In Lima, a bustling metropolis where life rushes by without pause, love finds a refuge overlooking the ocean. Here, amid a fiery sunset or under a mist that invites romance, hearts race, hands intertwine, and whispers exchange tender words that herald a kiss.
A kiss in a park created and designed to celebrate the purity of love—a feeling expressed through hugs, smiles, glances, and gestures of complicity. A sentiment that brings together couples, families, and friends. A feeling that envelops and shelters all who visit this urban oasis.
After all, love does not discriminate or exclude. There’s no need to have a partner to unwind in one of the iconic spots in the Miraflores district, a favourite among tourists and travellers exploring Lima, the only South American capital blessed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Inaugurated on February 14, 1993, The Kiss, a concrete sculpture standing 3 metres tall and 12 metres wide, is the park’s main attraction. This monumental work by national artist Víctor Delfín depicts a mestizo couple sharing a passionate kiss.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the history, activities, and other details that make this park an exceptional destination.
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The Origin of “The Kiss”
“I used to see the number of couples arriving at the beach, kissing, arguing, then making up, and I illustrated all of that,” Víctor Delfín would recall in an interview with the newspaper El Comercio to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the park’s inauguration.
The artist, born in 1927 in the district of Lobitos (Talara, Piura region), revealed that after observing these lovers, he was inspired to create a series of sketches. One of them captivated him so much that, after sculpting it in clay, he had it cast in bronze and placed it in his workshop.
One day, a friend visited his workshop with the mayor of Miraflores, Alberto Andrade Carmona, a charismatic politician keen on beautifying his district. “When Andrade saw the sculpture The Kiss, he said to me: ‘Can you make it bigger?’”
He could, of course he could. And so one day, the mayor and the artist agreed that they would place the sculpture The Kiss on a cliff at the Cisneros boardwalk (11 km from Lima’s historic centre).
Delfín remembers that “there was a couple doing what lovers do, and when they saw the mayor arriving, they took off… I said to them: ‘Don’t go, we’re going to create a place here for you to be respected.’” Upon hearing this, Andrade and Delfín came to an agreement: the new park would be called Love Park.
From love to hate
Miraflores, 14th February 1993. On Valentine’s Day, Mayor Alberto Andrade inaugurated one of the works that would mark his administration: the Park of Love, designed by Víctor Delfín on one of the boardwalks along Lima’s coastal road.
During the event, the mayor took advantage of the live music to dance with his wife, Ana Botteri. Motivated by Andrade, other couples joined in the rhythm. It was a great moment, as well as the calm before the storm.
While the park’s aim was to celebrate love in all its forms, many residents of Miraflores were offended by the sculpture depicting two mestizos or cholos kissing. They found it provocative, shocking, and at odds with the district’s character.
“The critics said it was the end for Delfín. They said all sorts of things, but there was a historian, José Antonio Del Busto, who said something very true: ‘this work is the first mestizo sculpture ever made, and placing it in that space shocked people,’” the artist noted in the aforementioned interview.
A Park, Many Activities
As time went by, the criticisms faded. Love triumphed in Miraflores. Its victory was so overwhelming that the park is now a popular attraction for both Peruvians and foreigners. Everyone admires the sculpture and relaxes on the benches adorned with ceramic murals featuring verses and the names of couples.
If you’re in love and visit with the person who quickens your heartbeat, you’ll feel the romantic atmosphere of this Miraflores space, inspired by Barcelona’s Park Güell. Not only that, but the scenic beauty—with the ocean as a backdrop—will ensure you leave with stunning photographs.
With a bit of luck, your visit may coincide with one of the cultural shows and events that are occasionally held in this metropolitan destination. Music, dance, and outdoor exhibitions are the perfect complement to this tranquil spot where the lonely might just find their other half.
After your excursion, take a stroll towards Larcomar (approximately 1 km down the Malecón de la Reserva). Perched on another cliff in the district, this shopping centre features well-known brand stores, cinemas, restaurants, and cafés. It’s the perfect place to buy handicrafts and savour the best of Peruvian and international cuisine.
Curiosities about love
Before visiting the Park of Love, you need to know these details:
- Immortalised. Víctor Delfín drew inspiration from his own image and that of his partner, Ana María, to represent the characters in *The Kiss*, the fabulous sculpture supported by a 4 x 4 metre platform.
- Heartstrings. Valentine’s Day, 14th February, is the busiest day at the park. Hundreds of couples visit to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a tranquil and romantic atmosphere where commemorative activities take place.
- Business. Víctor Delfín recounted that he would ask the boys working on the mosaics to write the names of famous couples, like Romeo and Juliet, but they would “put Rosita and Juan” instead because “the little couples passing by would ask for them and, in return, they would give them their change.”
- Care. Since its creation, the park has been kept in excellent condition. While modifications and improvements have been made, the space retains its essence.
- Representative. Despite the initial criticism, the sculpture *The Kiss* is one of the most important in the Peruvian capital.
- Message. In its apparent simplicity, Delfín’s sculpture captures the full intensity and universality of love.
How to get to the park?
By bus, taxi, on foot, or by bicycle. You choose your mode of transport according to your preferences and your location. If you’re staying in downtown Lima, the Metropolitano is an economical and relatively comfortable option, except during peak hours (approximately 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.).
From other parts of the capital, the various types of taxis available in the city will easily take you to the Park of Love. Walking or biking is a great alternative if you’re in Miraflores or nearby areas like San Isidro and Barranco.
Before you embark on your excursion, keep in mind that the Park of Love is a public space. Access is free, and there are no visiting hours. With these details, you’re ready to head to your destination.
- Transporte público: el sistema de buses del Metropolitano une varios distritos de la ciudad por una vía exclusiva. Uno de ellos es Miraflores, siendo la estación Ricardo Palma, la más cercana al parque del Amor. Desde este punto caminarás aproximadamente 20 minutos. La ruta es muy agradable. Costo del pasaje: S/ 3.20 (menos de un dólar americano).
- En taxi: en Lima existe una gran cantidad de choferes independientes, afiliados a empresas locales o a aplicaciones como Uber. Si abordas una unidad de la calle, pacta el precio antes de subir y por seguridad se muy cuidadoso al momento de escoger el vehículo. El precio variará dependiendo donde te encuentres. Si tomas el servicio en el Centro Histórico de Lima pagarás 40 soles aproximadamente. En Miraflores la tarifa podría llegar a los 20 soles y en Barranco a los 30.
- A pie: si te hospedas en Miraflores intenta llegar al parque caminando. Consulta un mapa o utiliza aplicaciones de navegación para encontrar la ruta más directa.
- En bicicleta: es una excelente opción si estás en Miraflores o en distritos cercanos como San Isidro o Barranco. Si te encanta desplazarte de una forma eco-amigable, consulta con CitybikeLima.
- Public Transport: The Metropolitano bus system connects various districts of the city via an exclusive lane. One of these districts is Miraflores, and the nearest station to the Park of Love is Ricardo Palma. From this point, it’s about a 20-minute walk, which is quite pleasant. The fare is S/ 3.20 (less than one American dollar).
- By Taxi: There are many independent drivers in Lima, affiliated with local companies or apps like Uber. If you hail a taxi off the street, agree on the price before getting in, and be cautious when choosing the vehicle for safety. The price will vary depending on your location. If you take a taxi from downtown Lima, expect to pay around 40 soles. From Miraflores, the fare could be about 20 soles, and from Barranco, around 30 soles.
- On Foot: If you’re staying in Miraflores, try walking to the park. Check a map or use navigation apps to find the most direct route.
- By Bicycle: This is an excellent option if you’re in Miraflores or nearby districts like San Isidro or Barranco. If you love eco-friendly travel, check out CitybikeLima.
Travel Recommendations
- Prepare your photographic eye to capture the best images of The Kiss and the sea. The sunsets are fabulous.
- It’s a good idea to bring a blanket and some snacks so you can “organise” a romantic picnic. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Check if there are any cultural events or scheduled shows in the park. These will add an extra dimension to your experience.
- Help preserve the Park of Love and its green areas. Be careful with your litter.
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket if you plan to stay late.
