How to Visit the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City (It’s Not as Easy as You Think)
Imagine an island where about 1,500 baby dolls and dismembered doll parts hang from trees, their lifeless eyes eerily staring at you as you walk past them.
This isn’t a scene from a horror movie — it’s a real place in Mexico City called La Isla de las Muñecas, or the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City.
💀 Please Note: You can only go by tour, and I recommend booking this Island of the Dolls Tour which has a near-perfect 5 Star rating, and includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb.
Located on an island on the ancient Aztec canals of Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mil-co), this spooky place has become a must-visit for a unique experience.
But besides the dolls themselves, this island has a creepy story of how they got there which includes a child-ghost haunting the caretaker.
Keep reading to find out about one of the most famous Mexico dark tourism spots, and to see if it’s worth the hours-long boat trip to get there.
The Sad Story of Mexico City’s Island of the Dolls
According to local legend, an 11-year-old girl drowned in the canals around the island in the early-1950s.
The island’s caretaker, Don Julián Santana Barrera, found a doll floating in the water soon after her death.
Believing the doll belonged to the dead girl, Don Julián hung it on a tree to commemorate her untimely passing and pay respects.
Now, as with any good urban legend, there are other versions of this story. No one know for certain which is real, but these are other theories:
- Some say Don Julián tried to save the little girl.
- Others say she was dead when he found her.
- Still others say he imagined it all because there’s no official record of a young girl drowning, nor was a body ever recovered.
However, many locals do believe the dolls hold the spirit of a young girl, and some even say they’ve seen the dolls move or whisper 😳
While these stories add to the island’s mystery, they also show the deep cultural beliefs and local traditions in this Mexico City neighborhood.
Don Julián Santana Barrera: Caretaker of Mexico Doll Island
Over time, Don Julián started to believe the girl’s spirit haunted the island — and some say he was stricken with grief because he couldn’t save her.
To make this apparition happy, he began collecting dolls from the canals and trash heaps, hanging them from trees and dilapidated buildings on the island.
For more than 50 years, Don Julián kept collecting. He eventually amassed a huge collection of dolls in various states of decay.
Don Julián’s dedication to the island is clear in every corner. He lived a lonely life, taking care of the dolls and the island until he died in 2001.
Today, his family continues to care for the island, keeping his unique legacy alive.
Visitors to the Island of the Dolls Mexico City can explore Don Julián’s old home, which has a collection of his personal things, and of course, more dolls.
🧟♀️ Want to see it for yourself?
This is one of the best things to do in Mexico City if you’re into dark tourism — and I’m about to tell you how to get to the Island of the Dead Dolls.
How to Get to Mexico City Doll Island
Wondering, Where is the Island of the Dolls located? The answer is Xochimilco, a neighborhood in southern Mexico City.
To get there, you must book this Island of the Dolls tour (or a similar tour departing from Embarcadero Cuemanco), as you can only get there by boat since it’s on an island.
Getting to the Island of Dolls is an adventure, and the boat trip is fun because the Xochimilco canals have a festive environment, complete with mariachi bands, dancing, and plenty of mezcal to drink.
As you glide through the calm waters, the lush greenery and traditional floating gardens create a beautiful backdrop.
However, as you get closer to the island, the mood gets more eerie as you begin to see dolls hanging from trees, with their big eyes peeking through the leaves at you.
Exploring the Xochimilco Island of Dolls
Stepping onto the Mexico Island of Dolls feels like you’re entering another world — and trust me, this is not for the faint of heart.
Dolls of all shapes and sizes hang from every tree and building, their once-bright colors faded by time and weather.
Some dolls are missing arms or eyes, some have ripped apart bodies, and some are just heads on a stick, which all add to the island’s creepy feel.
The silence is strong, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird.
As you pull up on your boat, you’ll get a full view of the dolls that give the island its creepy atmosphere, and attract curious visitors from all over the world.
Practical Tips for Visitors to the Mexico City Island of Dolls
1. The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Island of Dolls in Mexico City is during the dry season, from November to April.
The weather is more predictable, and the canals are less likely to be affected by heavy rains. Weekdays are usually less crowded, offering a more personal experience.
Of course, you will need to go by boat tour. I recommend booking this Island of the Dolls Tour because it has a near-perfect 5 Star rating.
Taking place in early-November, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is also a very popular time to visit Mexico’s Doll Island.
2. What to Bring
Visitors should come prepared for the day-long trip with comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as the island’s ground can be uneven and sometimes muddy.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water are also recommended when visiting the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City.
Lastly, don’t forget your camera — as the island offers many photo opportunities, from the creepy dolls to the scenic boat ride on the canals to get there.
3. Respecting the Island
The Island of Dolls has become a popular tourist spot for those who want to see hidden gems in Mexico City off the beaten path.
While the Island of Dolls Mexico is an interesting place, it’s important to remember this is also a place of cultural and historical significance.
Its creepy charm and interesting backstory make it a unique part of Mexico’s rich cultural attractions.
Visitors should respect the island and its caretakers by not disturbing the dolls, and not leaving trash behind.
Donations are appreciated, and help support the ongoing care of this unique island in Mexico — so consider bringing $100 MXN pesos per person (about $6 USD) to donate.
Is the Island in Mexico with dolls worth visiting?
Much like Day of the Dead in Mexico, the Island of the Dolls shows the power of legend, and the human desire to connect with the supernatural.
Its creepy beauty and haunting history make it a must-visit for those looking for an unusual adventure in Mexico’s capital city.
The island offers a big contrast to the busy streets of Mexico City, providing a quiet yet unsettling escape.
The journey to the island may be long, but the experience is unforgettable for travelers seeking the unconventional.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history lover, or just plain curious, the Island of Dolls offers a unique look into Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry.
Should you find yourself in Mexico City with a day to spare, consider taking this boat trip to the Xochimilco Island of the Dolls — a one-of-a-kind destination.