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?
