Adjacent to downtown Lima you find the Parque de la Exposición, also known as Parque de la Cultura or Gran Parque de Lima, an oasis of peace and tranquility amidst Lima’s noisy and hectic hustle and bustle. When the former president of Peru José Balta ordered the demolition of Lima’s city walls in 1870 the area of the south gate, known as Gate of Guadeloupe, was assigned to become a big park housing the ‘Exposición International de Lima’ (The international exhibition of Lima).

The wide expanse of green space with the Palacio de Exposición, which houses today the Museo de Arte was built and designed by Manuel Atanasio and the Italian architect Antonio Leonardi and inaugurated in 1872. During the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1883), the Parque de la Exposición was used for military purposes; before the Chilean invasion as a garrison and hospital for Peruvian soldiers and after the invasion Chilean troops set up their camp here. As many other parts of Lima the Parque de la Exposición was left to deteriorate in the 70s and 80s. But in the late 90s the park was completely remodeled.

Today you can enjoy the newly renovated Museo de Arte with its beautiful gardens, numerous pavilions, theaters and stages, restaurants and food vendors, monuments, fountains, a small pond with paddle boats and a Japanese garden with koi ponds (a present from Japan to the city of Lima). The park houses regularly fairs and festivals, often showcasing arts and crafts, foods and cultural events from other parts of Peru.

At weekends the numerous stages and the atrium are used for all kinds of performances: from puppeteers to theatre plays and musicals.

Address: Paseo Colon corner Av. Garcilaso de la Vega block 15,
Open daily 08.00am – 10.00pm

The Parque de la Reserva was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in the defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. But more than 65 years later Parque de la Reserva became one of Lima’s most visited tourist attractions.

In May 2007 a water and light show called the Circuito Magico del Agua (The Magic Water Circuit) was inaugurated. The Magic Water Circuit has the Guinness Book record for the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains and many are interactive. All of the fountains are illuminated at night, many with continuously changing color schemes. A colorful laser light program synchronized with classical and Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.

A truly magical experience and a must for every Lima visitor! The show lasts around 30 minutes and takes place hourly.

Address: Next to the Estadio Nacional (National Stadium). The park is located between the Paseo de la Republica and Av. Arequipa, Lima
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday and Public Holidays 04.00pm to 22.00pm
Entrance fee: S/. 4.-

Just a few blocks from Plaza San Martin is the Parque Universitario (the University Park). The park was named after the National University of San Marcos (considered to be the first university in the Americas) that resided in the large mansion behind the park from 1867 until 1965. In 1870 the city wall that surrounded Lima was demolished and on the free space of 20,000m2 in front of the university a plaza was supposed to be constructed. But for years the area lay idle and was paved only 50 years later.

For the centenary of Peru’s independence in 1921 the German community in Peru build a 30m high clock tower in the University Park. Every midday at 12.00 it plays the Peruvian National Anthem. In the following years 3 monuments were inaugurated: In 1922 the bronze and marble statue of Bartolomé Herrera, an important Peruvian personality, congress man and promoter of the national education, in 1924 a sculpture made of bronze and granite of Sebastián Lorente, the ‘Maestro de la Juventud’ (Teacher of the Youth), a teacher and Spanish historian who founded the Colegio Nacional Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Lima and in 1931 a monument made from Italian marble dedicated to Hipólito Unanue, a precursor of the Peruvian Independence, a politician and doctor.

The University Park has seen most of Lima‘s and Peru‘s more recent history: Declarations were announced and students riots took place here. After years of deterioration in the 80s and 90s - times where Lima had to cope with other issues – the University Park today shines in new splendor and is worth a visit to relax on one of the nice benches and feel a part of Peruvian history.

Address: Av. Nicolás de Piérola 1222, Lima City Center

Parque de la Muralla (Park of the Wall) is located behind the San Francisco Church directly at the banks of the River Rimac. In this park remains of the old city wall that once protected Lima from invading pirates and the rising waters of the Rio Rimac were unearthed. Today you can see around 300 meters of the nicely restored city wall. The small on-site museum displays pieces and artifacts found during the excavation and explains the history of the wall.

The park has a miniature train for the kids, nice walkways and benches to sit down and relax. It is more designed for families, but even if you are on your own it´s worth a visit. Actually it’s a surprisingly quiet and restful place amidst the crowded, hectic Historical City Center. Don´t miss the restaurants, souvenir shops and of course the statue of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

Address: Jr. Amazonas block 1 corner Av. Abancay, Lima City Center

The Parque de las Leyendas is Lima’s traditional zoo. But it’s much more than that. It is located amidst a big part of Lima’s most extensive ancient city and is one of the most important pre-Hispanic complexes at the central Peruvian coast called the Archaeological Complex of Maranga. The Botanical Garden within the park has more than 20ha of green areas and is one of the biggest in Peru. The park successfully manages to combine ecology, archaeology, education and relaxation. The Botanical Garden is with over 3200 individual plants, including 1800 botanical species (angiosperms and gymnosperms) one of the biggest in Peru and covers around 5ha.

The Botanical Garden of the Parque de las Leyendas is divided into 16 sections, displaying the rich diversity of plants that Peru has to offer. Among others there is a garden for vulnerable and endangered native plants, an orchid garden, a Limeñan cactus garden, a pilot garden with plants for medical use, an arboretum and green houses for palm trees, zamias and peperomias.

While wandering around the extensive area you can’t miss the pyramidal structures that served different ingenious civilizations as temples and burial grounds. In the Parque de las Leyendas are some very interesting museums like the Museo Ernst. W. Middendorf, displaying artifacts and mummies found in the different religious and ceremonial centers, the Museo Petroleo, offering an educational exhibition about the process of exploration, exploitation and the transforming of crude oil and its derivatives and finally the Museo Celestino Kalinosky with an amazing butterfly exhibition.

Over all the Parque de las Leyendas is an ideal place to spend a day watching animals, learning more about the Peruvian history and ancient cultures or just relaxing and enjoying the cactus garden, picnic area, playground, horse riding, the unique flora and of course the food in one of the restaurants. It is an amazing natural treasure within the chaotic 8 million metropolis and a great chance to learn about Peru’s rich biodiversity and Lima’s ancient past. To really enjoy the park you should avoid going there on weekends as it might be too crowded.

Address: Av. Las Leyendas 580 – 586, San Miguel
Website: http://www.leyendas.gob.pe (Spanish)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09.00am to 06.00pm
Entrance fee: Monday to Friday Kids S/. 4.00, Adults S/. 8.50, Saturday and Sunday Kids S/. 4.50, Adults S/. 9.00, Public Holidays Kids S/. 5.00, Adults S/. 10.00

The Parque Zoologico Huachipa is one of Lima´s two zoos, but as well a great place for adults and kids to chill out and have fun. The zoo is a nicely arranged refuge for over 2000 animals of more than 300 species. Next to the ‘international’ animals are many indigenous Peruvian animals (monkeys, pelicans, vicuñas, lamas, different birds, parrots, crocodiles, fish, turtles and may more).

Parque Zoologico Huachipa has large natural and recreational areas, including small, clean and nicely maintained areas for the animals, gardens with over 600 species of exotic, native and endangered plants, a bonsai garden, a cactus garden and a garden for succulent plants. Visitors can enjoy the picnic area, the restaurant, the small lagoon for a boat trip and kids will love a train ride around the zoo or the inviting playground with an interesting pirate boat.

Address: Av. Las Torres, Ate Vitarte
Website: http://www.zoohuachipa.com.pe (Spanish)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Entrance fees: Kids S/. 6.00, Adults S/. 10.00

Parque Central and Parque Kennedy unite to one big park in the heart of Miraflores. At daytime it’s a beautiful place to have a little break and enjoy yourself. Here you find the Municipality of Miraflores, the main church ‘Virgen Milagrosa’, a small information point (unfortunately they mostly only speak Spanish), a playground for the little ones and some nice restaurants and street cafes. Vendors sell yummy typical Peruvian sweets like ‘picarones’ (a kind of donut prepared with yam or squash flour seasoned with cinnamon, anisette and salt and fried in oil). In the afternoons and on weekends craftsmen and artists sell their work and sometimes musicians entertain everybody who wants to listen. Especially on weekends Parque Central and Parque Kennedy are the place for small fairs, crafts markets, family and cultural events. In the evenings the parks are a favorite meeting place for the youth and for those who want to enjoy their evening and go out.

Location: Enclosed by Ovalo Miraflores, Av. Larco and Av. Diagonal

The park is located at the corner of Av. Benavides and Av. Paseo de la República. Established at exactly the same place where the Peruvian army and poorly armed militias under General Andrés Avelino Cácares set up to defend Lima from the invading Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific it pays homage to the brave men who fought until the bitter end to protect their country. The monument built in the middle of this beautiful park shows scenes of the horrific War of the Pacific and is a constant reminder of Peruvian bravery. Regularly the Municipality of Miraflores hoists up the Peruvian Flag in Parque Reducto No. 2.

The park houses as well a small museum, dedicated to General Andrés Avelino Cácares. In front of the museum one of the last remaining steam trains can be viewed that once carried passengers from Lima to the summer seaside resorts Miraflores and Chorrillos. On request you can get married here as well. Every Saturday morning from 08.00 am to 02.00 pm you find behind the Parque Reducto the ‘Bioferia’, a small market with fresh organic products. Local organic farmers offer not only fruits and vegetables but as well bread, jam, eggs, milk products (including goat milk products), organic juices, coffee and natural cosmetics.

Location: Av. Benavides and Av. Paseo de la República, Miraflores

Parque del Amor is located following the Malecon de la Reserva after the bridge at the intersection with Malecon Balta. This small park is entirely dedicated to all lovers and offers a stunning view over the bay of Lima. It’s really romantic here at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding walls are artfully decorated with mosaics. In the center of Parque del Amor you find the statue ‘El Beso’ (The Kiss) from Victor Delfín. It shows two lovers united in an intimate kiss.

Location: Malecon de la Reserva / Malecon Balta, Miraflores

Just a few blocks north of Parque del Amor along the cliff is another beautiful park, Parque El Faro (the lighthouse park). You can see the lighthouse already from quite a distance. In Parque El Faro the famous para gliders of Miraflores start and hopefully land safely again, if the wind is good. Watch them flying over the cliff and the skyline of Miraflores. For the brave ones, book a tandem flight and enjoy the unbelievable experience. It’s a nice spot to do some cycling. And for all dog owners and lovers, behind the lighthouse is a small “dog-park” where your four legged friend can enjoy its time with others.

Location: Malecon Cisneros, Miraflores

Named after the great Peruvian aviator Alfredo Salazar the park offers a stunning view over the Pacific Ocean. On clear days you can see the whole bay of Lima from Chorrillos and Barranco in the south to Callao with its islands in the north. Built into the cliffs is the famous ‘Centro Comercial Larcomar’.

Larcomar is one of the modern shopping and entertainment centers in Lima. You will find exquisite clothes and shops for all kind of accessories, casual and sport clothing, lovely souvenir and arts and crafts shops, bookstores and the best cigars in town. Relax while having an excellent meal or snack in one of the restaurants, a good coffee or even an ice-cream or burger overlooking the beautiful bay. See the latest movies in one of the biggest cinema complexes in Miraflores, have fun at the bowling center or enjoy the theatrical performances at the theatre ‘La Plaza Isil’. Small kids will have fun with the coin-operated rides, bigger ones with arcade games. Since 2006 Larcomar houses as well an exhibition hall of the ‘Museo de Oro’ (Gold museum). The entrance is just next to the theatre. And for all night owls: nightclubs and discotheques invite you to an exciting evening and night. Parque Salazar is a beautiful starting point for a walk north to the many other parks along the ‘malecon’ of Miraflores.

Location: At the end of Av. Larco block 12, Miraflores

The parque Raimondi in Miraflores is one of the new big park at the cliffs. Parque Raimondi, named after the famous Italian-born Peruvian explorer, scientist, writer, cartographer and naturalist has of course a stunning view over the Pacific Ocean. There are, for Lima’s standards, huge green areas with flowers and trees, some artificial hills, a cycling path and a playground for kids that promise a relaxing afternoon.

Location: Malecon de La Reserva / Calle Colon, Miraflores

The Skate Park on the La Marina Avenue is divided into two zones: one for skaters with half pipes and the other for mountain biking.

Both zones have a tribune so the fans can watch the stunts of the performers.

Location: Av. La Marina block 4, Miraflores

The olive grove ‘El Olivar’ is probably San Isidro’s most valuable treasure. Declared National Monument in December 1959 El Olivar is a beautiful park that like no other area in San Isidro represents this district.

The colonial olive tree plantation stands not only for the colonial and republican history and tradition but is also a green lung for the heavy polluted Lima. In and around the green oasis you find the municipal government, the famous library, an art gallery, the lagoon of El Olivar and beautiful mansions from the beginning of the 20th century.

For all bird lovers: the municipality of San Isidro put up signs showing birds you can watch in the olive grove; therefore keep your eyes open, it’s amazing how many different and exotic species you can find in the middle of a city like Lima.

Location: De Los Incas, San Isidro

The Parque de la Amistad is the great park in Santiago de Surco, a popular place with young and old. One of the main attractions is an original steam locomotive from 1926. Like in the old days visitors can enter an old train station, decorated with accessories from Peru’s train history, buy a ticket and climb onto one of the three open wagons. The journey takes you 550m through the 30,000m² park passing all the highlights: An artificial lagoon (where you can rent a small pedal boat) or the copy of a Spanish Arc, the ‘Arco de la Amistad’. The original Moorish arc constructed in 1924 on the Av. Leguía, today's Av. Arequipa, was a present from the Spanish residents living in Peru. Unfortunately this arc was demolished in 1939 during the modernization of Lima. The rebuilt copy of this sign of fraternity and friendship was inaugurated in 2001 in the Parque de Amistad by the king of Spain, Juan Carlos and his wife Sofia.

The Cultural Center in the park serves as a place for the exhibition of art and provides a site for cultural and traditional events in Surco. It offers diverse ambiences for different happenings. The design was inspired by the old ‘Casa Haciendas’ that were built on top of ‘huacas’. After your train ride just relax in the beautiful surroundings on one of the benches in front of the Cultural Center or do some souvenir shopping. For kids you find a playground just at the entrance of the ‘Parque de la Amistad.

Location: At corner of Av. Caminos del Inca with Calle Las Nazarenas, Surco
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09.00am to 09.00pm

The Parque Municipal in the center of Barranco is a nice place to sit down, relax or just to see and to be seen. The park was inaugurated on the 13th of February 1899. In the center of the park stands a Venus statue, known as 'La Donaide', surrounded by a fountain. Here you find as well the ‘Biblioteca Municipal de Barranco’, built at the end of the 19th century. The unique tower was added in 1911. In former times it housed the municipality; today it accommodates the public library that provides among many others books written in Braille for visually disabled people. Just opposite is the ‘Iglesia de la Santisima Cruz’. Every evening around 06.00pm local artist show and sell their works. The park is very popular at night as it is surrounded by many clubs and bars.

Location: Enclosed by Av. Pedro de Osma and Av. Grau

The Peruvian Japanese Cultural Center offers a wide variety of cultural activities. On the big area of the cultural center you find a theatre, the Museum of Japanese Immigration, a small tea house, a Japanese art exhibition, a library, a school for Japanese martial arts like Judo, Karate, Aikido and a beautiful well maintained Japanese Garden.

Address: Av. Gregorio Escobedo 803, Jesús María

Campo de Marte is one of Lima’s biggest parks, a green lung for the district of Jesus Maria and whole Lima. The park houses the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the University Pacifico and the Municipal Stadium of Jesus Maria. Parades and public assemblies are held at the Campo de Marte. The park houses a monument remembering the war fought between Peru and Ecuador, another one is dedicated to the victims of terrorism and violence in Peru in the 1980s and 1990s. The bridge in shape of an arch was erected in celebration of the centenary of the arrival of Japanese immigrants and symbolizes the connection between Japan and Peru.

Campo de Marte is a great place to chill out, relax or have fun. You find lots of green ideal for a nice picnic or just to enjoy the sun, soccer fields, tennis courts, a pool and a skate park.

Location: Between Av. Salaverry block 1 – 5 and Av. La Peruanidad, Jesus Maria

The Parque Ecologico Loma Amarilla is a natural land elevation with appro. 7.5 hectares, composed of flagstone. The park is a nice place to relax, wander around or enjoy the beautiful gardens and of course the small waterfall.

Location: Between the Avenidas Loma Umbrosa, Monte de los Suspiros, Monte de los Olivos and Bielich

Lima is one of the few metropolises in the world that has within its city limits a natural reserve with an extraordinary biodiversity. Pantanos de Villa was established in May 1989 and was recognized by the RAMSAR Convention in January 1997. These unique wetlands extent over an area of 263ha and are the only protected area within Lima’s city limits. The marshes are an important ecological area not only for Lima’s elsewhere quite neglected flora and fauna but as well for scientific, educative and recreational reason.

The main aim of the Pantanos de Villa Reserve is to protect especially the bird fauna (migratory and resident), to preserve the rich and wild flora characteristic for the coastal Peruvian region and to protect the amazing landscape to develop educative activities and tourism. Pantanos de Villa is a great place for bird lovers. Little deep lagoons, connected to the hydrological system of the Rímac River, a wide variety of reeds and other water and swamp plants, fish, reptiles and aquatic insects offer more than 170 bird species of which over 70 are migratory an ideal (temporary) home.

Make a walking or boating tour through the marshes and enjoy one of the more beautiful sides of Lima. As prices for the different tours vary please check below mentioned web page for detailed information.

Address: Av. Hernando de Lavalle km 20, Chorrillos
Website: http://www.prohvilla.munlima.gob.pe (Spanish)
Opening hours 09.00 am to 05.00 pm