What to do for Valentine’s Day in Lima Peru

So far, we’ve already talked about unexpected, fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cusco, but we’ve compiled another list for those of you who plan to spend the day in Peru’s capital city. And since Valentine’s Day in Peru is also considered Friendship Day, Día de los Amigos, you don’t have to feel left out if your traveling companion isn’t your romantic partner.

We’ve chosen the following options because they’re cheap, scenic, and fun, and because they have nothing to do with dinner and a movie.

Explore the Malecón Verde

Most travelers choose to stay in hotels or hostels in Miraflores, as it’s Lima’s safest, greenest district. If you’re among them, then you’re already close to Love Park, where the district traditionally holds a “longest kiss” contest during the day and a free concert at night. In keeping with its name, it was actually opened on Valentine’s Day. The park is one of several situated along the Malecón Verde, a path along the green cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s marked by a famous statue of two lovers, and the Gaudi-inspired mosaic benches are complete with famous romantic quotes in Spanish.

Next to the park is the base for tandem paragliding, and further on is Larcomar Mall built into the Cliffside. Across the street from the mall you’ll find Manolo’s, selling the best churros and hot chocolate in the city for as long as we can remember! If you continue walking the path, you’ll see an old lighthouse as well.

Picnic at the Olive Grove

If you’re just looking for a scenic place to kick back and enjoy an impromptu picnic, pick up some street food by El Olivar, the Olive Grove Park, in San Isidro District. The first olive plants were brought over from Sevilla in 1560, and although only three survived the trip the grove eventually came to have more than 1,600 trees. This oasis in the middle of modern Lima often attracts wedding couples who come to have their photos taken among the trees and around the small lake and fountain. The picturesque buildings surrounding the park, which include the town library and upscale restaurants, add to its charm as a recreational space.

If you take part in a Lima City Tour, this includes a stop at El Olivar.

Enjoy a Concert at the Magical Water Circuit

If you were planning on visiting the Magical Water Circuit during your stay in Lima, save it for Valentine’s Day evening and catch the themed laser, light, and music show at Fantasia Fountain inside the Magical Water Circuit in Lima- it plays on the hour throughout the evening, and you can admire the other fountain designs as well. Some are interactive, so it’s always a fun time. The park often hosts a concert and food vendors on Valentine’s Day- you can check their Facebook to learn about events.

Share Some Drinks and Make a Wish at the Bridge of Sighs

Right next to Miraflores is Barranco district, the most bohemian neighborhood in Lima. There’s plenty of public art, and like Love Park in Miraflores, Barranco’s most iconic monument also opened on Valentine’s Day, the wooden Puente de Suspiros, or Bridge of Sighs. After a meal or some drinks at the popular local bars or restaurants, you can test the superstition that walking across the bridge without taking a breath will make your wish come true. The bridge spans the Bajada de Baños, the short stone walkway flanked by flower trees, which descends from the cliff to the beach.

Take a Class Together

If a more active date is your style, consider learning something new and integrating into local culture at the same time. It’s easy to arrange a surfing class to take advantage of the newbie-friendly mild waves of the Costa Verda. It’s best to wake up early for this, as lessons begin before 8am. You can go for a half-day, or just for an hour and a half depending on your preference. Check with Pirwa Travel to learn about different surfing class options in Lima.

Another option is a salsa class at Son de cuba in Miraflores, which has a different live band each day of the week.

Finally, there are various cooking tours and classes that compete in Lima, taking clients to the market for ingredients and showing them how to prepare a few Peruvian dishes and cocktails. Some of the big ones are PeruvianCookingClasses and SkyKitchen.