Romantic visit to the Love Park

Parc de l'Amour is not yet a century old, but it looms over the Bay of Lima as if it had always been there. Its function and the values it conveys were conceived by the former mayor of Miraflores, Alberto Andrade Carmona, who imagined this place as a place to escape from the hectic everyday life of the city of Lima, a place where time stands still and love becomes the only concern. So he called on Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin to enchant the place with his passionate creations.

With its colourful mosaics, benches and architecture designed like an amphitheatre offering panoramic views over the ocean, the Parc de l'Amour is reminiscent of Gaudi's Parc Guell in Spain. Victor Delfin, the sculptor, drew much of his inspiration from the park.

The park was inaugurated on 14 February 1993, Valentine's Day, as an obvious symbol. A bronze statue has stood in the middle of the park since 2009, depicting a couple kissing - in reality, it's the painter Victor Delfin and his wife. The sculpture is a nod to the world's longest kiss competition organised by the town's mayor. This tradition takes place every year on 14 February in the Parc de l'Amour.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Parque del Amor is dedicated to all lovers. Locals and tourists alike can sit on the colourful mosaic benches and contemplate the panoramic view from the top of the cliff. As you stroll along, take the time to read the quotations and phrases from Peruvian poets and writers. Among the authors are pieces of poetry by Jorge Dias Herrera and Augusto Tamayo Vargas.

Each is a tribute to love. In the middle of the small park, a 12-metre-high sculpture stands out as the true symbol of the place. Called "El Beso", it represents two people sitting and embracing. It is a powerful and majestic message by none other than Victor Delfin, a Peruvian painter and sculptor who is very well known in South America.

You can also take a stroll through the avenues of the tree-lined park and head for the seafront.

The Parque del Amor gives the impression that time has stood still, as visitors sit on the colourful benches and contemplate the flower-filled landscape tinged with love quotes and ocean waves. Throughout the year, the amphitheatre, frequented by locals and tourists alike, hosts a variety of artistic performances at weekends and on public holidays. Next to the park, a French café plays open-air music and offers customers a crêpe to savour this suspended moment during which a wind of freedom blows.

This freedom can also be seen in the air, as paragliders soar through the clouds. The location, on a cliff, is perfect for this activity. Just a stone's throw from Parque del Amor is Parque Raimondi, where you'll find the starting point for a paragliding or hang-gliding flight. It's the perfect opportunity to fly over the Bay of Lima, the Pacific Ocean and also part of the capital, gently approaching the parks and buildings. And the icing on the cake is to contemplate the Parc de l'Amour and the famous 12-metre statue of "el beso" from the sky.

This highly photogenic spot is often visited by couples or newlyweds, who immortalise their day in this highly symbolic location. Families also organise their daughters' quinceaneras in this park, a traditional celebration marking the passage to adulthood for 15-year-old girls. Dressed in their most beautiful gowns, Peruvian girls take advantage of this park to create their most beautiful memories for this important day.

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Located on a cliff on the Costa Verde, Parc de l'Amour is just 30 minutes from the city centre. You can take several bus routes, including the 304 and the 7606. By metro, you can take line 1 to Cabito station and then take a taxi to the park.

👛 Admission: entry to the park is free.

⏰ Opening times: open every day

📍 Address: Av. Mal. Cisneros, Miraflores, 15074, Lima

🚌 Transport: the price of a metro ticket is 1.5 sol or about 40 euro cents.

The Iberostar Miraflores hotel is located in a multi-storey building. Just a stone's throw from the Parc de l'Amour, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the sandy beach from its spacious, comfortable rooms. It has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gym and nightclub. Rates are around €190 per night.