Peru Guide
Lima
The Parque de las Leyendas
Opening time: Daily 9am–5pm
Price: $3; $1.50 for students
Telephone: 4644282
The Parque de las Leyendas and the Zoo are located in the suburb of San Miguel. Located in a relatively deserted spot on the sacred site of the ancient Maranga culture, but close to block 24 of the Avenida La Marina, the park is laid out according to the three regions of Peru – costa, sierra and selva. The park and zoo have been much improved in recent years, though there's little attempt to create the appropriate habitats and the animals are caged. Nevertheless, it's a good place to get a glimpse of many of Peru's animal and bird species: condors, jaguars, sea lions, snakes, pumas, king vultures, bears and other exotica. It's also a fine spot for a picnic and there's an interesting botanical garden. Just outside there are often some good artesania stalls selling cases of magnificent dead insects, including colourful Amazonian butterflies and tarantulas.
Yellow bus #48 goes directly there from the Plaza Mayor or you can take almost any of the colectivos along Avenida La Marina or west along Avenida Javier Prado headed for Callao or La Punta; a taxi, though easier, may cost $4–5.