If Pink Floyd Made Fountains …

Lima, Peru’s Magic Water Circuit (El Circuito Mágico del Agua) is to ordinary water fountains what laser sharks are to ordinary sharks. Basically the same thing, but bigger, and with lasers.

Since 2007, the Magic Water Circuit has been a massive hit among Limenos, though it largely flew under the radar for tourists for years. Located in a park on the edge of Lima’s city centre, I probably wouldn’t have even visited if it wasn’t for the advice of friend and former guidebook writer Georgia Platman  who ran into this odd attraction a few years back (check out her blog here).

At this point, you’re probably wondering, just how amazing can a few fountains possibly be? Imagine a government basically poured US$13 million into making the most insane fountain the world has ever known.

This is apparently the world’s largest fountain complex, and it receives millions of visitors each year. The fountains are lit up at night with brilliant colours, and move to blasting musical scores.

It’s not just the fountains themselves that make the Circuit exciting – it’s the people. Peruvians seem to crave the fountains like some kind of highly addictive drug. I had to line up for an hour just to get inside the park. During the whole time in line, a group of teenagers were flipping out with excitement.

Inside, it got totally insane, with packs of children running around, throwing themselves into the water. Everyone was off the chain maniacal about these fountains.

The Circuit is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 3pm to 10.30pm. Make sure to stay for the water shows, which take place at 7.15pm and 8.15pm. These shows are when the larger fountains are rigged to seemingly dance to epic musical scores, while thousands of Peruvians stare in awe. It’s a hell of an experience.