Parque de las Leyendas

Updated April 5, 2026

Parque de las Leyendas is a well-regarded 5116449200 located in Lima, Peru. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated 5116449200s in the area.

Location

You can find Parque de las Leyendas at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel 15088, Peru.

Visiting Parque de las Leyendas

Located in Lima, Peru, Parque de las Leyendas is a 5116449200 that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The 5116449200 is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel 15088, Peru. GPS coordinates: -12.072533, -77.087105. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

Places to Stay Near Parque de las Leyendas"A lot of things to do."

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Parque de las Leyendas in Lima isn’t just another zoo—it’s a wild patchwork of Peru’s three main regions, ancient ruins, and botanical gardens, all in one spot. You’ll wander past sea lions and jaguars, and then, out of nowhere, stumble onto 2,000-year-old archaeological sites that predate the zoo by centuries.

The park sprawls across San Miguel district, so it’s actually pretty convenient if you’re coming from central Lima or shuttling between the airport and Miraflores. What’s cool here is the way animals are grouped—not by species or continent, but by the coast, highlands, and rainforest.

There are over 200 species and more than 2,000 animals, all spread out over nearly 100 hectares. It’s a lot to take in, honestly.

Key Takeaways

• Parque de las Leyendas throws together a zoo, botanical garden, and ancient ruins in one place.
• Animals are grouped by Peru’s coast, highlands, and jungle, not by continent.
• You’ll find it in San Miguel, easy to reach from Lima’s touristy neighborhoods and the airport.

About Parque de las Leyendas

Right in Lima’s San Miguel district, this place mixes wildlife conservation with ancient archaeology. There are over 2,000 animals and 215 species, all living among pre-Hispanic ruins.

History and Significance

Parque de las Leyendas was founded by Felipe Benavides Barreda on March 20, 1964, back when Fernando Belaúnde Terry was president. It sits on land that’s part of the Maranga Archaeological Complex—one of the most important pre-Hispanic sites on the coast.

The zoo got a big boost in 1979 when Lima’s Barranco Zoo closed and sent all its animals here. That’s how Naylamp, a female American crocodile born in 1925, ended up at the park—she’s still around, incredibly. Mery, an Asian elephant who arrived in Peru with a circus in 1957, also made the move.

These days, the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima runs the whole operation. In 2023, the park’s reach grew even more when the former Huachipa Zoo became a second location under the same management.

What Makes It Special

The exhibits are split into three zones: coast, mountains, and jungle. It’s a smart setup, letting you see Peru’s wild diversity in a single afternoon—from spectacled bears to river otters.

There’s more than just animals, though. Archaeological ruins are scattered across the 97-hectare grounds, so you’re never far from a huaca or ancient wall. Botanical gardens show off over 40 native plant species, and there are a handful of museums, including the Ernst W. Middendorf Site Museum. The aquarium’s a hit, especially when rescued sea lions put on a show. Many of the animals here were rescued from circuses or illegal trafficking, so there’s a good cause behind the fun. Definitely double-check local info for hours and ticket prices—they can change.

What to See and Do

Parque de las Leyendas crams three zoo zones, ancient ruins, and lush gardens into San Miguel. It’s easy to lose track of time here, especially if you’re into wildlife or archaeology.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The animal exhibits follow Peru’s geography. In the Coast Zone, you’ll spot Humboldt penguins and sea lions, all splashing around in rocky pools. The Highlands Zone is home to Andean condors, llamas, and alpacas. The Jungle Zone? Jaguars, giant otters, and a riot of macaws among thick tropical greenery.

But it’s not just about the animals. The Maranga Archaeological Complex sits right inside the park, with pre-Incan huacas built by the Lima and Ichma cultures. You can actually walk among these ceremonial mounds while listening to toucans overhead. Where else does that happen?

The Botanical Garden is packed with over a thousand plant species—towering Andean cacti, medicinal plants, the works. There’s a small petting farm for kids, though animal contact is pretty limited. You’ll also find bike rentals and picnic spots scattered around, so it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day.

Best Time to Visit

If you want peace and quiet, weekday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 am are your best bet—especially when school’s in session. Animals are way more active before the sun starts baking the place.

Weekends are a different story: packed with local families, longer lines, and a lot more noise. The park’s open till 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm. Lima’s weather is mild enough for year-round visits, but June to September is cooler and better for walking. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen—the sun sneaks through even when it’s cloudy. If you’re planning to check out the ruins, budget at least four hours.

Visitor Information

Parque de las Leyendas is in San Miguel, about 11 kilometers from Miraflores (where most tourists end up). Getting there isn’t hard, but you’ll want to plan a bit.

Location and How to Get There

The address is Avenida Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel, about 14 kilometers from Lima’s main square. If you’re feeling ambitious, the coastal path from Miraflores is around 6 miles—a scenic walk, but most people grab a taxi or rideshare.

San Miguel is known for being one of Lima’s safer districts, so the trip’s not too stressful. Public transport is doable, with several bus routes nearby, but you’ll have to ask locals for up-to-date numbers—they change all the time.

The park’s open daily, but hours can shift with the seasons, so check before you go. Arriving early means cooler temps and smaller crowds, which makes a big difference, especially in Lima’s summer when the place gets packed.

Tips for Visitors

Buy your tickets right at the entrance—prices change sometimes, but as of my visit, general admission was S/20 for adults and S/10 for kids aged 3 to 12. If you’re over 60, lucky you: it’s just S/4, and that’s every day, holidays included.

Definitely go for comfortable walking shoes. Parque de las Leyendas sprawls across a pretty big area, split into three main zones that mirror Peru’s coast, mountains, and jungle.

Bring water and a few snacks if you think you’ll get hungry. Sure, there are food vendors scattered around, but if you’re picky or just want to save a few soles, it’s worth packing your own.

One thing—don’t breeze past the archaeological sites. A lot of folks just head for the animals, but these ruins and replicas? They give the place a layer of history you really won’t get at your average zoo.

If you’re driving, parking is S/15 for regular cars. The lot can get packed, especially on weekends and holidays, so keep that in mind if you hate circling for a spot.