Top Photography Spots Along the Lima Malecon

Finding the right angle on the coast is simple if you know where to look. Here are our top picks for the most scenic photography spots along the Lima Malecon.

• Quick Pick (Best Sunset): Larcomar Overlook
• Quick Pick (Iconic): Parque del Amor
• Quick Pick (Action): Paragliding Take-off Point
• Quick Pick (Free): Faro la Marina

1. Name: Parque del Amor (Love Park)
   Type: Sight
   Why go: Home to the famous "El Beso" statue and mosaic walls.
   Best for: Couples and romantic sunset shots.
   Where: Central Miraflores.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk from the center of Miraflores.
   Tip: Get close to the mosaics for colorful macro photography.
2. Name: Villena Rey Bridge
   Type: Architecture
   Why go: The sleek white cables provide great leading lines for photos.
   Best for: Abstract and architectural shots.
   Where: Overlapping the main road near Parque del Amor.
   Time: 10 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walkable from Larcomar.
   Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the bridge's curve.
3. Name: Larcomar Overlook
   Type: Experience
   Why go: Catch the contrast of a modern mall built into the cliffs.
   Best for: Urban landscapes mixed with ocean views.
   Where: End of Avenida Larco.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Free access.
   Getting there: Major bus stop nearby.
   Tip: Head to the lower decks for a clear view of the surf.
4. Name: Faro la Marina (Lighthouse)
   Type: Sight
   Why go: A classic blue-and-white iron lighthouse relocated from the 1900s.
   Best for: Nautical-themed photography.
   Where: Northern Miraflores Malecon.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: A 15-minute walk from Parque del Amor.
   Tip: Beautiful during the blue hour just after sunset.
5. Name: Maria Reiche Park
   Type: Nature/Art
   Why go: Large floral displays mimic the Nazca Lines.
   Best for: Drone-like perspectives from the path edges.
   Where: Northern end, near San Isidro.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk or bike north from the lighthouse.
   Tip: Visit when the flowers are in full bloom for better contrast.
6. Name: Paragliding Port
   Type: Experience
   Why go: Capture colorful gliders soaring over the Pacific.
   Best for: Action photography.
   Where: Near Parque Antonio Raimondi.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free to watch.
   Getting there: Central Miraflores.
   Tip: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the gliders in mid-air.
7. Name: Parque Itzhak Rabin
   Type: Viewpoint
   Why go: Offers a wide, unobstructed view of the entire coastline toward Chorrillos.
   Best for: Panoramic shots of the bay.
   Where: Between the Pier and the Lighthouse.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Pedestrian boardwalk.
   Tip: Bring a tripod for steady panoramic stitching.
8. Name: Parque Salazar
   Type: Sight
   Why go: Unique sculptures and well-manicured green spaces.
   Best for: Modern park aesthetics.
   Where: Above Larcomar.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walking distance from Miraflores hotels.
   Tip: Look for the "Intihuatana" sculpture for interesting shadows.
9. Name: Bajada de los Baños (Lookout)
   Type: Viewpoint
   Why go: View the winding road that leads down to the beach.
   Best for: Capturing the height of the lime cliffs.
   Where: Near the limit of Barranco.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk south toward Barranco.
   Tip: Great for long exposures of car lights moving to the beach.
10. Name: Miraflores Skatepark
    Type: Action
    Why go: Urban grit meets ocean breeze with local skaters performing tricks.
    Best for: Street and lifestyle photography.
    Where: Near the Lighthouse.
    Time: 30 minutes.
    Cost: Free.
    Getting there: Central Malecon walk.
    Tip: Ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of locals.

Photography Tips for the Lima Coast

When visiting the city of Lima, the weather plays a huge role in your photos. Most of the year, a mist called "la garúa" covers the coast. This creates a soft, moody light that is great for portraits. However, the best colors appear from December to April during the Peruvian summer. Clear blue skies make the ocean pop in your images.

Timing is everything for the most scenic photography spots along the Lima Malecon. Golden hour usually starts around 5:30 PM in the summer. Arrive early to claim a spot at Parque del Amor. The crowds can be thick, but the atmosphere is festive. Using a polarizing filter can help reduce glare from the water below.

Security is generally good in Miraflores, as the parks are heavily patrolled. However, always remain aware of your surroundings when handling expensive gear. Keep your camera strap around your neck or wrist at all times. If you are renting a bike to ride the Malecon, ensure your equipment is secured in a padded bag. For more travel ideas, check out the best things to do in Miraflores.