How to Spend an Unforgettable Valentines Day in Lima, Peru
Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away, and if you’re traveling to Peru during this time you might be wondering what options you have for a memorable Valentine’s Day in Lima. We’ve compiled our top four romantic sites to visit in Lima, all of which are scenic and easy on a backpacker’s wallet!
First, there’s San Isidro’s Olivar, Olive Grove Park, which boasts over 1500 olive trees, a water fountain, and a small lake. The beautiful buildings surrounding it, including the town library and upscale restaurants, add to its charm as a recreational space. It’s not uncommon to see a bridal party or two posing for photos in the grove. Thanks to the abundance of street eats, an impromptu picnic is fun and easy.
The district next to San Isidro is Miraflores. In earlier years, the municipality of Miraflores hosted its main Valentine concert in Love Park in the evening, and although announcements won’t be made until closer to the day, it’s almost a given that the location won’t change. Hopefully, they’ll continue with their “romantic and danceable” music, including jazz, bossa nova, and Latin tunes. Love Park is a great Valentine’s Day stop not just because you might stumble upon a free concert or the “longest kiss” contest, but because it’s part of the greenest area in Lima, the malecón verde. This path winds along the seaside cliffs of Miraflores, looking over the Pacific Ocean. If you walk it’s length, you’ll pass love park with its famous statue of two lovers and poetry quotes, a tandem parasailing jump site, a lighthouse, piers, and more. Once you reach the striking and luxe Larcomar Mall, which is built into the cliffside, look for Manolo’s across the street for the best churros and hot chocolate in Peru!
As an aside, there is normally more than one concert, so if the park isn’t your thing, consider catching the 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 neighborhood right next to Miraflores is bohemian Barranco. 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. There are plenty of area bars and restaurants, and after a meal or some drinks 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.
However you choose to spend the day, Pirwa Inclan, our hostel in Miraflores, Lima, wishes you an unforgettable Valentine’s Day and mucho amor!