The Truth About The Island Of The Dolls

Real-Life Horror

Without a doubt, La Isla de las Muñecas, or "The Island of the Dolls," is like a horror film come to life.

Dark Tourism At Its Finest

Completely covered in dirty and battered dolls, the island—located south of the center of Mexico City—already has an air of terror. However, its haunting history makes it a must-see destination for paranormal enthusiasts, and today, it's a thriving tourist attraction.

Photo of Creepy old dolls in the abandoned Island of the Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico

marketa1982, Shutterstock

The Origin Story

To understand why and how The Island of the Dolls came to be, one must understand the heart-wrenching story of Don Julian Santana Barrera.

Photo of Creepy old dolls in the abandoned Island of the Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico
Esparta Palma, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

He Was Unstable

Reportedly, Barrera moved to the island in the 1950s, leaving his wife and family behind. Though his reasons for isolating himself are difficult to pinpoint, some sources say that he was mentally unwell.

Photo of Creepy old dolls in the abandoned Island of the Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico

KatyaMSL, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Finding Her Body

It wasn't long after moving that Barrera made the most upsetting discovery imaginable: He found a girl's body in the canals.

Photo of Creepy old dolls in the abandoned Island of the Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico

Wa17gs, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons