Isla Mujeres

Introduction

Isla Mujeres

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Isla Mujeres is a small island in the state of Quintana Roo, located just northeast off the coast of th Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It's only 7 kilometres long and 650 metres wide and lies 13 kilometres from Cancun. It's much more low-key compared to Cozumel for example.

For more information, check both this and this tourism websites.

Sights and Activities

• Beaches!
• Snorkelling and diving.
• Watching sea turtles.

Events and Festivals

Day of the Dead

Although the Day of the Dead is also celebrated in many Latin American countries except Mexico (and also in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa), the Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is most intensily celebrated in Mexciowhere where it is equal to a National Holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Although it is about the Dead, it is also a celebration where eating and partying both are common as well.

Weather

Isla Mujeres has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid weather but a sea breeze keeps it nice and cool most of the times. June to November is the rainy season when there is a chance of hurricanes as well. This is also the hottest season. December to April is slightly cooler and is the dry and sunny season. There are more crowds however during these months. Probably May and November are good months for a visit, with mostly fine weather and less people.

Getting There

By Boat

Ferries run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juárez, Playa Linda or Punta Sam on the mainland. Buses from Cancun go to these mainland ports. From Punta Sam, you can take cars. Playa Linda is popular for tour boats while Puerto Juárez offers frequent express boats.

There is also an airstrip for chartered planes, but this is useless and expensive.

Getting Around

There are mainly taxi's, golf carts and scooters to get around the island. If you like you can also bike or even walk anywhere you like.

Sleep