Parque Los Fundadores

One reason vacationers choose Playa del Carmen is because of its tremendous walkability to parks, attractions, and of course the beach. Parque Los Fundadores is a prime example. Its central location in the heart of Playa del Carmen makes it a popular venue for music festivals and gatherings throughout the year.

The park is at the edge of Quinta Avenida near the Cozumel Ferry Pier. Named after the founding families, it marks the evolution of Playa del Carmen from a fishing village into a vacation hotspot.

One of the most striking features at Parque Los Fundadores is the Portal Maya. Artist Arturo Taravez fashioned the 52-foot bronze sculpture to pay tribute to Mayan culture. Its intricate design and towering presence make it an unmissable landmark. Locals and vacationers often gather around it at sunrise or sunset to use as a backdrop for photos.

Another part of the park provides a performance area for the spectacular Papantla Flyers - Voladores de Papantla. This ceremonial tribute combines aerial acrobatics, music, and death-defying daring, making it an Intangible Cultural Heritage event by UNESCO. We’ll discuss this in more detail in our next section.

The Nuestra Señora del Carmen chapel next to the park is a white stucco gem set against the Caribbean backdrop. This peaceful chapel serves as a spiritual retreat and a picturesque spot for weddings and ceremonies. 

Children will love playing on the pirate-themed playground. Situated on soft sand, it offers safe, shaded fun for the little ones. 

Lively markets, food vendors, and frequent festivals at the park will appeal to visitors of all ages. Parque Los Fundadores is a must-see destination in Playa de del Carmen, blending history, heritage, and lively modern charm.

Parque Los Fundadores: Fun Facts & Cool Features

A cool feature of the park is that it’s your gateway to San Miguel de Cozumel. As mentioned, the ferry dock is close by, making it easy to combine relaxation before or after your ride aboard services like Ultramar. 

Playa Fundadores Beach is another reason to visit this spot. The popular beach next to Parque Los Fundadores adds surf and sun options for your group. 

The colorful Playa del Carmen sign is of course a reason to stop by the park. The large letters, painted in vivid colors with palms and azure waters in the backdrop, are a magnet for family pictures and selfies. 

Another perk is that the park is within walking distance of the area’s premier eateries. Nearby Choux Choux Cafe is your go-to for early breakfast or brunch, while Zitla Playa features tasty pub fare in a beach-vibe setting. 

As promised, let’s explore the astonishing Papantla Flyers. The entertainers perform a pre-Hispanic ritual from Veracruz to invoke water during dry seasons. Five men (with their feet tied to ropes) ascend a 98-foot pole where one man stands atop, playing a flute and drum. 

Next, the others fling themselves off the platform and spin from suspended ropes, lowering themselves to the ground. The falling men symbolize raindrops descending from the sky. The UNESCO-recognized performance is a must-see on your Playa del Carmen vacation!

Visiting Parque Los Fundadores is more than sightseeing. It’s about feeling the vibrancy of Playa’s culture and history wrapped in one lively spot. From stunning art and sacred spaces to thrilling live performances, it is a microcosm of the city. Whether you’re looking for history, entertainment, or relaxation, it’s worth adding to any vacation itinerary.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Parque Los Fundadores in Playa del Carmen:

• Head west on Calle 12 Norte toward 1ra Ave. Norte.
• Turn left onto 1ra Ave. Norte and continue for 200 meters.
• Turn right onto Avenida Juárez and follow it until you reach the intersection with Avenida 5 Norte.
• Continue on Avenida Juárez for about 300 meters to the park.
• Address: Parque Los Fundadores, Av Benito Juárez 251, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.

Cost

While visiting Parque Los Fundadores is free, here are some costs to consider:

• Performances are free though donations are encouraged.
• Local vendor snacks start at around 20 pesos.
• Parking fees range from 20 to 50 pesos per hour.