Bosque El Olivar

Overview

Bosque El Olivar is a serene 23-hectare park in San Isidro containing over 1,600 olive trees, some dating back to the first plantings brought from Seville in 1560. Declared a National Monument, it offers a peaceful escape from Lima's urban intensity.

Highlights

• Ancient Olive Trees: Many trees are over 400 years old, their gnarled trunks creating a photogenic grove unique in South America.
• Birdwatching: The park hosts over 30 species of birds, including night herons, great kiskadees, and several hummingbird species.
• Colonial Olive Press: A preserved 18th-century olive press on the grounds recalls the grove's productive past.

History

Antonio de Rivera, Lima's first mayor, planted the original olive seedlings in 1560, brought from Seville. By the colonial period, the grove produced olive oil for the entire viceroyalty. It was declared a National Monument in 1959 to protect it from development.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Walk: The park is most peaceful in the early morning, popular with joggers and dog-walkers.
• Free Entry: Completely open and free at all hours.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.