Book with Confidence - we want you to be as confident as possible when planning your next vacation. Learn More >>

doll island tour

PLAN YOUR TRIP

doll island tour

Island Of The Dolls: A Guide To Mexico’s Creepiest Attraction

Author: Sam Murray

June 10, 2019

The Island of the Dolls has (quite rightly) been named one of the world’s scariest tourist attractions. If you dare to set foot on the island near Mexico City , you will be met with the horrific sight of hundreds of half-decomposed dolls hanging from trees and wooden shacks.

But the story of how they got there is almost as terrifying as the dolls themselves. Read on, if you can handle it, to discover more about Isla de las Muñecas.

The story of Isla de las Muñecas

doll island tour

In the 1950s, a Mexican man named Don Julian Santana Barrera sought solitude on an island in Xochimilco to the south of Mexico City.

One day, while exploring his land, he discovered the body of a young girl who had drowned in the nearby waters. Soon after, a doll — which he assumed was the girl’s — washed up on the shore. Out of respect for the girl, he hung it from a tree.

Soon, however, Don Julian started to feel the presence of a spirit. In an attempt to satisfy it, he started to hang more and more dolls from the trees. His offerings turned into an obsession. For five decades he continued to hang dolls, which he found in the trash or in the canals’ waters, around the island.

Dolls in Isla de las Munecas

In 2001, after a lifetime of dedication to the island and its dolls, Don Julian’s body was reportedly discovered in the same place in which he discovered the young girl.

Since then, more and more tourists have visited the island to see the dolls and hang their own as a sign of respect for the girl and Don Julian himself.

Are there ghosts or spirits there?

Well, science will tell you… no, obviously. But that hasn’t stopped rumors of some pretty spooky events on the Island of the Dolls. Visitors have reported seeing the heads of the dolls turn to follow them as they explored the islands. Others have heard the whispers, footsteps, and even wails of spirits echo around the island.

Where is the Island of the Dolls?

Two of the dolls in the Island of the Dolls

The Island of the Dolls is in Xochimilco, which is around 30km south of Mexico City. After arriving in Xochimilco, you will need to board a trajinera , a colorful gondola-style vessel which is the main form of transportation around the area’s canals.

Take a boat from the Embarcadero Cuemanco dock, making sure to ask which ones will be stopping at Isla de las Muñecas. The journey should take between one to two hours.

Where to stay

If you’re going to visit the horrors of the Island of the Dolls, then you will want somewhere relaxing to stay. Below are three of our favorite luxury getaways in Mexico City:

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

Four Seasons Mexico City

Book a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City for a taste of traditional luxury. The rooms circle a gorgeous inner courtyard which boasts its own centerpiece fountain. Rooms come with a plush, yet modern, design, while guests can take advantage of the on-side restaurants, rooftop pool, and gym. With an ideal spot on Reforma Avenue, you are perfectly located to visit the nearby attractions and upscale restaurants.

doll island tour

St. Regis Mexico City

St. Regis Mexico City, Luxury Hotel | Journey Mexico

Stay at the ultra-luxurious St. Regis in Mexico City with its wonderful views over the famous statue of Diana. The rooms, which are designed by Yabu Pushelberg, are stylish, modern, and chic with hues of grays, beiges, and deep purple. The hotel offers top-class amenities, including five excellent restaurants, a spa, beauty salon, and a swimming pool.

doll island tour

Head to Casa Prim for a boutique stay in a former luxury home. Built in the early 20 th century, Casa Prim is a throwback to Mexico’s former mansion homes. Each of the 13 rooms boasts a modern design and the latest luxury amenities. Based in Colonia Juarez, guests can explore the local art galleries, eat at gourmet restaurants, and have a drink at the nearby modern speakeasies.

Explore Xochimilco and the Island of the Dolls

Let us take the difficulty of planning a trip to Xochimilco away from you. Talk to our highly knowledgeable travel planners who can book you an incredible trip to explore its gorgeous waterways.

Combine a trip to Xochimilco with a visit to Mexico City and explore one of the world’s great city destinations.

Posted in: Destinations , Mexico City

Tags: island of the dolls , mexico city , mexico city tours

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

You must be ">logged in to post a comment.

Follow by Email

DON’T MISS OUR LATEST INSIGHTS AND STORIES

Latest Posts

zach mexico expert travel

EXPLORE BY CATEGORY

  • Chichen Itza
  • Colonial Cities
  • Copper Canyon
  • Culinary Vacations
  • Destinations
  • Family Vacations
  • Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende
  • Health and Safety
  • Holidays, Fairs & Festivals
  • Journey Mexico TV
  • Los Cabos & Baja California
  • Mexico City
  • Mexico Today
  • Monarch Butterflies
  • NatGeo Tour of a Lifetime
  • New York Times
  • Newsletters & Promotions
  • On the Road
  • Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita
  • Riviera Maya & Tulum
  • Things We Are Proud Of
  • Tourism Tianguis
  • Travel + Leisure
  • Travel Weekly
  • Upcoming Travel
  • Whale Watching

Journey Mexico logo

  • Baja California
  • Pacific Coast
  • Colonial Mexico
  • Yucatan Peninsula
  • Riviera Maya, Tulum, & Cancun
  • San Miguel de Allende
  • Puerto Vallarta & Punta de Mita
  • Copper Canyon & N. Mexico
  • Guadalajara & Tequila
  • Off the Beaten Path
  • Romance & Honeymoon
  • Art & Native Crafts
  • Active Adventures
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Landscapes of Mexico
  • Food & Wine
  • Air Expeditions
  • Executive Retreats
  • Private Villas
  • Weekend Escapes
  • Summer Travel
  • Day of The Dead
  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts
  • Private Villas & Residences
  • Special Offers
  • Why Journey Mexico?
  • Why Custom-Made Itineraries?
  • Testimonials
  • Travel Safety
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • When to visit

Breaking News Hub: Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Headlines and Top Stories

Dolls Island

Exploring the Mystery of Dolls Island

Discover the haunting secrets of dolls island in Mexico City. Explore the legend, the eerie dolls, and the island’s significance in Mexican culture.

Dolls Island, or Isla de las Muñecas, is a captivating small island tucked away in Xochimilco, Mexico City. For decades, it has remained shrouded in mystery and folklore, drawing countless visitors who are intrigued by its eerie collection of dolls hanging from trees, walls, and wires. Today, we embark on a journey to unveil the secrets of Dolls Island and unravel the enigmatic world of the dolls.

Dolls Island: A Haunting Wonder

Dolls Island holds a captivating tale that has fascinated visitors for years. It all began when Julian Santana Barrera, a resident of the island, discovered the lifeless body of a young girl floating in the nearby canal. In a profoundly respectful gesture, Julian found a doll floating in the water near the girl and hung it from a tree, believing it belonged to her. From that moment, he started collecting dolls from various sources, adorning the island with these haunting and enigmatic figures.

Over time, Dolls Island evolved into a sanctuary honoring the spirits of the deceased and became an integral part of Mexican culture. The dolls, with their eerie expressions and varying states of decay, act as guardians, embodying the Mexican tradition of celebrating death and cherishing life. Hence, Dolls Island serves as a significant symbol of the Mexican Day of the Dead festival held annually in November.

The Mysterious World of Dolls Island Today

The current state of the island.

A chilling sight of dolls with missing limbs on Dolls Island

Today, Dolls Island has gained immense popularity as a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. However, with increased fame comes the unfortunate consequence of neglect and vandalism. The dolls, exposed to harsh weather conditions and natural disasters like floods and hurricanes, have deteriorated considerably.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Visiting Dolls Island is a truly captivating and unique experience. Travelers can take a scenic boat ride through the enchanting canals of Xochimilco, immersing themselves in the magical ambiance before disembarking on the island. Knowledgeable tour guides are available to share the history and legend of the island, allowing visitors to appreciate its significance fully. Furthermore, you can take photos with the dolls, pay homage by leaving a doll as a tribute, and explore the island’s captivating collection.

Apart from the dolls, Xochimilco offers an array of attractions and activities, including floating gardens, traditional music, and food stalls. You can enhance your experience by renting a beautifully adorned trajinera, a vibrant boat decorated with flowers and lights, and traverse the canals while reveling in the festive atmosphere.

Local Beliefs and Practices Surrounding the Island

Dolls Island is not merely a tourist spot; it holds sacred value for locals. According to Mexican tradition, dolls possess a unique power to guard against evil spirits. The dolls on Dolls Island are revered as protectors of the deceased spirits, and the island is believed to exude a mystical aura. Visitors are urged to respect these beliefs and handle the dolls with the utmost reverence. It is important to note that the island’s ambiance can evoke unsettling emotions, especially for those who have experienced the loss of loved ones. Prepare yourself for an eerie yet intriguing experience while acknowledging the island’s profound significance in Mexican culture.

The Haunting Mysteries of Dolls Island

A creepy close-up of a doll's face on Dolls Island

Dolls Island is not only surrounded by legends; it also harbors tales of paranormal activity conveyed by both locals and visitors. Numerous individuals claim to have encountered inexplicable phenomena while on the island, ranging from unexplained noises to ghostly apparitions.

Paranormal Experiences and Sightings

The feeling of being watched is one of the most commonly reported paranormal experiences on Dolls Island. Visitors often witness dolls moving on their own and hear whispers and voices emanating from them. Some even assert encountering ghostly figures roaming the island, further heightening the chilling atmosphere.

Theories Explaining the Supernatural Activity

Various theories attempt to ascribe meaning to the supernatural occurrences on Dolls Island. Some believe that the dolls themselves are vessels possessed by the spirits of the departed, while others posit that the spirit of the little girl who drowned on the island haunts the grounds. Furthermore, there is speculation that the island acts as a vortex of energy, attracting paranormal entities, with the dolls acting as conduits for their manifestation.

Scientific Explanations for the Occurrences

While some individuals wholeheartedly embrace the supernatural aspect of Dolls Island, others approach it more skeptically. They propose scientific explanations, attributing the strange happenings to natural phenomena such as wind, temperature fluctuations, and animal activity.

Scientists have conducted studies on the dolls, revealing high levels of lead within them. These findings present an intriguing link between the dolls’ psychological effects, including hallucinations, and their potential to induce paranormal experiences. This intriguing intersection of science and the supernatural continues to pique the interest of both believers and skeptics.

The Controversy Contending Dolls Island

A thrilling boat ride approaching the eerie Dolls Island

Dolls Island finds itself amidst controversy, primarily stemming from the impact of tourism on the island and the ethical considerations surrounding the preservation of the dolls.

Criticisms of the Tourism Industry’s Impact

The growing popularity of Dolls Island has brought an influx of tourists, resulting in both positive economic effects and negative consequences. The island’s delicate ecosystem has suffered damage due to the increased footfall, while the tranquility of the island has been disrupted by noise and litter.

Additionally, the commercialization of the island has led to the exploitation of the dolls. Some vendors sell dolls to tourists, and visitors, in their lack of respect, pilfer dolls as souvenirs. These actions disregard the cultural significance of the dolls and the spirits they represent.

Ethical Implications of Doll Preservation

Preserving the dolls poses a moral quandary. On one hand, the dolls embody an essential part of Mexican culture and the island’s history, demanding preservation for future generations. Conversely, these dolls, some of which have decayed to hazardous states, serve as reminders of a tragic event, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of their continued presence.

Shared Responsibility of Visitors and Locals

Both visitors and locals bear the responsibility of ensuring the well-being and preservation of Dolls Island. Visitors must recognize and respect the cultural significance of the island, abstaining from disrespectful behavior and refraining from taking dolls. Additionally, adhering to the rules and regulations set by the local community can help minimize the impact of tourism on the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Locals play a crucial role in safeguarding the island’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Implementing sustainable tourism practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation and cultural preservation is paramount. Furthermore, protective measures should be taken to prevent further decay and damage to the dolls, all while honoring the wishes of the deceased and their families.

In conclusion, Dolls Island remains an extraordinary place that captivates the imagination of people from all walks of life. Its eerie allure, steeped in legends and traditions, has solidified its position as a highly sought-after tourist attraction in Mexico. However, it is imperative to navigate the controversies surrounding the island with sensitivity and respect. By acting responsibly and collaboratively, we can ensure the sustainability of Dolls Island while preserving its rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

We thank you for joining us on this exploration of Dolls Island. For more intriguing news about nature, gardening, and animals, visit TooLacks .

You May Like

Mexico Doll Island

Exploring the Enigmatic Mexico Doll Island

Dragon Hole Sinkhole

Exploring the Wonders of Dragon Hole Sinkhole: A Natural Wonder of Epic Proportions

Skeleton Of Snake

The Skeleton of a Snake: A Fascinating Study of Adaptation

Isla de las Muñecas

The island of the dolls, what is the story of the island of the dolls.

Just south of Mexico City, between the canals of Xochimico you can find a small island with a sad background which never intended to be a tourist destination. The island is known as Isla de las Munecas ( The Island of the Dolls – photos here ).

It is dedicated to the lost soul of a poor girl who met her fate too soon in strange circumstances.

The area has thousands of people, but this small island is home to hundreds of terrifying dolls. Their severed limbs, decapitated heads, and blank eyes adorn trees.

Xochimilco The Island Dolls

Dolls on the island are threatening , even in the bright light of midday, but in the dark, they are particularly disturbing, as you can see in this videos .

The Island of the Dolls Legend

It is said that a girl was found drowned in mysterious circumstances many years ago on this island and that the dolls are possessed by her spirit.

Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and even opened their eyes.

Some witnesses claim they had heard the dolls whispering to each other, while others who were on a boat near the island said the dolls lured them to come down to the island.

Of course these witnesses are exaggerating and the island is in no way possessed. But Isla de las Munecas is a very creepy place anyway and that marks the casual visitor.

Who made de Island of the Dolls?

The truth behind the legend.

Don Julian Santana Barrera  (pictures bellow) was the caretaker of the island. The story goes that Julian found a little girl drowned in mysterious circumstances while he was not able to save her life.

Julian Santana Barrera

Shortly thereafter, Julian saw a floating doll near the canals. Most probably, the doll belonged to the girl.

He picked up the doll and hung it to a tree, as a way of showing respect and support the spirit of the girl.

Others question even the existence of the drowned girl.

Reports conclude that Julian has made up the story about the girl in his solitude.

What do the dolls hanging from the trees represent?

Julian was apparently haunted by the spirit of the girl and started hanging more dolls in an attempt to please her spirit.

He soon realized the dolls themselves were possessed by the spirits of dead girls, and continued to collect creepy dolls hanging them over the entire island.

According to those close to him, it was as if Julian was driven by some unseen force that completely changed him.

Apparently he was very marked by the fact that he was not able to save the little girl’s life.

After 50 years of collecting dolls and hanging them on the island, Julian was found dead, drowned in the same spot where the girl did.

Oldest doll Isla de las Munecas Xochimico

Many people on the island believe that Julian has joined the other spirits of the island.

The locals are very faithful that the Isla de las Munecas is a charmed place. After Julian’s death in 2001, it has become a tourist attraction, where visitors bring more dolls.

Since the death of Julian, the island has become very famous and has even been featured in many articles and even TV shows.

Although the action of Don Julian was innocent and even admirable, it ended up being portrayed as a real nightmarish destination.

Soulless eyes follow visitors as they visit the small island (which is actually a floating garden).

Island of the Dolls, Puente de arboles

Amy’s Crypt

  • Czech Republic
  • Philippines
  • Cryptids and Creatures
  • Haunted Locations
  • Haunted Objects
  • Horror and Film
  • Paranormal Games
  • UFO Sightings

Visiting The Island Of The Dolls – “Isla De Las Muñecas”

The Island Of The Dolls

Deep in the canals of Xochimilco, located just South of Mexico City , lies a disturbing omen to a mysterious and tragic past. Here, a small island, which can only be reached via an arduous boat trip, lined with hundreds of deformed, decapitated and sinister looking dolls exists. This place is known to locals as Isla De Las Muñecas, which translates to The Island Of The Dolls in English.

Creepy doll on island of the dolls.

The island is a creepy and disturbing place to behold, yet the haunted legend that accompanies this Island Of The Dolls is far more horrific.

Dolls on Isla de las Muñecas.

The Legend of The Island Of The Dolls

The Story behind the Island Of The Dolls has a tragic beginning. Legend states that many years ago a man named Julian Santana Barrera moved to an island, where he wished to escape society and become a recluse. Upon arriving, he found the body of a young girl floating dead, face down in the water, next to the island he was to call home.

Haunted hut on Isla de las Muñecas.

Soon after, Julian found a doll floating nearby in the same water. To show his respect for the deceased girl, he picked up and strung the doll up to one of the island’s trees. It is told that Julian began to hear suspicious noises of voices in the darkness of night whilst trying to sleep, despite being in the solitude of the Xochimilco canals. He feared that the spirit of the dead little girl he had found had returned to the island to haunt him. This fear drove him to begin collecting dolls and displaying them all around the island in an attempt to ward off and appease her spirit.

Baby doll on Isla de las Muñecas

Julian would continue this practice of collecting and displaying dolls around his island for the next 50 years until his death in 2001. Julian’s death adds extra mystery to this legend as his nephew was to discover his lifeless body, floating face down in the water in the exact spot the little girl’s body was found years before. Many believe that Julian’s spirit has now joined the many others said to already haunt The Island Of The Dolls.

Isla de las Muñecas hut.

Today, the island still exists and displays hundreds of unwelcoming and disturbing dolls. The legend of Isla De Las Muñecas is widely and well known to many having featured in many popular televisions shows such as Ghost Adventures and Destination Truth. This exposure to the masses has resulted in the island becoming a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Mexico City, yet has also caused the creation of fake doll islands and confusion with navigating to the original island for many.

Decapitated haunted doll head on Island Of the Dolls.

Tips For Visiting Island Of The Dolls

I was recently successful in visiting The Island Of The Dolls and thought it necessary to share my experience. I found a lot of confusing and disheartening information on the internet about locals looking to scam tourists and fake doll islands. As someone who is not fluent in Spanish this was a concern and something I greatly researched before making the trek. I hope the following information is useful to someone and I believe that if I am able to make it to the island, anyone should be able to.

Where do I need to go to visit the Island Of The Dolls?

There are multiple piers that allow guests to explore the canals. However, I recommend leaving from Xochimilco’s Embarcadero Celada . This pier is located in close proximity to The Island Of The Dolls and has many boats to choose from. I found the boat keepers polite and easy to negotiate with.

Boats of Xochimico taken to island of the dolls.

When should you visit the Island Of The Dolls?

I recommend visiting The Island Of The Dolls on a weekday, since the canals are supposedly crowded and busy on weekends. I visited on a Monday and found negotiation peaceful and few other travelers around. Research before you visit to make sure you don’t end up at the port on a public holiday.

Mexico's Island Of The Dolls.

How much does it cost to visit the Island Of The Dolls?

You’ll have to negotiate for a boat to take you from the port. There is signage at the front of the pier that displays the maximum cost per hour for a boat (note this price is not per person). If you are able to find others at the Embarcadero wishing to visit the island, splitting the fare helps to reduce costs. As at April 2018, the cost per hour for a boat was 500 pesos. It is a 4-hour round trip to the island, so expect to pay a maximum of 2000 pesos. If you are fluent in Spanish you could also try your luck negotiating a cheaper price. Once you get to the island, you will also need cash to tip the caretaker of the island to enter. I also brought a few hundred pesos to tip my boat driver. Finally, be sure to bring plenty of water and food. The boats have table and chairs on them so it is perfect for a picnic on the canals.

Creepy dolls on Doll Island.

How do you tell the fake island from the real island?

Make sure to agree up front with the boat keeper to go to the real doll island and not the fake one or ‘imitation.’ You’ll know you are on the right track to the correct one as you’ll pass an island of dolls covered in a fence of black shade cloth. You’ll continue onto the real Island Of The Dolls which is surrounded by a bamboo fencing. It should take between 1:30 and 2:00 hours to get to the island. Any shorter, and it is likely you are at a fake.

Fake Island of the dolls.

Useful Spanish Phrases to get to The Island Of The Dolls

We would like to go to the Island Of The Dolls. Nos gustaría ir a la isla de las muñecas.

We want to go to the correct island, not the imitation island. Queremos ir a la isla correcta, no a la isla de imitación.

This is not the correct island. Esta no es la isla correcta.

How much will it cost? ¿cuanto costara?

Island Of The Dolls Haunted.

Don’t forget to pay your respects to Julian and the little girl he found in the water at the island’s shrine and take lots of photos. Isla De Las Muñecas is a must see for fans of the macabre, horror and the paranormal.

Shrine on Island Of The Dolls.

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to check out other unique places of death, have a read about this creepy pet cemetery in San Francisco.

Thanks for reading!

Amy's Crypt Signature

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

doll island tour

Amy is a world traveller and explorer of creepy locations. She has visited some of the most famously haunted places around the world in search of evidence of the paranormal. Follow Amy's Journey:

Comments (19)

Another great blog Amy, good tips and good information, well donexx

Thanks for reading Sonia. Glad you found the information useful. Not knowing any Spanish makes it even harder but it was totally worth it.

Just watched the video on youtube, leading me to this article great reading Amy

Thank you so much Peter. Glad you found my article. I write one of these for every place I visit ?

You´re very welcome Amy its very good nice i´ll have to read them some day maybe after watching all your videos 😉

Thanks for the tips. We want to go sometime next year and what little information I’ve see is from a few years ago, so yours being so recent is a lot of help.

Hi KR. Feel free to reach out to me on here or via email if you need ANY suggestions or help. There is a map in my Youtube video on this page which may also be useful to you. If you are able to have internet/GPS on your phone at the time, it may help to ensure you go to the right island. Here is a link to the exact location of the REAL doll island .

Hey Amy!! Does anyone know who the little girl was?? I don’t recall ever hearing anything about her, her name, etc. Obviously she’s a big part of the mystic of the story and the island. The shows I’ve seen (Ghost Adventures, Strange Places,etc) focus on the island itself and little bit about Julian but never her.

Hi Diane. Thanks for reading. As far as I know, the little girl is unknown. Sometimes with ghost stories it can be hard to trace back to the original source as they are normally undocumented, word of mouth etc. In saying that though, although not much is known about the girl, she does play a big role in the story because supposedly it was because of her spirit that Julian began collecting the dolls in the first place.

Hello, we are actually planning on visiting the island in about 2 weeks. I’ve been meaning to ask, does the boat wait for you while you’re on the island or do they come back to pick up at a later time? Was it hard to get someone to agree to take you there? Also, were there other people on the island or boat with you?

Hi KR. Thank you so much for reading my post and leaving a comment. That is awesome that you are planning a trip there, you will have such a great time. The boat will indeed wait for you while you are on the island. If you want to spend a set amount of time on the island, I would recommend just letting your boat person know just incase. We did not find it overly hard to get a boat to take us (though we went on a weekday so it was much quieter – I heard the canals can get really busy during the weekend). In addition, we had a boat to ourselves but you can talk to other tourists heading to the island and see if they would like to share a boat to save money. The price is per boat (not per person), and it was around 500 pesos per hour for the boat. The round trip to and from doll island is 4 hours so you can expect to pay a max of 2000 pesos ($100USD). I have heard you can negotiate a cheaper price, and of course it is even cheaper if you share a boat with others. There were other people on the Island who had taken separate boats, as well as some locals that appeared to live on the Island. Good luck and let me know how your trip goes.

This info is so helpful! I’m curious to know how much you tipped the caretaker of the island, and how much you tipped the boat driver – in addition to the $2000 pesos for the round trip boat ride? Did you get a sense that a caretaker is present at the island every day? Due to my other travel plans – I’d end up visiting on a Saturday.

Thanks so much!

Thanks for the comment, Courtney! I am so glad to hear you found my article helpful. I actually cannot recall the exact amount that we tipped the caretaker of the island. It was more of a fixed entrance fee though rather than a tip. I would say it wouldn’t have been any more than $10US. This would have been around the same price we tipped our boat driver. This isn’t something that is expected, but he worked pretty hard to get is to the island. If I had to guess I would definitely say the island is open on a Saturday. It seemed like a pretty big tour stop advertised by the boats on the canals and Saturday would likely be their busiest day for business. Hope this helps and you have an excellent trip!

I visited La Isla de las muñecas on March 18, 2019. Maybe we were lucky, but it was relatively easy to find a boat (trajinera) to take us. Our little boat parted from Embarcadero Caltongo, though. The price is still 500 pesos/hr. Maybe because we used a different embarcadero, but they wanted to charge us 2500 pesos total because it’s a little over 4 hrs. they said. We managed to bring it down to 2300 pesos. It actually took us about an hour and change to get to the island. The cost to enter is 40 pesos (w/ the current exchange rate it was about $2.65). They won’t take you after 3pm, they told us. Once on the island, they tell you the story/legend. I didn’t know that Don Julian’s nephew, the one that took over when he died has also died. They told us he died last month. Now more family members have taken over. When we got to the embarcadero they offered us a tour and told us they would take us to the fake island. When we mentioned wanting to go to the real one that was when they told us it was about a 4 hr trip. If you do travel from embarcadero caltongo, to go to the real island the boat needs to go left, then it is lifted over a bridge by a crane. Since we took less time to a fro, we asked our driver to take us around the canals. We passed by the fake island too. That one is towards the right hand side and very close to the dock. Overall I’m glad I got to experience the island. FYI, there are even dolls in the bathroom. Makes for a creepy bathroom experience.

Hi KR – Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am glad it worked out for you and you were able to visit the Island of the Dolls. I don’t recall using the bathroom when I was there but I will take your word for it, haha. Cheers for sharing.

Found this tour in arbnb but thinking it’s fake the entire tour is 4.5 hours. He says it an hour to get there so fake?

[link redacted]

It is hard for me to say if this one is real or not. It will be difficult to tell if it is the real island of the dolls or the fake one when buying online. My best suggestion is to purchase it on the day, and negotiate with your boat rider to make sure you go to the right one. Use GPS to track your ride and keep an eye on it.

Quick question, can you spend a night on the island? In a tent? I’ve been doing some research but couldn’t find anything.

Hi Nat! Thanks for reading. This wasn’t something that I saw advertised as an option when visited. I’d say it would need to be negotiated with the owners of the island and the boat operators on the day when you visit. I’m also not sure how you could contact them in advance to organize something like this. Best of luck, I’d love to know how you go with this!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Join the crypt, thank you for sign up, related places, haunted places near you.

New prison investigation coming this weekend and it’s extra special because it features our mates @theouijabrothers 🎉👻🎉

doll island tour

The Island of the Dolls, originally owned by Don Julián Santana Barrera, is full of dolls hanging from trees and buildings covered with cobwebs and insects. The place was named during the 1950s when the owner began to hang them as protection against evil spirits. Santana was a neighbour of the Barrio de la Asunción, where he used to go to drink pulque after having sold his vegetables, until, due to superstitions, he began to preach the Bible, being expelled from the sector.

According to legend, a young girl drowned entangled among the lilies of the canal and her body was found on the banks of the Santampa chinampas. Santana began to experience inexplicable situations so, terrified, placed dolls that he found in the garbage or in the canals of Cuemanco with the idea that they would scare the soul of the young girl who would cry out "I want my doll". He also found a doll floating nearby and, assuming it belonged to the deceased girl, hung it from a tree as a sign of respect, then when the owner of the island died he was in the same place where he saw the girl die. In 1987, an eco-tourist rescue was made and the island was found covered with water lily. Since then and after the death of Santana, the chinampa became a place of great tourist affluence. The place gained fame after 1943, when Mexican filmmaker Emilio Fernández filmed María Candelaria there, with Dolores del Río and Pedro Armendáriz as protagonists. A significant number of international and local channels have featured articles on the island, including The Huffington Post, Travel Channel and ABC News.

The dolls are still on the island, which is accessible by boat. The island was featured on the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures and the Amazon Prime show Lore. It was also featured in BuzzFeed Unsolved. Shane Madej, a firm skeptic of the paranormal, has asserted that he believes in the legends about the island. The Island was also used for the episode "Estas son Las Mañanitas" ( Season One Episode 10 ) of the Spanish TV comedy Nosotros los guapos for Televisa, where the main characters Vítor and Albertano are left behind on the island by a irritated Doña Cuca and as night falls they are rescued by the local emergency crews and end up on the news.

Access to the island

310-853-0966

Tour doll island in Xochimilco

doll island tour

  • During the tour you can enjoy our delicious quesadillas (unlimited) and a drink.
  • Cost of the rower and the trajinera.
  • Entry/Admission - Mexico City
  • Tips and services not specified.
  • C. del Mercado 1, San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, 16420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Our trajineras are located in the Embarcadero Las Flores Nativitas. We will meet under the purple arches that are the facade of our jetty.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 80 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
  • You'll start at C. del Mercado 1 C. del Mercado 1, San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, 16420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Our trajineras are located in the Embarcadero Las Flores Nativitas. We will meet under the purple arches that are the facade of our jetty. See address & details
  • 1 Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Stop: 20 minutes See details Pass by Laguna de Caltongo
  • 2 Apantli Paedomorphic Salamander Stop: 25 minutes - Admission included See details
  • 3 Island of the Dead Dolls Stop: 25 minutes See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

doll island tour

  • Ambassador674955 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not worth the time- feels like a sales trip along unremarkable water Not worth it, in my opinion. We just came back from Mexico a week ago and this place was at the top of my list. While we were standing in line at the Frida Kahlo museum this older man was offering tours to go there for $50 each. He'd drive my sister & me there and take us back to the center of CDMX, close to where we were staying. It included the trip on the boat. It was a good deal, so we took it. But the ride itself was nothing special. All you see is hundreds of other boats and I'm glad we went during the week (a Wednesday) because there are so many boats that we'd just be bumping into them. There is nothing to see but murky water and there are vendors on the water constantly trying to sell overpriced items (food, beer, jewelry, paper flower decorations, etc. Only the mariachi bands seemed worth it, though I don't know how much they charge.) My sister was hungry and decided to treat me and the driver to lunch without asking the price first (we are native Spanish speakers, though not Mexican) and once we were done eating the oily and tasteless taquitos we were told it was $15 per person. Our mistake for not asking the price first but after that it was vendor after vendor with one jewelry one getting on the boat to sell silver jewelry he claimed to have made himself at his school even though we saw another vendor with the same items on another boat. We asked to turn the boat around sooner than the driver had planned because we got tired of fighting off vendors and we'd not seen anything interesting the whole time besides other boat riders. Read more Written February 19, 2024
  • Bayhaze 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun, colorful, interesting day on the water Our boat was only adults so we got to play some fun drinking games. Our tour guide, Matti, was awesome!! He made everything so much fun! He gave us history on the area and cared about our safety. And for that matter every employee in the canals is like minded when it comes to safety and kindness. Sooooooo glad we went, what a beautiful experience! Read more Written November 7, 2023
  • lrod38 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Xochimilco- a must-do in Mexico This is a must for every tourist to Mexico City. If you have the time, it’s about hr drive from the city but well worth it. A rare sight and entertaining experience. Cost for the whole boat was 1200Mxn for 2 hour and then payed for Mariachi band to sing one song at 300Mxn a song followed by Tequila and Fresca with Tamarind served in an Earthenware jug which was outstanding. Read more Written November 5, 2023
  • W5461MQscotts 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Tourist scam Long strip of dirty water with bumper to bumper boats n people selling you booze It’s a scam. It used to be an outing for locals but now just tourist trap. Avoid it n see the real Mexico Read more Written October 30, 2023
  • lettiesierrah 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles A REAL SCAM IN XOCHIMILCO DO NOT fall for it, it’s a real scam!!! People charge what ever they want and has no respect, be aware of your surroundings, prices posted not real, they take advantage of you, they follow you selling anything, mariachi music start playing and demand payment in dollars, nit a good thing to go independent, We went with a mexican friend from Mexico city and they yried only once after that they backed away 😂😂 Read more Written October 24, 2023
  • grraffa 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Scammers and liars Different vendors tried to charge us between 450 and 900 pesos, despite the 45 pesos price written on the banner above the boats. If you are a tourist they will try to scam you. The whole area looks dangerous, we were followed by a guy on a bike, who tried to force us to enter into specific streets. I felt very unsafe, first time in Mexico. In the end we were appalled by the vendors and just left. Read more Written September 2, 2023
  • 115kristinf 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Chaos, go with someone who knows how to manage it Stupidly, I made a reservation online with a website called Trajineras Xochimilco. When we arrived, on a Thursday afternoon at 4pm, it was absolute chaos. Anyyime I asked someone for help they all pretended they didn't know what I was talking about. The competition between the independent operations, the amount of vendors and people, and the compkete lack of formality made it impossible to figure out how to find a solution. Thr Uber driver gave me a ling speech about being safe, so with that fresh on my mind, I decided to just leave and waste the money I paid. I've lived in this part of the world for well over a decade and am accustomed to similar situations, but this took the cake. If you go, book a tour with a legitimate tour guide and go earlier in the day, that's what I'll be doing if I decide to give this a try again. Read more Written May 26, 2023
  • jairom837 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Be careful with cellphones and prices Even though prices are officially defined, they try to charge you a lot more (from 600 MXN to 1200 per hour). Some cellphones disappeared when there were to many boats in the channel. Going with small kids is complicated as you have to be careful of your personal belongings and you have to be fully aware of the amounts they charge you. The guy of the boat wanted to charge more than the official tarif. The guy of the beers did a mistake calculting the total bill. And the lady of the reptilian museum as well. Be carefull! Read more Written April 8, 2023
  • Scott T 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Long drive nothing to see Very colorful and weather is nice.. 600 pesos gets you 1 hour… 1/2 hour down stream 1/2 hour back same way … all designed to separate you from your peso…numerous floating mariachi and merchants trying to sell .. even jump on your boat with you selling jewlery.. seen commercial flower business (all for sale of course).. no wildflowers etc..we were than asked to pay another 600 pesos to continue.. 1/2 of the same and goes back same way you came…. Maybe with a group a better experience as collective $ goes further…. Read more Written March 29, 2023
  • vitorbabrazil 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Don't waste your time, it's a tourist trap! Despite the interesting history of the area, whose use dates from pre-Colombian times, Xochimilco as a tour is nothing but a waste of time and money! First and foremost, the infuriating Mexican traffic make the ride there far longer than it should! Once there, one is often followed by vendors trying to force this and that to you. The boats (trajineiras) can be rented privately or in groups, each has a woman's name for recognition. It costs MEX600 per boat for an hour's ride in the filthy canal, which no longer harbours the endemic axolotl, so dirty the waters became, and they promise a number of attractions on the way, which is not at all true! Also, it's they who define how much tip one should give, some daring to demand 30 dollars! The mariachis are also forced down you throat, they jump on the boat, start singing and demand MEX220 per song, it's a rip-off! Whether it is part of your tour excursion or you decided to include it in your to-do list for Mexico City, don't bother, it is a real waste of time and money! Read more Written March 7, 2023
  • LeoLebron 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do activity near Mexico City Great experience. Very cultural activity. You can have your own food or buy typical food during the trajinera’s trip. A must do near Mexico City. Read more Written March 5, 2023
  • jf612 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Boat rides We went for 1 hour. Was nice. Doing a dinner cruise would be really fun. Fun to see all the chaos and mariachi bands. Read more Written November 26, 2022
  • Ninelth_Sandoval 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mariachi in xochimilco Great experience, is fantastic to have fun there, or to know the ecological reserve. Always amazing! Read more Written November 7, 2022
  • 400hilaryf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Party all day long! We knew what to expect visually, but had no idea of the party scene we were walking into, or rather floating into. This bumper boat ride tour was so much fun, with beer, michelada's, elotes, and mariaches. And very family friendly as well. We loved it, but plan on a drive from CDMX. Because of traffic it took longer than we expected to get there. Read more Written November 6, 2022
  • Aextr22 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Do not get a guide!! Don't get the Guide!! Xochimilco is beautiful and their service was amazing until the guide came along. No doubt he is knowledgeable but his overall attitude was extremely rude he seemed drunk he was rough to deal with and sort of ruined the first part of the tour at moments. Just don't get it instead Google facts about this amazing place and enjoy the view and the amazing marimba. Read more Written October 17, 2022

More to explore in Mexico City

doll island tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

doll island tour

Tour doll island in Xochimilco provided by Trajineras Xochimilco

Island of the Dolls

Everything you need to know about how to visit the island of the dolls outside mexico city in xochimilco..

In November 2017, we visited the infamous Island of the Dolls just outside Mexico City. To learn more about the place, here is a brief summary taken from atlasobscura.com/places/la-isla-de-las-munecas . To read about HOW to visit this place, please keep reading!

Over fifty years ago, Don Julian Santana left his wife and child and moved onto an island on Teshuilo Lake in the Xochimilco canals. According to some, a young girl actually drowned in the lake, while most others, including his relatives, say Don Julian Santana merely imagined the drowned girl. Regardless, Don Julian Santana devoted his life to honoring this lost soul in a unique, fascinating, and—for some—unnerving way: he collected and hung up dolls by the hundreds.   Eventually, Don Julian transformed the entire island into a kind of bizarre, (for some) horrifying, doll-infested wonderland. Don Julian Santana began collecting lost dolls from the canals and the trash near his island home. He is also said to have traded produce he grew to locals for more dolls. Santana did not clean up the dolls or attempt to fix them, but rather put them up with missing eyes and limbs, covered in dirt, and generally in whatever ramshackle state he found them in. Even when dolls arrived in good shape, the wind and weather turned them into cracked and distorted versions of themselves. Don Julian also kept his cabin filled with the dolls, which he dressed in headdresses, sunglasses, and other accoutrement.   Despite the fact that most people found the isle frightening, Don Julian saw the dolls as beautiful protectors, and he welcomed visitors, whom he would show around, charging a small fee for taking photos. In 2001 Don Julian Santana was found drowned in the same area in which he believed the little girl had died.

How to get to the Island of the Dolls

Your ultimate destination will be the Embarcadero Cuemanco Xomichilco. This is relatively accessible through a series of trains and buses (use Google maps or your favorite CDMX public transportation app to see which combination is your best bet), but you can also take an Uber there , which we highly recommend ( get money off your first ride by signing up here ).  You may find it easier than communicating exactly where you want to be dropped off, and for sure it’s cheaper than a taxi. From the middle of central historic CDMX, we paid $10-12 each way (which took 45-60 minutes).

How much does the boat cost?

We went on a very quiet Monday morning, but if you go on the weekends it is a party with floating bars and mariachi bands! There are set prices PER BOAT to take you to different areas of the Xochimilco canal system. Here is a photo of the prices as of November 2017.

doll island tour

You’ll see that the cost for a boat to go out to the Island of the Dolls (for a roundtrip total of about 4 hours) is 2000 Mexican Pesos (around $100 USD). However, you can also fit 20 people on this boat, so if you have a group, it’s a deal. I don’t really know about sharing boats with other groups of folks, but if you are willing to wait around, I’m sure it’s something that happens.

Please be aware that there is a secondary area that someone has strung up some dolls, obviously to capitalize on the popularity of the original site. I can’t imagine any boat operators faking a trip there, but I have read about it online. If you are using Google maps (which you can pre-load while you are on wifi and still use afterwards), the “fake” is here. We stopped there, too, and in all honesty, it’s got some pretty photogenic dolls, as well. And at the end of the day, is it “fake”? Maybe they are super haunted, too  ;)

doll island tour

How much does the Island of the Dolls cost?

It’ll cost you 40 pesos per person (~$2 USD) to get on the island, and a little tip (10-20 pesos) may earn you an explanation (or to be left alone, whichever is more appealing to you!)

When should I visit?

If you want the place to yourself, early morning is best. We arrived on the island around 11 AM and had the place to ourselves for an hour. On the ride back to the embarcadero we started encountering more tourists (presumably) headed that way. If you want a more festive atmosphere, late afternoons are probably where it’s at.

Now without further ado….our photos of la Isla de las Muñecas!

The lovely canals of Xochimilco, which used to run all the way to Mexico City. Did you know Mexico City was actually an island in a lake not terribly long ago? (Think Aztec times.)

The lovely canals of Xochimilco, which used to run all the way to Mexico City. Did you know Mexico City was actually an island in a lake not terribly long ago? (Think Aztec times.) 23591993_1736519663086650_812893566090408301_o

On the weekends, the canals turn into a party with floating bars and Mariachi bands, but we visited early on a Monday morning when it was as peaceful as could be.

On the weekends, the canals turn into a party with floating bars and Mariachi bands, but we visited early on a Monday morning when it was as peaceful as could be. 23592097_1736519083086708_4138287575284526145_o

23592100_1736517529753530_3213717464915459084_o

23592100_1736517529753530_3213717464915459084_o

There is actually a "knock-off" haunted doll plot of land, if you can believe that. This was taken there.

There is actually a "knock-off" haunted doll plot of land, if you can believe that. This was taken there. 23631955_1736517456420204_6434558405391584619_o

There is actually a "knock-off" haunted doll plot of land, if you can believe that. This was taken there.

There is actually a "knock-off" haunted doll plot of land, if you can believe that. This was taken there. 23632711_1736519079753375_1730497557050055560_o

But then we got to the ACTUAL Island of the Dolls...

But then we got to the ACTUAL Island of the Dolls... 23737786_1736517846420165_7872610437098908824_o

23632876_1736516763086940_213619847302753559_o

23632876_1736516763086940_213619847302753559_o

23668961_1736517286420221_2595322379164458453_o

23668961_1736517286420221_2595322379164458453_o

23736422_1736517059753577_7685410326012426185_o

23736422_1736517059753577_7685410326012426185_o

23632179_1736517029753580_4817334623595145533_o

23632179_1736517029753580_4817334623595145533_o

23632158_1736517919753491_8135820335846752031_o

23632158_1736517919753491_8135820335846752031_o

23632118_1736516843086932_3206223926537867175_o

23632118_1736516843086932_3206223926537867175_o

23592422_1736516753086941_1851284747403570516_o

23592422_1736516753086941_1851284747403570516_o

23592276_1736518003086816_2133550833565679853_o

23592276_1736518003086816_2133550833565679853_o

23632134_1736517679753515_1893808966244089415_o

23632134_1736517679753515_1893808966244089415_o

23593534_1736517723086844_2995919573399128299_o

23593534_1736517723086844_2995919573399128299_o

23631971_1736517526420197_7958644902607991394_o

23631971_1736517526420197_7958644902607991394_o

23674800_1736518456420104_5700997972923802653_o

23674800_1736518456420104_5700997972923802653_o

23632629_1736518129753470_7726729393634772990_o

23632629_1736518129753470_7726729393634772990_o

23592379_1736517293086887_5754400715407541148_o

23592379_1736517293086887_5754400715407541148_o

23632379_1736516903086926_3533261981850221470_o

23632379_1736516903086926_3533261981850221470_o

23593615_1736517103086906_1225313566715869996_o

23593615_1736517103086906_1225313566715869996_o

23631978_1736518226420127_6101762683454798554_o

23631978_1736518226420127_6101762683454798554_o

23632848_1736516739753609_4511511334451292962_o

23632848_1736516739753609_4511511334451292962_o

23675090_1736518046420145_375744621254439780_o

23675090_1736518046420145_375744621254439780_o

23593776_1736517379753545_6823687036143625042_o

23593776_1736517379753545_6823687036143625042_o

23593577_1736517806420169_3480901902504663860_o

23593577_1736517806420169_3480901902504663860_o

23736228_1736517963086820_4155379063333876009_o

23736228_1736517963086820_4155379063333876009_o

23591987_1736518329753450_2287529251788187246_o

23591987_1736518329753450_2287529251788187246_o

23631974_1736518556420094_2153776701737894301_o

23631974_1736518556420094_2153776701737894301_o

23669001_1736518269753456_8520641051191497602_o

23669001_1736518269753456_8520641051191497602_o

23592246_1736518573086759_4483473877155989062_o

23592246_1736518573086759_4483473877155989062_o

23632834_1736519109753372_4730074204167745438_o

23632834_1736519109753372_4730074204167745438_o

23592074_1736517593086857_6940268732799335204_o

23592074_1736517593086857_6940268732799335204_o

23674912_1736518666420083_4609473557684025689_o

23674912_1736518666420083_4609473557684025689_o

23593628_1736516949753588_3783445690579340041_o

23593628_1736516949753588_3783445690579340041_o

23669032_1736517676420182_2724548447887785482_o

23669032_1736517676420182_2724548447887785482_o

23592113_1736517383086878_397883564893971530_o

23592113_1736517383086878_397883564893971530_o

23632583_1736517879753495_4372217437857499674_o

23632583_1736517879753495_4372217437857499674_o

23669077_1736517753086841_6454849872067384383_o

23669077_1736517753086841_6454849872067384383_o

23632290_1736528683085748_1371527234247780839_o

23632290_1736528683085748_1371527234247780839_o

23632184_1736529059752377_640905549397569984_o

23632184_1736529059752377_640905549397569984_o

23632778_1736527786419171_7579339523113287788_o

23632778_1736527786419171_7579339523113287788_o

23632575_1736527383085878_5677278242057428702_o

23632575_1736527383085878_5677278242057428702_o

23593626_1736527823085834_1958861910163777177_o

23593626_1736527823085834_1958861910163777177_o

23632105_1736526663085950_789979329843321503_o

23632105_1736526663085950_789979329843321503_o

23674866_1736528699752413_3287959103779599080_o

23674866_1736528699752413_3287959103779599080_o

23674633_1736528903085726_3801191876876384362_o

23674633_1736528903085726_3801191876876384362_o

23669091_1736528723085744_1560557225518483414_o

23669091_1736528723085744_1560557225518483414_o

23593352_1736527866419163_8757007920717995096_o

23593352_1736527866419163_8757007920717995096_o

23669074_1736527899752493_5674963475027502227_o

23669074_1736527899752493_5674963475027502227_o

23592254_1736526723085944_8362251786041796730_o

23592254_1736526723085944_8362251786041796730_o

23593785_1736526313085985_4353825767060176275_o

23593785_1736526313085985_4353825767060176275_o

23592331_1736527419752541_8421284771761294247_o

23592331_1736527419752541_8421284771761294247_o

23668971_1736527456419204_8550892104229502170_o

23668971_1736527456419204_8550892104229502170_o

23631954_1736527939752489_6398504023146393992_o

23631954_1736527939752489_6398504023146393992_o

23632602_1736528866419063_2327789140840766831_o

23632602_1736528866419063_2327789140840766831_o

23668946_1736526333085983_778209498108514044_o

23668946_1736526333085983_778209498108514044_o

23592009_1736527996419150_7439320413278536731_o

23592009_1736527996419150_7439320413278536731_o

23631956_1736526846419265_4677814897148810135_o

23631956_1736526846419265_4677814897148810135_o

23632178_1736526896419260_7157531059105938389_o

23632178_1736526896419260_7157531059105938389_o

23592211_1736527489752534_7315895049373890544_o

23592211_1736527489752534_7315895049373890544_o

23593753_1736527549752528_5623130832185945_o

23593753_1736527549752528_5623130832185945_o

23632510_1736527593085857_976903161511394603_o

23632510_1736527593085857_976903161511394603_o

23592238_1736528019752481_488991381517750575_o

23592238_1736528019752481_488991381517750575_o

23593511_1736526936419256_2347068893480790328_o

23593511_1736526936419256_2347068893480790328_o

23632812_1736528046419145_1115477462233082220_o

23632812_1736528046419145_1115477462233082220_o

23592187_1736527619752521_5449821736458657405_o

23592187_1736527619752521_5449821736458657405_o

23632692_1736526983085918_3478938481361536118_o

23632692_1736526983085918_3478938481361536118_o

23632249_1736526416419308_8869715459639388840_o

23632249_1736526416419308_8869715459639388840_o

23632831_1736528093085807_2819257030599354649_o

23632831_1736528093085807_2819257030599354649_o

23632219_1736527649752518_6555381253468416625_o

23632219_1736527649752518_6555381253468416625_o

23675037_1736528173085799_1518200603234818124_o

23675037_1736528173085799_1518200603234818124_o

23592253_1736528223085794_2681086006281466709_o

23592253_1736528223085794_2681086006281466709_o

23632430_1736528276419122_8113073244720228086_o

23632430_1736528276419122_8113073244720228086_o

23632643_1736526439752639_928222647451960419_o

23632643_1736526439752639_928222647451960419_o

23632042_1736528333085783_1479096995509726713_o

23632042_1736528333085783_1479096995509726713_o

23632055_1736528393085777_1782357634452510087_o

23632055_1736528393085777_1782357634452510087_o

23668750_1736528399752443_1304815332499327110_o

23668750_1736528399752443_1304815332499327110_o

23631973_1736526476419302_7791524438267227440_o

23631973_1736526476419302_7791524438267227440_o

23632563_1736527043085912_9223329562144515158_o

23632563_1736527043085912_9223329562144515158_o

23669197_1736528456419104_1172816475220080874_o

23669197_1736528456419104_1172816475220080874_o

23632536_1736527076419242_4434031227733215507_o

23632536_1736527076419242_4434031227733215507_o

23668978_1736526526419297_6286547379129060925_o

23668978_1736526526419297_6286547379129060925_o

23632449_1736527729752510_4152259374606547107_o

23632449_1736527729752510_4152259374606547107_o

I'm not convinced there wasn't a dead body under there.

I'm not convinced there wasn't a dead body under there. 23737600_1736528509752432_50676311884302181_o

23592473_1736528526419097_6395460882898517852_o

23592473_1736528526419097_6395460882898517852_o

23593686_1736526306419319_3706966197940565492_o

23593686_1736526306419319_3706966197940565492_o

23593401_1736527139752569_2675899660774162235_o

23593401_1736527139752569_2675899660774162235_o

23592118_1736526546419295_4909245515921076923_o

23592118_1736526546419295_4909245515921076923_o

23593380_1736528856419064_3564402068228185860_o

23593380_1736528856419064_3564402068228185860_o

23632770_1736527163085900_1325155897468633909_o

23632770_1736527163085900_1325155897468633909_o

23592443_1736526599752623_524868936467440069_o

23592443_1736526599752623_524868936467440069_o

23593697_1736527229752560_3523185719493276085_o

23593697_1736527229752560_3523185719493276085_o

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot)

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot) 23632645_1736527323085884_5045764517536818942_o

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot)

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot) 23632164_1736528549752428_1771092656963183323_o

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot)

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot) 23632282_1736528626419087_2048813581920776661_o

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot)

(this one came from the fake haunted doll spot) 23632033_1736526646419285_5278249219666710154_o

Stay in touch, OK?

Be the first to know about new itineraries! We send out a newsletter every 4-6 weeks, complete with travel tips, giveaways, and more.

Your privacy is super important to us!

Spread the Word!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Creepier Than The Conjuring: Visit The Island Of Dolls

The Island of Dolls is one of the most haunted places in Mexico and combines sweetness with the creepiness of the ghost of a girl.

There are plenty of spooky and haunted destinations in this world. In California, the Winchester Mystery House (that was built for the troubled souls of those slain with Winchester rifles ) must be the creepiest in the Bay Area.In Mexico City, one of the creepiest must be the Island of the Dolls (called La Isla de las Muñecas in Spanish).The Island of the Dolls is located on Teshuilo Lake in the channels of Xochimilco to the south of the center of Mexico City and was listed by CNN as one of the freakiest places in the world. There are many attractions and things to do in Mexico City - it offers much more than old Aztec ruins and early Spanish Colonial architecture.

The Spooky Tale of The Island of Dolls

"La Isla de las Muñecas, or the Island of the Dolls, is the stunningly morbid creation of a man named Don Julian Santana, who lived as a hermit on an island for some 50 odd years until his death in 2001." CNN Travel

The island's strange collection of dolls was created by the former owner of the island Julián Santana Barrera. Wander around the island and see dolls of various styles and colors all around the island. Julian Santana Barrera believed that the dolls would chase away the spirit of a girl who unfortunately drowned there years ago. In 2001 Julian Barrera was found dead from a heart attack - some say he was found dead close to where the girl drowned.

  • Julián Santana Barrera: The Hermit Who Owned The Island And Place the Dolls Around

Over the 50 years, he lived on the island and amassed a large collection of dolls. But these aren't just nice dolls, they are dismembered, broken, and often hung in trees around the island.

  • The 1950s: The Dolls Started Appearing In The 1950s

The name "Island of the Dolls" first popped up in the 1950s when the dolls started to randomly appear on the island.

Related: Long Before The Aztecs, This Ancient City Was One Of Largest In The World (And It's A Day Trip From Mexico City)

The Superstitious Legends and Folklore of The Island

It remains a point of connection whether he sought to communicate with their spirit through the dolls or even if the girl actually ever existed in the first place. But it is clear from the versions of the legend that he dedicated the dolls to the spirit of the little girl. Perhaps he wanted to give the little girl some toys to play with.

The story has it that the young girl drowned after getting entangled among the lilies of the canal. One legend has it that Santana claimed to have heard the girl crying out "I want my doll." Every time he would go outside, he found a new doll and hung it from one of the trees.

Santana used to preach the Bible but was expelled due to his superstitions. Making the island even spookier, it is said that he died because of the girl's spirit that continues to haunt the island. The island has been featured in a number of major news outlets and even the Amazon Prime show Lore .

To this day, the dolls remain there hanging from the trees "like sacrifices" as CNN Travel puts it.

Related: Templo Mayor: The Aztec Temple In Mexico City That You Probably Haven't Heard Of Yet

Visiting The Island of Dolls

After Santana died, the island became a tourist attraction. Today one can visit the island, but one will need to get there by boat. The only access is via trajinera. Most of the local rowers are happy to transport people to the island, but there are some who refuse to do so out of fear of the superstitions surrounding the island.

  • Access: By Boat
  • Museum: There Is A Small Museum On the Island
  • Duration: A Tour Of The Island Takes Around An Hour

The island also has a small museum that exhibits various articles from local newspapers about the island and Santana. One will find a store and three rooms, in that building one will see Agustinita - his favorite doll.

  • Location: 29 Kilometers From Mexico City On Teshuilo Lake

The island is very close to the Estadio Azteca football stadium. Tours to the island include the ecological area, the Ajolote Museum, the Apatlaco Canal, the Teshuilo Lagoon, and the Llorona Island. If one is looking for a spooky Halloween activity to do in Mexico, then consider visiting the haunted Island of Dolls.

IMAGES

  1. How to Visit The Island Of The Dolls

    doll island tour

  2. Tour doll island in Xochimilco 2023

    doll island tour

  3. How to Visit The Island Of The Dolls

    doll island tour

  4. How to Visit The Island Of The Dolls

    doll island tour

  5. How to Visit The Island Of The Dolls

    doll island tour

  6. How to Visit The Island Of The Dolls

    doll island tour

VIDEO

  1. The Doll Island

  2. The Doll island of Mexico City#creepy #horrorstories #dark

  3. 💀Doll island in Mexico📍Geo at the end #googlemaps #googleearth #googlestreetview #streetview

COMMENTS

  1. Tour doll island in Xochimilco 2024

    The island of the dolls is an emblematic place that is located in the ecological zone of the canals of Xochimilco, Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together we will tour the tourist channels, we will pass by where there is live music, we will go down to the "floating gardens" (chinampas), we will see the Caltongo Lagoon. Then we will enter the ecological zone until we reach the Museo del ...

  2. Mexico City: Xochimilco Boat Tour & The Island of the Dolls

    Full Experience. Set out on a complete adventure through the Xochimilco Boat Tour & The Island of the Dolls, enjoying a journey featuring a boat ride along the canals, Mexican music, an eerie exploration of the island, and a delightful meal at the floating restaurant. As you cruise through the canals, lively Mexican music fills the air, setting the perfect atmosphere for your experience.

  3. The Island of the Dolls: How to Visit Mexico's Haunted Destination

    The best way to get to the Island of the Dolls is by taking a tour from one of the many operators offering Xochimilco tours. You get to enjoy the Xochimilco canals (which are beautiful) as you approach this creepy spot. The best way to see the island is to book a private day tour and ask to visit the island. These tours typically include a stop ...

  4. The Island of the Dolls

    Private Walking Tour Legends and Events of the Historic Center CDMX. 24. Recommended. 100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Historical Tours. from . ... They sold us a 4h trip to the 'Island of Dolls' for 2,000 pesos knowing that the ORIGINAL island was closed (from what we understood via google translate, the ...

  5. Creepy & Weird: Visiting Mexico's Island of the Dolls in Xochimilco

    How to Visit Island of the Dolls as a Daytrip from Mexico City. The trip from Insurgentes, near Mexico City's Zona Rosa, to the Island of the Dolls and back, took a full day…between 7 and 8 hours. Here's how we did it: Take the metro to the end of Line 2 (the blue line) to Tasqueña. The blue line includes the Zocalo as a stop, so it ...

  6. Tour doll island in Xochimilco

    The island of the dolls is an emblematic place that is located in the ecological zone of the canals of Xochimilco, Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together we will tour the tourist channels, we will pass by where there is live music, we will go down to the "floating gardens" (chinampas), we will see the Caltongo Lagoon.

  7. Island Of The Dolls: A Guide To Mexico's Creepiest Attraction

    The Island of the Dolls is in Xochimilco, which is around 30km south of Mexico City. After arriving in Xochimilco, you will need to board a trajinera, a colorful gondola-style vessel which is the main form of transportation around the area's canals. Take a boat from the Embarcadero Cuemanco dock, making sure to ask which ones will be stopping ...

  8. Mexico City: Xochimilco Boat Tour & The Island of the Dolls

    The easiest way to get to the meeting point is by Uber. You should enter "Canal 237, San Jerónimo, Xochimilco". The tolerance time of 15 minutes. The tour will take place rain or shine Xochimilco is located in the south of Mexico City, it will take approximately 90 minutes to get to the meeting point. Open in Google Maps .

  9. Tour doll island in Xochimilco 2023

    The island of the dolls is an emblematic place that is located in the ecological zone of the canals of Xochimilco, Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together we will tour the tourist channels, we will pass by where there is live music, we will go down to the "floating gardens" (chinampas), we will see the Caltongo Lagoon. Then we will enter the ecological zone until we reach the Museo del ...

  10. Exploring the Mystery of Dolls Island

    Discover the haunting secrets of dolls island in Mexico City. Explore the legend, the eerie dolls, and the island's significance in Mexican culture. ... immersing themselves in the magical ambiance before disembarking on the island. Knowledgeable tour guides are available to share the history and legend of the island, allowing visitors to ...

  11. Isla de las Muñecas

    The island is known as Isla de las Munecas ( The Island of the Dolls - photos here ). It is dedicated to the lost soul of a poor girl who met her fate too soon in strange circumstances. The area has thousands of people, but this small island is home to hundreds of terrifying dolls. Their severed limbs, decapitated heads, and blank eyes adorn ...

  12. Xochimilco and The Island of the Dolls

    The Canals of Xochimilco. The Island of the Dolls is located off the famous canals of Xochimilco (pronounced "zo-chi-meel-ko") in the southern part of Mexico City. Motorless human-powered boats known as trajineras, brightly painted and often named, are propelled via pole down the canals.There are 11 docks in Xochimilco, the most popular being Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas.

  13. Visiting The Island Of The Dolls

    The Island Of The Dolls. Deep in the canals of Xochimilco, located just South of Mexico City, lies a disturbing omen to a mysterious and tragic past. Here, a small island, which can only be reached via an arduous boat trip, lined with hundreds of deformed, decapitated and sinister looking dolls exists. This place is known to locals as Isla De ...

  14. Island of The Lost Dolls

    The Island of the Dolls, originally owned by Don Julián Santana Barrera, is full of dolls hanging from trees and buildings covered with cobwebs and insects. ... The journey, approximately one hour, includes a tour of the Ecological Area, the Ajolote Museum, the Apatlaco Canal, the Teshuilo Lagoon and the Llorona Island. In addition to hundreds ...

  15. The Island of the Dolls Has a Murky and Terrifying History

    The story of La Isla de las Muñecas ("The Island of the Dolls") is intimately entwined with the story of Don Julian Santana Barrera. A native of Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City, Don Julian left his wife and family sometime in the mid-20th century to sequester himself on an island on Teshuilo Lake. His reasons for doing so are hazy at best ...

  16. The Island of the Dolls

    Barrera's dolls on La Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico City. The Island of the Dolls (Spanish: La Isla de las Muñecas) is a chinampa of the Laguna de Tequila located in the channels of Xochimilco, south of the center of Mexico City, Mexico.It is notable for the multitude of dolls of various styles and colors that can be found throughout the island. Local legends surround the dolls and the island ...

  17. The Island of the Dolls

    The huge number of dolls that are on the island is to be a tribute to a girl who died a few years ago. This small, mysterious island is located in the south of Mexico City, in the Xochimilco district, which is abundantly cut by canals. The lake where the island is located is on the UNESCO World Heritage LIST.It is very beautiful there and it is ...

  18. A Tour of the Haunted Island of the Dolls Mexico

    A Tour of the Haunted Island of the Dolls Mexico - La Isla de la Muñecas - #xochimilco In this video, I take you with me on a journey to one of the most h...

  19. Tour doll island in Xochimilco

    The island of the dolls is an emblematic place that is located in the ecological zone of the canals of Xochimilco, Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together we will tour the tourist channels, we will pass by where there is live music, we will go down to the "floating gardens" (chinampas), we will see the Caltongo Lagoon.

  20. Mexico's Island of the Dolls

    Here is a photo of the prices as of November 2017. You'll see that the cost for a boat to go out to the Island of the Dolls (for a roundtrip total of about 4 hours) is 2000 Mexican Pesos (around $100 USD). However, you can also fit 20 people on this boat, so if you have a group, it's a deal. I don't really know about sharing boats with ...

  21. 10 Best Xochimilco Tours in Mexico City in 2024

    Xochimilco: Tequila, Mezcal & Fun Tour (Highest Rated Xochimilco Tour) Xochimilco: Tequila, Mezcal & Fun has won awards including "Best New Experience of 2019 in Mexico City." (Photo: Airbnb, Tour Xochimilco) ⭐️ RATING: 4.98 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | 🛶 BOOK NOW.

  22. Creepier Than The Conjuring: Visit The Island Of Dolls

    The Island of Dolls is one of the most haunted places in Mexico and combines sweetness with the creepiness of the ghost of a girl. ... Duration: A Tour Of The Island Takes Around An Hour The island also has a small museum that exhibits various articles from local newspapers about the island and Santana. One will find a store and three rooms, in ...