Island of the Dolls
Isla de las Muñecas
A small island deep in the Xochimilco canals, hung with worn and faded dolls. Known for its eerie atmosphere, it is a macabre sightseeing spot.
Isla de las Muñecas lies deep in the Xochimilco canal network. Its owner, Don Julián Santana, is said to have kept collecting discarded dolls to hang in the trees and cabins to appease the spirit of a girl who drowned nearby. He himself drowned near the island in 2001, after which the island became famous. Now hundreds of damaged, faded dolls hang from branches and fences. Cabins on the island display photos of the owner and “the earliest doll,” and the eerie atmosphere draws many curious visitors. A small entry fee (about 50 pesos) is charged to land. From the Cuemanco dock, a trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way. A round trip with sightseeing takes about 4 to 5 hours. Boats are charged by the hour, so agree with the boatman on the route, duration and total price before setting off. Anyone who is frightened of dolls should avoid this place.
Opening hours
About 09:00-17:00 (depends on boat schedule)
Nearby sights
- Xochimilco
- Estadio Azteca
- Cuicuilco
- Coyoacán
- Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
- Ciudad Universitaria (UNAM)
- San Ángel
- Roma / Condesa