Lima isn’t love at first sight—it's more of a slow burn. But once it gets you, it doesn’t let go. I felt it when I first stood at the edge of the cliffs in Miraflores, watching the Pacific Ocean crash below me. That’s when I knew: this city has something special. One of my favorite things to do is just walk along the Malecón, stopping in every park along the way, grabbing a coffee, snapping some pics, and soaking up the vibes. If you're staying in a youth hostel in Lima, especially in the Miraflores area, this walk should definitely be on your list.

And believe me, it's not just a bunch of parks in a row—each has its own style, its own story, and its own charm. Ready to explore them with me?

1. Parque del Amor (Love Park) – Perfect for your rom-com moment

Probably the most famous park in Miraflores, Parque del Amor is where you go to live your most romantic main character fantasy. There’s the iconic sculpture El Beso by Victor Delfín, the colorful mosaic walls full of love quotes (think Gaudí meets Peru), and sweeping views of the ocean that will fill your phone with content. I remember sitting on one of the curved benches eating an ice cream and watching paragliders floating over the cliffs. Pure magic.

📍 Google Maps: Parque del Amor Location

2. Parque Antonio Raimondi – Chill like a local

If Parque del Amor is for selfies and kisses, Parque Raimondi is for laying on the grass with your headphones and a book. It stretches along the cliff, and you’ll see skaters doing tricks and dogs living their best lives. It’s lowkey and relaxed—exactly what you need after a long night at a party hostel in Lima.

Pro tip: From here you get one of the best panoramic views of the coastline, especially at sunset. Bring snacks.

3. Parque María Reiche – Ancient vibes meet modern design

This park is one of the coolest surprises on the Malecón. It’s dedicated to María Reiche, the German-Peruvian scientist who studied the Nazca Lines. And the park has replicas of those mysterious geoglyphs made with flowers and lights that you can see from the viewpoint. At night, they light up and it feels like walking through ancient secrets.

There’s something super chill about sitting here and just letting the ocean breeze hit your face. It's one of those places where you accidentally spend an hour doing nothing and loving it.

4. Parque Grau – Coffee with a view

This is where I discovered my favorite little spot in Lima: Café Buenavista. It’s inside Parque Grau, tucked at the edge of the cliffs, and it has arguably the best ocean view in the city. I grabbed a coffee and a sandwich and just sat there, letting the sound of the waves and the energy of the place recharge me.

📍 Café Buenavista

This park is also dotted with statues by local artists. One that really struck me was a sculpture that seems to be emerging from the cliff itself. I love that Peru honors its artists like this—it makes the walk feel like an open-air gallery.

5. Parque Intihuatana – The hidden gem

This park is named after the Incan sun ritual stone, and although it’s small, it feels deeply Peruvian. You’ll see art inspired by ancient Andean designs, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for recharging. Not many tourists stop here, which makes it one of my favorite places to pause and enjoy the calm. Grab a fruit juice and just vibe.

6. Parque Bicentenario – Modern architecture meets urban jungle

This one's relatively new and super photogenic. It has modern bridges, water features, and lush greenery that make it a hit for travelers looking for cool backgrounds. It’s got that “Instagram reel” energy and is close to several affordable hostels in Miraflores.

Keep your camera ready—you’ll thank me later.

7. Parque Yitzhak Rabin – Peaceful and meaningful

Named after the Israeli prime minister, this park is about peace and reflection. There’s a memorial and sculpture that make you slow down and think. It’s beautiful, quiet, and a good place to sit for a while.

Sometimes, when I’ve had enough of the chaos of the city, I come here with a book or just to look at the ocean.

8. Skateparks, Pet Zones & Local Art Everywhere

Between the big-name parks, the Malecón has tons of little corners and spaces that bring it all to life: ramps full of skaters, pet zones where dogs are running around like maniacs, and even random statues made by Peruvian artists—like a gigantic wire fish I once found near the cliffside.

One of the coolest things about walking here is that there’s always something happening. Yoga at sunrise, musicians playing at dusk, local artists painting with the ocean as a backdrop. It’s got that energy that makes you feel alive.

Final Tips for Your Walk Along the Malecón:

• 🧴 Bring sunscreen and water—Lima’s cloudy, but UV rays don’t play.

• 📸 Don’t forget your camera or phone charger. You’ll use it a lot.

• 🚲 Rent a bike or e-scooter if you want to see everything faster.

• 🕶 Stay safe, but don’t worry—Miraflores is one of the safest areas in Lima, especially during the day.

• 🏨 Book a centrally located hostel with a social vibe, like Pariwana Lima Hostel, so you’re close to everything.

Why This Walk Matters for Young Travelers

When you're exploring South America on a budget, every experience that’s free and unforgettable is a win. The Malecón offers that in spades—ocean views, local culture, nature, history, art, and even good coffee.

Whether you’re a solo traveler trying to meet people, a couple looking for that perfect photo, or just someone with a few hours to kill before heading to Cusco, the parks of Miraflores are the heart and soul of Lima’s chill side.

So go walk them. Trust me—you’ll fall in love.