Parque de las Leyendas and the Zoo Go west from the Larco Herrera museum to the end of Avenida Bolivar, then around to the southwest of the Catholic University campus in the suburb of San Miguel, and you'll come to the Zoo daily 9am-5pm; Small admission charge Yellow bus #48 goes directly there from the Plaza Mayor or you can take almost any of the colectivos along Avenida La Marina or west along Avenida Javier Prado; a taxi, though easier, will cost around $3-5.

Located in a relatively deserted spot on the sacred site of the ancient Maranga culture, the park is laid out according to the three regions of Peru - costa, sierra and selva (coastal desert, mountains and forest), the thought is excellent, but the end product falls a little short of the goal, as the animals are confined to cages. There are many varieties of animals: condors and pumas, penguins, elephants, and other non-native exotic species. The park is a fine place for a picnic, and there are very interesting market stalls just outside selling crafts as well as collectible insects.

Paracas National Reserve Getting there: Travel by bus along the Pan Americana highway from Lima to Pisco (Paracas 250km, 4 hours) (Tour bus is best) Daily flights in small planes from Lima to Nazca or Ica, flights from the city of Nazca, Ica and Lima. Tours in motorized launch to the Ballestas islands from Paracas. There is no public transportation to the Paracas Reserve, so the tour boat is the best means of transport.