Barranco: Lima's Seaside Suburb
New Restaurants, Hotels, Bars, and Tourist Attractions
This Lima, Peru neighborhood is being revitalized to become Lima's serene, trendy alternative to the chaos of the neighborhoods to the north.
Barranco, Lima’s seaside suburb to the south, was once a weekend retreat for Lima’ s Creole bourgeoisie built homes there in the 19th and 20th Century, as well as wealthy German and British immigrants. In the late 20th century the area became decrepit, a haven for drugs, and fell apart. The last few decades have seen resurgence in investment and in the neighborhood and many of the most prominent families, writers, artists, and celebrities in Lima now live in the restored colonial mansions that line the cliffs. The hippest restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, bars, shops, galleries, and hotels can all be found in Barranco.
What to See in Barranco
Parque Municipal - The center of the neighborhood features with a central fountain, small amphitheater, and shady places to sit. Surrounding it are a few restaurants and bars, a couple of museums, and the public library. Small festivals are held here on most weekends and there are always small time artists selling handmade jewelry and crafts.
Bajada de los Banos - An attractive promenade leads from the plaza to the sea and is now it is lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. Straddling the walkway is the more famous, Puente de Los Suspiros, the Bridge of Sighs was built over it. At any given time you will find courting couples walking hand and hand across it.
Museo de Arte Colonial Pedro de Osma - This fantastic colonial art collection sits in an equally as stunning white colonial mansion. Pedro de Osma 421.
Hotels
Second HomePeru - Rooms and terraces with Pacific Ocean views are the main attraction at this boutique hotel in a restored Tudor mansion that once belonged to Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin.
Inkaterra Barranco - Luxury hotel and tour operator Inkaterra will open a few rooms in a restored colonial mansion in 2009. It will be a small, boutique hotel with an elegant Old World Explorer’s Club theme.
The Point Hostel - For a room on the cheap side for the party loving crowd. Dorms and doubles. Run by two ex-backpackers.
Restaurants
LA 73 - Trendy corner bistro beside a small park is one of the best new restaurants in the city. Pastas, strudel de carne, sandwiches, pastel de choclo, and even churros. Avenue El Sol Oueste 175.
Chala - On the Bajada de Baños. A creative young chef is dishing out Criollo fusion dishes like the Risotto Piurana and Saltado Chaleño.
Cala - A two level beachside bar and restaurant at Playa Barranquito. One of the best places to see and be seen. Seafood, ceviches, risotto, and pasta.
Manos Moreños - One of the best criollo restaurants in Lima. Set in a colonial style mansion with a large shady patio. Expect dishes like Chupe de Camarones, piqueos, and Arroz con pato a la Chiclayana. Occasionally becomes a peña in the evenings. Pedro de Osma 409.
Bars
El Dragon - Great live music venue and clubwith a wide range of muci being played throughout the week. Wednesday and Thursdays have live jazz or reggae acts, Fridays are for electronic music, and Saturdays vary.Nicolás de Piérola 168.
Mochileros – A cluster of small bars set in a 100-year-old mansion that was once a backpacker hostel. Wednesdays through Saturdays their shady patio is filled with twenty and thirty somethings, while the basement frequently holds live concerts, poetry readings, dance performances, theater and other live acts. Pedro de Osma 135.
Read about Barranco's lesser knwon neighbor of Chorrillos.
