Barranco district of Lima
Barranco – romance and a touch of nostalgia in Lima
Admittedly, Peru’s capital, Lima, and especially the city center are not necessarily all that beautiful – but just a few minutes further on is the Barranco district and belies that statement. Because Barranco is considered the most beautiful and most romantic district of Lima.
No wonder, because in the 19th century this was the “haven” of the rich and beautiful, who wanted to escape the hot summer of Lima and had their beautiful houses built here on the steep coast. And these are not only preserved in large parts in Barranco, but have been lovingly restored over the last decades or replaced by buildings in the Californian style. Today, Barranco is considered to be the neighborhood of artists and musicians, freethinkers and bohemians – with its many pubs, restaurants and the typical Peñas music clubs, where folkloric music and dance performances are presented.
The gorge of Barranco
Barranco means something like “gorge” and that’s exactly what it’s located in. Particularly beautiful: the Puente de los Suspiros, the Bridge of Sighs, which leads exactly over the gorge and dates back to 1876.
The houses stand on a cliff overlooking a strip of sand stretching from Miraflores to Chorrillos. The beaches of Barranco have become absolute favorites in the global surfer community in recent years and attract more and more visitors year after year. And also the 2008 completed Marina ensures lively operation in its own marina.
Nightlife and restaurants
Barranco is the “heart” of the Lima party community. On weekends, the Food Festival “A Taste of Barranco” takes place, where you can walk through the beautiful well-kept streets and taste an excellent street food, at relatively low prices.
At Las Peñas you can have a look at the incredible variety of Peruvian folk music, especially the Afro-Peruvian and Creole influences that are particularly present, and they have a lot of rhythm in their blood! Las Peñas are usually open only on Fridays and Saturdays!
If you want to spend a romantic night, then you should not miss a drink at the Posada del Mirador bar. Nowhere is the most beautiful view of the Pacific, the most magical atmosphere and the freshest ceviche!
Museums and galleries
… there are so many in Barranco, and it would be difficult to say which one is the most beautiful. Perhaps the Pedro de Osma Museum, which has an ingenious collection of colonial art and is itself housed in one of the beautiful colonial houses surrounded by magnificent gardens?
Or MATE, the Asociacion Mario Testino, a homage to one of Peru’s most famous artists and the only permanent exhibition of his works? Or rather the Museo Galeria Arte Popular de Ayucucho with a collection of modern art?
Are you looking for a high quality souvenir of your holiday in Peru and would like to support local artists? In the Lucia de la Puente art gallery, there are works of art by Peruvian artists that can compete with international greats!
Other attractions in Barranco
The best way to relax in Barranco is to take a walk through the tree-lined and flower-strewn streets – or take a half-hour tour of the area’s old tram.
Make a detour to the decaying church of La Ermita or take part in one of the free dance classes offered at the Parque Principal – a visit to Barranco is actually a break from the hectic and often murky everyday life in Lima’s center.
Getting there
How to get to Barranco
Barranco is just five minutes away on the “Collectivo Bus” and the route is well signposted. Of course it is more comfortable by taxi, and it is not particularly expensive. If you want to stay in Barranco, you will find that prices are slightly above the average for Lima – but this is made up for by the charming surroundings and breathtaking scenery!
Barranco Province Lima
Area: 3,5 km²
Population: 40.000
Nearest airport:
Jorge Chávez, International Airport
Vía Expresa Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031, Peru
Airport code: LIM
Coffee lovers
If you like to have a good coffee, you will be amazed by the Bisetti factory. Here, not only since 1958, the best Peruvian coffee is served here, the coffee is also freshly roasted daily. Bisetti stands for high quality and is committed to ensuring that the Peruvian delicacy is also well received by the broad Peruvian public (Peruvians are not coffee drinkers).
The Bisetti roasting house is located in Avenida Pedro de Osma 116, less than 100 meters from the Parroquia La Santísima Cruz. A visit here is worthwhile in any case.
Peru is one of the 10 largest coffee producers in the world and produces the world’s most certified organic coffee.
Videos
Lima`s Districts
- Comas – district in the limit of the northern city of Lima
- Independencia – poverty and economic recovery
- Puente Piedra, or the bridges from the Inca period
- San Martín de Porres – Huacas and a Peruvian saint
- Breña – Streets and squares in the neighborhood of the locals
- Jesús María and his popular places
- La Victoria – Clothes make people
- Lima the city of kings
- Lince: The “Heart of Lima”
- Magdalena del Mar – The quiet west of Lima
- Miraflores – the district of the beautiful and wealthy in Lima
- Pueblo Libre: Small but fine
- Rímac – bullfighting and happy parties
- San Isidro – Lima’s Garden District and Financial Center
- Santiago de Surco – From gold and weapons to horses
- Chorrillos – When the sun sinks into the sea
- Punta Negra – surfing, swimming, high waves and beaches
- Ate Vitarte, or: “The past empire of ancient cultures”
- El Agustino, or “The lost treasure”
- La Molina – the sunniest district in Lima
- San Luis: sports, markets and parks