 Isla
Mujeres (Island of Women) is a casual,
laid-back refuge from the conspicuously
commercialized action of Cancún,
visible across a narrow channel.
Just 8km (5 miles) long and 4km
(2 1/2 miles) wide, it's known as
the best value in the Caribbean,
assuming that you favor an easy-going
vacation pace and prefer simplicity
to pretense.
This is an island of white-sand
beaches and turquoise waters, complemented
by a town filled with Caribbean-colored
clapboard houses and rustic, open-air
restaurants. Hotels are clean and
comfortable, but if you're looking
for lots of action or opulence,
you'll be happier in Cancún. A few
recent additions provide more luxurious
lodging, but they still maintain
a decidedly casual atmosphere.
 At
midday, suntanned visitors hang
out in open-air cafes and stroll
streets lined with frantic souvenir
vendors. Calling attention to their
bargain-priced wares, they give
a carnival atmosphere to the hours
when tour-boat traffic is at its
peak. Befitting the size of the
island, most of the traffic consists
of golf carts, motos (mopeds), and
bicycles. Once the tour boats leave,
however, Isla Mujeres reverts to
its more typical, tranquil way of
life.
Days in "Isla" -- as the locals
call it -- can alternate between
adventurous activity and absolute
repose. There are many beautiful
beaches on Isla Mujeres, the most
popular being North Beach, which
is walking distance from downtown.
 In
the evening, most people find the
slow, casual pace one of the island's
biggest draws. The cool night breeze
is a perfect accompaniment to casual
open-air dining and drinking in
small street-side restaurants. Many
people pack it in as early as 9
or 10pm, when most of the businesses
close. Those in search of a party,
however, will find kindred souls
at the bars on Playa Norte that
stay open late.
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