Page 62 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles
P. 62
he Maya also exploited the salt that the French, Thai, Cuban & Maya. Hotel prices vary SLA MUJERES 7 kilometers long and 650 meters
from cheap to very expensive at the resorts on
Tisland produced in the “salinas” (small interior Iwide, and a population of 13,000. Transporta-
the southwest end such as Hotel Villa Rolandi, tion on Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis,
lagoons). The salt was used not only for the
conservation of food and medicine but also as and Playa Norte Ixchel Beach Hotel. In the north golf carts and scooters. There is a Mayan temple
a generally accepted currency for commerce of
goods along the whole Maya region. The Maya is El Centro (downtown), whose central axis, at the south tip of the island, however in 1988
goddess Ixchel had a temple in what is today
the Hacienda Mundaca (Mundaca’s Plantation Hidalgo Street, is the main dining and entertain- Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage. Isla
House). A small Maya temple was once located
on the southern tip of the island. However in ment area. Also located on the north end is a Mujeres is popular with day trippers, who visit
1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive dam-
age, leaving most of the foundation but only a famous beach called Playa Norte, which has the famous Hidalgo Street, with its shops and
very small portion of the temple.
recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the restaurants, and the famous beach called Playa
Since the 1970s, along with close-by Cancún,
there has been substantial tourist develop- area in 2005. Besides these attractions, swim- del Norte (aka Coco Beach).
ment in Isla Mujeres. Ferry boats run from the
island and Puerto Juárez or Gran Puerto on the ming with dolphins can also be experienced at Hacienda Mundaca After retiring from
mainland. The island is popular with day trippers, the Island via Dolphin Discovery. pirating and slave trading in 1858, Fermin
but activity quiets down in the evening after the Mundaca dedicated years plus his entire pirate’s
tour groups leave. There are numerous places to The island of Isla Mujeres is located close fortune to build home and garden for his be-
eat fresh seafood cooked with local and tradi- to one of many coral reefs such as the one
tional delicious recipes, also many other types located in Garrafon Park, which is an area popular loved “La Triguena” (The Brunette), who was only
of food are available at restaurants on the island
such as: black angus steaks, Mexican, Yucate- for its snorkeling and scuba diving. The Cancun 21. However, she ran off with a man her own
can, Italian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hebrew,
underwater museum, created by English sculptor age. Mundaca died alone in Merida insane. You
Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western can visit his gardens and a small zoo, plus see his
coast of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is also home to empty grave, including a skull and crossbones
a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent marker which Mundaca carved for himself.
endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility Lighthouse The southern end of Isla Mujeres is
was set up on the southern end of the island for the high spot in Quintana Roo at 140’ (42m).
the rehabilitation and breeding of them. This
facility is open to the public. For a tip the lighthouse operator might allow you
up for an incredible view.
