Barranco is a special place for dreamers, with romantic streets, concerts and a great artistic heritage. Couples stroll the alleys lined with old-world restaurants, while surfers gather to ride the waves of Peru’s west coast. Contemplate the bright colors of the colonial and republican houses that are scattered throughout this area.
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown to visit the beaches and flowery parks of Barranco. Follow the road to Bajada de Baños to cross this bohemian area and cross the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), made of red wood. Sit on a bench overlooking the bridge and watch the illumination at night.
If you want to learn about the culture of the area, visit the red church of La Ermita, which is a pilgrimage site. Try some of the local dishes at the food markets, or visit one of the restaurants. Try anticuchos, which are grilled meat portions similar to kebabs and served with garlic, pepper and other seasonings. You can find this popular Lima dish in both fancy restaurants and street stalls. The ice creams of this region are also famous. Enjoy a pisco sour, which is a typical Peruvian cocktail made of pisco, syrup, lime juice, ice cubes and egg whites.
Take advantage of the weather to spend the day at the beach. This area has several sand and sea paradises, such as the beaches of Las Cascadas, Los Yuyos and Agua Dulce.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this area was an elegant getaway destination for wealthy city dwellers. As the metropolis grew towards this area, the aristocrats left their summer residences, although they have recently returned thanks to the bohemian role that the Barranco area has adopted.
The microclimate generated by the shelter of the cliffs ensures that the climate in this region is warmer and drier than in the rest of Lima. This is especially noticeable in the city’s wettest months, which are from May to October.
To get to this area located on the coast between Miraflores and Chorrillos, you can take a bus from downtown Lima and travel south for 5 minutes. You can also take a flight to Jorge Chavez International Airport and travel by car or cab south along the coast for 40 minutes.
Barranco’s cliffs and colorful houses await you in the artistic center of the city.
