mothradave

If my wife and I decide to vacation in Isla Mujeres, we might very well use VRBO instead of doing hotels. But the exact locations listed are vague. When I contact the owners, is there a part of the island I should aim for? I want to have a nice beach nearby but I also want to be within walking distance of town and restaurants. Are all parts of the island equal location-wise?

[Maybe you can also help me cement my destination. IM looks best to me. Cozumel second, and Tulum looks wonderful. I've read about these and other places on the boards. This will be my bar trip so I need total relaxation. We have about 12 days. I speak Spanish and love Latin American culture, including the markets, iglesias, zocolos, etc. so that's also a factor. Accomodations need to be at a reasonable price, which for us is about $125 or less, and I'd love it under $100.]

SusanMargaret

Playa Norte (north beach) is the main beach and next to the centre of town where the majority of the restaurants are to be found. The ferry docks around the corner from this beach. To get a sense of the geography, have a look at the map room on www.isla-mujeres.net The site also has lots of places to stay listed. Other sites to look at are www. myislamujeres.com and www.islabuild.com.

TioGringo

Yep. If you're not around Playa Norte or in the town itself, you're gonna want a golf cart or moped or something to zip around the island.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Diana

Playa Norte!

If you have 12 days, split it between Isla and PDC or Isla and Coz or Isla and Tulum or Akumal.

I love Isla, but for me, 12 days would be too much. I would be itching to get somewhere else fabu.

In 2005, we did it this way - 5 days Isla, 5 days Playa, 5 days Tulum.

You can easily find a place in your price range in any of these places.

Also look at Akumal and Puerto Morelos.

locogringo.com has a lot of info and great photos of the region.

IndyMegan

Isla by far has the best beach on the Mayan Riviera, if you ask me. A friend was recently at Puerto Morales and said the beach was terrible.

With 12 days, you might consider Merida. It's a small colonial city inland (4, 6 hours by highway? or short plane ride), a totally different experience than anywhere on the coast. I've heard Merida is quite charming for its true Latin flavor.

I've stayed in Playa, Cancun, Puerto Aventuras, and Isla. Isla is the best, but 12 days could be much unless you're content to sit on the beach that long.

There's another island not many people talk about - Isla Holbox. It's a couple hours from Cancun, whereas Isla Mujeres is 20 minutes. But you should check it out. It's very pristine.

dmotl

just google isla mujeres.
Up will pop the three popular sights
for the island. You can down load maps
hotel info etc. Will give you a feel for things
Dan and Ginny

pepper131

IndyMegan -

Have you stayed on Holbox?
We're going there for a week in a few weeks...it's our first time.
If so, what is the best transport to the ferry in Chiquila? Taxi?...we're a family of 4. Or pvt transfer.