The Magic Water Circuit, a must-see in Lima

Fantasy Fountain

Since a few years ago, Lima has a new attraction for both locals and foreigners: the “Circuito Mágico del Agua” (Magic Water Circuit), a large park full of 13 interactive, colorful water fountains, that has also been included in the Guiness Book of Records as the largest fountain complex in the world.

Located in the traditional Parque de la Reserva, near the limits between Lima Downtown and Lince Districts, the Magic Circuit of water offers two quite different spectacles; it looks wonderful during the day, but it’s absolutely awesome at nights when the lights and the laser shows are on.

The park has been completely remodeled to fit these spectacular fountains, and definitely the Magic Circuit of Water is has become a must-see in Lima. Getting there it’s very easy, either using public transportation or taking the cheap-and-without-taximeters Lima taxis: just ask for the “Fuentes del Parque de la Reserva” (Reserve Park) to any driver.

These 13 fountains not only offer a unique show of light, sounds and jet sprays, but also some of them are specially equipped to interact with visitors, specially children and youngsters that end up completely wet on sunny days.

Water Tunnel

According to the Guinnes Book of Records, this park houses the highest fountain in the world: the Magic Fountain, with its impressive 80m jet spray.

The park gates open Wed-Sun at 4pm, until 10pm. Tickets are sold at the gates and cost only S/.4 soles (that is, some US $1.3): children under four have free admission.

We strongly suggest you to go on a weekday if possible (specially if you are traveling with your kids) because on weekends, and during long weekends due to national holidays it does get really crowded. Not that it’s an issue in itself since the park is huge and there’s plenty of open spaces; but if you go on weekends you may need to wait in line for a long time before being able to buy something to eat at any kiosk or to just enter the toilets.

It’s a good idea to arrive around 4:30pm or 5pm, so you don’t have to queue for too long, and you will even have time to enjoy the fountains in their two stages; daytime and night.

Actually, the great park comprises two parks in one; and since there is a large, crowded avenue separating them, they have been linked by an ample tunnel, that also showcases a photo exhibition about the fountains but also about other major works in Lima.

Labyrinth of Dreams Fountain

The Fantasy Fountain is specially remarkable because it hosts an audiovisual projection based on images related to Peru’s culture and history, displayed on the water curtains with the accompaniment of music and laser lights.

Another very visited spot is the Labyrinth of Dreams fountain: the water comes up from the ground in circles and the little ones (and many playful adults too) try running inside and between them. It is thus necessary to interact and play with the water jet sprays. Be aware; these are completely random, so don’t waste time trying to predict when or where will the next one start again. If you decide to play here, you will end up wet no matter what you do… so just relax and enjoy it! After all, you are in vacations!

You will surely enjoy walking under Water Tunnel, which is less likely to get you wet. But we are sure that the whole park will be an unforgettable experience.

As you can probably tell by now, it’s a good idea to come here with a waterproof jacket and/or some dry clothes (and shoes!) in your backpack so you can change before leaving the place.

We are including a short video, too, by Apiong2007

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08_EES5sp_E&]

Have fun!

(Text and photos: Isabel Guerra)