Leyendas Park is an area of serene land that is known primarily as a zoo, but offers far more inside its grounds. It incorporates botanical gardens, a science museum and several clay pyramids dotted around its vast estate. The majority of the zoo’s animals are local to Peru with a few exotic imports from elsewhere. The park is an effective blend of education, nature, botany and history.
Discover the zoo’s proud collection of striking flora and fauna. The animals and plants are divided into three sections according to their geographical location: jungle, coast and highlands. Watch penguins, sea lions and turtles in the coastal reserve. Gawp at pumas in the highlands area. Find an array of fearsome and wonderful animals in the jungle section, which features monkeys, jaguars and colourful parrots. Not to mention the snarling crocodiles and hissing snakes.
Head over to the large enclosures, where the tigers and bears wonder around in a more natural habitat. Take the kids to the petting zoo to get up close to playful animals.
Locate the ancient Huacas that are scattered around the grounds. These are clay-and-mud pyramids made by ancient civilizations in Peru, many years before the arrival of European settlers. They were used as meeting points for societal activities as well as temples and burial grounds. Take a look around the Ernst. W. Middendorf Museum to learn about the antique relics these indigenous groups left behind.
Gaze at the extravagant butterfly hedge. It is a display of colourful plants in the form of the attractive winged insect. Explore the vibrant butterfly collection in the Celestino Kalinosky Museum. Learn about the transformation of crude oil in the Petroleum Museum.
The park is open daily from morning until late in the afternoon. There is a small entrance fee with a half-price discount for kids.
Leyendas Park is situated in the San Miguel area in the southwest of Lima. It is near to the Larco Museum in the adjoining Pueblo Libre zone. The park is a 4.7-mile (7.6-kilometre) taxi journey west from the city’s principal historic centre, Plaza Mayor. It should take around 15 minutes to get there by taxi. You can also take a bus to one of the many stops around the park.
