Isla Mujeres Municipality

Municipio de Isla Mujeres is an administrative division in Quintana Roo that encompasses both island and mainland territories. The municipal seat sits on the island itself and governs some 143 localities, with the largest population clusters in the main island town and a few mainland settlements.

The area was an important ancient Maya center where inhabitants extracted salt from coastal lagoons. This salt was used both to preserve food and as a valuable trading commodity with other Maya settlements.

The name refers to ancient reverence for female deities that once drew pilgrims to these shores. Local residents today maintain strong ties to fishing and maritime traditions that remain woven into daily life.

This location is most easily reached by ferry from nearby Cancun, which sits just a few kilometers away. The best time to visit is outside the rainy season, when roads are passable and conditions are more stable.

This municipality sits east of Cancun, making it home to Mexico's easternmost administrative center. This position makes it a geographical turning point between the mainland and the Caribbean islands.