Mexico’s Garden of Art
Sabina Lohr took a break from touristy Cancún, Mexico, and learned that getting off the beaten path is only a few steps away.
Just a short ferry hop from Cancún, Mexico, colorful Isla Mujeres is an spot where day-trippers commonly escape for a while from their all-inclusive hotel vacations in the mainland’s hotel zone. This tiny island boasts gorgeous beaches, friendly people, and great little Mexican restaurants. A large group of friends and I decided to extend our stay on the island and ended up as guests at a variety of hotels – some large and luxurious, some small and family-run.
One morning a couple of us decided to wander away from the downtown area, which is the most touristy spot on the island, as it’s where the ferry boats from Cancún dock. We could have rented a golf cart or flagged down a cab, but we set out on foot for the five-mile trip to the southern tip of the island through Garrafón Reef ParkGarrafón Reef Park. Inside we discovered a path leading to a cliff on which the temple to the Maya goddess Ixchel stands. Strolling this path we encountered dozens of modern art sculptures which we learned were the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden, an ideal spot to check out if you’re looking to mix a little culture into your beach vacation.
Created in 2001 by almost two dozen Mexican sculptors from around the world, these sculptures are a colorful tribute to the area’s indigenous Maya civilization. This kaleidoscopic outdoor art exhibit could stand alone in its allure, but with the sky, the cliff and the Caribbean Sea as its backdrop, it becomes a uniquely impressive garden of art.
Photo: Sabina Lohr
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- How scientists are piecing together a sperm whale ‘alphabet’How scientists are piecing together a sperm whale ‘alphabet’
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
Environment
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
- This floating flower is beautiful—but it's wreaking havoc on NigeriaThis floating flower is beautiful—but it's wreaking havoc on Nigeria
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
History & Culture
- These were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ eraThese were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ era
- A short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looksA short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looks
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
Science
- Why trigger points cause so much pain—and how you can relieve itWhy trigger points cause so much pain—and how you can relieve it
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
Travel
- What it's like trekking with the Bedouin on Egypt's Sinai TrailWhat it's like trekking with the Bedouin on Egypt's Sinai Trail