The story goes that in the 1950s, when Playa del Carmen was nothing more than a small fishing town, the place where Los Fundadores Park is today was a meeting point for its inhabitants; In fact, it was considered the first center of the town, with simple sports fields where locals gathered to play basketball, soccer and cachibol.
Los Fundadores Park today
However, today the park is an icon of the city for its numerous shops, restaurants, cultural activities and the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, built in the sixties for the city’s patron saint and where the people of Playa organize weddings, baptisms and first communions.
Likewise, in 2012, the Mayan Portal was installed in the park, a 16-meter-high, 60-ton bronze sculpture that pays tribute to the Mesoamerican Mayan civilization developed in the region; and today it is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Likewise, the work marks the main access to Los Fundadores beach, which, along with Mamitas beach, is one of the favorites of locals and foreigners to sunbathe and enjoy the Mexican Caribbean.
What to do in the park?
In the place you can enjoy an interesting cultural offer that includes the Papantla flyers, pre-Hispanic dances, street artists and comedians. There are shows practically day and night.
There is also a wide gastronomic offer in its varied restaurants and bars; children’s games for the little ones and fashion and craft shops.
The Papantla flyers
Finally, as the park is the starting point of the famous Fifth Avenue, our recommendation is to explore it on foot to discover its attractions step by step. Of course, it is a very busy place, especially on the weekend.
How to get to Los Fundadores Park
Its location is very central, it is located at the end of Benito Juárez Avenue, a few steps from the ADO bus station and the ferry dock for Cozumel.
Admission is free and because it is a public square with a small boardwalk, it is open 24 hours a day.
Keep reading: Fifth Avenue: the good life in Playa del Carmen