| Though Cancun is known for its luxurious resorts | | | | most interesting species of the region and some |
| and pristine beaches, anyone who has visited this | | | | charming cafes and shops. As visitors flock to |
| Mexican city knows that there is plenty to | | | | Cancun for the white sand beaches, many |
| explore throughout the region. Beginning in the | | | | tourists also choose to visit the beaches of Isla |
| Hotel Zone - the heart of all activity in Cancun - | | | | Mujeres. Though the beaches of Isla Mujeres |
| tourists are able to take tours to Cancun's rustic | | | | might lack the grandeur of Cancun, beaches such |
| downtown area, charter scuba diving and | | | | as Playa Norte offer great places to swim and |
| snorkeling expeditions and even play golf on | | | | relax. On the western side of the island, lining the |
| championship courses. One of the newest | | | | Bay of Mujeres, you will find the beaches known |
| recreation options for Cancun's visitors is Isla | | | | as Playa Paraiso, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios. |
| Mujeres, a small Caribbean island just a few miles | | | | Besides offering all the amenities and recreation |
| from the mainland. Since modest development | | | | opportunities of larger beaches, this area is also a |
| began in the 1970s, Isla Mujeres has been gaining | | | | local hotspot for dining and shopping. A large part |
| popularity as a daytrip destination from the | | | | of the expanding tourism industry on Isla Mujeres |
| resorts of Cancun. Isla Mujeres (meaning "Island | | | | is devoted to ecotourism, an increasingly popular |
| of Women") gained its name from Spanish | | | | style of travel devoted to the admiration of |
| colonizers who landed here in the 16th century. | | | | natural beauty and the responsible exploration of |
| Prior to their arrival, this small island was an | | | | unique ecosystems. One of the most popular |
| uninhabited Mayan province known as Ekab. The | | | | activities for ecotourism is Birds' Island, located |
| Mayans treated the island as a sanctuary for | | | | just a short boat ride from Isla Mujeres. As the |
| Ixchel - the peaceful goddess of the moon. Upon | | | | premier preserve for Caribbean marine birds, |
| finding several architectural and sculptural | | | | Birds' Island offers a rare opportunity to witness |
| representations of this goddess, the expedition of | | | | the region's most interesting species in a natural |
| Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba christened the | | | | habitat. If your day trip to Isla Mujeres becomes |
| island "Isla Mujeres" in 1517. Though the Mayan | | | | an overnight stay, you can dine and dance in the |
| ruins of Isla Mujeres don't compare to sites such | | | | village of Isla Mujeres. A walk through this |
| as Tulum and Chichen Itza, the former site of a | | | | charming fishing village will yield several |
| temple on the southern coast has recently | | | | restaurants serving the freshest seafood |
| become an outdoor art museum. Punta Sur, an | | | | imaginable and friendly bars popular with the |
| impressive cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is | | | | island's small population of 13,000. You will also |
| the site of 23 massive modern art sculptures. | | | | notice that the island has a very relaxed feeling in |
| Featuring the work of artists from throughout | | | | the evenings, as most visitors return to Cancun |
| Latin America and select international sculptors, | | | | after completing day tours. It is easier than ever |
| Punta Sur has become of favorite destination of | | | | to experience the unique world of Isla Mujeres as |
| art lovers and adventurous tourists worldwide. | | | | ferries leave the ports of Cancun every half hour |
| Much like Cancun, there is plenty of natural beauty | | | | for the short trip to the island. If you want to |
| to experience on Isla Mujeres. Visitors often start | | | | spend some time amongst the peaceful, |
| their explorations in El Garafon National Park - the | | | | crystal-clear Caribbean waters when you visit |
| island's popular aquatic sanctuary. Known for its | | | | Cancun - make the short trip to the picturesque |
| calm waters and colorful fish, El Garafon has | | | | and historical "Island of Women." |
| become one of the most popular snorkeling | | | | Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Cancun |
| destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. The park | | | | for the Marriott Resorts. |
| also features a great aquarium that highlights the | | | | |