Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Viewpoint · Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Punta Sur
The southern tip of Isla Mujeres, atop rocks facing the open sea, with a lighthouse, a sculpture park and the remains of the Maya temple of Ixchel, at Mexico’s easternmost point.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Punta Sur
Punta Sur is the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, a limestone promontory facing the open Caribbean. It is considered the easternmost point of Mexico’s continental territory and one of the first places in the country to receive the morning sun.
At the top of the point are the remains of a small Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of the moon, fertility and weaving. Tradition says the Spaniards who arrived in 1517 found female offering figures on the island and thus called it Isla Mujeres. Only low walls of the temple remain at the cliff edge.
The path to the point passes an outdoor modern sculpture park and the lighthouse. From there you can see the island’s east coast, with rough sea and rocks, and on clear days the buildings of Cancún’s Hotel Zone across the bay.
Entrance to the Punta Sur area is charged separately; check at the gate.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Early in the morning when the sun rises over the sea, or late in the afternoon when the heat eases. On windy days the rocky path can be wet.
How to get there
It’s about 7 km from the village, at the end of the island road. You go by golf cart, scooter, bicycle or taxi.
Tip
Wear closed shoes or sturdy sandals: the rocky path is uneven and slippery with sea spray. Bring water and a hat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Punta Sur
What is there in Punta Sur?
The remains of the Maya temple of Ixchel, the lighthouse, an outdoor sculpture park and the view of the open sea, at the easternmost point of Mexico.
How do you get to Punta Sur?
By golf cart, motorcycle, bicycle or taxi, via the road that leaves the village. It's about 7 km.
Why is the island called Isla Mujeres?
Tradition says that the Spaniards who arrived in 1517 found female offering figures linked to the cult of Ixchel and gave the island that name.