1. Introduction: The Most Curious Corner of Miraflores

In the heart of Lima, where tradition meets the modern pulse of the city, there’s a place that moves at its own pace. Not because of the traffic or neon lights, but because of the soft purring that fills the air. Anyone walking through Miraflores who suddenly spots a cat sleeping under a tree or stretched out on a bench has probably arrived at the Cat Park — the area made up of both Kennedy Park and Miraflores Central Park.

This green oasis, surrounded by cafés, musicians, and travelers from all over the world, is one of the city’s liveliest spots. It’s the beating heart of Miraflores, where locals and visitors relax among the park’s most famous residents: dozens of friendly cats that have become unofficial ambassadors of the district.

2. Two Parks, One Story: Kennedy Park and Miraflores Central Park

Although everyone calls it by a single name, the so-called Cat Park is actually made up of two separate parks: Kennedy Park and Miraflores Central Park, side by side, divided only by a pedestrian path. Together, they form the social and cultural center of Miraflores, framed by Larco Avenue, Diagonal Avenue, and José Pardo Avenue.

The Central Park of Miraflores was built in the early 20th century as a community gathering spot. Later, it was expanded with the Kennedy Park, named after U.S. President John F. Kennedy after his visit to Peru in the 1960s. Over time, both parks merged into a single lively square full of music, art, and urban life.

And then came the cats — turning these two parks into one of Lima’s most unusual attractions.

3. How the Cats Arrived at the Park

The story behind the cats of Kennedy Park has become part of Lima’s folklore. No one knows exactly how it started, but there are a few popular theories.

One version says that back in the 1990s, several cats were abandoned by their owners and began living freely in the park’s gardens. Locals started feeding them, the cats reproduced, and soon the area became their permanent home.

Another theory claims that the first cats were actually brought in to control a rat problem in the area — but once the job was done, they stayed. Whatever the real story, the cats found not just shelter but a community that embraced them.

Today, more than 80 cats live peacefully between Kennedy and Central Parks, cared for by volunteers and supported by local authorities.

4. Caring for the Feline Residents

These cats aren’t stray animals left to fend for themselves — they’re part of an organized community effort. Volunteers and animal welfare groups work daily to ensure their well-being.

The non-profit organization Gatos Parque Kennedy Miraflores (GPKM) leads this mission, in collaboration with the Municipality of Miraflores. Volunteers feed the cats every day, provide medical care, keep them vaccinated and sterilized, and promote responsible adoption campaigns. Each cat is registered and monitored to ensure a healthy and sustainable population.

Thanks to these combined efforts, the park has become an example of urban coexistence between people and animals — something few big cities achieve.

5. The Cat Park as a Tourist Attraction

Few places in Lima draw as much curiosity as the Cat Park. It’s not every day you visit a city park where the main attraction purrs and walks up to you for a pet.

Travel blogs, YouTube channels, and guidebooks around the world list Kennedy Park as a must-see spot in Lima. Tourists come from all over to meet the famous cats, take photos, or simply enjoy the park’s calm yet lively energy.

But the appeal goes beyond the cats. Every afternoon, the park fills with artists, street musicians, and local painters showing their work. Around the square, you’ll find ice cream parlors, coffee shops, and restaurants that make it easy to spend hours just people-watching — or cat-watching.

6. Things to See and Do Around Kennedy Park

Exploring Kennedy Park means diving into the daily rhythm of Miraflores. During the day, you might find open-air art fairs, book stands, or families relaxing under the trees. At night, the area turns lively: musicians perform, couples sit on benches, vendors sell churros, and backpackers swap travel stories.

Highlights around the park include:

• Weekend craft and art fairs, where local artists display their handmade creations.

• Chocolate shops and ice-cream cafés, perfect for a sweet break.

• Street food stalls, serving classic Peruvian snacks like empanadas or picarones.

• The central gardens, where most of the cats lounge or nap during the day.

There’s also a small open-air stage in the Central Park where free cultural events and concerts are often held.

7. San Ramón Passage (Former Pizza Street): The Taste of Miraflores

Just steps from the park lies Pasaje San Ramón, formerly known as the legendary “Pizza Street”. In the 1990s and early 2000s, this was the nightlife hub of Miraflores, lined with pizzerias, bars, and clubs that stayed open until sunrise.

Today, the street has been redesigned as a pedestrian boulevard — cleaner, safer, but still full of energy. You’ll find bars with live music, craft beer, international food, and open-air terraces that fill up every night. It’s still the perfect spot to end a day in Miraflores with a drink and good company.

8. The Miraflores Cathedral and Other Landmarks

Across the Central Park stands the Virgin Milagrosa Church, also known as the Miraflores Cathedral. Built in 1959, its neocolonial façade and stained-glass windows make it one of the district’s most beautiful buildings.

Nearby, you’ll also find:

• The Miraflores Town Hall, with occasional art exhibits and cultural events.

• The Miraflores Tourism Institute, located right by the park.

• The Ricardo Palma House Museum, dedicated to the iconic Peruvian writer.

• Dozens of cafés and boutique stores that give Miraflores its walkable, cosmopolitan charm.

Together, Kennedy and Central Parks form the true heart of Miraflores — a meeting point of art, history, and community.

9. Pariwana Hostels: Facing the Heart of Miraflores

Right across from the park is one of Lima’s best-known backpacker stays: Pariwana Hostels Lima. The location couldn’t be better — step outside and you’re literally facing the park’s main entrance.

Pariwana blends comfort, community, and fun, offering travelers a social space to connect. There are cooking classes, themed parties, and free walking tours that help guests discover the district from a local perspective.

From the rooftop terrace, you can even spot the park below — a perfect view to enjoy breakfast while watching the cats roam freely among the flowers.

10. Practical Guide to Visiting the Cat Park

Location:
Diagonal Avenue, block 6, Miraflores – Lima, Peru
Reference: between José Pardo and Larco Avenues
(Google Maps: Kennedy Park, Miraflores)

How to Get There:

• From Jorge Chávez International Airport, take an official taxi or the Airport Express bus to Miraflores.

• From Lima’s Historic Center, it’s a 25–30-minute ride by taxi or Metropolitano bus (get off at Ricardo Palma Station).

• If you’re staying at Pariwana Hostels, you’re already there — the park is right in front.

Opening Hours:
Open 24 hours, but best visited between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., when the park is full of life and activity.

Travel Tips:

• Avoid feeding the cats; volunteers already take care of their meals.

• If you’d like to help or adopt, contact Gatos Parque Kennedy via their social media.

• Bring your camera — every corner here is photo-worthy.

• Stop by the cafés and artisan stalls around the park.

• At night, enjoy a drink or live music at Pasaje San Ramón.

11. Conclusion: Where Miraflores Purrs

Kennedy and Central Parks are more than just two public squares — they’re a living symbol of Miraflores itself: vibrant, warm, and full of character. The cats became part of its identity not by chance but because they embody that mix of independence and friendliness that defines the district.

Sitting among the cats and watching the city move is one of those small Lima experiences that stay with you — simple, real, and full of life.

And when the evening lights come on, there’s no better place to rest than Pariwana Hostels Lima, right across the park. From there, you can feel the heart of Miraflores beating — softly, like a purr.