Exploring the Parque del Amor in Lima, Peru

Of all the parks along Lima’s scenic coastal strip, the Parque del Amor is arguably the most famous. With its breathtaking coastal views, vibrant flowerbeds, colorful mosaics, and a giant sculpture of an embracing couple, it’s certainly the most romantic destination for visitors and locals alike.

A Brief History of Lima’s Love Park

Inaugurated on February 14 (Valentine’s Day), 1993, Lima’s “Love Park” was created to celebrate love in all its forms. This is epitomized by the park’s central sculpture, El Beso (The Kiss), designed by renowned Peruvian artist Victor Delfín. El Beso represents a man and a woman wrapped in each other’s arms, locked in a passionate kiss, capturing the essence of romance.

The park is said to be inspired, at least in part, by Parc Güell in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, which opened to the public in 1926. Although Lima’s Parque del Amor is much smaller and more modest, the colorful mosaics along its undulating walls and benches often draw comparisons to Gaudí’s mosaics in Barcelona.

The Poets of the Parque del Amor

Lines from various Peruvian poets are woven throughout the mosaics in Lima’s Parque del Amor, adding a literary touch to the romantic experience. Some of these poignant excerpts include:

• “Amor es solo un pájaro que deambula” (Love is only a bird that wanders) – Rocío Romina Bances
• “Mi sueño es una isla perdida” (My dream is a lost island) – Alberto Vega
• “También amándonos conoceremos el dolor” (Also loving, we know the pain) – Abelardo Sánchez León
• “Canta amor mío, desnúdate bajo la lluvia” (Sing my love, undress beneath the rain) – Rodolfo Hinostroza
• “Amor gran laberinto” (Love, great labyrinth) – Sebastián Salazar Bondy
• “Tu estas por encima del infinito mar” (You are above the infinite sea) – Augusto Tamayo Vargas

The final line is particularly fitting, given the panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean from the Parque del Amor, which offers a spectacular backdrop. On a clear day, the vista includes surfers below, boats on the horizon, and even paragliders soaring from the nearby Parque Raimondi.

Parque del Amor for Romantics

Inside the park, visitors will encounter couples of all ages — from young lovers to long-married partners — all enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Lima’s newlyweds often flock to the park to commemorate their marriage with a kiss in front of El Beso.

On Valentine’s Day, the park becomes a hub for amorous couples, with the most expressive among them participating in the annual Valentine’s kissing competition, where the longest kiss is celebrated and awarded.

Parque del Amor Location

The Parque del Amor is situated along the Malecón in the Miraflores district of Lima. If you’re already on the coastal strip, simply take a short walk south from Parque Raimondi (a popular paragliding hotspot) or about half a mile north along the coast from the Larcomar shopping complex.

For those located in the center of Miraflores near Parque Kennedy, head towards the coast along the main road that runs along the western side of the park (known as Diagonal and then Malecón Balta). This road leads to the coast after a pleasant 10- to 15-minute walk, bringing you right across from the enchanting Parque del Amor.