Attraction
Museo Maya de Cancún
INAH's Maya museum in the Hotel Zone, opened in 2012, with Quintana Roo's key archaeological finds and the San Miguelito ruins in its grounds.
Parque de las Palapas
Downtown Cancún's main gathering place, a park in Supermanzana 22 where families come for snacks, crafts and events, renovated by the city in 2023-24.
At a glance
- Type
- Town square and park
- Area
- Supermanzana 22, Downtown, Cancún, Mexico
Good to know
- Free entry
- Children's play equipment
- Fountains
- Artisans' pavilion
Why we recommend it
Parque de las Palapas is the closest thing downtown Cancún has to a main square, and it is where you see the city as residents live it rather than as a resort. The park lies in Supermanzana 22, in the downtown district founded with the city in 1970, and the municipal government describes it as part of Cancún's identity: a place where several generations of local families have come in the evening to meet, let children play, buy snacks and crafts and watch cultural and artistic events.
In late 2023 the city began a full renovation. The plans presented by the mayor, Ana Paty Peralta, included new stamped concrete and rubber flooring, children's play equipment, LED lighting, a fountain system, a pavilion for artisans, new pavements, benches and tree planting, with a committee of residents formed to keep an eye on progress and spending. The work was completed and the park reopened in late 2024; local reporting lists 18 play structures, around 150 new lights, a fountain with water jets and an artisans' pavilion of almost 200 square metres. The final bill came to more than 44 million pesos, well above the original budget.
Be realistic about what you will find. In January 2026 the newspaper Por Esto reported that residents were already complaining about wear: some play equipment and lights damaged, rubbish building up and security problems, and food vendors who had been promised a space in the new design had not been able to use it. None of this stops the park from being busy, but it is a working city square rather than a showpiece.
The appeal is the atmosphere. With families, craft sellers and snack vendors sharing the space, it is one of the easiest places in Cancún to watch everyday life. It suits travellers staying downtown, visitors who want a break from the Hotel Zone and anyone curious about the city beyond the beaches. Entry is free.
Keep an eye on your belongings as you would in any busy public space, and combine the visit with a meal downtown. Mercado 28, the city's best-known crafts market, is in nearby Región 28 on Avenida Xel-Há, and the older Mercado 23, founded in 1978 and described locally as the city's oldest market, is also within easy reach for anyone who wants to see where residents shop for food.
Parque de las Palapas FAQs
Where is Parque de las Palapas?
In Supermanzana 22 in downtown Cancún.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, it is a public park with free entry.
Who goes there?
Mainly local families, along with snack sellers, craft vendors and visitors staying downtown.
Was the park renovated?
Yes, the city renovated it from late 2023, adding new floors, play equipment, lighting, fountains and an artisans' pavilion.
Is it in good condition?
Local reporting in January 2026 noted some damaged equipment, rubbish and security complaints, so expect a working city square.
Is it good for children?
Yes, the renovation added 18 play structures and fountains.
What is nearby?
Downtown restaurants and markets such as Mercado 28 on Avenida Xel-Há and Mercado 23 on Avenida Jabín.
Does the park host events?
The city describes it as a venue for cultural and artistic events as well as snack and craft sellers.