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As Lima is the second largest desert city in the world, you probably wouldn’t expect there to be many parks. However, there are numerous green areas as well as a few hidden gems in San Isidro and Miraflores, not forgetting the world’s largest fountain park in central Lima.

If a quiet or romantic place away from the popular tourist centres is what you are after, head to Parque el Olivar in San Isidro. In colonial times, this was part of an olive plantation, but now it is a gem of a park nestled away in a residential area within Lima’s buzzing business centre.

Lima's Parque el Olivar

Declared a national monument in 1959, this park not only offers tranquillity but is also home to over 30 species of birds. Situated just a few blocks to the west of Avenida Arequipa, it is only a short micro ride from Miraflores.

Joggers frequent Lima’s parks and a great place to escape to if you are a keen runner is Parque Mariscal Ramón Castilla in Miraflores. Hidden away off Ricardo Palma and away from traffic fumes, this park is nearly always quiet and has a footpath encompassing it as well as many criss-crossing the centre, making it a great place to run. It is very easy to get to, just a few blocks from the Miraflores Wong on Avenida Benavides. From here, go up República de Panamá to the next main intersection, Ricardo Palma. Turn right and then take the first left to reach the park.

Parque de la Reserva is one of Lima’s most highly recommended attractions and it not only entered the Guinness World Records for being the world’s largest fountain park but also for having the tallest fountain in a public park. From Wednesdays to Sundays (and also on National Holidays) this landscaped park comes to life with coloured lights illuminating its thirteen fountains.

Whilst you can just admire the fountains, many children and adults alike enjoy walking through the fountain Túnel de las Sorpresas, ‘Tunnel of Surprises’ or running in amongst the many smaller jets of water that form the fountain Laberinto del Ensueño, ‘Labyrinth of Daydreams’. The laser light show held at 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.30pm every night at the Fuente de Fantasía, ‘Fountain of Imagination’ is not to be missed. Located only a few minutes walk from the Metropolitano station Estadio Nacional, ‘National Stadium’, it is very easy to get to. The entrance fee is just four soles (under 5’s free) and opening times are 12pm until 11pm with last entrance at 10.30pm.

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