Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas)
Hundreds of dismembered dolls hang from trees, possessed by the spirit of a drowned girl. Don Julian collected them for 50 years until he drowned in the same spot. Their eyes follow visitors.
The Island of the Dolls is Mexico’s most disturbing place.
The Legend
The girl’s death occurred when a young girl drowned in the canal. Don Julian found her body and found a doll floating nearby. He hung it in tribute.
Don Julian
For 50 years of collecting dolls obsessively, he found them in canals, traded for them, covered every tree, and tried to appease the spirit.
His Death
The 2001 tragedy saw him drown in the same spot as the girl, 50 years later. Coincidence? Many believe the spirit claimed him.
The Dolls
The disturbing collection includes hundreds of dolls, dismembered and weather-worn. Their eyes follow visitors and they whisper at night.
Visitor Experiences
Tourist reports include eyes moving, heads turning, whispers heard, an unsettling presence, and some dolls appearing possessed.
Access
The boat journey from Xochimilco leads through canals on guided tours. The UNESCO site has become a popular attraction.