Footprint author’s impressions of Cancún
Travel writer Peter Hutchison took this photo on November 28th. It shows the eastern end of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres.
Before he left Mexico today, I quickly asked him for his impressions of what he saw. Here are a few snippets…
"Land transport is not restricted in any way…but the boat shuttle service from Cancún no longer exists as the dock was destroyed by Wilma.
"I knew Wilma had dallied over Cancún, but I was still shocked by the amount of damage. Palapa roofs have been ripped off, palm trees have been shredded, but they’ll recover.
"The amount of damage to hotels and shopping malls is incredible - as if a small bomb had gone off in the area. Glass windows shattered, signage destroyed, tiles ripped from rooves.
"There’s no doubt there is a supreme effort to get as many hotels and services up and running by the official December 15th deadline [the start of the high season], but it’s difficult to see that really happening.
"Some hotels are open, operating and are almost untouched. Others have closed rather than inconvenience the luxury experience that is Cancún."
Peter is researching for the next edition of the Footprint Guide to Mexico & Central America. With thanks to Ron Mader for setting up this dialogue.
Edited by 
December 17th, 2005 at 1:22 am
I’d like more information regarding “the boat shuttle service from Cancún no longer exists as the dock was destroyed by Wilma.” Is it the dock on Isla Mujeres that was destroyed, or the one in Cancun? …and by “Cancun,” can I assume that means the dock at the hotel zone, and not the primary dock in Puerto Juárez?
December 17th, 2005 at 8:08 pm
As a business owner in Isla Mujeres, I can tell you that the ferry docks were not destroyed and the ferry’s were up and running days after the hurricane. Isla Mujeres and all of this area has made an amazing recovery from Wilma- I would say the island is 90% back to normal. Almost every single hotel and restaurant in Isla Mujeres is open and waiting for tourists. This is a beautiful little island so PLEASE do not change your plans! We are waiting to share paradise with you!
December 17th, 2005 at 8:18 pm
Yes, just to clarify…the pier in the Zona Hotelera was lost. The main Puerto Juárez - Isla Mujeres ferry is in service.
December 18th, 2005 at 7:50 pm
Thanks for the clarification. Jax, I’m glad to hear Isla is recovering. I’ve been there twice and plan to return again. Isla really is gorgeous. What I like most is that it is not over-done like a lot of places in the area. What makes it special is that it is a real living and working Mexican community and not just a tourist trap.
December 26th, 2005 at 10:55 pm
Is the bridge rebuilt out to the Avalon and are the condos there in one piece?
December 30th, 2005 at 9:15 pm
Robert - the Avalon Reef Club will re-open on December 31st after repairs.