New York has its Central Park, San Francisco has Golden Gate Park, and Acapulco has its Parque Papagayo.

Parque Papagayo is Acapulco's big stretch of green that runs between La Costera and Ave. Cuahutémoc right before you enter the Golden Zone. It's situated right across from Hornos beach. Just look for the huge Mexican flag by the beach and you'll know right where to find the main entrance to the park.

Parque Papagayo offers roller skating and skateboard facilities, rides for the kids, a big pool, and the coup de grace, the 20-meter high Piñata fountain, which looks like a brightly painted jack. It's peaceful and a great place to jog or wander aimlessly. It's also a mini-zoo. The kids will enjoy seeing the many tropical birds, monkeys, jaguars and other tropical fauna that are cared for in the park.

Parque Papagayo is a great place for a morning or evening stroll, and it offers pleasant activities, like paddle boats and a replica of one of the old Spanish galleons. It also has places to buy foods, candy, and arts and crafts. It's also a nice place to go walking, or sitting on a park bench with a sweetheart, as many locals do. Parque Papagayo also operates several basketball courts and a big soccer field, where local youth and adult soccer leagues play.

The park closes at dark. There used to be a big tunnel in front of the park, before Hurricane Pauline struck.