10 days in
Isla mujeres
Others would say 10 days is way too long to spend on an island that is only 7 km long and less than 1 km wide but the small paradise packs a big punch. Island time is the best especially when the island’s name translates to ‘Women Island’ **wink wink**
Heads Up!
Some of the links you’ll find on this site are affiliate links, which means that if you book a flight, a stay or even that quirky travel gadget through them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s like buying me a virtual iced capp (thanks!), and it helps keep this blog running so I can continue to share all the travel inspiration and tips with you.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
How to get there
Getting to Isla Mujeres involves 3 modes of transportation. A lot, I know, but totally worth it!
- You need to get on a plane to Cancun International Airport. You will go through immigration and collect your bags, if any. You will then head outside the airport where your pre-arranged shuttle/ride will await you. Politely decline all the sales pitches as you exit the airport, a “no gracias” usually does the trick.
Remember, no Uber or Lyft operates from the airport; only to the airport.
Find the best shuttle service from/to Cancun International Airport on GetYourGuide
- Your shuttle/ride will take you to Puerto Juárez, specifically where the Ultramar ferry is. You can also use Jetway Ferry which is budget friendlier. I used UltraMar so I could purchase their open ticket which allows one round trip on any date within 6 months from the date of purchase.
- The final step, well almost final step is to get on to the ferry. It takes approximately 20 minutes to get to Isla Mujeres. You can sit on the interior deck or the outdoor deck upstairs. You’ll find that some people leave the middle seat open but don’t be shy to ask the person siting on aisle seat if they could stand so you can occupy the middle seat. They will stand up to let you in.
Purchase your ferry tickets on the Ultramar website.
how to move around
Congratulations, you made it to Isla Mujeres! Now, you need to get to your accommodation. The island has no Uber or Lyft, so the red taxis will be your friend. You can also rent out a golf cart, you will see them everywhere. You can rent them directly from rental companies or through your hotel. They are a fun way to get around the island. Bicycles and scooters/mopeds are also available to rent.
where to stay
$$ Mid-Range
Azulea Hotel & Spa
It is in a great location if you want to stay away from the buzz of the downtown area. I’d say it’s located mid-island leaning more to the south side. The property has a pool and amazing views from the top of all 4 buildings. The building at the end of the property is where they do the massages and where the hot tub is. I didn’t make use of it because it was too hot for that. My room was a bit on the smaller side but still very comfortable with a balcony showing a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea.
Let it be known that there is no elevator, so pack what you can carry. Also, there is no restaurant on the property. The closest restaurants are a short walk away. More on that later.
Book Azulea Hotel & Spa on Booking.com
$ Budget
Mayan Monkey – Isla Mujeres
On the island’s south side but on the opposite side of Azulea, you’ll find a charming beachfront hostel that is a part of the Mayan Monkey hostel chain. I stayed at their Los Cabos hostel a few years ago and I had the best time so when I saw a familiar name I jumped at the opportunity to experience what the Isla Mujeres hostel has to offer, They did not disappoint. This side of the island is a bit busier, you’ll find beach clubs, restaurants, stores and other accommodations.
I was given a room upgrade when I arrived, so I ended up in the superior room. It was huge and spacious room for just lil old me but I loved it. The balcony had a hammock and outdoor seating. The view from my balcony consisted of palm trees, the Cancun Bay, and Cancun in the distance. The hostel has dorms and private rooms.
Book Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres on Hostelworld
what to do
Small as it is, there are plenty of things to do on Isla Mujeres.
- Rent a golf cart. You can rent one for as little as 8 hours up to the entire duration of your stay.
- Go to Punta Sur. One part is free to visit and the other part requires US$6 in cash to go to the tisland’s tip. Go watch the sunrise from Punta Sur, you’ll thank me.
- Spend a few hours at Garaffon Reef Park. Depending on the ticket you get, you can get lunch with drinks. Activities include zip-lining, kayaking or just relaxing on the beach.
- Spend the afternoon at a beach club like Zaza Yacht & Beach Club
- Go shopping downtown, you’ll find some cute souvenirs to take home
- Watch a beautiful sunset on Playa Norte. Hands down, it’s the best sunset you’ll watch.
- Get on the local bus, which is the only bus. It loops around the island all day and costs 30 Pesos per trip. You can get a full-day pass so you can hop on and off. I believe the full-day pass is US$6 or US$7, and they will give you a wristband.
- You can get on a boat and enjoy sailing around Isla Mujeres.
- You can go to Isla Contoy or Isla Holbox for the day
- Eat at the amazing restaurants all over the island.
- You can simply take a walk. If you put your mind to it, you can walk the whole island. Look out for the rainbow stairs.
- Go on a day trip to Chichen Itza. You do have to pay for your ferry ticket back to Cancun. Your ride will wait for you at Puerto Juarez and will drop you off there at the end of the tour.
Book your day trip to Chichen Itza on GetYourGuide
where to eat
There are plenty of options to choose from. Even the pickiest eater will be fed and satisfied.
- Areia Beach Club, the restaurant and bar serve Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres and the public. If you pay for the breakfast option, you will have it Areia. Don’t miss the morning and evening happy hour, some cocktails and shots are 2 for 1.
- Samura, is a Japanese restaurant right across from Mayan Monkey. I enjoyed my meal and the wine here, but what really made it great was the staff. One, in particular, was so sweet, he made my whole night.
- Mayakita, is one of the restaurants close to Azulea. They have good breakfast options. Mayakita is open from morning to 14.00
- Konita’s Cantina, I sheltered from the rain in this restaurant. I only ordered drinks but their menu looked good too.
- The Joint Reggae Bar N Grill offers live music, jerk chicken, and, most importantly, frozen mojitos. It is cash only.
As far as I know, there is one company that makes food and grocery deliveries. They operate from the website TasteofIsla.com . They do deliveries from 15:00 to 22:00/23:00. The delivery is quick and the stay in communication with you via WhatsApp. Don’t forget to tip your delivery person.
You can also order ferry tickets, taxis and rentals from the website as well as find more information about Isla Mujeres.
Let’s talk travel insurance for 1 second,
Travel insurance is your safety net when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost luggage, it’s there to save you from unexpected expenses and a lot of stress. For solo travelers especially, it’s like having backup when you’re out in the world on your own. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing you’re covered if life throws you a curveball while you’re exploring.
World Nomads is the company I trust to handle my travel insurance needs. Their 2 insurance packages can cater to any kind of traveler. They are there to help you 24/7.
Make the smart move and get travel insurance for all your adventures.
Have a safe trip!
conclusion
Many people will visit Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun, and granted you can see most sites within a few hours. Spending a few days here will really allow you to fully experience Isla Mujeres and all its beauty.
Chapters
related posts
