Why Families Love Parque de las Leyendas Zoo
Lima's most famous zoo and botanical garden, set on 37 acres. Divided into three ecological zones: Costa (Coast), Sierra (Highlands), and Selva (Jungle), each housing native animals from those regions. Features a small aquarium, a train ride, and a children farm. More than 1,000 animals including Andean condors, jaguars, and Peruvian hairless dogs.
Age-Specific Guide
Parque de las Leyendas Zoo suits ages 2-14. Here's what each age group will love:
Toddlers (0–3)
Parque de las Leyendas Zoo is toddler-friendly with high safety standards. Visit during morning hours for the calmest experience.
Young Kids (4–9)
This age group loves Parque de las Leyendas Zoo. The interactive elements are perfect for curious minds. Safety measures are excellent. Plan for 2–3 hours.
Tweens & Teens (10+)
Older kids appreciate the deeper experiences here. A full-day visit works great: All three zones, aquarium, children farm, train, play area, lunch — 5 hours
Top Attractions & Activities
Parque de las Leyendas Zoo
Lima's most famous zoo and botanical garden, set on 37 acres. Divided into three ecological zones: Costa (Coast), Sierra...
Lima Family Walking Route
A parent-tested route through Lima connecting Parque de las Leyendas Zoo with playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and rest stops.
2-14 Experience Package
Tailored 2-14-year-old experience featuring activities matched to energy levels and attention spans.
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Tips & Tricks from Real Parents
Visit on weekdays — weekends are packed with local families and the train line hits 40-minute waits.
The Selva zone is the most impressive — a walk-through jungle enclosure with monkeys swinging overhead.
Bring cash — not all food stalls accept cards and the ATM at the entrance often runs out on weekends.
The aquarium section is small but the Amazon fish species (paiche, arapaima) are enormous and fascinate kids.
Go early and start in the Sierra zone — condors are most active in the cooler morning hours.
Safety Assessment
Safety Features
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Getting Around
Family Accommodation
Kid-Friendly Dining
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Where to Stay
Recommended family-friendly hotels near Parque de las Leyendas Zoo. Book directly through our partner, Booking.com.
Budget-Friendly
Under $80/night
Clean, safe, and well-rated family rooms with kitchenettes. Great for cost-conscious families.
Search on Booking.com →Mid-Range
$80–$150/night
Kid-friendly hotels with pools, kids clubs, and family suites. Best value for most families.
Search on Booking.com →Luxury
$150+/night
Premium family resorts with kids programs, multiple pools, and exceptional family service.
Search on Booking.com →Top Tours & Experiences
Popular family-friendly tours, attractions, and day trips in Lima. Book directly on Viator.
Lima Family Guided Tour
Private family-friendly tour with kid-focused guide
From $45/personParque de las Leyendas Zoo Skip-the-Line Entry
Priority access with family queue pass
From $22/personLima Day Trip Highlights
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A Real Parent's Story
The jaguar that yawned on cue
“We were at the big cat enclosure when a massive jaguar stretched, yawned, and showed every single tooth to my 4-year-old. My daughter waved. The jaguar blinked slowly.”
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My kids think all zoos are the same, but Parque de las Leyendas won them over. The jaguar encounter was the highlight, but they also loved the Peruvian hairless dog exhibit (which is apparently a national treasure) and the large Amazon fish tank. We spent four hours and could have stayed longer.
— Ana, mom of 2 from Miraflores