The Mayans worshiped Ixchel as a moon, fertility, childbirth, and healing goddess. When Mayan girls started their journey from childhood to adulthood, they would journey to the island to seek guidance from Ixchel on their new phase of spiritual maturity and physical changes. The island had a temple dedicated to the goddess, that was inhabited by the priestesses of Ixchel and her entourage of women. When the Spanish conquistadors invaded in the 16th century, they saw all the women and the statues of Ixchel on the island, and named it  "Island of Women." 

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Now it is a popular place for tourists to visit, with beautiful beaches and ocean life to enjoy. There is something for everyone to do there. The ferry takes you from a port in Cancun to Isla Mujeres multiple times during the day, but they do not allow cars on the island so you can rent a golf cart once you arrive. 

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