Palapas Park (Parque Las Palapas)
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Try street food, pick up souvenirs, and do some people-watching at Palapas Park (Parque Las Palapas), which buzzes with locals, live music, food vendors, and shopping stalls. At this central plaza in downtown Cancun, you get an authentic look into Mexican culture that can’t be found at the nearby beaches and resorts.
Break away from the tourism-focused Hotel Zone to get a taste of Mexican culture at Parque Las Palapas. Catch shows on the central stage, watch street performers, and explore shops and restaurants. To visit with ease, take a Cancun tour that includes the plaza: Taste-test on a guided food tour, delve into culture on a city tour, or stop by on tour that also visits the beaches, Mayan ruins, and Playa del Carmen.
Parque Las Palapas attracts foodies and culture enthusiasts.
You can pick up affordable souvenirs and food.
The plaza is family-friendly and offers kid-focused activities.
The paved pathways are easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
Parque Las Palapas is located about six miles (10 kilometers) from the Hotel Zone just past the end of Boulevard Kukulcan on Calle 5. You can reach the park by public transportation—take the R1 bus toward downtown and get off at El Palacio. Or, visit on a tour that handles the transportation for you.
Parque Las Palapas is at its most lively on weekends, so to catch live music and mingle with throngs of locals, visit Friday night through Sunday. If you are going for shopping and want to avoid lines at the food carts, visit on a weekday.
Parque Las Palapas is conveniently located close to numerous downtown attractions. While in the area, visit the popular Mercado 28 flea market where you can wind your way through a maze of handicrafts and curiosities. For another local shopping experience, head to Mercado 23. Plus, take a stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Avenida Tulum, where you can shop or visit bars and restaurants.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!