UNUSUAL place OF THE MONTH: THE ISLAND OF DOLLS

Last Updated: 9/20/19 | September 20th, 2019

Known as “La Isla de la Muñecas” in Spanish, the “Island of the Dolls” is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world. You half expect Chucky to come out and slash you. It reminds me of those horror movies like The Hills have Eyes, where someone searches inside the house and it looks like no one has been there for years and there are lots of ruined dolls on the floor. Yes, this is a creepy place filled with superstition.

The story of this place begins when a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here. For some unknown reason, he had left his partner and decided to spend the last 50 years of his life living alone. I suspect it’s because his partner had kept stealing the covers while they were sleeping.

The “haunted” aspect of this story begins when supposedly three girls once visited here. While playing in the water, one of the girls drowned. As a result, her restless spirit haunted the island. Julian initially put up one doll to ward off this paranormal menace and help put the girl’s soul to rest so she could pass on to the next life. However, the “activity” of the ghost only increased, and more and more dolls were placed in the trees in an attempt to appease the girl’s spirit. The only time Julian left the island was to get more dolls. He even used to trade food for dolls. It is also said that each doll holds a portion of the girl’s spirit.

Sadly, Don Julian Santana was found dead in 2001 by his nephew, in the same canal where he said the little girl drowned! (Freaky, huh?) The island was on the Syfy channel show Destination Truth, where a paranormal investigation team spent the night. They apparently saw apparitions and heard voices.

This is a strange tourist attraction. many visitors are overwhelmed by the childish, dead faces of dolls that appear to haunt this place. It’s as though they are following you as you wander around, checking you out. It is as though they are what haunts this island, not the spirit of the little girl.

This super eerie tourist attraction is located south of Mexico City. It’s on private property, but the nephew now runs tours there, so it’s easy to get to. simply ask your hotel or hostel to point you in the right direction. If you go to the Xochimilco canal, take a trajinera from the Cuemanco Pier to the island.

How to travel the world on $50 a Day

My new York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off the beaten path, save money, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a low-cost flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
Μπορείτε να κλείσετε το ξενώνα σας με το Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (καλύτερο για όλους)

Ασφαλίστε το ταξίδι μου (για όσους άνω των 70)

Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Είστε έτοιμοι να κλείσετε το ταξίδι σας;
Ελέγξτε τη σελίδα πόρων μου για τις καλύτερες εταιρείες που θα χρησιμοποιήσετε όταν ταξιδεύετε. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.