Park of the Legends is one of the main zoos in Lima, located in the district of San Miguel. Here, you can explore animal species from Peru and other parts of the world while also discovering archaeological sites and a botanical garden within the same complex.
If you are looking for a place in Lima where you can combine wildlife, nature, and Peru’s cultural heritage, the park offers several areas to explore in one visit. Its zoo is organized into different zones, while the archaeological and botanical areas add another perspective to the visit beyond the animals.
What Can You See at Park of the Legends?
Park of the Legends is more than a zoo in Lima. During your visit, you can explore animal exhibits representing different regions of Peru and other parts of the world, as well as archaeological sites and a botanical garden within the same complex. The zoological area is organized into Coast, Sierra, Jungle, and International zones.
This combination makes the park a practical option if you want to see wildlife while also learning about Peru’s natural and cultural heritage. You can move from the zoo areas to archaeological remains and botanical collections without leaving the park.
History and Location of Park of the Legends
Park of the Legends was founded on March 20, 1964, in the Pando area of San Miguel, Lima. Its creation involved then-president Fernando Belaúnde Terry, conservationist Felipe Benavides Barreda, and José Enrique Barreto Estrada. The park’s name is linked to ten Inca legends that were illustrated by Peruvian artist Sabino Springett on the walls of its central plaza.
Today, the park is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580 in San Miguel, within an area that includes an important part of the Maranga Archaeological Complex. During your visit, you can see archaeological remains that reflect more than 2,000 years of occupation in this part of Lima, adding a historical dimension to the zoo and botanical areas.
Zoo Zones and Species of The Legend Park
The zoo at Park of the Legends is organized into four zones: Coast, Sierra, Jungle, and International. As you walk through them, you can see wildlife from Peru alongside species from other parts of the world. The official collection includes more than 1,300 animals, with species such as Humboldt penguins, Tumbes crocodiles, Andean condors, vicuñas, Amazonian tapirs, spectacled bears, and jaguars.
Coast Zone
The Coast Zone focuses on wildlife associated with Peru’s coastal ecosystems. Some of the species you can see here include:
| Animal | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Sea lion | A marine mammal adapted to life along the Pacific coast. |
| Humboldt penguin | A penguin native to the cold waters of the Humboldt Current. |
| Tumbes crocodile | A crocodile species native to the northern coast of Peru. |
| Pelican | A coastal bird with a long bill and a large throat pouch. |
| Flamingo | A long-legged bird associated with wetlands and shallow waters. |
Jungle Zone
The Jungle Zone represents the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Among its species are:
| Animal | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Spectacled bear | The only bear species native to South America. |
| Amazonian tapir | A large herbivorous mammal found in tropical forests and wetlands. |
| Jaguar | The largest cat species in the Americas, adapted to forest environments. |
| Anaconda | One of the largest snakes in the world, associated with rivers and wetlands. |
| Scarlet macaw | A colorful Amazonian parrot with bright red plumage. |
Mountain Zone
The Mountain Zone showcases species associated with Peru’s Andean ecosystems:
| Animal | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Vicuña | A wild Andean camelid known for its fine fiber. |
| Andean condor | One of the most emblematic birds of the Andes. |
| Llama | A domesticated South American camelid traditionally used as a pack animal. |
| Puma | A highly adaptable wild cat found in a variety of habitats across the Americas. |
International Zone
The International Zone lets you see species from Africa, Asia, Australia, and other regions outside Peru. Depending on the current collection, you can find animals such as giraffes, zebras, lions, Bengal tigers, hippopotamuses, red kangaroos, emus, and camels.
Archaeological Sites and Botanical Garden
Park of the Legends is built over part of the Maranga Archaeological Complex, one of the most important pre-Hispanic archaeological areas in Lima. Of the more than 70 archaeological sites identified across the wider complex, 54 are located within the park. They include temples, administrative buildings, palaces, walls, roads, and other structures built during different periods of Lima’s pre-Hispanic history. Among the best-known are Huaca Tres Palos, Huaca La Cruz, Huaca San Miguel, Huaca Cruz Blanca, and Huaca La Palma.
Main Archaeological Sites
| Huaca | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Huaca La Palma | A pyramid with a ramp and preserved reliefs depicting seabirds and stepped crosses. |
| Huaca San Miguel | An administrative complex from the Ychsma period, with platforms, enclosures, corridors, and storage areas. |
| Huaca Tres Palos | A pyramid-shaped temple and observatory with a distinctive system of 96 cells that may have been related to observing the sun and moon. Its archaeological importance has also led to notable discoveries at the site. Discover the archaeological discovery at Huaca Tres Palos |
| Huaca La Cruz | An archaeological monument built around 700 years ago and identified as an administrative center. |
| Huaca Cruz Blanca | An administrative-ceremonial complex with several enclosures, platforms, ramps, and the Plaza de los Nichitos. |
These monuments belong to different periods of occupation. The archaeological record includes the Lima culture (0–600 AD), the later Ychsma occupation, and the incorporation of Maranga into the Inca Empire around 1450. If you want to understand Lima beyond its colonial center, this archaeological area gives you a chance to see part of the city’s much older history during the same visit to the zoo.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Park of the Legends covers about 4.7 hectares and was inaugurated in 2002. Today, it safeguards 1,531 native and exotic plant species grouped into 127 botanical families, with more than 5,000 specimens. Its collections include ferns, bromeliads, vulnerable plants, cacti, conifers, and agaves, making this area worth including if you want to see more than the animal exhibits during your visit.
| Botanical Collection | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Ferns | 33 native and exotic fern species, including ornamental and ecologically important varieties. |
| Bromeliads | More than 200 specimens grouped into 28 species, including Aechmea, Vriesea, and native species from Peru’s coast. |
| Vulnerable Plants | Species under conservation categories, including arrayán, flor de amancaes, and tara. |
| Cactario de Lima | 710 specimens representing 15 genera and 30 species of cacti from different locations around Lima. |
| Agaves | More than 100 specimens grouped into 37 species, including species commonly known in Peru as cabuya and maguey. |
| Conifers | Species from Asia, Africa, America, Europe, and Australia, alongside native Andean conifers. |
The botanical collections have been developed in different stages rather than all at once. For example, the Fern Garden was inaugurated in 2012, while the Bromeliad Garden opened in 2014; this is why I would avoid describing the entire Botanical Garden as something inaugurated in 2022.
Tickets, Hours, and How to Get There
Tickets and Prices
The current entrance fees at Park of the Legends are:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission (13 years and older) | S/ 15 |
| Children (3–12 years) | S/ 8 |
| Adults 60 and older | S/ 4 |
| People with disabilities | Free |
| Accredited tourist guides | Free |
| War and national pacification veterans | Free |
Free admission and special rates are subject to the requirements established by the park. For visitors with disabilities, the official tariff provides free admission with one companion upon presentation of the required CONADIS identification.
Opening Hours
The park is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including public holidays. Ticket sales are available until 4:30 p.m., so it is best to arrive with enough time to enter and explore the park before closing.
How to Get to Park of the Legends
Park of the Legends is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel, Lima. If you are traveling by public transport, you can use Lima’s public transportation network and get off near the park; if you are driving, the park has parking facilities. The current parking fee is S/ 15 for cars and vans, S/ 8 for motorcycles, and S/ 30 for minibuses, buses, and similar vehicles.
If you are planning a short stay in Lima, you can also combine your visit to the park with a guided city tour that takes you through some of Lima’s main historic and archaeological attractions.
Tips for the Visit
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially if you plan to explore the zoo, archaeological sites, and botanical garden during the same visit. It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water, as you will spend considerable time walking outdoors.
You can bring food and drinks for your own consumption, but do not feed the animals, as human food can affect their health. Pets are not allowed inside the park, and the regulations also prohibit items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, balloons, drones, and other objects that could disturb visitors or animals. Check the park’s current rules before your visit if you plan to bring special equipment or items.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Park of the Legends?
Plan to spend at least half a day at Park of the Legends if you want to explore more than the main zoo areas. The park combines four zoological zones with archaeological sites and a botanical garden, so the time you need will depend on how much of the park you want to see.
If you want to visit the zoo, archaeological area, and botanical garden without rushing, it is better to set aside several hours of your day. The park also offers guided routes of individual areas that last around 45 minutes, while some specialized archaeological and botanical experiences take about 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Park of the Legends
Is Park of the Legends worth visiting in Lima?
Yes. It is a good option if you want to combine a zoo with archaeological sites and a botanical garden in the same place.
How much is the entrance fee to Park of the Legends?
General admission costs S/ 15, while children aged 3 to 12 pay S/ 8. Adults aged 60 and over pay S/ 4.
How long should I spend at Park of the Legends?
Plan to spend at least half a day if you want to explore the zoo along with the archaeological and botanical areas.
What animals can you see at Park of the Legends?
You can see Peruvian species such as Humboldt penguins, vicuñas, Andean condors, spectacled bears, and Amazonian tapirs, as well as animals from other parts of the world.
Is Park of the Legends a zoo?
Yes. It is one of the main zoos in Lima, but the park also includes archaeological sites and a botanical garden within its grounds.
Where is Park of the Legends located?
It is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas 580, San Miguel, Lima, west of the historic center.
