Isla Mujeres 2023 girls trip

There’s nothing I love more than planning a trip for great friends…especially friends that let me take over the planning and have fun with it. This is my 3rd voyage to isla mujeres, which means I think it’s perfect. No really, it’s perfect.

Info to know: it’s a small island and golf carts and scooters are abundant. They are not cheap, about the same amount as an SUV rental per day on the mainland. There are taxis and a few buses as well but if you want guaranteed transport, just get the cart.

There are a lot of purveyors you can just walk up to and get, or reserve in advance. I will point out one not to go to. Just spare yourself. DC explorers is part of Gomez rentals. They have online reservations, but are a sloppy and poor customer service adventure. Of our two carts, one had no parking brake, was super slow, and then broke down half way down the island. In spite of email and WhatsApp to confirm where to deliver carts and pick up, not a single thing went as they specified. I don’t complain about a lot because travel f ups are part of travel, but people, just spare yourself and go with someone else.

Currency: everything is a little more on the island but it’s the views, the convenience and the people that make it worth it. Fancy places may be similar to home prices, but the smaller establishments are about 1/2 that once you’re off north beach (playanorte). Exchange rates are different at every establishment. Some 16 pesos to the dollar, some 20. Also, just because you went to the tequila tasting doesn’t mean you have to buy some whackadoodle tequila. Always ask the prices. Trust someone who almost bought a $300 bottle once.

Housing: all of the options are here. Small houses, huge houses, condos, apartments, hotels and hostels are abundant. Shop around but if you are in the market for a big house for lots of people, the majority are lagoon side and Punta sur areas. I have stayed at Castillo de maya and now casa Zama and they are perfect for 4, 6, 8 depending on if couples or singles. Links: https://abnb.me/mQvmrg5gAxb

http://www.elcastillomaya.com/about.html

Getting there: you can get a boat or ferry from puerto Juarez, morela, and playa del Carmen for a reasonable amount. Get the round trip as it is good for 6 months. Hop on and go. Link: ultramar.com

Sunset: visible from lagoon side. Best places are playa Norte, the soggy peso, Punta sur on the ocean walk, or from a catamaran. Just don’t miss it. Links: Punta Sur Isla Mujeres https://beloislamujeres.com/punta-sur-isla-mujeres/

Soggy Peso Bed & Cocktail - Beachfront Hotel & Palapa Bar ... http://www.thesoggypeso.com/

For the remainder of the trip, see blog posts upcoming