Isla Mujeres is the name of a small island, as well as the town on that island, a short distance north-east, off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is about 13km north-east of Cancún. In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Mayan moon goddess, Ix Chel. When the Spanish arrived here in the 16th century they named it Isla Mujeres meaning "Island of Women" because of the many cult images of the moon goddess there.

Sightseeing
There was a small Mayan temple on the south tip of the island, however in 1988 Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage to it, leaving only the foundation and a very small portion of the temple. On the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and on the west the skyline of Cancún is seen across the clear waters. On the north end is Isla Town with a famous beach called Playa Norte which has recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005.

Getting there
Ferry boats run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juárez or Puerto Cancún on the mainland.