A popular day trip for travellers to Cancún via a short ferry ride, Isla Mujeres is known for its postcard-perfect white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and craggy cliffs that tower over the Caribbean Sea. Popular activities here range from lounging on the beach to zip-lining over the sea. Isla Mujeres — which means “Island of Women'' in Spanish — was named for the Mayan goddess Ixchel, and her legacy still looms large here. Take time to delve into ancient Mayan culture, visit the island’s famous ruins, or scope out traditional handicrafts at the market. That is, when you are not parked on a sun lounger at one of the best beaches in the world, or sipping a beverage with sunset views at your vacation rental in Isla Mujeres.

Air travelers visiting Isla Mujeres fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). Hop on the ferry heading northeast from Cancún to get to Isla Mujeres. Once there, the tiny Island is a breeze to navigate — at only 4 miles long from tip to toe, you can easily walk from the pier to the beach in about 10 minutes. Many visitors also opt to rent golf carts to zoom around the island; you’ll find rental outlets on just about every corner. Electric scooters are another popular choice for getting around the island’s small, winding streets. With very few parking options, driving a car isn’t advisable, but you can easily hail a taxi from just about any point on Isla Mujeres.

There are very few bad days in Isla Mujeres, which enjoys a tropical, sunny climate year-round. Winter is the most popular season to visit, as warm weather and low humidity make for a welcome respite for snow-weary travelers. In the summer, temperatures and humidity spike, and you can expect intermittent rain from May through September. The weather gets chillier in November and December, although it is still warm and temperate by any standards. For real fiesta vibes, come for Carnaval, which takes place every year for five days before Ash Wednesday (dates change yearly). From August through October, head to Playa Guadalupana to witness (from a distance) baby sea turtles making their journey towards the sea.

Playa Norte

Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, Playa Norte is at the top of most must-see lists. With sugar-white sand and swaying palms bordering the turquoise water, it is a screensaver come to life. Spend the day snorkeling and sun-tanning before watching the sun set from one of the many beachside restaurants and bars.

MUSA Underwater Art Museum

Between Cancún and Isla Mujeres, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind underwater sculpture park. Renowned Mexican artists were commissioned to create pieces from natural materials, which now sit on the ocean floor, amongst coral reefs. The aim of the project — which is still ongoing — is to increase the mass of the reefs in the area, and provide more habitats for native marine life. Go on a snorkeling sculpture tour, or see the art from above on a glass-bottomed boat.

Mayan art at Punta Sur

Isla Mujeres got its name from the Mayan goddess Ixchel, and statues of her likeness have been unearthed here dating back to the 1500s. Wind your way up the cliffs of Punta Sur, where you’ll find an open-air sculpture garden, with 23 pieces dedicated to the goddess of love, fertility, and the moon. Don’t miss the Temple of Ixchel, a beautifully preserved Mayan ruin, where young women used to pray to the goddess for their fertility.