LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
There's a whole lot going on in the areas outside of Centro on Isla Mujeres. Here's a partial list of popular tourist attractions in the Punta Sur area. These are all within walkable distance from the front door of Casa Pastel. Most have English-speaking staff and accept pesos, American dollars, or major credit cards.

PUNTA SUR

The biggest draw in the Punta Sur neighborhood is, of course - Punta Sur! - which is famous for its natural beauty and breathtakingly awesome views.

WHAT'S THERE: The entrance to the southern tip of the island is a public space where Islenos gather in the evening to enjoy the constant breeze. 

The south point, Punta Sur, is where the Caribbean sea currents meet the current flowing along the Isla Caribbean coast and the current moving from the Cancun Bay along the continental coast. As the three strong currents collide, the waters churn against the rocks. So, if you're standing on the cliffs, you will see the Caribbean crashing against the rocks far below you. It's beautiful.

Punta Sur is also the spot that is the most westerly part of Mexico. As the sun rises from the waters of the Caribbean, its rays touch the 'Cave of the Dawn' before reaching any other Mexican land. A spectacular place to catch the sunrise. The Isla tradition for New Year's Day is to meet the sun as it rises on January 1.

Pay the nominal entrance fee, currently $100 pesos, to gain entry into the sculpture park, and visit the remains of temple ruins dedicated to the Mayan goddess, Ixchel.

Beyond the ruins of the temple are steps carved in the stone that lead you to the really most amazing photo op on Isla. The path takes you to the left where you will find the Cave of the Dawn and some incredible views of the Caribbean. Wander to the right and you are walking on the edge of the water as the waves crash against the rocks at your feet. Turn a corner and see the intense turquoise waters of the Bay of Women before you with Cancun as a backdrop. It is worth the climb to experience the views.      

DIRECTIONS TO PUNTA SUR: Outside, turn right at the front gate and it's a 15-minute walk south on the main road.  At the end of the main road make sure you turn left and head down to the lighthouse.

PARQUE DE LOS SUENOS

The newest attraction on the south end, Parque de Los Suenos, is a 5-minute walk from the house and offers a full day (they also offer half-day prices) for fun in the sun at an action-packed water park.

WHAT'S THERE: Swimming, snorkeling, rafting, a zip line and water slides are just an introduction to the fun. There's also a rope swing on the outer pier and an artificial rock climbing wall. Kayaks and paddle boarding are included as well. The full day price includes a limited lunch menu and a soft drink. Ordering food and drinks from the menu or the swim up bar is not included in the price, but you can tell one of the staff what you want and it will be delivered to your deck chair.

At dusk, Parque de los Suenos turns into a romantic dinner-for-two at Los Suenos restaurant, a personal favorite of ours for their four-star menu, sunset views, and wonderful English-speaking staff (also see Recommended Restaurants, below.)

DIRECTIONS TO PARQUE DE LOS SUENOS: From our front gate, head right and then another immediate right toward the small dirt road beside the house, "Calle sin Nombre" - the Street With No Name. It's only about a minute's walk to arrive at the main street on the other side of the island. Turn left and start walking on the right side of the road. You will almost immediately spot the sign for the entrance to Parque de Los Suenos.

MORE INFORMATION: https://parquesuenos.com/

GARRAFON PARK

If zip-lining is your thing, then Garrafon is the place. It offers one of the longest and highest zip lines in the Cancun area.

WHAT'S THERE: While it remains a popular attraction on the south end, Garrafon Park is also the most well known which means more touristy. Be prepared to for moderate crowds as you enjoy a large infinity pool, kayaking, snorkeling, and organized bicycle tours.

Big plus is the really exceptional buffet and free adult drinks available all day. All food and drinks are included with admission.

In a special partnership, Garrafon also offers an additional package that includes transport to up-close dolphin encounters at Dolphin Discovery located here on the island. The dolphins swim in the open Caribbean with nets securing the area. There are some areas of the park where rescued dolphins are cared for and healed before being released back into the wild. Plastic trash and fishing nets are the worst culprits when it comes to injuring sea life. Although slices from boat motors hit dolphins more than other aquatic mammals. Unless the dolphins injuries make survival in the wild impossible, the wild dolphins are treated and released back into a pod. All of the dolphins that are housed at the facility are either born there, so the only pod they know is at Dolphin Discovery, or they could not be released into the wild because of handicaps that would hurt their chances to survive.

DIRECTIONS GARRAFON PARK: Keep walking past Parque De Los Suenos (see above) and you will arrive at Garrafon in about 15 minutes. Look for the huge palapa and long line of taxis waiting outside.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.garrafon.com/

GARRAFON DE CASTILLA

A favorite of our family, this locally owned spot is great for kids of all ages. For a more relaxed (and affordable) day of snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the sun, we often recommend this quieter alternative to Garrafon Park.

WHAT'S THERE: You'll find rentable snorkel gear and a beachfront filled with colorful tropical fish you can swim with and feed (purchase the fish food pellets when you enter.)

There's also an affordable restaurant at Garrafon de Castilla offering up fresh quacamole, french fries, salads and main dishes. If you like you can request soft drinks or cocktails delivered directly to your lounge chair beachside as you take in the view. They make a great margarita!

Tame iguanas who share the beach with guests are a special added attraction.

DIRECTIONS TO GARRAFON DE CASTILLA: Turn right at the front gate of Casa Pastel and then another immediate right toward the small dirt road beside the house, "Calle sin Nombre" - the Street With No Name. These are the same directions for getting to Parque de Los Suenos and Garrafon Park (see above).

After a 10-minute walk down the main road, you will see a sign for Garrafon de Castilla on the right side of the road. Follow the steep walkway down to the entrance.

BORRACO BURRO

The open air cantina is a popular spot to eat, drink or just hang out and hear the live music. It probably should be listed under nearby restaurants, but it's not just a cantina. The chance to sit out in the open under tropical trees and enjoy the afternoon is a Burro specialty. Staff is amazing and service is top notch even when it's busy. Be sure to check out the corn hole championships and other fun outdoor activitie that make this a favorite of the folks who live here, the snow bird, and the tourists.

DIRECTIONS TO BORRACHO BURRO: Turn right at the front gate and then another immediate right toward the small dirt road beside the house, "Calle sin Nombre" - the Street With No Name. Follow the road until you get to the second dirt road on your left. The Burro is a couple of minutes down that road. If you don't hear the music, you'll see the people. Enjoy!

LOCAL BEACHES

Nearby Restaurants ->