All about Parque de Las Américas in Mérida (2025 Guide)

When I first heard about Parque de Las Américas, the name had me picturing something huge – and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. Parque de Las Américas is a large urban park located outside the city center.

The park stretches four blocks along Avenida Colón – from Calle 16 to Calle 18 – in the García Ginerés neighborhood. The blocks are separated by the multi-lane roads Calle 20 and Calle 21, creating four distinct sections rather than a continuous park.

Built between 1943 and 1945, this is one of Mérida’s largest parks and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful, thanks to its lush greenery and well-thought-out design.

Of course, Gran Parque La Plancha is in a league of its own, but Parque de Las Américas has its own unique charm.

Maya-Inspired Architecture

The park’s architecture is deeply influenced by Maya culture, with structures adorned with Maya-style carvings and motifs. These artistic details honor the region’s cultural heritage and can be found throughout the park.

One of its most unique features is a series of columns, each dedicated to a different nation of the Americas. These columns bear each country’s coat of arms or emblem, symbolizing a shared cultural connection across the continent.

A Historic Mérida Neighborhood

García Ginerés is one of the oldest neighborhoods outside Mérida’s historic center. Over the years, it has attracted residents from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America, creating a diverse community.

The neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles, from colonial-era houses to modernist designs from the mid-20th century. As a general rule, the farther north you go, the newer the residential areas become.

Music and Dance at the Concha

One of the park’s highlights is its covered stage, known as the "Concha Acústica" (which translates to "acoustic shell"). Its design and decoration take inspiration from the Thousand Columns of Chichén Itzá, adding to its historical and cultural appeal.

On Sundays, this area becomes a lively hub of activity. You’ll often find live music, dance performances, and even clown shows.

The park is also one of the official venues of "Mérida en Domingo" (Mérida on Sunday), during which surrounding streets are closed to traffic, much like in Plaza Grande.

Centro Cultural José Martí

One section of the park is home to the Centro Cultural José Martí, designed in the Puuc architectural style to resemble a traditional Maya dwelling. The heart of this space is the José Martí Library, which is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Each month, the center hosts art exhibitions featuring works by local, Mexican, and international artists. There’s also a children’s reading room, and on two Tuesdays per month, the center screens films at 8 PM.

The Serpent Columns in the Park

The third section of the park features green spaces and a platform gallery decorated with images of Maya deities. A large semi-circular water fountain adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Behind the fountain stand seven serpent-like columns, representing Kukulkán, the feathered serpent deity of the Maya. These columns symbolize wisdom, power, and the connection between the heavens and the earth.

A Family-Friendly Playground

The fourth and final block of the park is dedicated to children. There’s a playground with trampolines and a bouncy castle, where kids can have fun for a small fee.

This section also includes a designated track for rollerblading and skateboarding, which is fenced off for safety. The park is always filled with families, street vendors, and food stalls, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Image Source: ©Cecilia Ortiz, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, sky changed)