{"id":824,"date":"2020-10-16T19:02:48","date_gmt":"2020-10-17T00:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/parque-kennedy-miraflores-lima-peru-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T23:43:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:43:25","slug":"kennedy-park-miraflores-lima","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/kennedy-park-miraflores-lima\/","title":{"rendered":"Lima: Discover Kennedy Park in Miraflores"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\"Parque
Churros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parque
Painters’ Walk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parque
Battle of Miraflores<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parque
Children’s areas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parque
Virgin Miraculous Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parque
Cat Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you ask where Kennedy Park is<\/strong>, chances are someone will tell you it\u2019s inside Central Park and right next to 7 de Junio Park<\/strong>. While this might sound like a tongue twister or a joke meant to confuse you<\/strong>, it\u2019s actually the absolute truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it can be a little confusing, and you might feel dizzy with so many parks<\/strong>. But don\u2019t worry\u2014none of that will happen when you visit this public space filled with greenery, art, culture<\/strong>, and even great food. To enjoy it, you don\u2019t need to know the exact name of this charming corner of Miraflores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, to spare you the confusion: \u201cCentral Park\u201d refers to the joined area of Kennedy Park and 7 de Junio Park<\/strong>. The former is named after the American president who promoted the Alliance for Progress<\/a>, while the latter commemorates the Battle of Arica in 1880.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That battle, part of the War of the Pacific against Chile<\/strong>, saw the heroic sacrifice of Colonel Francisco Bolognesi, who famously vowed to defend the hill of Arica \u201cuntil the last cartridge is fired<\/strong>\u201d, and Alfonso Ugarte<\/a>, the young patriot who chose to throw himself off a cliff rather than surrender the flag to the enemy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of these heroic acts, 7 June is now Flag Day in Peru<\/strong>\u2014a date Peruvians never forget, just as you won\u2019t forget your strolls through Kennedy Park<\/strong>. Yes, that\u2019s what the locals call it, regardless of the official name. And what will you<\/em> call it?<\/strong> You\u2019ll know once you\u2019ve been here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is certain is that you\u2019ll have a great time<\/strong>\u2014just like the locals and travellers who relax on its benches, watch performances in the amphitheatre, or play with the cats<\/strong> that roam freely in this park that is both one and many at once<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Journey Through History<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When the Spanish arrived in the R\u00edmac Valley<\/a>, the area now known as Miraflores was primarily agricultural<\/strong>. Its fields\u2014nourished by irrigation canals that brought life to the desert<\/strong>\u2014were used to grow maize, cotton, beans, squash, peanuts, cassava, and other crops from the Andes and coast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During colonial times, this agricultural activity continued, although sugar cane and grapes brought by the conquistadors<\/strong> became the main products. The rural and peaceful character of this part of Lima began to change after the Republic of Peru was established on 28 July 1821<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key date in its urban development was 2 January 1857<\/strong>, when President Ram\u00f3n Castilla<\/a> officially created the district of Miraflores<\/strong>. One of the most significant events in its history occurred during the devastating War of the Pacific<\/a> (1879\u20131883), when Chilean forces occupied the \u201cCity of Kings\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The capture of Lima came after the bloody Battle of Miraflores<\/a> on 15 January 1881. On that heroic yet tragic day<\/strong>, the outnumbered Peruvian troops and brave residents<\/strong> were defeated by enemy forces with superior numbers and weaponry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, Miraflores has been known as a \u201cHeroic City\u201d<\/strong>, with Central Park as its urban heart and a green lung that breathes life into its streets\u2014where history and modernity<\/strong> walk hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kennedy Park: The Reason Behind Its Name<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may seem a bit odd that the main park of Miraflores is commonly known as Kennedy Park<\/strong>. But there is a reason: the former U.S. president promoted the so-called Alliance for Progress<\/a> in the mid-20th century to improve relations between the United States and Latin American countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We offer a special pledge\u2014to convert our good words into good deeds\u2014in a new alliance for progress<\/strong>\u2014to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty,”<\/strong> declared John F. Kennedy on 20 January 1961 during the inaugural speech for this initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His words and actions earned him a place of honour in the heart of Miraflores<\/strong>. And although today the official name of this green space is Central Park, many locals still refer to it as Kennedy Park<\/strong>. They do so out of habit\u2014and perhaps with a hint of nostalgia for the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Reasons to Visit the Park<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Greenery, cleanliness, and safety make Miraflores’ Central Park a place of peace and enjoyment<\/strong>, art and culture, tradition and flavour. Here, amid the daily bustle of one of Lima\u2019s most dynamic districts<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find plenty to do\u2014and plenty of reasons to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s whiling away the time on a bench while playing with the park\u2019s resident cats<\/a>, walking towards the Virgen Milagrosa Church<\/a> and the Municipal Palace, or watching the performances at the Chabuca Granda amphitheatre and admiring the artwork on display<\/strong>\u2014there\u2019s always something to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s not all. No visit to Kennedy Park would be complete without tasting one or more of the delicious local treats available in this green refuge<\/strong>. The culinary offerings include hearty butifarras<\/strong> and turkey sandwiches, along with traditional Peruvian desserts like mazamorra and arroz con leche<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest well and eat well in the heart of Miraflores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Park, Many Activities<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot to do in Central Park. Here are several ideas to help you make the most<\/strong> of your time in Miraflores’ main meeting and gathering spot. Get ready to experience<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a Leisurely Walk Around the Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stroll through the entire park at your own pace. Admire the lush green areas<\/strong>, colourful flowers, and leafy trees. Stop to enjoy the paintings displayed by local artists<\/strong> or catch a live performance at the Chabuca Granda amphitheatre. You can also head towards the Virgen Milagrosa Church, the Municipal Palace, or the Miraflores roundabout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Fit with Some Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its spacious layout and calm atmosphere, jogging in Kennedy Park is a great way<\/strong> to stay active while on holiday. The best time is early in the morning<\/strong>, before the city fully wakes up. But don\u2019t worry if you sleep in\u2014there’s a dedicated path<\/strong> for those who want to exercise at any hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relax on a Bench<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve just visited Larcomar<\/a>, the Love Park, or the Huaca Pucllana<\/a> and need to return to central Miraflores, take a break <\/strong>on one of Central Park\u2019s benches. It\u2019s the perfect moment to recharge and enjoy the birdsong drifting<\/strong> from the trees above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the Street Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy local flavours<\/strong> at Miraflores\u2019 main park, where you\u2019ll find all sorts of tasty street food<\/a>. Try the butifarra<\/strong>\u2014a sandwich made with French bread and country-style ham topped with zarza criolla<\/strong> (lime, onions, and chilli). You can also sample churros, picarones<\/a>, coffee, and hot chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch a Live Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Poetry, dance, music<\/strong>, and more: free artistic events are held at the Chabuca Granda amphitheatre<\/strong>. Evenings are especially magical at this open-air venue. Don\u2019t miss the chance to be part of the audience enjoying<\/strong> the shows that bring Kennedy Park to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the Little Ones Happy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Central Park has a dedicated children\u2019s play area<\/strong>. If you’re travelling with kids, stop by! Entrance is free<\/strong>, and they\u2019ll have hours of fun. End the adventure with a sweet treat at D\u2019onofrio Park<\/a>, a traditional ice cream parlour where little ones can cool off and enjoy delicious desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Virgen Milagrosa Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the district\u2019s main church. Built in 1939<\/strong> and designed by Polish architect Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski<\/a>, it has adorned the centre of Miraflores ever since. If you’re Catholic, feel free to join one of the Masses celebrated at Virgen Milagrosa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire the Work of Local Artists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy open-air art at the Paseo de los Pintores<\/strong>\u2014the section of Kennedy Park where local artists exhibit their paintings and sculptures<\/strong>. Most works follow a costumbrista<\/a> style, portraying everyday customs and scenes. This artistic tradition began in the mid-19th<\/strong> century with the works of Afro-Peruvian painter Pancho Fierro<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treat Yourself at the Gastronomic Boulevard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On San Ram\u00f3n Street\u2014popularly known as Pizza Street<\/strong> for the Italian restaurants that opened there in the 1970s<\/strong>\u2014you\u2019ll find a vibrant gastronomic boulevard<\/a>. Located just across from Central Park<\/strong>, it offers a wide variety of food and drinks to satisfy every taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start the FREE Lima Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kennedy Park is the meeting point and starting location for the free<\/em> walking tour to Lima\u2019s Historic Centre. If you’re unsure or worried about heading to the capital\u2019s old town<\/a> on your own, join our free excursion to discover the city founded by Francisco Pizarro on 18 January 1535.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your urban adventure will be led by a professional local guide. Together, you\u2019ll take public transport to the Historic Centre and explore its streets on foot, uncovering the architectural gems of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book with Us<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to explore old Lima on foot, as part of a group and guided by a professional<\/strong> \u2014 officially authorised by government institutions to showcase the Historic Centre \u2014 book our Free Tour Lima<\/a><\/em> to make the most of your experience, completely free of charge<\/strong>, through what\u2019s known as Pizarro\u2019s Grid<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the tour, don\u2019t forget to leave a voluntary tip for your guide<\/strong>. It\u2019s a great way to support their work and encourage them to keep sharing the city\u2019s rich history while recommending the best places to eat in Lima<\/a> \u2014 a destination renowned for its outstanding cuisine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find more details and book<\/strong> the Free Tour Lima<\/a><\/em> now. If you\u2019re still unsure, read the glowing reviews<\/a> from travellers who joined us, or browse through thousands of photos of our tours on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>. The images will convince you that we\u2019re the best option for visiting the Historic Centre from Miraflores<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note for Peruvians:<\/strong> Free tours<\/em> are reserved for international visitors. Local travellers are welcome to join the classic city tour of colonial and modern Lima<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Eating and Drinking Around Kennedy Parky<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your visit to Central Park won\u2019t be complete until you\u2019ve enjoyed the many restaurants and bars<\/strong> surrounding the green space or located just nearby. Keep in mind that Miraflores is one of the top culinary destinations<\/strong> in the Peruvian capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to venture too far, treat yourself at the gastronomic boulevard<\/a> on San Ram\u00f3n Street or at one of the restaurants lining the park. There\u2019s something for every taste<\/strong>, from international fast food chains like KFC and McDonald\u2019s<\/strong> to Peruvian favourites such as Bembos<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could also explore restaurants run by world-renowned chefs<\/strong>, like Gast\u00f3n Acurio<\/a> \u2014 one of the pioneers of Peru\u2019s culinary boom<\/strong> \u2014 Rafael Osterling<\/a>, celebrated for his creative cuisine, or Mitsuharu Tsumura, who offers a refined take on Nikkei cuisine<\/a> at his restaurant Maido<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, after a delightful dinner, you\u2019re looking for somewhere to extend the evening with drinks and laughter<\/strong>, consider the following recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n