See Peruvian species in their natural habitats at the Leyendas Park zoo. Though best known for its animal population, this serene commons includes a botanical gardens and a science museum. Visit the zoo's enclosures and then wander the picturesque parkland, which is decorated with several clay pyramids. A day here is a pleasing mixture of education, nature, botany and history.
Meet some of Peru's most fascinating specimens as you explore the zoo. Sections of enclosures are split up according to the geographic locations of their inhabitants. Delight in the playful antics of penguins, sea lions and turtles in the coastal reserve. Watch pumas prowling in the highland section. The jungle area features a population of monkeys alongside jaguars, parrots and crocodiles.
Tigers and bears laze in the Peruvian sun in large enclosures. There is also a petting zoo for kids to experience some of the gentler animals up close and personal.
The large clay pyramids you'll see around the park are called Huacas. These pyramids, built using clay-and-mud, originated from ancient Peruvian cultures long before Spanish colonisation. These ceremonial constructs were built as meeting points for tribal occasions. The nearby Ernst. W. Middendorf Museum displays antique relics that preserve the memories of these indigenous groups.
Admire the attention to detail at the butterfly hedge. This extravagant plant display imitates the colourful shape of a butterfly using flower arrangements. Browse a collection of these winged insects at the Celestino Kalinosky Museum. The Petroleum Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of oil.
The park is open daily from morning until late in the afternoon. There is a small entrance fee with a half-price discount for kids.
Find Leyendas Park in the San Miguel area, southwest of Lima. Near the park, the Larco Museum protects the ancient tools of Peruvian civilisations. Get there by taxi from Lima's historic centre, the Plaza Mayor. The 7.6-kilometer (4.7-mile) trip takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, a bus route from the Plaza stops just near the park.
