks the easternmost point of the country and is the first place in Mexico to receive sunlight. Don’t forget to pause at Bayview Point for stunning ocean photographs.

Isla Mujeres’ markets and streets are a colorful and budget-friendly haven for shoppers. There’s a wide array of collectibles and craft items, and the prices often depend on your bargaining skills. As for restaurants, we didn’t dine out, so I can’t offer any recommendations.

Many buildings on Isla Mujeres are adorned with artistic murals. We encountered these vibrant expressions of art at nearly every street corner, and I’m sure each carries a unique message and deeper meaning.

Some practical tips:

• Always carry your driver’s license, especially if you plan to rent a vehicle or drive.
• When you rent a bike or golf cart, the dealer typically retains your driver’s license as security, returning it when you return the vehicle.
• We didn’t visit the underwater museum, but if it’s on your itinerary, plan your time accordingly.
• It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before visiting the island.

Thanks for joining us on this journey. Happy travels! 👋

Statistics:

• Starting Point: Cancun
• Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
• Miles Driven: 3
• Miles Walked: Not much
• Time Spent: 2 hours