Lima's Outstanding Fountain Park

One of the best attractions we've visited so far in Lima is the Circuito Magico del Agua, in Parque de la Reserva. It is a beautiful park filled with more than a dozen fabulous fountains. The LL loves this place, and it is just a very relaxing, peaceful place to spend a few hours. Pictures from our visits below.

This park costs 4 soles. That's a little over a dollar at current exchange rates. And it's a price that can't be beat for what you get. We like to arrive just a little before dark. It's right off one of the main Metropolitana bus lines, which makes it a pretty quick trip from our apartment. We walk around a little in the twilight, listening to the classical music that is constantly playing in the background, and bide our time until the lights come on and the fountains get really pretty.

Actually, one option is to go to a food stand before entering. There are about a dozen open-air stands focusing on anticuchos (grilled, marinated beef heart kebabs) just outside the Parque de la Reserva, which is right across from the Estadio Nacional. Frankly, you can find better anticuchos elsewhere, but it's a thing to do. We've given it a try. And what is a Peruvian meal for a two year old without Inca Kola?

The LL Chugging Inca Kola

Well, to be honest, she does not get very much of the ubiquitous, yellow Peruvian soft drink. It's insanely sugary. Has a ton of caffeine. It's just not something you want to do very often.. When it comes to Inca Kola, I'd say it's an acquired taste. Frankly, it's disgusting. Don't take that to mean that I don't like it. But it's disgusting. And you should try it if you've never had it. There are also light food options available at kiosks in the fountain park itself.

Every fountain in the park has a name and a number. There are maps around and good signage to show you where to go. Most of the fountains are in a large section of the park, but there is also a smaller section across a street, which you access by walking through a tunnel. Both sections have some great fountains. One of my favorites is the Arco Iris (rainbow):

The pyramid is also pretty cool:

But if I had to choose one favorite, it would be the tunel of surprises. The LL loves it:

But there are plenty of other beautiful fountains as well:

Finally, not to be missed is the fountain show. The first one happens at 7:15 and I think they are on the hour after that until 10:15. This happens at the fantasia fountain if I remember the names correctly. It's a light, music, laser, and water show. At times the mist of the water is used to project videos of folkloric dancing, animals, and cultural heritage scenes of Peru. There is also classical music, show tunes, movie music, and folkloric music as part of the show. It is a very nice, if eclectic mix of music and video, and what the fountain does during this show is cool. It's definitely worth sticking around for and arriving early enough to get a spot in the front.