Lima Book Fair

About

The Lima International Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro de Lima) is one of Latin America's largest literary celebrations, transforming the beautiful Parque de la Exposición into a wonderland for young readers each July-August. With dedicated children's pavilions, storytelling sessions, author meet-and-greets, and interactive workshops, this two-week festival makes books come alive for kids while introducing them to both Spanish and international literature. It's an incredible opportunity for families to immerse children in Peru's vibrant literary culture while exploring one of Lima's most historic parks.

What to Expect

Families will find a sprawling book fair with hundreds of publishers' stands, dedicated children's areas with colorful displays, puppet shows, and live storytelling sessions throughout the day. The atmosphere is festive and educational, with families browsing books in both Spanish and other languages, children participating in craft workshops and drawing activities, and frequent performances on outdoor stages. The event is well-organized with wide pathways through the park, shaded areas under trees, and a mix of indoor pavilions and outdoor tents. Expect crowds, especially on weekends, but the energy is family-friendly with many local families attending together.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive storytelling sessions where professional actors and authors bring tales to life with costumes and props
• Hands-on illustration and writing workshops where kids can create their own mini-books to take home
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with popular children's book authors and illustrators, including both Peruvian and international guests
• Puppet theater performances scheduled throughout the day in the children's pavilion
• Treasure hunt activities and reading challenges designed to get kids exploring different publisher booths

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the official program online before attending to plan which children's activities and author appearances to prioritize—events fill up quickly and some require advance registration
2. Bring cash in Peruvian soles (nuevos soles) as many book vendors and food stalls don't accept credit cards, and ATMs on-site can have long lines
3. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and better access to popular workshops; weekends are festive but very busy, making it harder to navigate with strollers or young children
4. Look for bilingual books and English-language sections if your kids don't speak Spanish—several international publishers attend, and it's a great chance to find unique books you can't get at home

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10am-1pm) offer the best experience for families with young children, with manageable crowds and cooler temperatures before Lima's winter afternoon chill sets in. If you can only attend on weekends, arrive right at opening time (usually 10-11am) to enjoy the first activity sessions before peak crowds arrive in the afternoon. The fair typically runs for two weeks, so attending during the first week gives you access to full inventory before popular titles sell out, while the second week often features closing sales with discounted books.

Food & Drinks

The fair features numerous food stalls and kiosks throughout Parque de la Exposición selling Peruvian snacks like empanadas, anticuchos (grilled meat skewers), picarones (sweet potato donuts), and kid-friendly options like French fries and popcorn. Prices are reasonable (typically 10-20 soles per item), and you'll find fresh fruit vendors and juice stands with safe, hygienically prepared options. There are also several cafés with seating areas where families can rest and have a more substantial meal. Consider bringing refillable water bottles as bottled water is available but adds up, and pack some familiar snacks for picky eaters since most food options are Peruvian cuisine.

Parking & Access

Parque de la Exposición is located in central Lima near the Estadio Nacional metro station (Line 1), making public transportation a viable option for visitors staying in Miraflores or other tourist districts—though you'll need to take a taxi or Uber for the final leg with kids. Parking is extremely limited immediately around the park, so plan to use nearby paid parking lots (playas de estacionamiento) within a few blocks, which cost approximately 10-20 soles for several hours. The park itself is stroller-accessible with paved pathways, though some pavilions may have steps or crowded aisles that make stroller navigation challenging during peak times. Consider using a baby carrier for younger children as an alternative. Taxis and Uber are readily available for departure, making it easy to avoid walking long distances with tired children and book purchases.