The story of this begins when a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here. For some unknown reason, he left his wife and decided to spend the last 50 years of his life living alone. I suspect it’s because his wife kept stealing the covers while they were sleeping.
The “haunted” aspect of this story begins when supposedly three girls once visited here and while playing in the water, one of the girls drowned. As a result, her restless spirit haunted the island. Julian initially put up one doll to ward off this paranormal menace and help put the girls soul to rest so she could pass on to the next life. However, the “activity “of the ghost only increased and more and more dolls were placed in the trees in an attempt to appease the girl’s spirit. The only time Julian left the island was to get more dolls. He even used to trade food for dolls. It is also said that each doll holds a portion of the girl’s spirit.
Sadly, Don Julian Santana was found dead in 2001 by his nephew, in the same canal where he said the little girl drowned! (Freaky huh?) The island was on the Syfy Channel show “Destination Truth”, where a paranormal investigation team spent the night. They apparently saw apparitions and heard voices.
This is a strange tourist attraction. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the dead childish faces of dolls that appear to haunt this place. It’s as though they are following you as you wander around, checking you out. It is as though they are what haunts this island not the spirit of the little girl.
This super eerie tourist attraction is located south of Mexico City . It’s on private property but the nephew now runs tours there so it’s easy to get to. Simply ask your hotel or hostel when you get there and they can point you in the right direction. If you go to the Xochimilco canal, take a trajinera from the Cuemanco Pier to the island.
