Once a luxury resort housing the summer homes of the Peruvian rich and famous, Barranco has now emerged in its own right as the bohemian hub of Lima.
Located in the cliff area of the city right next to the ever popular Miraflores district, a stroll around the brightly painted art-deco houses and fragrant purple blossoming trees of the district will instantly fill you with a renewed vigour for Lima. Daily life in Barranco is noticeably more relaxed and quieter than in other parts of the city, yet still with an alluring, ever so cool vibe. Art galleries, cute boutiques and trendy coffee shops that were once the colonial mansions of Lima’s elite line the streets, whilst everywhere you turn live music, street art and killer bars draw you in to the neighbourhood’s charm.
Miraflores may hold the top spot on your Lima hit list, but don’t let Barranco pass you by…
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Dive in to Barranco’s gastronomy scene
Lima’s culinary reputation stretches far and wide, and Barranco doesn’t disappoint for those chasing a serious taste adventure. Traditional Criolla Peruvian food and ceviche naturally take centre stage, but international cuisines are also creatively reimagined. La 73 takes on the role of retro diner, with its brief but impeccable menu nodding to regions as diverse as Japan, China, Italy and Spain. Their ocean fresh cebiche carretillero is faultless, or for a taste of Peruvian comfort food, head to the popular Isolina, where generous portion sizes and a buzzing crowd combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Choco Museo
No you’re not dreaming, Barranco really does have a chocolate museum, and it’s every bit as good (and delicious) as it sounds. Peru produces an astounding 63,000 tons of cocoa each year, so it’s only right there should be a museum to honour the art of chocolate making. A two hour workshop will give you an insight into the entire painstaking bean to bar process, with obligatory tastings thrown in throughout the session.
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Pay homage to the fashion greats at the MATE Museo Mario Testino
Acknowledged globally as the fashion world’s greatest photographer, you know you’ve made it when your face has adorned Mario Testino’s lens. So where better than his native Lima for Testino to display his first permanent collection, featuring subjects including Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Madonna and the late Princess Diana.
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Contemplate your day over an epic sunset
As the only capital city in the world that lies along the Pacific coast, you know you’ll be getting the sunset goods in Lima. And really, there’s no better place to watch the sky turn itself a pallet of vivid watercolours as the sun goes to bed, than Barranco. Take advantage of the beautiful boardwalk or the ocean view restaurants serving up perfect Pisco Sours as you say goodnight to another dreamy day in Peru.
Experience a taste of Barranco’s laid back after dark offerings
Known for its chilled out, laid back night scene, Barranco offers up some of the trendiest bars in Lima. Gin lovers will fall in love at Barra 55 which houses the biggest selection of Gin in Peru, whilst beer drinkers will find total contentment at the Barranco Beer Company, where both artisanal and national Peruvian brews keep the crowds watered. For a setting with a difference, head to Ayahuasca. Once home to a wealthy limeño family, this 19th century colonial wonder is now a buzzy watering hole, where old school glamour and contemporary design play side by side. In terms of what to order, what else…Pisco Sours all day err-day baby…
