The History of Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres was an important center of the ancient Mayan culture, and was
dedicated to worship of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, from 563AD to
1516AD. The first Spanish explorers to reach the island in 1517 found many
statues of the goddess which led to its name: Isla Mujeres or Island of Women.
As time went on the island became populated with Mayan settlers, fishermen, and
pirates and slave traders who used the island as a hiding place.
In
1850 the island was founded as El Pueblo de Dolores with many residents who had
escaped from the War of the Castes in the Yucatan, coming from Valladolid,
Dzemul, Dzidzantun and Yobain as well as from Campeche.
The Legend of Isla Mujeres
Fermin Mundaca y Marechega, born in Vizcaya, Spain in 1825, came to Isla Mujeres
in 1858, and during the War of the Castes plied his trade of taking Mayan
prisoners to work in Cuba. Between 1862 and 1867 Mundaca built a working farm to
raise crops and cattle, know as Hacienda Mundaca to this day. Legend has it that
Mundaca fell in love with an island woman, Martiniana Gomez Pantoja, know
locally as “La Triguena”, the brunette, who did not return his affection and it
is said he died of love for her. His grave marker can be found in the cemetery
on north end of the island.
The Tradition of Isla Mujeres
Just as the Mayans in the ancient world came to visit Isla Mujeres, so today the
island receives visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the culture,
the beaches and the many other attractions offered. Hotel Plaza Almendos has
hosted guests from Canada, the USA, Italy, Germany, France, England, Israel and
many other countries. We welcome all for stays of a few days to a few months at
Hotel Plaza Almendros.
In the tradition of Isla Mujeres the Hotel Plaza Almendros welcomes all to our
home here, which we hope will become your home on the island as well. We are
always happy to have you here.
ISLA MUJERES