Playa del Carmen

Ruins and history in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s historical landscape features archaeological remnants from the Postclassic Mayan era, concentrated primarily in the Playacar district. These sites, known as Xaman-Ha, once served as a departure point for pilgrimages to Cozumel. Modern cultural landmarks include the 16-meter-tall bronze Portal Maya sculpture in Parque Fundadores and the Frida Kahlo Museum, which chronicles the artist's life through multimedia galleries. The area also preserves significant botanical specimens, such as the Alamo Sakahua, a tree notable for its 18-meter diameter and expansive canopy.

Ruins and History — Map

Jiří Parimucha / CC-BY-SA

A

Portal Maya (Mayan Gateway)

A 16-meter-tall bronze archway designed by sculptor José Puruhuatl. Located in Parque Fundadores, it was inaugurated in 2012 to commemorate the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar cycle.

B

Frida Kahlo the Carmen beach

Multimedia museum exploring the life and creative process of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo through interactive exhibits, photographs, and biographical narratives.

Vova Nikitin / CC-BY-SA

C

Maya ruins

Small Postclassic archaeological site within the Playacar area, featuring limestone structures that were once part of the pre-Hispanic settlement of Xaman-Ha.

D

Maya ruins

Preserved stone foundations and ceremonial platforms dating to the Postclassic period, situated among the modern developments of Playacar.

E

Maya ruins

Coastal archaeological remains that served as residential dwellings and navigation markers for Mayan seafaring trade routes.

F

tree of 18m diameter

A massive Ficus tree, locally known as Alamo Sakahua, distinguished by its 18-meter diameter and significant age.

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