I’m a total sucker for a nice green space within any concrete jungle — especially one as dense as Lima, Peru!
Give me a patch of grass and a park bench and suddenly the towering buildings of the bustling metropolis miraculously cease to overwhelm. But in Lima’s Miraflores district, they definitely offer more than just a comfy park bench.
The Parque del Amor, or Park of Love, spans for blocks along the Miraflores Clifftops, overlooking the churning surf of the Pacific Ocean. It was dedicated in 1993 in the spirit of the old Peruvian custom of lovers courting in public gardens. As surfers catch their waves below and para-gliders fly overhead, locals and visitors alike enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. Children play ball with their parents on the abundant green space, local bands perform traditional Peruvian music, cyclists, skateboarders, and runners abound, and, true to its name, couples in love stroll the walkway hand in hand or relax together on the open grass amid the beautiful flower gardens.
The park contains one architectural marvel after another, including a lighthouse, a sculpture — El Beso, or The Kiss — of two lovers embracing, and a long mosaic bench made of ceramic tiles reminiscent of Gaudi’s Parque Guell in Barcelona contains expressions of love.
El Beso — The Kiss — was sculpted by Victor Delfin, and inspires couples who visit the park
A newlywed couple has their picture taken in the Park of Love
Not your average park bench …
Mosaic tiles in the spirit of Gaudi
… nor your average view!
Children and their parents enjoy time together among the public gardens
Children — and Justin — play on the playground along the Clifftops
Families relax, enjoying snacks and cold beverages
Para-gliders over the Pacific Ocean
So if you ever have the opportunity to spend some time in Lima, carve a few hours out of your time-crunched schedule for romance and relaxation at Lima’s Park of Love.
What’s the most romantic park or public garden you have found in your travels throughout the world?
Andrea @ATW
I’d have to say that most parks in Paris are romantic! Folk are kissing ALL THE TIME:)
Ellen
AuthorLOL. That would be fun to see, actually. I feel like lately I’ve seen a lot of couples arguing pretty heavily in public, and so to see some in-your-face PDA’s every once in awhile is actually refreshing.
Rachel
hey! new reader here!
cool photos, lima looks great! i have never been there! i would have to say the most romantic park i have ever been to is paris by the eiffel tower (cliche i know, but i still cant help but love that city) .. !
Ellen
AuthorHi Rachel! Glad you stopped by! I’ve never been to Paris, but hey, I don’t think there’s anything cliche about saying that walking by the Eiffel Tower is romantic. It’s just true! In fact, it probably sets the international bar.
Rachel
definitely! i think being able to have a picnic with wine and fresh french bread and cheese outside right beside the most romantic symbol in the world is hard to measure up to! haha
David Bennett
Great article and photos, and they reminded me that I visited the park when I was in Peru. I had completely forgotten it!
Cole @ Four Jandals
That para-glider shot through the park bench is awesome! What a cool space in such a crazy location.
John
Beautiful photos. I actually stumbled upon this park accidentally on Valentines Day, of all days. There were couples just making out on the benches - it was pretty hilarious.
Angela
Apart from being a beautiful place to spend a day out, this parc sends a really powerful message, the perfect way to detox from the violence we see every day in the news that I feel they are hypnotizing our brain!
Jess @UsedYorkCity
Love all the brightly colored mosaics! Also cool to see the newlyweds having their wedding photos done in the Park Of Love…aww:-)
Antoinette B.
OMG I’ve been to Lima twice already and have passed by this park one tooo many times during each trip but not once have I actually gone in! Now I know what it looks like inside! haha =o) I’ll be back in October, I’ll make it a point to visit this time.
Ellen
AuthorHave a great trip, and we’d love to hear what you think of the park!
Colleen Setchell
Hi guys
This looks really lovely. I love the mosaics, it makes it look a little exotic. It really looks like a great spot for chilling and spending a nice quiet evening.
Always great to find a nice quiet spot in big cities and towns…
Happy travelling…
LozinTransit
I found the most astonishing parks in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella in particular. The spirit of the people usually informed by the weather, culture and the reputation of the city brings a certain energy to the people and the visitors to a place.
In Spain, the parks will have fun loving people playing and engaging in a variety of social activities. In France, you’ll find couples being publicly affectionate etc…
Ellen
AuthorBoth sound lovely!
Sophie
Very reminiscent of Gaudi and Parc Guell. Who is the artist here, I wonder…
Ellen
AuthorI’m not sure who designed the benches, but I do know they are intended to be like Barcelona.
Laurence
It’s all gone Guell
A Montrealer Abroad
So beautiful - I had no idea Lima had such a dramatic coastline!
Ellen
AuthorNeither did we. I’m sure there are parts of it that are less desirable.
Megan @ Roamancing
I was thinking it reminded me of Parc Guell before you mentioned it! If ever I’m in Lima, this place is at the top of my list!
Ellen
AuthorYes, it is done in the same style and meant to mirror it.
Andrea
It’s really beautiful - I enjoyed watching the paragliders when we were there last year.
Ellen
AuthorI enjoyed watching them … but Justin wanted to join them …
Dean
Looks like a great spot to do some people watching. Those para glider shots are great!
Ellen
AuthorThanks so much! Yes, you could definitely spend hours there just people watching. Great place.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista
I love the park bench with all the mosaic! This is a very beautiful spot to relax and view the lovely Pacific.
Don Faust
Looks very nice - my wife Chris really liked Lima a lot.
Ellen
AuthorWe were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Wish it had been longer, actually.
The GypsyNesters
Thanks so much for this post - we’ll be in Lima next month and your photos have inspired!
Abby
What a beautiful park! I love that it’s right on the water. Nothing says beachfront like colorful mosaics.
Ellen Small Billard
AuthorYeah, it’s a great location. About as good as you can get in Lima.
The GypsyNesters
We were just there! Paraglided for the first time - so lovely! Thanks for the post, lovely to see it all again! -Veronica
Ellen Small Billard
AuthorThanks so much for reading! Hope you guys are doing well.