When I first arrived in the Peruvian capital, I asked a taxi driver to recommend some things to do in Lima. I’d already been to the Plaza de Armas; I’d entered the catacombs below the San Francisco Monastery; I’d seen some excellent museums and strolled along El Malecón and through Barranco. “Go to the Parque de la Reserva in downtown,” he said enthusiastically, “see the Magic Water Circuit!”
The Circuito Mágico del Agua, he explained, is a series of illuminated water fountains. The concept didn’t have me bouncing up and down with excitement, I must admit. Illuminated water fountains are for kids and romantic couples, right?
At the time, I had no idea of the scale of the thing: a public water fountain complex that Guinness World Records had already recognized as the largest in the world. Having now visited the Circuito Mágico del Agua twice, I'm happy to recommend it to even the most cynical of travelers. The entrance fee is only S/.4 (US$1.50; read more about Peruvian currency), so it's no threat to your travel budget. The Circuit is open from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm Wednesday to Sunday; the fountains are most impressive at night...
