Ixchel Temple in Isla Mujeres

Address:Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The path to the Temple of Ixchel on the southern tip of the Isla Mujeres leads you through a field populated with many modern art exhibits. In fact the entrance fee to this area is used to maintain these exhibits rather than maintain the Temple of Ixchel.

There are about 11000 residents on the island. Many visitors come for the day by ferry from Cancun, but you can also stay there in a range of accomodation from the luxurious to the budget. A great place for at a least day out, or even a whole holiday.

This is the most easterly point in Mexico. this is one of the reasons it was so important to the Mayans. The temple was also used as a lighthouse, used to guide mayan seafarers through the darkness to the island or help them on their way to nearby ports like Tulum.

The island and the surrounding sea is full of wildlfe. There is a turtle farm close to the southern most bus stop which is about a mile from the Temple of Ixchel. Fishing boats ply their trade out of the small harbour close to the main town and everywhere you go you will come across gekko's and iguanas.