Friendship Park (Parque de la Amistad) in Lima: A Perfect Day of History, Nature & Family Fun
- Malena
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Friendship Park (Parque de la Amistad María Graña Ottone) is a gem in Santiago de Surco, Lima. At the junction of Alfredo Benavides and Caminos del Inca avenues, this roughly 30,000 m² park blends architecture, green space, culture, and family attractions into a single memorable experience.
Whether you’re after a relaxing afternoon, a family outing, or a cultural immersion, this park delivers.
The Park’s Story & Architectural Highlights
Friendship Park was inaugurated on November 25, 2001, under the tenure of Mayor Carlos Dargent, specifically to house a new Moorish Arch reminiscent of the one that formerly stood on Arequipa Avenue.
The original arch (on Arequipa / Leguía Avenue) was demolished in 1938. The reconstructed version in this park stands about 29 metres tall and is richly ornamented with Moorish motifs, making it one of Lima’s most distinctive landmarks with Moorish-style design.
The arch is more than decorative, it’s also functional. Visitors can climb it to get panoramic views of the park and surroundings (there is a separate charge for the climb).
The aesthetic inspiration draws from the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Spain), harmonizing the Moorish style with Lima’s park design.
The design invites visitors to feel both the historical depth and the communal, serene atmosphere as soon as they enter.
Top Attractions & Experiences
Historic Locomotives & Train Ride
The park houses two functional locomotives from 1926: “Surcanito” and “Micaela.”
The train ride travels along a track of about 550 metres, passing through key park areas and providing a fun, nostalgic loop.
The stations and train carriages are dressed in historical styling, amplifying the retro charm.
The Lake & Boat Activities
There is a lagoon / artificial lake within the park, surrounded by grassy banks and trees.
Visitors can rent pedal boats to enjoy the water view and gentle movement.
The lake is also a scenic focal point, perfect for photos, bird watching (ducks), or relaxing near the water edge.
Playgrounds, Green Corridors & Relaxation Spots
The park includes open lawns, shady trees, walking paths, benches, decorative fountains or small water features, and plazas.
There are play areas for children dispersed in the park, ensuring families with kids have safe, fun zones.
Kids Play Parks Because the park is pet friendly, you’ll often see families walking dogs or enjoying a picnic under shade. (This is commonly mentioned in visitor reviews / guides.)
Infinity Park (Interactive / Sensory Attraction)
A newer addition is Infinity Park, which combines art, science, and sensory technology to create immersive and interactive experiences.
It operates under a timed-visit model (e.g. 60-minute sessions) and has separate admission charges.
The installations include optical illusions, visual effects, immersive rooms, and opportunities for creative photography.
The Museum & Cultural Centre
One of the most compelling attractions inside the park is its museum—the Museo “Casa de la Respuesta”, hosted within the Augusto B. Leguía Cultural Centre.
Key Facts & Highlights:
The museum was inaugurated on December 9, 2020, and began welcoming public visits in mid-2021.
It presents a hyperrealistic, interactive exhibit divided into three rooms recounting the Battle of Arica (War of the Pacific).
The central exhibit is the “Salón de la Respuesta”, which recreates the moment when Colonel Francisco Bolognesi gave his famous response:
“Tengo deberes sagrados que cumplir y los cumpliré hasta quemar el último cartucho.”(I have sacred duties to fulfill, and I will fulfill them even to burn my last cartridge.)"
Sculptures are made with medical-grade silicone to imbue a lifelike effect: replicating skin texture, eye colour, hair, etc.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers guided tours.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
The museum is managed by the Municipality of Surco.
Beyond the museum, the Galería de Arte “Augusto B. Leguía”, located in the same centre, was reopened in January 2024 with a collective exhibition of paintings and sculptures. This gallery supports rotating local and national artists, making the park a living centre for the arts.
So, in addition to recreation, Friendship Park preserves memory and fosters cultural expression.
Food, Dining & Local Flavour
Inside the park, you’ll find a patio de comidas (food court) with stands offering dishes from Peru’s three regions (coast, highlands, jungle) as well as snacks and sweets.
There are also small vendors or food carts offering casual fare, ice cream, and refreshments.
Just outside the park on Caminos del Inca and Benavides you have cafés, mid-range restaurants, and eating options with better seating and menus.
Many visitors bring picnics and enjoy meals on the lawns or under shaded trees, especially on weekends.
Events, Music & Community Life
Friendship Park is a cultural hotspot, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons. Here’s what you can expect:
Live music & bands: Outdoor musical performances in the evenings draw local crowds.
Festivals & fairs: Food markets, artisan stalls, dance shows, and themed celebrations help animate the space.
Cultural exhibitions: The gallery often hosts rotating shows; the municipality supports arts events.
Family and community days: Scheduled events like “Art in the Park,” free concerts, and cultural programming help anchor it as a communal gathering hub.
In the evenings, the park’s lighting (on the Moorish Arch, pond edges, pathways) adds a romantic, photogenic mood.
A Place for Reflection and Relaxation
Aside from recreational activities, Parque de la Amistad is a quiet sanctuary from the fast-paced city life. The abundant greenery combined with the calming sounds of nature creates an atmosphere ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
Embrace the Experience
Parque de la Amistad María Graña Ottone is an integral part of Santiago de Surco's landscape, beautifully merging natural beauty with cultural vitality and community spirit. Its monumental arch stands as a beacon of friendship and unity, drawing all who enter into a shared experience of peace and connection.
Whether you live in Lima or are visiting, taking the time to explore this enchanting park is essential. Plan your visit to discover all that Parque de la Amistad has to offer and immerse yourself in its delightful environment.
Find out more at:
Purely Peru – Celebrating Heritage & Culture
Discover more at purely-peru.com
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