History

The History of Isla Mujeres

 There are two versions about the origin of the name Isla Mujeres:

One says that during the 15th century, the island was a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of fertility and love. According to this version, the Spaniards gave their present name to the island when they found on it a temple with Mayan goddess statues.

The second legend maintains that the island served like refuge for the pirates who during their excursions kidnapped women. One of them, Ferm?n Mundaca, builds on the island a property in which he lived with the woman he was in love with. The ashes of that construction are a memory of those times.

Isla Mujeres has a long and colourful history. In Mayan times, the island served as the sanctuary for Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of fertility, reason, medicine and the moon. The temple was located at the South point of the island and was also use as the lighthouse.