The Parque de las Leyendas is a very popular place among Lima families. Most visitors bring their own food; however, food is also available for purchase inside the park. At this zoo, you can observe different species and enjoy its fern garden, bromeliad garden, vulnerable plants garden, cactus garden, conifer collection, agave collection, and more. In addition, the park’s authorities often carry out research, workshops for children and adults, and exhibitions related to the botanical world.
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At this zoo, visitors can appreciate a sample of the wide variety of animal and plant species found in Peru. In addition to native Peruvian species, the park has an area called the International Zone, where a wide variety of animals from other parts of the world can be found.
The history of Parque de las Leyendas began in 1964 with the founding of the “Las Leyendas” park by conservationist Felipe Benavides Barreda.
In the early 1970s, the “Jardín de Barranco” zoo was closed, and its animals—more than 400 species—were donated to the new Parque de las Leyendas. Its name refers to a wall with ten Inca and pre-Inca legends illustrated by artist Sabino Springett. Today, only the texts of these stories remain in the so-called “Patio de las Leyendas.” Over time, people came to refer to the place simply as Parque de las Leyendas.
Since the beginning of the new century, the Municipality of Lima has administered the park. Throughout its history, the grounds have improved considerably. Today, it includes several areas dedicated not only to animals, but also to insects, butterflies, big cats, a botanical garden, and more.
One of the most beloved and historic animals is the giant tortoise named Samson, which comes from the Galápagos Islands and is more than 100 years old.
It is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel. From Miraflores, you can get there by taxi; the fare is approximately USD 10, and the trip takes around 40 minutes.
The park is divided into four zones according to the characteristics of the animals they feature:
Coastal Zone
This zone features animals and birds that inhabit Peru’s coast. The area includes pools and aquariums where visitors can see marine species such as the famous Humboldt penguins. Other popular species include the Andean goose, booby, pelican, white-tailed deer, horse, gray seal, coastal fox, guanay cormorant, flamingo, South American sea lion, and Tumbes crocodile.
This area is home to species from the Peruvian Andes, including mammals and birds such as hawks, eagle-owls, condors, kestrels, swans, Muscovy ducks, chinchillas, guanacos, spectacled bears, vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, Andean foxes, Andean pumas, donkeys, tarucas, deer, and sheep.
This zone features species from the Peruvian Amazon, such as anacondas, jaguars, peccaries, tapirs, parrots, pygmy marmosets, titi monkeys, macaws, river otters, white-winged guans, brown-mandibled toucans, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, spider monkeys, ocelots, pacas, two-toed sloths, and yellow-tailed woolly monkeys.
This zone features several well-known species from around the world, including giraffes, lions, Bengal tigers, hippopotamuses, zebras, mandrills, buffaloes, brown bears, black bears, peacocks, silver foxes, chimpanzees, ostriches, water buffaloes, and Galápagos tortoises.
Visitors can also explore several museums and cultural spaces, including the Model Mine, the Petroperú Petroleum Museum, the Site Museum dedicated to the Maranga culture, and the replica of the Tomb of the Lord of Sipán from the Moche culture. The park also includes archaeological sites such as Huaca La Palma, Huaca San Miguel, Huaca Tres Palos, Huaca La Cruz, and Huaca Cruz Blanca.
Reference schedule: Monday to Sunday, including holidays
Reference fees:
Happy passengers