Lazaro Cardenas Park

In the heart of the Old Town, where the life of the Zona Romántica district is in full swing, lies Lázaro Cárdenas Park. This unique space in the city of Puerto Vallarta is often called "Mosaic Park" by locals. Mexico is famous for its vibrant street art, and this park has become one of its most impressive manifestations.

The main feature of the park is its incredible design. Thanks to the initiative of artist Natasha Moraga, ordinary concrete benches, columns, and walls have been turned into true works of art, covered with thousands of pieces of multicolored glass tiles. The mosaics shimmer under the sun's rays, creating a joyful atmosphere and making every corner of the park a perfect backdrop for photographs.

The park occupies an entire city block and is built over an underground parking lot. It harmoniously combines natural elements — shady flowerbeds with trees — and cultural objects, such as a central gazebo and an amphitheater. It is not just a place for relaxation, but a true open-air cultural hub where history meets modern creativity.

In addition to the visual delight, the park offers a chance to get acquainted with the region's historical figures. Bronze busts and statues of prominent people who played an important role in the city's development are installed throughout the grounds. It is a magnet for both tourists and locals who appreciate the cozy and authentic atmosphere of the Old Town.

For your convenience, the main contact details for the park are listed below. You can always ask locals for directions, as it is one of the most well-known landmarks in the Old Town.

The main activity here is the visual exploration of the mosaics. Every bench and column is unique: detailed patterns change their appearance depending on the angle of the light. Be sure to have a photoshoot amidst this riot of colors or simply sit with a book in the shade of the trees to experience the slow rhythm of resort life.

If your visit falls on a Saturday, you are in luck. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, a farmers market unfolds in the park. This is the perfect place to buy unique handmade souvenirs, local crafts, natural cosmetics, and, of course, to try homemade Mexican food to the sound of live music.

Towards evening, life moves to the amphitheater on the beach side of the park. Free performances, music shows, and cultural events are often held here. On Sundays, you can often find mariachi musicians in the park, whose performances fill the air with traditional Mexican melodies. The park is perfectly safe for walks even after dark, when soft lighting gives the mosaics a special charm.

Finding this colorful corner of the city is quite easy, as it is located at Venustiano Carranza 146-200, right in the heart of the famous Zona Romántica. If you are staying in the Old Town or the downtown area, the best option is a walk along the scenic Malecón promenade — the journey will take between 5 to 15 minutes depending on your pace.

For those coming from further away or the airport, it is convenient to use a taxi or book a transfer. The trip from Puerto Vallarta airport usually takes about 30–45 minutes. Many city buses also pass through this area, offering a budget-friendly and colorful way to get around.

The park serves as a natural boundary and meeting point between the northern and southern parts of the waterfront, making it almost impossible to miss. For drivers, there is an underground parking garage located beneath the park, which significantly simplifies finding a spot in the busy city center.

The name of this public space carries deep meaning: it is named after General Lázaro Cárdenas, an outstanding President of Mexico who made significant contributions to the country's development and founded the oil company Pemex. A statue of him stands in the center of the park as a reminder of this leader's political legacy.

The park's grounds have been transformed several times. In the early 1990s, characteristic flowerbeds and a gazebo were added, and a major reconstruction in 2005 introduced an important infrastructure element — the underground parking. However, the modern look of "Mosaic Park" only began to take shape in 2017. That was when artist Natasha Moraga initiated the project to decorate the concrete surfaces with vibrant tiles.

It is also important to note other monuments installed here. You will see busts of Enrique Carothers Barreto, the engineer who was at the origins of the region's tourism boom, and Luis Reyes Brambila, the founder of important local newspapers. The most touching addition is the sculptural composition "Ándale Bernardo", depicting children with a donkey, which quickly became a favorite for both guests and residents.

To simply stroll through the park and examine the main mosaic panels, you will need about 30–45 minutes. This is enough time to take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the bright benches and visit the historical busts.

However, if you plan to visit the Saturday market, listen to live music, or simply relax in the shade of the trees while watching the city bustle, it is worth setting aside 1.5–2 hours. Combined with a walk along the entire Malecón, a visit to the park can be part of a pleasant three-hour route through the Old Town.

The park is a public space and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can stop by here early in the morning to enjoy the silence, or late in the evening after dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Despite the round-the-clock access, keep in mind that the farmers market and cultural events have their own schedules. If you want to attend a specific show or the market, it is recommended to check the latest information on the city's official tourism portals or at local information centers.

The park's location in the historical center makes it an ideal starting point for further exploration of the city. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to discover both natural beauty and modern entertainment complexes located within easy reach.