Playa del Carmen certainly has plenty of places to walk around, enjoy the great weather and fabulous beaches, and interact with locals and tourists alike. There is a specific place, however, that takes you back in time. When Playa del Carmen was a small fishing village, its residents visited open-air markets daily for their supplies. One of those markets was located in Parque Los Fundadores (the Founding Fathers Park). Small pangas (wooding fishing boats) would arrive at the water’s edge filled with the morning’s catch to sell at the markets.
Amenities and Comforts Just Around the Corner
Straight east of Parque Los Fundadores is the beautiful Caribbean Sea, brushing up against the sugar white-sand beach. Just to its south is the pier. Here, ferries shuttle people to and from Cozumel Island. Located on 5th avenue and Avenue Benito Juarez, this historic landmark is still a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. On about any given day of the week, you will find vendors selling mixed fruits, assorted foods, and handcrafted gifts under an umbrella of street-lined trees. People come to just relax, watch the children play, and look out at the gorgeous turquoise waters.
Parque Los Fundadores offers many unique attractions like the Mayan portal statue, which represents a new era of the Mayan calendar. This 52-foot-high bronze statue has a column of water pushing up a woman who is clasping hands with a man that is being supported by a thrust of whirling wind. If you have ever dreamed of saying your wedding vows in a chapel by the sea, here is the perfect opportunity to do so. On one corner of the park is a quaint little chapel, Nuestra Señora del Carmen church. It appears straight out of a fairytale story. This Spanish-style bleach-white chapel is used for matrimony, morning and afternoon masses and baptism. These two iconic landmarks are a must-see when visiting Playa del Carmen.
A Look at Ancient Mexican Rituals
You will constant find entertainment happening when walking around the park. There are plenty of smaller scale freelancing locals who put on shows throughout the day. Their shows range from traditional to modern and contemporary themes. As the day matures, there are two special groups of performers who begin to set up for an amazing experience. In full authentic dress, true Mayan descendants perform several ritual dances. They pay homage to nature’s elements, including fire, the changing of seasons, and the evolution of life.
If you get frightened with performances that include heights, you might want to close your eyes during a few parts of the next show. A traditional ceremony asking for rain from the gods above will put thrill-seekers on the edge of their seats. Originally from Veracruz, the Voladores de Papantla climb a 100-foot-high pole in full-dress. The tribe leader stands on a 3-square-foot platform praying to the gods, while the other four voladores tie a rope around their ankles. Once the leader finishes his chant, the others drop over the edge and swing down like drops of rains to the ground…upside down! All the performances are free of charge. However, your donations are greatly appreciated to keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Greenery and Tranquility
The park’s landscape is draped with plenty of mature trees, a variety of plants and flowering foliage. It features a gazebo, plenty of park benches, and a playground for children. You will find this park to be a great place to people-watch or take in all the sites. You can spend an hour of your day walking through the park, grabbing some homemade Mexican food from one of the stands, and sit back to enjoy Playa del Carmen’s chilled lifestyle.
Invest in Parque Los Fundadores Real Estate
Parque Los Fundadores is a great area to be nearby, as you are right next to the ferry, have access to beautiful beaches and are nearby many attractions like Fifth Avenue. Luckily, it is one of the best places to consider purchasing real estate. If you are an investor looking for a strong return on vacation rentals, you can’t go wrong. But even if you’re just retiring, the area is lively, yet quiet at night, and it features great amenities nearby. From 2-bedroom condos that are modern and luxurious to more laidback studios, you are spoiled for choices.
If you want to see other options, we have thousands of listings available on our website. You can also reach out to one of our professional Buyer’s Representatives who can help you find your dream home.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
