Parque Los Fundadores
Vibrant beachfront park in Playa del Carmen, featuring the iconic Portal Maya sculpture, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch performances & sunset
Parque Los Fundadores
Best Time
Catch performances & sunset

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant beachfront park in Playa del Carmen, featuring the iconic Portal Maya sculpture, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere.
"A vibrant and iconic destination that perfectly captures the heart of the city."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Portal Maya sculpture is a must for photos, especially at sunset!
⛴️ Ferry to Cozumel
The ferry terminal is here. Buy tickets in advance if possible to save time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Portal Maya Sculpture
Beachfront
An iconic, breathtaking sculpture offering a stunning backdrop for photos and a symbol of Playa del Carmen.

Traditional Mayan Dance
Main stage area
Experience vibrant cultural performances that bring local traditions to life in the late afternoon and evening.

Beachfront Atmosphere
Adjacent beach
Enjoy the ocean breeze, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere with street performers and vendors.

Local Market Stalls
Park perimeter
Browse unique handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks from a variety of vendors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vibe
Gateway to Cozumel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Portal Maya sculpture is a must for photos, especially at sunset!
⛴️ Ferry to Cozumel
The ferry terminal is here. Buy tickets in advance if possible to save time.
💰 Currency Exchange
CI Banco at the ADO terminal offers decent USD to pesos exchange rates.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Explore the market stalls for unique crafts and local treats.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Portal Maya sculpture is a must for photos, especially at sunset!
⛴️ Ferry to Cozumel
The ferry terminal is here. Buy tickets in advance if possible to save time.
💰 Currency Exchange
CI Banco at the ADO terminal offers decent USD to pesos exchange rates.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Explore the market stalls for unique crafts and local treats.
💃 Cultural Shows
Don't miss the traditional Mayan dance performances in the evening!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque Los Fundadores is a vibrant, must-visit spot in Playa del Carmen, praised for its lively atmosphere, iconic Portal Maya sculpture, and cultural performances. It's a convenient hub for transport to Cozumel and offers a great mix of local experiences, though the nearby beach cleanliness can be a minor drawback.
"Parque de Fundadores is a must-visit when you’re in Playa del Carmen! It’s a great spot to chill, surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants, and it’s right by the ferry to Cozumel. The vibe here is lively, with street performers, live music, and a beautiful beachfront view.
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend setting aside time to visit Cozumel—it has some of the prettiest, clearest beaches, way less crowded than Playa del Carmen. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a drink, or just soaking in the atmosphere, this spot needs to be on your Playa del Carmen itinerary!"
Andee M
"Parque Los Fundadores is a vibrant and lively spot in Playa del Carmen, perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere. Located right by the beach, the park is always bustling with energy, thanks to its street performers, vendors, and the impressive Portal Maya sculpture that serves as a stunning backdrop.
One of the best parts of visiting is the market that lines the area, offering a great mix of handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. The street leading to the park is always busy, filled with tourists and locals alike, creating a lively and engaging experience.
While the beach area nearby isn’t the cleanest, it still adds to the charm of the place with its beautiful views and ocean breeze. Whether you’re here to watch a traditional Mayan dance performance, shop for unique items, or just relax and people-watch, Parque Los Fundadores is definitely worth a visit."
Ashish Gupta
"Beautiful place to just sit and feel the ocean breeze!!!! There is a beautiful shopping center not too far from the beach as well!!!"
Cathy Ramirez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take an ADO bus directly from Cancun Airport to the Playa del Carmen terminal, which is located at Parque Los Fundadores. The journey takes about an hour.
Yes, if you're coming from other parts of Playa del Carmen, local buses and colectivos (shared vans) frequently stop near the park.
Yes, you can drive, but parking can be challenging and expensive in the immediate vicinity. It's often easier to use public transport or taxis.
Parque Los Fundadores is centrally located on Avenida Constituyentes and the beach, so it's easily walkable from most downtown hotels and the main Fifth Avenue.
Absolutely! It's a major hub, making it super convenient for airport transfers and onward travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parque Los Fundadores is a public park and is free to enter. You only pay for specific activities or ferry tickets.
The park is generally open 24/7, but specific attractions like the market stalls and performance areas have their own operating hours, typically from late afternoon into the evening.
The traditional Mayan dance performances are usually free to watch as part of the park's atmosphere, though donations are appreciated.
Ferry prices can vary, but typically range from $20-$25 USD for a round trip. It's advisable to check current prices at the ferry terminal.
Yes, there are numerous market stalls and vendors selling a wide variety of souvenirs, crafts, and local products.
📸 📸 Photography
The Portal Maya sculpture is a must-capture, especially during sunset. The beachfront offers stunning ocean views, and the vibrant market stalls add color to your shots.
Generally, yes, but it's polite to ask permission or offer a small tip if you're taking close-up shots or filming extensively.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light for photos, and you'll also catch the vibrant atmosphere and performances.
There are no major restrictions for personal photography. However, commercial photography or filming might require permits.
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near tourist attractions due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check local ordinances.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park is surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also find street food vendors selling local snacks and drinks.
You'll find a wide variety, from traditional Mexican cuisine and seafood to international options. Street vendors offer snacks like obleas and elotes.
Street food vendors and casual eateries offer more affordable choices compared to sit-down restaurants.
Yes, there are many vendors selling refreshing drinks, including aguas frescas, sodas, and alcoholic beverages like micheladas.
Generally, street food is popular and safe, but it's always wise to choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In the evenings, the traditional Mayan dance performances can be captivating for children, offering an engaging cultural experience. The surrounding market stalls also provide opportunities for kids to find small souvenirs. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options can be a bit pricier within the immediate park area.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Passengers
If you have a few hours before your bus or ferry, the park offers a pleasant place to relax, grab a bite from a nearby restaurant or street vendor, and soak in the local atmosphere. The Portal Maya sculpture is a quick and iconic photo opportunity before you continue your journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to capture the energy of the Mayan dance performances and the stunning beachfront views. While the beach itself might not be the cleanest, the turquoise waters and the general ambiance are incredibly photogenic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Playa del Carmen
The park's prime location makes it a crucial point for transportation, housing the ADO bus terminal for airport transfers and the ferry terminal for trips to the island of Cozumel. This strategic positioning means it's often the first or last point of contact for many visitors, making it a bustling gateway.
Beyond its practical functions, Parque Los Fundadores offers a rich cultural experience. It's a place where you can witness local traditions, enjoy live music, and soak in the lively Mexican Caribbean atmosphere. The surrounding area is also packed with shops, bars, and restaurants, ensuring there's always something to do or see.
Cultural Performances and Events
Beyond the regular cultural shows, Parque Los Fundadores frequently hosts a variety of events and festivals. From music festivals like the Villavo Love Fest to culinary events such as the Grill Fest, the park transforms into a dynamic venue for community gatherings. These events often feature local artists, musicians, and food vendors, providing an immersive experience of Playa del Carmen's lively spirit.
Keep an eye on local event listings or social media for announcements regarding special happenings. Attending one of these events can offer a unique perspective on local life and provide opportunities to sample regional delicacies or discover emerging artists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit