Lima Parks and Gardens

(Lima, Peru)

There are a number of parks spread all around the city of Lima, adding much needed greenery to this boisterous city. Lima's Parque del Amor enjoys a scenic coastal setting and is an especially enticing spot to come for a picnic or to simply relax, being further enhanced by the views of the Pacific Ocean.

Formerly known as the Parque de la Exposicion, the Parque de la Cultura has recently been somewhat revamped and dates back some 150 years or so, being home to the very oriental Japanese-style gardens. Close by and in the San Isidro area, the Parque El Olivar is another park worthy of an hour or two.

Parque de la Cultura / Gran Parque de Lima

Address: Avenida Garcilazo de la Vega, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 444 3027
This really is a beautiful part of central Lima, with glorious seasonal gardens and even a small amphitheatre, used for a series of outdoor events and live concerts, which are usually completely free of charge. The Museo de Arte de Lima is located here, housed in the building once named the Palacio de la Exposicion and filled with an array of Peruvian art works and pre-Columbian relics. Also in the Parque de la Cultura is the Museo de Arte Italiano.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque del Amor

Address: Malecon Cisneros, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 5000
An integral part of the Miraflores district, the Parque del Amor lies alongside the coastline, next to the Playa Costa Verde beachfront and the Malecon Balta. Opened as recently as the early nineties, the Parque del Amor is known for being an especially romantic place and contains the rather eye-catching sculpture named 'The Kiss' (El Beso).
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque El Olivar

Address: San Isidro, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 1300
The historical Parque El Olivar is located within the San Isidro neighbourhood and offers nothing short of tranquility, in the midst of the hustle and bustle. If you are here at the weekend, you are likely to see wedding parties stopping by, with newlyweds coming here to use the greenery and flowers as a backdrop for their photos. The Parque El Olivar was originally part of the Limatambo Hacienda and olive tree plantation, with many of its old olive trees still remaining.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque Combate de Altao

Address: San Isidro, Lima, Peru, PE
Part of the business district of San Isidro, the Parque Combate de Altao is close to the Avenidas Arequipa and is regularly frequented by local businessmen. A number of modern skyscrapers surround the park and overlook the lush planting, mature trees and lawned area. As with many open spaces in Lima, local pigeons regularly make an appearance here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque Kennedy

Address: Miraflores, Lima, Peru, PE
Situated in the very centre of the affluent Miraflores district, the Parque Kennedy is bordered by the Avenida Jose Larco, and serves as an important green oasis, amongst the traffic congestion and city noise. Kennedy Park features plenty of benches and locals often come here to eat their lunch, while tourists may like to try the salty popcorn being sold by the street vendors. If you are feeling really, hungry, then Restaurant Row is just a short walk away.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque de la Muralla

Address: Jiron Amazonas / Avenida Abancay, Lima, Peru, PE
A relatively new addition to the city and ideal for families, the Parque de la Muralla resides alongside the Rimac River and actually stands directly above some 16th-century city walls, once used as a barrier to the river. There is a small and very interesting museum within the park, explaining about the history of this particular part of the city and its buried wall.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque Principal

Address: Avenida Carrion / Avenida Grau, Barranco, Lima, Peru, PE
The Parque Principal has long been one of the most attractive of all the city's parks and is the perfect place to relax. Serving as a public plaza and surrounded by Spanish-style architecture, the Parque Principal is full of character and offers excellent views of an amphitheatre-like stage.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free