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.

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).

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

• Entrance Fee: S/.4 (US$1.50)

• 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)

• Maps: Circuito Mágico del Agua map; see Parque de la Reserva on Google Maps

• Getting There: A taxi from Miraflores to the Magic Water Circuit costs about S/.7; minibuses run up and down Av. Arequipa, S/.1, just hop off near Parque de la Reserva; alternatively, take the Lima Metropolitano bus to the Estadio Nacional stop, S/.1, which is right by the park.

• Another alternative to explore Lima’s Magic Water Circuit is by bike! Lima Bici and Green Bike Peru offer excellent bike tour options which include a stop in this amazing park every day of the year and with an informative guide.

Have you been to Lima’s Magic Water Circuit? If you have, feel free to leave a short review in the comments section below. Thanks!