Beautiful view of El Parque de la Imaginación

El Parque de la Imaginación

Lima, Peru
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Beautiful view of El Parque de la Imaginación

Science and creativity collide in unexpected ways at El Parque de la Imaginación, a bold landmark dedicated to hands-on discovery. Families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages find themselves drawn into a world where experiments, play, and education go hand in hand. Exploring this park means touching, building, tinkering—while absorbing the science and imagination woven through every corner.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
25 PEN
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Detrás de la Univ. Católica, Av. José de la Riva Agüero S/n, San Miguel 15088, Peru

Planning your visit

Making the most of El Parque de la Imaginación starts with a bit of planning. Open-air walkways, covered halls, and interactive zones stretch across a sizeable campus, so arriving at the right time pays off. Weekends can bring bursts of excitement, especially when local schools host field trips, but weekdays tend to feel calmer. Tickets are affordable, though lines grow quickly on sunny afternoons or holidays. The entrance sits just a short distance from central Lima, so reaching the park is straightforward by car, taxi, or public transport. Most exhibits welcome both Spanish and English speakers, and the grounds are fairly accessible, though some paths can be uneven.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons; spring and fall offer milder weather.
  • How to get there: Taxis, private car, rideshare, or Metropolitano bus lines; the "Plaza Norte" station is closest.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly ramps and wide walkways; suitable for strollers and older guests.
  • Average visit duration: 2–3 hours, though curious visitors may linger half a day.

Must see stuff

El Parque de la Imaginación spreads out like a playground for grown-ups and kids, with the main pavilion circling dozens of science exhibits. Physics demonstrations, optical illusions, and working robotics capture childhood wonder. The open-air sections highlight technology and Peruvian innovations, while little-known corners hold art installations and hands-on experiments between shaded gardens. No matter the age, visitors find something to spark their minds—and plenty of photo ops to capture the spirit of discovery.

  • Main exhibit halls: Interactive physics and chemistry stations, including sound tunnels and giant levers
  • Planetarium dome: Brief shows about the cosmos (limited seating, check schedule)
  • Virtual reality pods: Simulated science adventures unique to the park
  • Peruvian inventors corner: Displays honoring local scientific contributions
  • Garden maze and play zones: Outdoor puzzles, optical illusions, and safe climbing areas for younger children
  • Photo hotspots: The mirrored tunnel at the entrance, solar clock sculpture, and hands-on electricity displays
  • Cultural fun fact: The park opened in 1999, inspired by international science centers but deeply rooted in Peruvian creativity.

Tips for your visit

Walking through El Parque de la Imaginación can bring a few surprises, both fun and practical. Lima’s coastal climate means occasional drizzle or sudden sun, so layered clothing helps. Weekends buzz with activity, while late morning hours let visitors enjoy quieter spaces. Many exhibits involve direct participation, so hands-free bags and comfortable shoes are safest. Cafés inside the park offer affordable snacks but can run low during school breaks. Some interactive displays need coins or tokens—pocket change comes in handy. For rare rainy afternoons, both indoor and outdoor activities allow for flexibility.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive before 11 a.m. on weekdays or after 3 p.m.
  • What to bring: Water bottle, sun hat, camera, small bills for onsite purchases, closed-toe shoes
  • Local etiquette: Respect exhibit limits, wait turns at busier stations, and supervise children closely
  • Safety and comfort advice: Paths can get slippery after rain; watch for science demos using strobe lights if sensitive to flashes