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Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Fun & New Water Fountain Park Beautifies Lima, Peru

It’s rare that a city sets out to create a new tourist attraction and is able to do so with terrific success– but Lima, Peru has done it.

The Magical Fountain

The Magical Fountain amazes visitors with its rapid changes and height.

While Lima is generally trashed by Peru guidebooks as the place everyone must dreadfully pass through on their way to other destinations like Machu Picchu, in the past few years great strides have been made to improve the city’s offerings, such as “The Magic Circuit of Water” in Lima’s Parque de la Reserva.

The Tunnel of Surprises

The Tunnel of Surprises is a family favorite for photos.

Located adjacent to Peru’s National Stadium and near to the historic center of Lima, the Magic Circuit was completed in 2007, and gives visitors a truly magical experience. A total of 13 fountains showcase how water can be artistically manipulated through form, movement, and light.

It’s interesting and yet perhaps fruitless to ponder why water fountains captivate our imagination and demand our attention in places like this– with the risk of sounding sentimental, perhaps its because we intrinsically understand that water is what in part gives us life.

Maybe it’s also because they are big and beautiful! At 240+ feet, the Magic Fountain (seen at the top) has the Guinness Book Record for being the tallest in a water park (and perhaps in the world). Other fountains in Lima’s Magic Circuit are not as big, but provide an interactive element.

The Fountain of Fantasy

At dusk, people begin to gather around the Fountain of Fantasy.

After dark, the Fountain of Fantasy hosts a colorful laser light program complete with music and projected images. The movement of the fountains and program lasts for around 30 minutes and takes place hourly. Traditional music as well as more popular songs are used to maintain the audience’s attention.

Two fountains near the center of the park provide both children and adults with the opportunity to get wet. You can attempt to solve the mysteries of the fountains’ patterns, or simply watch the action from afar. In whichever case, it’s entertaining for all as speakers play upbeat, fast-paced music.

The Childrens\' Fountain

The Children’s Fountain shoots water out unpredictably and in various forms.

The Labyrinth of Dreams Fountain

The Labyrinth of Dreams Fountain entraps its braver audience.

Another suite of fountains are less interactive, but still provide interest with their shape and beauty, if not with great photographic opportunities.

The Fountain of Life

My wife and I sit for a photo at the Fountain of Life.

The Fountain of Illusion

The Fountain of Illusion is in the center of the park.

A road splits the park into two, and to solve the problem, a tunnel was built between the two sections. What’s nice about the tunnel is that it’s also to some degree a little museum. Peruvians might view it as a promotional tool of Lima’s mayor, Luis Castañeda Lossio, who oversaw the construction of the Magic Water Circuit. He’s most likely running for president in 2011 election, and has decided to provide before and after photographs of Lima’s public works. If this is propaganda, it is fascinating and effective propaganda. The photos show you directly just how much the appearance of Lima’s buildings and the functionality of its roads have improved in recent years– a source of pride for Peruvians. As an additional note of interest, Castañeda has also managed to work his wisdom and name into the aforementioned laser light show that takes place nightly.

The Tunnel Exhibit

Visitors study before and after photographs of Lima’s landmarks.

Many of the fountains are most spectacular at night. Colored lights make them sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.

The Rainbow Fountain

The Rainbow Fountain finds its groove at night.

The Visitable Dome

The Visitable Dome shimmers with evening elegance.

The Harmonious Fountain

The Harmonious Fountain appears seamless as water falls.

If you are paying close attention, you will note that only 10 of the 13 fountains in the Parque de la Reserva are shown here. In addition to these extra fountains, another reason to visit the park is simply that it has an effect that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Only time will tell if Lima’s reputation will improve in the eyes of guidebook writers– but I feel confident that if you visit the Magic Circuit of Fountains in Lima’s Parque de la Reserva you won’t be disappointed. Until then, I hope you have enjoyed the virtual tour!

Photo Credits: All photos © Levi T. Novey, except for Fountain of Life © César De la Cruz Abarca

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