The Central Park of Miraflores, better known as “Parque Kennedy” or Miraflores Park, is one of the most visited parks in Lima due to its central location in the district of Miraflores. It is made up, in turn, by 2 parks: Parque 7 de junio and Parque Kennedy, one next to the other adding up to a total surface of 22 000 m².
It is located between the Miraflores Oval, Diagonal Avenue, Jose Larco Avenue and Schell Street. With the beginning of the last century this park was created. Its original and official name was always Miraflores Central Park, but in the 60s of the twentieth century, the Central Park was divided into two public green areas:
June 7th Park: commemorates one of the most important battles in the history of Peru and also the Day of the Flag.
Kennedy Park: in honor of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
However, at the end of the 20th century, the Municipality of Miraflores restored the original name to Miraflores Central Park, even though most neighbors and visitors still know it as Parque Kennedy.
Near the Miraflores Central Park is the Huaca Pucllana. This pre-Inca religious center was built by the Lima culture. This civilization occupied the central coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. At that time, the land we know today as Lima was fertile, rich in crops and with intricate canals branching from the Surco River. Among the people of Lima, those who did not cultivate crops were mostly fishermen.
These early natives of Lima built the Huaca Pucllana at the height of their reign in the region. They used this space mainly for ceremonial purposes. In these ancient ruins, banquets were held, large ceramic vessels were used and human sacrifices were performed. The sacrifices were mostly of young women, although archaeologists also found the remains of some young men and children.
Nowadays, Miraflores is the main tourist district of Lima and with its parks, beaches, restaurants, stores and cafes is a good place to settle down, rest and start to get to know Peru.
It is a safe neighborhood with all the amenities for you to go for a walk, ride a bike and appreciate all that this district has to offer. At night it also has a wide range of cinemas, theaters, concerts, discos and bars.
There are multiple options for tours that you can take to walk around Miraflores Central Park and start enjoying Lima and Peru.
1 – Cultural de Miraflores.
Follow the social networks of the cultural area of the Municipality of Miraflores. They are always organizing walks, excursions and hikes in the district. They are free activities, very enjoyable and usually start in Miraflores Central Park itself.
https://www.facebook.com/culturamiraflores
https://www.instagram.com/cultura.miraflores/?fbclid=IwAR2Muf7L6gZNBDfcYGp_P5oGat766qLiNnCQJG3FRQAy8YEih5OBEfkFJww
2- Mirabus
It is a Peruvian company of tourism, which has buses of 2 levels and panoramic view. In the upper part you will be delighted with the 360° view, since this level is open top.
The main Mirabus stop is located in Miraflores Central Park.
All tours have a bilingual guide.
https://www.facebook.com/mirabus
https://www.instagram.com/mirabusperu/
3-Tour to the Huaca Pucllana.
The entrance fee includes a visit to this archaeological monument. The visit has no set schedule, but is done on a first-come, first-served basis. These visits last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
http://huacapucllanamiraflores.pe/horariosytarifas/
4-Huaca Pucllana, Olivar Park and Huaca Huallamarca (Private)
Visit the Huaca Pucllana as well as the beautiful El Olivar forest in San Isidro, which stands out for its lagoon and to learn the secrets of ancient Peru, you will also visit the huaca Huallamarca.
https://turismoi.pe/tours/huaca-pucllana-parque-olivar-y-huaca-huallamarca-privado
5-Full day tour of Lima’s highlights
Explore Lima on this full day excursion. Visit an archaeological site (Pachacamac or Huaca Pucllana), the bohemian area of Barranco, the Historic Center of Lima with its catacombs and the Water Park.
https://www.getyourguide.es/lima-l39/lima-tour-historico-de-un-dia-completo-t22640/?
Miraflores Central Park is home to a Catholic church, the Iglesia de la Virgen Milagrosa, built in 1939. It also houses the Municipal Palace, seat of the local government of Miraflores. The Chabuca Granda amphitheater and small squares where you can find everything from handicrafts, antiques, street food vendors and live performances by various artists.
In recent years, the park has also become the main station of the Mirabus, a tourist service that connects various tourist attractions in Lima, with departures and arrivals at Parque Kennedy.
Enjoy, at Miraflores Central Park, any of the following attractions in the order and at the time you choose:
1-Street food vendors: don’t forget to try the tasty local delicacies such as butifarras, picarones and chica morada.
2-Miraflores Cat Park : Miraflores Central Park is a refuge for stray kittens. Dozens of felines can be seen strolling through the park, climbing trees and sharing the space with neighbors and visitors.
3-Painters at Kennedy Park: an attentive look at their art and personal way of interpreting reality.
4-Chabuca Granda Amphitheater : Peruvian Creole music mixes Spanish, African and Andean indigenous sounds in a genre representative of the Peruvian national identity.
Most of the shows offered are free and the space usually fills up quickly.
Many dining options can be found around Parque Kennedy, including well-known American chains and local Peruvian restaurants.
Here are some recommended places to eat near Kennedy Park:
1-Haiti : a historic old-fashioned coffee shop, famous for its aromatic coffee and wonderful omelets.
2-La Tiendecita Blanca: a Swiss restaurant offering a number of cheese-based dishes and classic sandwiches. They also serve breakfast throughout the day.
3-La Lucha: A quick stop for tasty Peruvian snacks. Celebrates Peruvian flavors and serves some of the best chips in Lima.
Bars
Miraflores Central Park is also a nightlife hotspot. There are several bars, pubs and discos nearby.
To taste pisco, Peru’s national liquor, go to the Pisco Museum and try a pisco sour or a chilcano.
Less than 3 blocks away is Eka Bar, a comfortable space to listen to English music from the 80s and 90s and one of the 10 best bars in Lima.
Shopping
Shopping is another major activity when visiting and strolling through Miraflores Central Park. At each end of the park are large department stores: Saga Falabella on the north side and Ripley on the south side.
Look, walk, consult and have fun. All the recommendations we give you go for all prices. If you have any questions, the security service of the district of Miraflores, known as Serenazgo, is ready to assist you. Many of its members speak English and can guide you without any problem.
On the other hand, to write about the geography of Miraflores Central Park it is necessary to comment that it is located in the central coast of Peru, in the left part of the low valley of the Rímac River, zone in which originally it irrigated a branch of the channel of Surco. At first, this place was a field of crops and today it is located near the cliffs on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
From a political geography perspective, this urban entertainment area is located within the department of Lima, province of Lima, district of Miraflores delimited by the Miraflores Oval, Diagonal Avenue, José Larco Avenue and Schell Street. Currently, it is surrounded by an urban environment.
In the past, this location helped it to be directly with the coast, as well as with the ecosystem of hills and maintain control of the intakes of irrigation canals. Today, being surrounded by the big city, it is difficult to think that at one time it was a field of crops, forests and wetlands.
The district of Miraflores, and its heart Miraflores Central Park, are very important for the economy and tourism in Peru.
Miraflores, including museums, art galleries and cultural centers, has 23 duly inventoried tourist resources. In some of them, additional spaces have been set up to provide information to visitors, as well as for rest and/or enjoyment of the environment.
In the district of Miraflores, there are a total of 125 categorized and 81 non-categorized lodging establishments.
Most of these establishments are in the 3-star category, with 56 hotels.
According to data published by the municipality itself, there are also 228 restaurants and 410 travel agencies.
The main reason for visiting Miraflores is for vacation and/or recreation (73%), with the most popular places being the Parque Central de Miraflores (85%), the Parque del Amor (60%), the Larcomar shopping center and the beaches (49%). Visitors to Miraflores usually come in groups or couples. There is a large percentage of people who visit Miraflores for the first time (45%), followed by people who have visited more than five times (38%), which shows that there is visitor loyalty to the district.
2 million tourists visit Miraflores every year. This figure shows the importance of Miraflores Central Park, the busiest and most visited place in the district, for culture, tourism and the economy of Peru.
What is the Miraflores Central Park History?
The history of the space occupied by Miraflores Central Park is probably as old as the history of the settlement of the Peruvian coast. For thousands of years, people have lived in the beautiful district known today as Miraflores. The first settlers were fishermen, hunters and gatherers. Later, ancient cultures occupied the land overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
A still visible reminder of those times is the Huaca Pucllana. Shortly after the founding of Lima by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Spanish settlers began to populate the site. By the mid-18th century, it was already known as the town of San Miguel de Miraflores, with a parish church in its center. It soon gained popularity as a seaside resort, and Lima’s elite built their summer residences in the favorite spots of the small town.
On January 2, 1857 the district of Miraflores was officially established. During the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1883), Miraflores was one of the main lines of defense against the invading Chilean troops. Thanks to the brave men who defended the capital of Peru, Miraflores received the nickname of “Heroic City”. Very close to Miraflores Central Park is the Parque Reducto. In this place the last battles for Lima were fought.
Recovery after the war progressed slowly. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was still a quiet town with a small population. However, due to the construction of housing developments, the opening of Arequipa Avenue (first called Leguía Avenue) that connects the center of the city with Miraflores, a steady growth was experienced.
At the beginning of the last century, the park began to take shape. Its original and official name was always Miraflores Central Park, but in the 60’s of the twentieth century, the Central Park was divided into two public green areas:
June 7th Park: commemorates one of the most important battles in the history of Peru and also the Day of the Flag.
Kennedy Park: in honor of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
However, at the end of the 20th century, the Municipality of Miraflores restored the original name to Miraflores Central Park, but even so, most neighbors and visitors still know it as Parque Kennedy.
In the following 40 years, Miraflores became an important commercial and residential area. With the construction of two streets of great importance for Miraflores, the Vía Expresa, also known as Paseo de la República or Zanjón, and the Circuito de Playas de la Costa Verde in the 1960s, the rapid growth of Miraflores continued.
In the 1990s, residential and commercial development did much damage to the original charm and environment of Miraflores. The municipality of that time initiated an aggressive campaign to recover the beauty of the neighborhood, built green areas around the district and put special emphasis on security. Today Miraflores has become a district with a very special charisma for its residents and visitors. Miraflores Central Park is its heart and main space.
In July 1995, on the occasion of the International LGBT Pride Day and the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall events, a small group of LGBT demonstrators was called to Miraflores Central Park in what is considered to be the first Pride march in Lima.
Near the Miraflores Central Park is the Huaca Pucllana. This pre-Inca religious center was built by the Lima culture. This civilization occupied the central coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. At that time, the land we know today as Lima was fertile, rich in crops and with intricate canals branching from the Surco River. Among the people of Lima, those who did not cultivate crops were mostly fishermen.
These early natives of Lima built the Huaca Pucllana at the height of their reign in the region. They used the temple primarily for ceremonial purposes. Banquets were held in these ancient ruins, large ceramic vessels were used and human sacrifices were performed. The sacrifices were mostly of young women, although archaeologists also found the remains of some young men and children.
Throughout time scientists, researchers and explorers have worked, walked or lived in Miraflores, very close to where Miraflores Central Park is located. Among those illustrious characters we present the following list:
Dr. Ernst Middendorf, German traveler and scholar traveled through Peru at the end of the 19th century and mentioned some interesting aspects concerning the Huaca Pucllana located in the district of Miraflores, for example, that it was a very long but relatively wide artificial hill, the presence to the west of a rectangular enclosed field 480 paces long by 70 paces wide and the composition of the “hill” by terraces lined with walls.
The XX century marks the beginning of the archaeological investigations in Peru with the works of the German Max Uhle. He considered Huaca Pucllana as part of a group of sites together with Nievería, Copacabana, Maranga and Pachacámac; corresponding to the manifestation of a dense population that must have been sustained by means of an “organized and flourishing agriculture”, due to the monumentality of its constructions that needed enormous amounts of labor. The civilization to which these sites belonged was called Proto-Lima.
Other scientific and archaeological references are found in the work of the self-taught researcher Pedro Villar Córdova who, in 1935, published a classification of sites based on the description of the architecture and construction techniques, defining the Lima culture as “agricultural populations with rudimentary dwellings, forming large camps… the temples resemble artificial hills… made with small adobes”, the Huaca Pucllana is considered part of this group.
In 1941, Dr. Julio C. Tello, in his position as general inspector of archaeological monuments, began to defend the site and initiated archaeological rescue studies, since several small mounds had already been destroyed.
In the early 1950s, the American Louis Stumer conducted archaeological surveys and explorations in the central coast of Peru. In 1954 he published a classification of pre-Hispanic settlements, where he distinguished the ceremonial centers of the Rimac valley.
Another meritorious research was carried out by Alfred L. Kroeber, who in 1955 published the results of the work he had done 30 years earlier in the archaeological complexes of Maranga, Juliana, and Bajada Balta. The purpose of his studies was to find contrastable evidence to better define the Proto-Lima style.
In 1966, Thomas C. Patterson published a proposed classification of Lima pottery, which he called the “Lima Style”.
In 1967, at the request of the Municipality of Miraflores, the historian Juan José Vega carried out a series of works that were in charge of the archaeologist Isabel Flores Espinoza. These were the first systematic works at the site and focused on the upper platforms of the Great Pyramid building.
In 1983, historical research was conducted by historians Lorenzo Huertas (1983) and Rafael Varón Gabai (1983). Both authors coincided in pointing out, on the basis of documentary research, that when the Spaniards arrived, Huaca Pucllana was in a state of abandonment between the lands of the curacazgos of Sulco and Huatca.
If you would like to find books to learn a little more about Miraflores Central Park and the district itself we offer the following suggestions.
History of the District of Miraflores. Rosas Cuadros, Emilio E. 2010. Lima -Peru.
Peruvian Traditions. Palma, Ricardo. 1872. Lima-Peru.
The Sunday Geniecillos. Rybeiro, Julio Ramón. 1950. Lima-Peru.
History and romance of old Miraflores. Alayza and Paz Soldán, Luis. 2020. Lima-Peru.
Pucllana: Splendor of the Lima Culture. National Institute of Culture. Flores Espinoza, Isabel. 2005. Lima-Peru.
The district of Miraflores, of which Miraflores Central Park is a part, is important to the history of Peru.
For many of its inhabitants, Miraflores is the financial center of Peru and at the same time the urban, social and cultural symbol of modern Lima.
However, this is not the only reason why Miraflores is important for the Peruvian nation. When reviewing its history we find that many important events occurred in spaces and places very close to Miraflores Central Park. In pre-Inca times it was one of the first places to be inhabited on the coast of Peru.
In 1820, the first meeting between a representative of the Spanish crown, Viceroy Joaquín de la Pezuela, and one of the liberators of Peru, General José de San Martín, took place there, which marked the beginning of a difficult process of negotiations and battles that would eventually lead to the independence of Peru. On January 15, 1881, the battle of Miraflores was fought: the last attempt of the Peruvian neighbors and armed forces to prevent the Chilean takeover of the Peruvian capital.
In the 1990s, on July 16, 1992, one of the worst attacks carried out by the Shining Path terrorist movement in the Peruvian capital took place on Tarata Street. Twenty-five people died there. It was the first time that a large-scale terrorist act was carried out in Lima against a civilian urban target. Different political and social sectors expressed their solidarity with the affected families. The mayors of Miraflores and Villa El Salvador organized marches, calls for peace and rejection of the attack. The entire population stood up to the terror and in a short time Shining Path was defeated by the Peruvian nation.
Miraflores Central Park is the center and heart of the district of Miraflores which is part of the city of Lima whose Historic Center was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
What does Miraflores Central Park Mean?
The Central Park of Miraflores, better known as “Parque Kennedy” or Miraflores Park, is one of the most popular and visited parks in Lima because of its central location in the district of Miraflores.
It is made up of two parks: Parque 7 de junio and Parque Kennedy, one next to the other, with a total area of 22,000 m².
It is common to see a variety of activities for the residents and tourists of the district, such as the Ricardo Palma Book Fair, as well as traditional activities for the Fiestas Patrias, such as the “Corso Wong”, held in July.
Around the park is concentrated the varied commercial, cultural and bohemian activity of Miraflores, in front of the park, along Diagonal Avenue, you will find a variety of cultural centers, entertainment venues and, for the night, bars and different places to go dancing.
What are the artifacts in the Miraflores Central Park?
The ancient, millenary and XIX century artifacts found near Miraflores Central Park, are in the Huaca Pucllana and in the Reducto Park. Both spaces are tourist attractions in the district of Miraflores and you can also visit them.
The Huaca Pucllana was an important religious and mortuary center of the Lima culture. This culture developed mainly in the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. Remains of the Lima civilization were found there, which lived from 400 to 700 AD. In the site museum you can admire textiles, ceramics and even mummies of the Lima culture and other civilizations that also settled there until the sixteenth century (such as the Wari and Ychsma culture).
The Miraflores Redoubt Park honors the residents of the district and members of the Peruvian Army and Navy who defended their city in the Battle of Miraflores (January 15, 1881). In the Park, which can be reached walking from Miraflores Central Park, there is a Museum of site in which we find weapons, cannons and uniforms of the time. There is even an Ossuary and it is said that if archaeological excavations were allowed, more remains of the battles fought more than 140 years ago would be unearthed there.
When did Miraflores Central Park get its name?
Its original and official name was always Parque Central de Miraflores, but in the 60’s of the 20th century, the Central Park was divided into two public green areas:
June 7th Park: commemorates one of the most important battles in the history of Peru and also the Day of the Flag.
Kennedy Park: in honor of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
However, at the end of the 20th century, the Municipality of Miraflores has restored the original name Parque Central de Miraflores, but even so, most neighbors and visitors still know it as Parque Kennedy.
Which Civilization used Miraflores Central Park for what?
Near the Miraflores Central Park is the Huaca Pucllana. This pre-Inca religious center was built by the Lima culture. This civilization occupied the central coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD.
At that time, the land we know today as Lima was fertile, rich in crops and with intricate canals branching out from the Surco River. Among the people of Lima, those who did not farm were mostly fishermen.
These early natives of Lima built the Huaca Pucllana at the height of their reign in the region. They used the temple mainly for ceremonial purposes. Banquets were held in these ancient ruins, large ceramic vessels were used and human sacrifices were performed. The sacrifices were mostly of young women, although archaeologists also found the remains of some young men and children.
What are the theories about the origin of the Miraflores Central Park?
The most accepted theories about the origins of the district of Miraflores go back to the oldest vestiges found in the archaeological zone of Huaca Pucllana (very close in distance to Miraflores Central Park). It is said that it was an important ceremonial center of the Lima culture. It is not ruled out that other types of activities may have been carried out at the site, perhaps linked to administrative aspects, but the evidence suggests that ritual activity was the main activity.
The representation of sea creatures on various supports seems to respond not only to an economic criterion, but also to a sacred character that they may have acquired by being part of a traditional story related to the divinities: the most concrete case of this is the shark, consumed in ritual banquets and at the same time widely represented in ceramics (modeled and/or painted) in contexts of vessel breaking rituals and others.
What are the myths about Miraflores Central Park?
The history of the place where Miraflores Central Park is located is very old and therefore there are many myths, legends and traditions that have come down to us. Among those we have stories that tell us stories of ghosts and apparitions as well as other much funnier ones such as the sudden appearance of kittens in the Central Park itself.
Don Ricardo Palma, in his generous book “Tradiciones peruanas” (Peruvian Traditions) tells us about a myth that happened very close to Miraflores Central Park, in the Huaca Pucllana: three Spanish arquebusiers, between the XVII and XVIII centuries, saw a light shining and thought it was a ruby.
When they heard, from various sources, of the millenary and magnificent burials in the area, they began to excavate and found a skull. When they kicked it, the promised jewel appeared. Their greed caused them to fight among themselves and in the end they all died.
About Don Ricardo Palma himself, the great Peruvian writer, it is said that his house (currently the Ricardo Palma House Museum, located two blocks from Miraflores Central Park) is haunted. Those who administer and take care of this cultural space comment that it is common to feel footsteps at night and see how the doors close in front of you.
On January 15, 1881 more than 2000 Miraflores neighbors and members of the Peruvian armed forces died defending the city of Lima in the battle of Miraflores. The legends and traditions of the XIX century and beginnings of XX century tell that at night screams and bullets could be heard in the years after the cruel confrontations. There are also stories of apparitions of former combatants who went home to say goodbye to their families. As well as the footsteps in old streets of people who had died of sadness waiting for their fathers and brothers who went to fight and never returned.
A more topical and more sympathetic story about Miraflores Central Park is the sudden appearance of many cats and how they took over the space.
Many years ago there were many mice living in the park, so to solve the problem, the neighbors of Miraflores began to bring their cats to control that plague. It seems that the idea worked; but as time went by, the cats got to know each other, got along well, multiplied and nowadays they have turned Miraflores Central Park into their own home and of course they are one of the main tourist attractions of the park.
Is Miraflores Central Park Important for Peru History?
The district of Miraflores, of which Miraflores Central Park is a part, is important to the history of Peru.
For many of its inhabitants, Miraflores is the financial center of Peru and at the same time the urban, social and cultural symbol of modern Lima.
However, this is not the only reason why Miraflores is important for the Peruvian nation. When reviewing its history we find that many important events occurred in spaces and places very close to Miraflores Central Park. In pre-Inca times it was one of the first places to be inhabited on the coast of Peru.
In 1820, the first meeting between a representative of the Spanish crown, Viceroy Joaquín de la Pezuela, and one of the liberators of Peru, General José de San Martín, took place there. This marked the beginning of a difficult process of negotiations and battles that would eventually lead to the independence of Peru. On January 15, 1881, the battle of Miraflores was fought: the last attempt of the Peruvian neighbors and armed forces to prevent the Chilean takeover of the Peruvian capital.
On July 16, 1992, one of the worst terrorist attacks carried out by the Shining Path terrorist movement took place on Tarata Street. Twenty-five people who had the misfortune of passing near the place where the bombs were placed were killed. That was the first time that a large-scale terrorist act was carried out in Lima against a civilian urban target. Different political and social sectors expressed their solidarity with the affected families. The mayors of Miraflores and Villa El Salvador organized marches and calls for peace and rejection of the attack. The entire population stood up to the terror and in a short time Shining Path was defeated by the Peruvian nation.
Where is Miraflores Central Park Located?
Miraflores Central Park is located in the district of Miraflores, in the city of Lima. It is bounded by the Miraflores Oval, Diagonal Avenue, Jose Larco Avenue and Schell Street.
What are the coordinates of Miraflores Central Park?
The coordinates of Miraflores Central Park are as follows: 12°07′14″S 77°01′47″W.
How did Miraflores Central Park become well-known?
Located about 10 km from the center of Lima, Miraflores is generally considered the district of the city with the greatest tourist offer in the capital of Peru. In, and near, Miraflores Central Park you will find most of the hostels and hotels, as well as travel agencies, bars, restaurants and other basic necessities that you will require upon your arrival in the country of the Incas. If you are strolling through Miraflores, like the vast majority of travelers, you are probably wondering what entertainment options and places to visit are not to be missed.
Miraflores Central Park has another peculiarity that has made it famous and that is the large number of cats that inhabit it. They roam the gardens and are very affectionate with visitors. In 1994 there were mice in the area and, to solve this problem, people began to bring their cats to the park. From then on, the cats began to multiply.
Visiting Miraflores Central Park, you will realize that Miraflores is the most eloquent sample of the remarkable combination of modernity, nature and hospitality of the whole city of Lima.
What species can be found in Miraflores Central Park?
This park has a peculiarity that makes it famous and it is the large number of cats that live there. They stroll through the gardens looking for food but also for caresses from visitors. Animal groups and the Municipality of Miraflores take care of them. There is a kiosk in the park where anyone interested in adopting one of the cats can go.
https://gatosparquekennedy.org/
How is the Map of Miraflores Central Park Layout?
The Miraflores Central Park Map is as follows:
How is the Geography of Miraflores Central Park?
To write about the geography of Miraflores Central Park, it is located on the central coast of Peru, on the left side of the lower valley of the Rímac River, an area that originally irrigated a branch of the Surco canal. At the beginning, this place was a field of crops and nowadays it is located near the cliffs at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
From a political geography perspective, this urban entertainment area is located within the department of Lima, province of Lima, district of Miraflores delimited by the Miraflores Oval, Diagonal Avenue, José Larco Avenue and Schell Street. Currently, it is surrounded by an urban environment.
In the past, this location helped it to be directly on the coast, as well as with the hilly ecosystem and to maintain control of the intakes of the irrigation canals.
Being surrounded by the big city, it is difficult to think that at one time it was a field of crops, forests and wetlands.
What is the Geological Profile of Miraflores Central Park?
To explain about the geological profile of Miraflores Central Park we have to write about the city of Lima.
The Huaca Pucllana is located in the district of Miraflores. One of the most important financial and touristic districts of the capital of the country of the Incas.
Lima, Peru’s capital and largest city, is located on the Pacific coastal plain, on dissected alluvial cones formed by the fast-flowing Rimac, Chillon and Lurin rivers. The western Andean mountain range rises steeply to the east of the city and reaches an altitude of 6,100 m just 130 km from the Pacific Ocean.
The Andes of central Peru are relatively young mountains, with the oldest exposed rock being the pyroclasts of the Upper Jurassic Puente Piedra Group.
These are overlain by shales and quartzites of the Morro-Solar Group of the Lower Cretaceous, followed by 1,000 m of limestone of the Pamplona and Atocongo formations, of Lower to Middle Cretaceous age.
In the middle and upper Cretaceous, volcanism resumed and 1,500 m of andesites and pyroclasts were deposited to form the Casma Group, which is the source rock at the highest stratigraphic level. Alluvial cones and playa sediments that formed during the rapid ascent of the Andes have been dissected by rejuvenation of the downcutting down to 20 m at Lima.
The geology of the Lima region reflects the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate and subsequent uplift and volcanic activity. The structural geology of the bedrock underlying the Quaternary sediments in the city of Lima is dominated by the northwest-trending Lima anticline and associated synclines and reverse faults. This anticline is asymmetric with dips of 5 to 20 degrees in the west and 35 degrees in the east.
Engineering problems related to Lima’s geology have to do with earthquake protection design, foundation problems in unstable soils, water supply for a rapidly growing city, solid waste disposal, and urban sprawl. Modern engineering practices have been introduced, with seismic design in new building codes. Water resource planning and modern infrastructure construction take into account the geological setting of this large and important city.
What are the Hiking Routes near in Miraflores Central Park?
Miraflores Central Park is a place to walk and hike. It is located in the heart of the cosmopolitan district of Miraflores, so you will be very close to restaurants, stores, museums, cultural centers and various attractions and spaces that interest you.
- Malecon from San Isidro to Miraflores.
Round trip route. Generally considered an easy route, which takes an average of 2 h 30 min to walk. This route is popular for running and walking. It is perfect to do at any time.
You will pass by the Parque del Amor, the statue of the poet Antonio Cisneros and the Faro de La Marina. In the summer, on Sunday afternoons, small concerts and other activities are held near the Faro de la Marina. In the early mornings, it is extremely quiet, as well as on Sundays.
Distance
9.0 km
Positive difference in elevation
262 m
Type of route
Round trip
https://www.alltrails.com/es/ruta/peru/lima/malecon-de-san-isidro-a-miraflores
- Lima – City Walk.
In general it is an easy route, which takes an average of 5 h 16 min to cover. It is excellent for cycling and walking.
Distance
22.4 km
Positive difference in elevation
380 m
Type of route
Round trip
It goes from Miraflores to the Plaza de Armas. Starting at the Miraflores Central Park, taking a short ride along the coast (Parque Raimondi) at the midpoint of the Malecon to the lighthouse and then heading towards the main downtown area. The large Avenida Arequipa also has bike paths. The route passes through other small squares and parks, including Parque de la Reserva and Parque de la Exposición.
After a stretch of pedestrian walkway surrounded by restaurants and local businesses, you will reach the Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor.
https://www.alltrails.com/es/ruta/peru/lima/lima-caminata-por-la-ciudad
Lima: Plaza San Martín – Plaza de Armas – Chinatown
6.6-km circular route near Lima, Lima. It is generally considered an easy route, which takes an average of 1 h 36 min to cover. This route is excellent for cycling and walking.
Distance
6.6 km
Positive difference in elevation
128 m
Type of route
Circular
It is a pleasant tour through the historic center of the city of Lima, starting at the Plaza San Martin and taking the pedestrian street Jiron de la Union towards the Plaza de Armas. It is possible to appreciate historical monuments and incredible architecture.
Then, take another pedestrian street, Jiron Ucayali to pass the Central Market and craft stores, other sites of interest such as the Public Ministry, restaurants and stores and then return to the parking lot near Plaza San Martin where the tour began.
https://www.alltrails.com/es/peru/lima/lima/historic-site
Tip: Use extra caution on the routes that go outside the limits of San Isidro and Miraflores. After a certain hour, 6pm, there is more traffic movement and not all streets are well lit. It is preferable to do those routes in the mornings or early afternoons.
- Bicycle in Lima through the Campo de Marte.
Experience this 41.0-km circular route near Lima, Lima. Generally considered a route of moderate difficulty, it takes an average of 10 h 5 min to complete. Suggested for road cycling.
Length
41.0 km
Positive difference in elevation
642 m
Type of route
Circular route
This bicycle tour starts in the neighborhood of Molina Vieja and goes through the neighborhoods of San Isidro, Jesus Maria, the historic center, the Chinatown and then ends in Monterrico before returning to Molina Vieja.
The route passes through the Campo de Marte, as well as the Parque de la Exposición.
https://www.alltrails.com/es-mx/ruta/peru/lima/velo-a-lima-par-le-campo-de-marte
When is the best time to visit Miraflores Central Park?
Miraflores, and Miraflores Central Park, its heart, is the cultural and bohemian district for excellent of the city of Lima. It can be visited at any time of the year. However, if you want to enjoy the sea and the beaches of Miraflores we suggest you come between December to March as those are the summer months on the coast of Peru.
You can even walk from Miraflores Central Park to the sea.
Where to stay in Miraflores Central Park?
Near Miraflores Central Park you can find a great hotel offer, at all prices and comfort, so you can choose and stay.
1 JW Marriot Hotel Lima.
For those visiting Lima, JW Marriot Hotel is a great choice to relax. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with all the amenities you ask for and its proximity to the best attractions in Miraflores.
Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center is a five-star hotel located at Malecón de la Reserva 615 Miraflores.
https://www.espanol.marriott.com/hotels/travel/limdt-jw-marriott-hotel-lima/
2Swissôtel Lima
Swissôtel Lima is a 5-star hotel located at Via Central 150, Centro Empresarial Real in Lima.
178 dollars
https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/lima/
3Hostal Porta
Hostal Porta is a 3-star hotel located at Porta 686, Miraflores, Lima.
http://hostalporta.com/
4 Kokopelli Hostel
Kokopelli Hostel is a two-star hostel. Located 950 meters from the beach and features a currency exchange and luggage storage.
http://kokopelli-hostel.limaperuhotels.net/es/
5- Fliying Dog Hostels Lima
A chain of hostels strategically located in the center of Miraflores and very close to Miraflores Central Park. Their prices are extremely affordable.
Flying Dog – Hostels Peru (flyingdogperu.com)
What are the Tours for Miraflores Central Park?
There are multiple options for tours that you can take to get to know Miraflores Central Park and start enjoying Lima and Peru.
1 – Cultural de Miraflores.
Follow the social networks of the cultural area of the Municipality of Miraflores. They are always organizing walks, excursions and hikes in the district. They are free activities, very enjoyable and usually start in Miraflores Central Park itself.
https://www.facebook.com/culturamiraflores
https://www.instagram.com/cultura.miraflores/?fbclid=IwAR2Muf7L6gZNBDfcYGp_P5oGat766qLiNnCQJG3FRQAy8YEih5OBEfkFJww
2- Mirabus
It is a Peruvian company of tourism, which has buses of 2 levels and panoramic view. In the upper part you will be delighted with the 360° view, since this level is open top.
The Mirabus has several tours at different times from Monday to Friday.
Short tours: approximately one hour long and available in downtown Lima and Miraflores.
Long tours: tours that last three hours or more and that include, in addition to the panoramic visit, the entrance to a place of tourist interest.
The main Mirabus stop is located in Miraflores Central Park.
All tours have a bilingual guide.
https://www.facebook.com/mirabus
https://www.instagram.com/mirabusperu/
3-Tour to the Huaca Pucllana.
The entrance fee includes a visit to the ruins with a guide in English or Spanish. The visit does not have a set schedule, but is on a first-come, first-served basis. These visits last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
A private visit to the Huaca Pucllana can also be arranged for a group of up to 20 people for an additional 30 soles per group. The same price applies to tour guides who speak other languages, such as French, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese.
Please note that if you have already planned a visit to Lima, your guide may not be able to include a visit to the Huaca Pucllana. Only guides certified by the Huaca Pucllana Museum can guide inside the site.
http://huacapucllanamiraflores.pe/horariosytarifas/
4-Huaca Pucllana, Olivar Park and Huaca Huallamarca (Private)
Visit the Huaca Pucllana as well as the beautiful El Olivar forest in San Isidro, which stands out for its lagoon and to learn the secrets of ancient Peru, you will also visit the huaca Huallamarca.
Duration: 3 hours
Guide: English, Spanish
https://turismoi.pe/tours/huaca-pucllana-parque-olivar-y-huaca-huallamarca-privado
5-Full day tour of Lima’s highlights
Explore Lima on this full day excursion. Visit an archaeological site (Pachacamac or Huaca Pucllana), the bohemian area of Barranco, the Historic Center of Lima with its catacombs and the Water Park.
Duration 9 hours
Guide: English, Spanish
https://www.getyourguide.es/lima-l39/lima-tour-historico-de-un-dia-completo-t22640/?
What are the Closest Destinations to Miraflores Central Park?
Miraflores Central Park is located in the heart of the Miraflores district. Close to multiple and diverse destinations, historical, cultural, fun and entertainment spaces that you will want to know.
HUACA PUCLLANA
It is an archaeological site belonging to the Lima culture, located in the district of Miraflores. It has become one of the main tourist attractions of Metropolitan Lima and the most investigated archaeological site in the capital of Peru.
The Huaca Pucllana complex includes a workshop area, a souvenir store and the Huaca Pucllana restaurant, where you can have lunch overlooking the ruins for an even more complete experience. This is a sophisticated place specializing in traditional Peruvian cuisine. Six percent of its income is used to help the conservation of the Huaca.
2-THE MIRAFLORES BOARDWALK
The Miraflores Malecon is the district’s best known attraction. This six-mile stretch of boardwalk begins with the Malecon de la Marina in the north, then becomes the Malecon Cisneros, and ends as the Malecon de la Reserva in the south. This beautiful clifftop promenade offers fabulous views of the Pacific coast and is an ideal place for walking, strolling, and exercise. All around you will see lots of family activity, really beautiful and well-kept parks along the way. As well as cafes if you want to stop and chat for a while.
3-PARAPENTISM
In the Antonio Raimondi park, located on the Miraflores boardwalk, you will find the main paragliding site in Lima.
You can take a tandem paragliding flight. No previous experience is required and most flights take place in the afternoon. A ten-minute flight costs $50.
4- LARCOMAR SHOPPING CENTER
It is one of the main commercial centers of the city. It has a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
Here you will find many well-known brand name stores such as Adidas and Banana Republic, but you will also find Peruvian stores such as Ilaria Jewelery, Kuna Alpaca and Dédalo.
It is a good place to eat, have a coffee or a drink and listen to good music. It also has a cinema, theater and spaces for dancing.
Hours: 11.00 – 22.00. Every day of the week.
5- INDIAN MARKET
Located on Petit Thouars Avenue, this is the place to go if you want to buy typical Peruvian handicrafts and souvenirs to take home. The prices are comfortable, card payments are accepted, it is very safe and the treatment of the sellers is very good with the tourist and traveler.
Opening hours: 09.00 – 18.00 seven days a week.
6-ECO – MIRAFLORES FAIR
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Parque Reducto. It is the ideal place for those interested in buying vegetables, fruits and all kinds of healthy foods.
7- REDOUBT PARK
In its interiors is the Andrés A Cáceres Museum dedicated to the memory of the combatants of the battle of Miraflores (January 15, 1881) who defended the capital of Peru in the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1883). The space, very well taken care of, conserves weapons, flags and uniforms of the XIX century. For all those interested in Military History.
8-HISTORIC CENTER OF LIMA
Although not so close to Miraflores, 40 minutes in a private car, if you want to know the traditional and historical Lima you must necessarily go to the Historic Center. Recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, you cannot leave the capital of Peru without visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Lima Art Museum, the Cathedral, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, etc.
How to Get from Lima to Miraflores Central Park?
If you are staying in the districts of Miraflores, or even San Isidro, you can reach Miraflores Central Park by bicycle or on foot.
If it is your first visit to Lima, the first choice will always be a cab. The best service is offered by Taxi Satelital (01)3555555. They even have an app for you to download.
Cab Satelital charges 20-30% more than a service you take on the street, but it is compensated by the security and tranquility with which you will arrive at your destination.
If you plan to go by public transportation, near Miraflores Central Park, you will find Larco, Pardo and Arequipa Avenues, through which several bus lines run through Miraflores and several districts of Lima.
You can also travel to Miraflores Central Park using the Metropolitano service: this is the most important public transportation service in Lima, which serves about 700 thousand trips per day throughout the city.
On the other hand, if you have rented a car, you can drive to Miraflores Central Park. Underneath the park there is a subway parking lot.
What to know before going Miraflores Central Park?
Miraflores is the main tourist district of Lima and with its parks, beaches, restaurants, stores and cafes is a good place to settle in, rest and begin to know Peru.
In Miraflores you will especially get to know the cosmopolitan part of the city in the Historic Center, just as its name says, its historic and traditional part.
It is a safe neighborhood with all the amenities for you to go for a walk, ride a bike and see all that this district has to offer. At night it also has a wide range of cinemas, theaters, concerts, discos and bars.
In terms of security, they have a good security service called Serenazgo. The staff of the Municipality of Miraflores is prepared to assist you.
How is the Miraflores Central Park Itinerary?
Miraflores Central Park is an ideal place to start exploring the city. Surrounded by the best restaurants, cafes, stores and just about everything the capital of Peru has to offer its visitors, it is a must-see for any traveler arriving in Lima.
The park is home to a Catholic church, the Iglesia de la Virgen Milagrosa, built in 1939. It also houses the Municipal Palace, seat of the local government of Miraflores. The Chabuca Granda amphitheater and small squares where you can find everything from handicrafts, antiques, street food vendors and live performances by various artists.
In recent years, the park has also become the main station of Mirabus, a tourist service that connects several tourist attractions in Lima, departing and arriving at Parque Kennedy.
Enjoy any of the following attractions in the order and at the time of your choice.
Street food vendors
Street food has been an important part of Peru’s culinary boom. The municipal administration and the public health department certify all vendors and their products in the park. Don’t forget to try the tasty local delicacies such as butifarras, picarones and chica morada.
Miraflores Cat Park
Miraflores Central Park is a refuge for stray kittens. Dozens of felines can be seen strolling through the park, climbing trees and sharing the space with neighbors and visitors.
An important detail: cat lovers founded an association, Gatos Parque Kennedy, to care for and defend the rights of these felines. The association feeds the cats daily and oversees the adoption process in case someone wants to take one home.
Painters at Kennedy Park
When visiting Miraflores Central Park you will find popular artists and painters who observe, interpret and portray their urban environment in their own unique style. An attentive look and support of their art is well worth it.
Chabuca Granda Amphitheater
Peruvian Creole music blends Spanish, African and Andean indigenous sounds in a genre representative of Peruvian national identity. Chabuca Granda, singer and composer, is among the main criollo artists. Miraflores honored her musical and cultural legacy by naming the amphitheater after her.
Most shows are free and space usually fills up quickly, so consider yourself lucky if you get a good seat.
Where to eat
Many dining options can be found around Miraflores Central Park, including well-known American chains and local Peruvian restaurants.
Haiti: a historic old-fashioned coffee shop, famous for its aromatic coffee. One of the most bohemian and classic places in Lima.
La Tiendecita Blanca: a Swiss restaurant offering a number of cheese-based dishes and classic sandwiches. Breakfast is also served throughout the day.
La Lucha: a quick stop for tasty Peruvian snacks. Celebrate Peruvian flavors. Highly recommended.
Bars
Miraflores Central Park is also a nightlife hotspot. There are several bars, pubs and discos nearby.
Check out Barbarian or Nuevo Mundo for craft beer brewed in Lima.
To taste pisco, Peru’s national liquor, go to the Pisco Museum and try a pisco sour or a chilcano.
Less than 3 blocks away is Eka Bar, a comfortable space to listen to English music from the 80s and 90s and one of the 10 best bars in Lima.
Shopping
Shopping is another important activity when visiting and strolling through Miraflores Central Park. At each end of the park are large department stores: Saga Falabella on the north side and Ripley on the south side.
If you are looking for jewelry stores in Lima, Murguía offers quality pieces of fine jewelry and watches. If you are looking for Peruvian leather, visit Renzo Costa.
How much does it cost to visit Miraflores Central Park?
The Miraflores Central Park is open to the public and free of charge 24 hours a day.
What is the best vehicle for visiting Miraflores Central Park?
If it is your first visit to the city of Lima, the best option is always a cab. The best service is offered by Taxi Satelital (01)3555555. They even have an application for you to download.
Cab Satelital charges 20-30% more than a car you can take on the street, but it is compensated by the security and tranquility with which you will arrive at your destination.
If you are staying in the districts of Miraflores, or even San Isidro, you can reach Miraflores Central Park by bicycle or on foot.
If you plan to go by public transportation, near Miraflores Central Park, you will find Larco, Pardo and Arequipa Avenues, through which several bus lines run through Miraflores and several districts of Lima.
You can also travel to Miraflores Central Park using the Metropolitano service: this is the most important public transportation service in Lima, which provides about 700,000 trips per day throughout the city.
On the other hand, if you have rented a car, you can take it to Miraflores Central Park. Underneath the park there is a subway parking lot.
How many hours should a person spend in Miraflores Central Park?
How many hours you spend in Miraflores Central Park is entirely up to you. Being a public space, open to visitors, you can entertain yourself by watching the outdoor photography exhibitions, sit and listen to the singers in the “Chabuca Granda” amphitheater, shop at the Book Fair that starts in December every year, play with the kittens in the park, have a little snack in the park, etc.
Miraflores Central Park is a quiet and very safe place for personal or family entertainment in Lima. A good place to start or end your visit to Peru.
What is the nearest city to Miraflores Central Park?
The Miraflores Central Park is located in the district of Miraflores, in the city of Lima, capital of Peru.
How is the Past of Miraflores Central Park presented to the visitors?
The American newspaper US TODAY in its Things to do section refers to Miraflores Central Park in the following terms.
Miraflores Central Park
Type: Active, Attractions, Family Friendly, Free Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Public Spaces, Unusual
10BEST SAYS
The Parque Central de Miraflores (Miraflores Central Park, aka Kennedy Park, too) is almost the heart of Miraflores’ center: everything takes place around or very close to this place. Not only it has an amphitheater where many different shows take place daily, but there’s food and desserts stalls and several fast-food places surrounding it; there’s souvenirs vendors, street artists, and even a children’s playground; this is also a space favored by families during the day and by friends (and couples) for taking a stroll. But this is also the home of some friendly 50 stray cats, who live and wander freely and safely here since the neighbors feed and protect them. There are surveillance cameras hidden at certain sports, and there is free wi-fi available.
https://www.10best.com/destinations/peru/lima/miraflores/attractions/miraflores-central-park/
Who are the scientists who worked on Miraflores Central Park?
Throughout time scientists, researchers and explorers have worked, walked or lived in Miraflores, very close to where Miraflores Central Park is located. Among those illustrious characters we present the following list:
Dr. Ernst Middendorf, German traveler and scholar traveled through Peru at the end of the 19th century and mentioned some interesting aspects concerning the Huaca Pucllana located in the district of Miraflores, for example, that it was a very long but relatively wide artificial hill, the presence to the west of a fenced rectangular field 480 paces long by 70 paces wide and the composition of the “hill” by terraces lined with walls.
The XX century marks the beginning of the archaeological investigations in Peru with the works of the German Max Uhle. He considered Huaca Pucllana as part of a group of sites together with Nievería, Copacabana, Maranga and Pachacámac; corresponding to the manifestation of a dense population that must have been sustained by means of an “organized and flourishing agriculture”, due to the monumentality of its constructions that needed enormous amounts of labor. The civilization to which these sites belonged was called Proto-Lima.
Other references to scientific and archaeological works are found in the works of the self-taught researcher Pedro Villar Córdova who, in 1935, published a classification of sites based on the description of the architecture and construction techniques, defining the Lima culture as “agricultural populations with rudimentary dwellings, forming large camps… the temples resemble artificial hills… made with small adobes”, the “Huaca Pucllana” is considered part of this group.
In 1941, Dr. Julio C. Tello, in his position as general inspector of archaeological monuments, began to defend the site and initiated archaeological rescue studies, since several small mounds had already been destroyed.
In the early 1950s, the American Louis Stumer conducted archaeological surveys and explorations in the central coast of Peru. In 1954 he published a classification of pre-Hispanic settlements, where he distinguished the ceremonial centers of the Rimac valley.
Another meritorious research was carried out by Alfred L. Kroeber, who in 1955 published the results of the work he had done 30 years earlier in the archaeological complexes of Maranga, Pucllana, and Bajada Balta. The purpose of his studies was to find contrastable evidence to better define the Proto-Lima style.
In 1966, Thomas C. Patterson published a proposal to classify Lima pottery, which he called the “Lima Style”. It is here where this material is organized typologically and a standard name is proposed to group the different styles previously defined (Cajamarquilla, Nievería, Maranga, Interlocking, Playa Grande, Baños de Boza, etc.).
In 1983, historical research was conducted by historians Lorenzo Huertas (1983) and Rafael Varón Gabai (1983). Both authors coincided in pointing out, on the basis of documentary research, that when the Spaniards arrived, Huaca Pucllana was in a state of abandonment between the lands of the curacazgos of Sulco and Huatca.
How is the Preservation of Miraflores Central Park?
Miraflores Central Park is the heart and nerve center of the district of Miraflores. One of the most important in culture, commerce and social activities of the city of Lima. Its state of conservation is very good, it is an excellent place to spend a family morning or an afternoon or evening to go out and have fun.
Miraflores Central Park is very well kept and guarded by the security and cleaning staff of the Municipality of Miraflores. It is a recommended place to visit.
Is Miraflores Central Park in UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Miraflores Central Park is the center and heart of the district of Miraflores which is part of the city of Lima whose Historic Center was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
Is Miraflores Central Park under danger?
Miraflores Central Park is not in any danger and is a recommended place to visit and start or finish visiting the city of Lima.
Miguel is a professional tour guide from Cusco, Peru, with almost 20 years of experience leading tours and a deep knowledge of Peru’s cultural and ecological diversity. He is also an advocate of ecotourism and cultural sensitivity and has lectured on these topics in the US and Europe. He co-founded Evolution Treks Peru, a worker-owned travel company based in Cusco.
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