The Portal Maya sculpture was commissioned in 2011 to celebrate the Mayan Baktún and the end of the long-count calendar.
The Voladores de Papantla ceremony is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The park's chapel is one of the oldest standing structures in the original fishing village that eventually became modern Playa del Carmen.
The sculpture was designed by artist Arturo Tavares Padilla and consists of over 60 tons of bronze.
The park is situated on land that once served as the primary departure point for fishing boats before the development of the tourism industry.
Parque Los Fundadores serves as the primary gateway between Playa del Carmen's bustling Quinta Avenida and the Caribbean Sea. The park is anchored by the Portal Maya, a massive 16-meter-tall bronze sculpture depicting two figures reaching toward a ring, representing the Mayan civilization. The central plaza frequently hosts traditional Voladores de Papantla performances, a ritual ceremony involving participants spinning from a high pole. It serves as a public space for cultural events, street performances, and local gatherings. The park is positioned directly adjacent to the ferry terminal servicing Cozumel. It provides open-air access to the beach and contains a small chapel, the Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, reflecting the city's early religious heritage. As of mid-2026, the area remains an active transit and leisure hub for residents and tourists alike.
Position yourself at the base of the Portal Maya sculpture looking toward the ocean to frame the bronze figures against the Caribbean horizon.
Watch your belongings closely, as the high volume of foot traffic near the ferry terminal attracts pickpockets.
Visit during the late afternoon to catch the Voladores performance, which occurs several times daily without a fixed schedule.
Look for the smaller, less crowded beach sections just north of the main park plaza for better sand space.
Avoid purchasing souvenirs from unlicensed vendors directly under the Portal Maya, as prices are often significantly marked up compared to local shops.
Beachwear is generally accepted, but refrain from walking through the chapel in swimwear; show respect during the ritual performances.
