Venice is definitely a city for one's bucket list

 

Hidden in the canals of Xochimilco, near Mexico City, lies one of the most eerie and fascinating destinations in Mexico—Isla de las Muñecas, or The Island of Dolls. This unsettling island is covered with hundreds of decaying, weathered dolls hanging from trees, fences, and structures, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere.

The Legend Behind the Dolls

According to local legend, Don Julián Santana Barrera, the island’s caretaker, discovered the body of a young girl who had drowned in the canal many years ago. Shortly after, he claimed to be haunted by her spirit and began hanging dolls around the island as an offering to appease her soul and ward off other wandering spirits. Over the decades, he continued collecting and displaying these dolls, believing they held supernatural energy.

Strangely, Don Julián himself was later found dead in the same canal, in the exact spot where he claimed to have found the girl. This eerie coincidence has only fueled the island’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Mexico.

A Haunting Atmosphere

The dolls, missing eyes, broken limbs, and covered in dirt, have been weathered by time, making them appear even more disturbing. Many visitors and locals claim that the dolls’ eyes seem to follow them, and some even report hearing whispers and unexplained movements among the trees. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the eerie sight of hundreds of lifeless dolls swaying in the wind is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

How to Visit Isla de las Muñecas

• The island can only be reached by a traditional trajinera boat from Xochimilco, with the journey taking about 1-2 hours.
• Guided tours often include stories of the legend and other haunted spots in Xochimilco.
• Visitors are encouraged to bring their own dolls as an offering to the spirits.

A Unique and Unforgettable Destination

Whether you're drawn by the thrill of the paranormal or the island’s bizarre and tragic history, Isla de las Muñecas remains one of Mexico’s most mysterious and chilling attractions. It is a must-visit for lovers of folklore, ghost stories, and the truly unusual.