Kennedy Park (Parque Kennedy)

Kennedy Park in Miraflores is literally the cat’s meow. Aside from being a well-kept park in Lima’s most popular district, the park is known for the dozens of cats that live in the cushy grass. If you’re a visitor who’s missing your pet back at home—or just want a cuddly experience—sit in the grass and wait for a cat to jump up and sit in your lap. Aside from the friendly Peruvian felines, Kennedy Park is also known for its collection of musicians and artisans—many of whom will gather on weekends to display and sell their work. Impromptu, upbeat music performances will occasionally enliven the park, and it’s a gathering spot where expats and locals mingle in Miraflores. Surrounding the park are the teeming amenities of Peru’s modern capital, including shopping, restaurants, numerous cafés, banks, and city bus lines. To escape the hectic Miraflores buzz, visit the Church of Virgen Milagrosa inside of Kennedy Park. The church was built in 1939, and when you’re done admiring the Catholic architecture, pick up a tasty, donut-like picarón from a vendor inside the park. 

Practical Info

Known in Spanish as Parque Kennedy, locals will generally refer to the park as Parque Miraflores. Morning rush hour and early evenings are the busiest times on weekdays, and the park is always a flurry of activity at any time on the weekends. Kennedy Park is about 11 miles from the international airport and 7 from the colonial square, and despite the crowds is often considered as one of the safest areas of Lima.