The most beautiful and historic parks in Lima

Although the capital of Peru is located in an extensive desert, its large number of parks give a different touch to each corner of its territory. Spaces full of stories that, accompanied by tall trees, are the perfect place to take a quiet walk, play sports or spend a pleasant moment with friends or family.

There are the oldest and most traditional, even the most renovated and recreational. But they all have a special charm if you want to enjoy a moment outdoors and disconnect yourself from the noise of the city. These are some of the most beautiful parks in Lima that you should visit.

Parque de la Reserva (The Reserve Park)

Located in the surroundings of the historic center, this is one of the most emblematic and recreational parks in the city. In its spaces and gardens you have the 'Circuito Mágico del Agua' ('The Magical Water Circuit'): a set of thirteen ornamental fountains that present an impressive visual show of music, lights and water. Thousands of tourists and families come to this place every day to contemplate the wonderful spectacle full of color and fantasy, and also to have fun with its dancing water fountains. If you want to enjoy a pleasant night walk outdoors, this park is the ideal place.

In the gardens of the Reserve Park is located the Magic Water Circuit. Credit: Luis Gamero / PromPerú.

Parque de la Exposición (The Exhibition Park)

Inaugurated in 1872, the Parque de la Exposición is, without a doubt, one of the major tourist attractions in Lima, and together with the Parque de la Reserva, one of the most central. This park offers its visitors more than 100 000 square meters of land full of extensive gardens, architectural works and a beautiful artificial lagoon where you can enjoy a quiet ride on a pedal boat and observe the fish and turtles that inhabit it. It also houses three of the most visited museums in the city: the Lima Art Museum, the Lima Metropolitan Museum and the Italian Art Museum.

Inaugurated in 1872, the Parque de la Exposición is undoubtedly one of the major tourist attractions in Lima. Credit: Luis Gamero / PromPerú.

In its gardens you can take a break or take a pleasant walk while observing the unique nature that surrounds this wonderful place. Here you can also entertain yourself with craft and gastronomic fairs, and music festivals. As you can see, the Parque de la Exposición has a lot to offer so it is a must if you pass through Lima.

Parque El Olivar (The Olives Trees Park)

Located in the heart of the San Isidro district, it comprises a beautiful forest populated with more than a thousand olive trees dating from the colonial period, most of which were planted by San Martín de Porres, a Peruvian friar and the first mulatto saint of America. When resting in its gardens, you can observe how the modern buildings that surround the place are mixed with beautiful Tudor-style houses. You can also visit places like the Public Library, the San Isidro Cultural Center and the Marina Núñez del Prado Museum here.

Located in the heart of the San Isidro district, it comprises a beautiful forest populated with more than a thousand olive trees. Credit: PromPerú.

Parque Central de Miraflores (Miraflores Central Park)

Although they are actually two parks, one next to the other -Parque Central and Parque Kennedy-, this place is a frequent meeting point for locals and foreigners thanks to its central location in the Miraflores district, and also because it is surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. As you walk through its spaces, you can find local artists who sell paintings and crafts, amphitheaters where shows of all kinds are held and small food stalls that offer delicious desserts such as the Mazamorra Morada (a certain delicacy made of purple corn) or the tasty Picarones.

Although there are actually two parks -Parque Central and Parque Kennedy-, this place is a frequent meeting point for locals and foreigners. Credit: Fernando López / PromPerú.

The most curious and striking thing (and which is the reason for numerous visits), is the immense number of cats that roam this place. And it is that its spaces and gardens not only receive people who seek to be distracted, but have also become a resting place for hundreds of small cats of all races and colors. So, when you visit this park, be sure to give these public pets a few caresses, as they will thank you.

Parque La Muralla (The Wall Park)

For those who want to know a little about the history of Lima, this park houses traces of the colonial and republican past such as the restored vestiges of the old wall that surrounded the historic center at that time. It also has small farms where you can interact with animals such as lambs, pigs, and poultry, and a museum that exhibits historical pieces and objects. Here, you will not only learn more about the capital of Peru, but you will also be able to relax in an unbeatable way in the seats and paths distributed throughout the place.

For those who want to know a little about the history of Lima, this park houses vestiges of the colonial and republican past. Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.

Parque María Reiche (Maria Reiche’s Park)

Located in the boardwalk of the Costa Verde, on a cliff, , this park is one of the most iconic in the city and is highly visited for providing an impressive view of the Pacific Ocean. You can also observe in its gardens some figures of the Nasca lines replicated on a smaller scale. At night, these symbols are illuminated creating a beautiful atmosphere. Enjoy this wonderful place with a picnic in good company and in the middle of a beautiful landscape adjacent to the sea. If you are a photography lover, you will love to capture the natural view.

Located on the boardwalk of the Costa Verde on a cliff, this park is one of the most iconic in the city for its view of the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.

Fuentes: Viajando a Lima / El Comercio / Lánzate y viaja

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