The Magic Water Circuit in Lima

Lima’s Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) opened in 2007 after a hefty investment of US$13 million. Built within the Parque de la Reseva, a historic 19-acre (eight hectare) park, the series of 13 illuminated fountains has since proved a successful addition to Lima’s many attractions.

Strolling around a bunch of illuminated fountains may not be everyone’s idea of a fun night out (especially in a city with so many bars), but you might be surprised at how much you take away from a visit to the park.

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The Record-Breaking Circuito Mágico del Agua

Upon its construction, the Magic Water Circuit made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest water fountain complex in a public park. That in itself is quite impressive, but chuck in a series of really quite spectacular fountains and you have a destination that will keep kids happy and bring quiet smiles to even the most cynical of adults.

There’s also an educational side to the complex, with informative installations covering water-related issues and other temporary displays (when I last went, there was an excellent exhibition of old Machu Picchu photos, most from the Bingham expedition).

Fuente de la Armonía (Fountain of Harmony)	Fuente del Arco Iris (Rainbow Fountain)
Cúpula Visitable (Walk-in Dome)	Fuente de la Ilusión (Fountain of Illusion)
Túnel de las Sorpresas (Tunnel of Surprises)	Fuente de la Vida (Fountain of Life)
Fuente Mágica (Magic Fountain)	Fuente de la Fantasía (Fantasia Fountain)

Getting Wet in Lima’s Fountains

Not all the fountains are of the simple stop-and-stare variety — a few of them are interactive.

The Cúpula Visitable breaks you in slowly, giving you the opportunity to walk beneath a flowing dome of jets (Wetness Level 2). The Túnel de las Sorpresas is a 38-yard walkway through a tunnel of water (Wetness Level 3, depending on how much you’ve had to drink).

The real star of the show — in terms of sheer fun — is the ever-popular Laberinto del Ensueño (Maze of the Dream; see video below). Getting to the center of the “maze” is more a matter of timing than navigation; a mistimed stride can land you right on top of a suddenly spewing jet of water (Wetness Level 8, potentially).

ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostels Chain for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bars is free even for non-guests

Fuente de la Fantasía Water Show

The park’s showpiece fountain is the Fuente de la Fantasía (Fantasia Fountain). Each night, the 130-yard-long fountain bursts into life with a choreographed show of water, lasers and music. The show takes place three times a night, beginning at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:30 pm. It’s a good way to end your stroll through Lima’s charming Magic Water Circuit.

Circuito Mágico del Agua Information

• Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (and holidays) from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm

• Location: Parque de la Reserva (between Av. Paseo de la Republica and Av. Arequipa)

• Getting There: The best way to get the best experience is with a tour. We recommend checking out Lima Walking Tour’s Magic Water Circuit tour, rated by travelers as one of the best options!

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