MapChick's Isla Mujeres

I had the paper version of the map that I purchased about 13 years ago. Much has changed on la Isla. The app is absolutely worth the cost X 10. We followed the recommendations for food and it was spot on. Caribbean Garden, Javi’s Cantina, Caribbean Brisas and Rancho Capricho were our favorites that we tried. Rancho Capricho was our #1. It’s a definite must try and a true hidden gem! It was hard to not keep going back over and over, because we wanted to try other places, but it was excellent for lunch and breakfast. Great margaritas there too. We tried to stay away from eating on the north end, because there’s so many good spots away from town. Javi’s was good, but not as good as the others we tried. We stayed at Isla 33 in unit 3104 (it’s one of the inits managed by Capi) and it was excellent! Having a washer and dryer was a huge plus. It was safe and in a great location. It was well equipped, clean and the perfect place for us.

I never used MapChicks paper maps but hears good things about them. I bought this app for our second trip there and it is fantastic! Very detailed maps with information about hotels, rentals, restaurants, beach clubs, tourist attractions, services and more that follow you using the GPS of your phone. Or you can search in the various categories for something in particular. The data is downloaded to your phone so you don’t need Data service in Mexico if your provider doesn’t include it. We have service so we were also able to take advantage of optional information like links to web sites and Facebook pages for the businesses and actual menu photos of many restaurants. Of course these work on WiFi too. And I say “we” because the app supports family sharing so everyone can use it for one low price. MapChick updates it regularly with new information. All in all well worth the price.

This is the first time I’ve ever been compelled to write an app review. Trust me when I tell you, this app will make your visit to Isla Mujeres so much better. For several years, I’ve purchased the paper maps that MapChick (company that developed this app) produced for Isla Mujeres. Truly, some of the best maps I’ve ever seen. Incredible detail containing true “insider information”. I kinda felt like I had a local tour guide in my back pocket. Well, fast forward to 2019. They understood they needed to go digital & replace the paper maps. Two years worth of work & this is the result. Kept all the good stuff & added cool digital components.I’ve been using it for a day now and spent over 4 hours on it. For a brand new release of an app, I’ll give it an A-. Are there a few things that need to be addressed? Yes. Of course. But they are minor. They were totally committed to the quality of their paper maps and I’m betting they will put that sort of focus behind this digital version. Bottom line, if you are planning on spending any time on Isla Mujeres, this app is a necessity. Buy it & you will thank me for my advice.