What to Do in Lima’s Bohemian Barranco Neighborhood

Sights

Take a leisurely walk down the Bajada de Los Baños, a descending pathway whose walls are alive with colorful, hand-painted murals that brings you to the Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a wooden bridge dating from the late 1800s. When you cross the bridge, you will find yourself nearing Barranco’s easily accessible beaches, part of the Costa Verde, at the foot of Lima’s oceanside cliffs. The popular  Los Yuyos Beach is a nice place for a picnic: it is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Museums

Pedro de Osma – An impeccably restored 19th-century manor, this museum displays artwork from as early as the fifth century. Pedro de Osma Gildemeister, a collector of Peruvian Viceroyal art, first opened the museuthe m’s doors to the public in 1996. On display are gold and silver icons, colonial-era furniture, sculptures, paintings, and a recently added wing dedicated to the art of pre-Inca Tiahuanacu and Inca cultures. Influences of these cultures can still be observed in Peru today.  A must-see museum located in bohemian Barranco!

MATE Mario Testino Museum – Located next door to the Pedro de Osma Museum, the MATE Museum in was founded by Peru’s famous photographer, Mario Testino, who is famous for having photographed Princess Diana and other members of the royal family. In addition to his photo displays, the museum houses vibrant exhibits by contemporary Peruvians. It aims to garner worldwide attention for Peruvian artists.

Casa Taller Victor Delfín– Victor Delfín is Peru’s most famous artist, known for his metal sculptures of horses, birds, and other animals, as well as his vibrant paintings. His most well-known sculpture, El Beso (The Kiss) sits in Lima’s Parque de Amor. At 90+ years old, Sr. Delfín continues to produce art and shares his artistic knowledge and insights with visitors to his lively, art-filled home/workshop located in bohemian Barranco. Available by appointment only.

Museo de la Electricidad - A small museum in bohemian Barranco. devoted to the development and history of electricity in Peru. It houses exhibits about electrical tools, equipment, and power generation, along with archives about Lima’s historical electric companies. There’s also a display about the once-thriving electrical train system in Lima. Lima’s last functional electrical train sits in front of the museum.

Restaurants

Central - Renowned Chef Virgilio Martinez’s Central Restaurant has been voted Best Restaurant in Latin America for several years running. Chef Virgilio offers a tasting menu featuring innovative dishes created from fresh and exotic ingredients that are representative of Peru’s main geographical areas: Jungle, Coast, and Mountain. Reservations are a must at this upscale, esteemed, bohemian Barranco restaurant, known for its amazing flavors and textures, impeccable service, and flawless attention to detail. Reservations strongly recommended.  

Siete – This laid-back restaurant is known for its contemporary Peruvian and international offerings, great pasta dishes, and sumptuous cheesecake. They also serve a hot version of ceviche, and various imaginative and colorful dishes using fresh ingredients, all beautifully presented. Reservations recommended.

El Muelle – This lively, casual eatery, located very close to the Malecón, (Boardwalk area) in bohemian Barranco. serves up some of the best ceviche in Lima and Peruvian seafood and traditional fare. Great seating on the patio, where you can enjoy people-watching as you savor huge portions of food accompanied by an ice-cold beer and lively conversation. 

Isolina Taberna Peruana– Located in a converted casona, a two-story colonial-style home in bohemian Barranco., Isolina serves up large portions of Peruvian comfort food, such as the traditional lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with tomatoes and peppers), seco de carne, (beef stew in a cilantro-based sauce), and other flavorful Creole-style dishes, most emphasizing beef or pork. Some unusual-sounding starters include a beef-brain omelet and pickled pig’s feet. Dishes come on huge platters and are meant to be shared around the table.

Canta Rana - This casual restaurant serves up generous portions of ceviche, arroz con mariscos, (rice with tender morsels of seafood), chicharron de pescado, (fried fish nuggets), and other largely seafood-based dishes, accompanied by a selection of ice-cold beers.  Canta Rana (meaning “Frog Song”) is a local favorite.

Night Spots

Ayahuasca Restobar – This is one of the most happening nightspots in bohemian Barranco, set in an old-style mansion. There are a variety of seating areas, some with cozy salon-style furniture, others with a more modern flavor. Known for their creative pisco sours, prepared with exotic ingredients like aguaymanto (Peruvian golden berries) and coca leaves, they offer a variety of piqueos, or snacks, including fried yucca, tequeños (a crunchy taquito-like snack filled with ham and cheese), and meat skewers.

Barranco Beer Company – offering a variety of Peruvian artisan beers brewed on location in bohemian Barranco, using the highest quality ingredients, this craft beer spot has been around for over seven years. Sample the different brews in this large bar while snacking on a variety of menu items, mostly traditional pub fare. Recommended for craft beer aficionados.

Bodega Piselli – For those that prefer a quieter atmosphere, this bar is the place to enjoy a pisco sour and quiet conversation. A spot favored by locals, Piselli is located on Avenida 28 de Julio in Barranco and has been open for over a century. Known for great drinks at good prices and tasty sandwiches, it also features live music on some nights. 

Where to Stay

Hotel B – This gorgeous mansion, located in Lima’s bohemian Barranco district, has been converted into a boutique hotel with 17 beautifully appointed rooms, many with private terraces, each filled with original works by Peruvian artists. Boasting a combination of modern and period décor, Hotel B houses an onsite gourmet restaurant that serves Peruvian dishes with a modern flair and a full cocktail bar. 

Casa República - Casa Republica Barranco opened just a couple of years ago after an extensive renovation of a mansion built in the 1920s. This colonial-style mansion iis an elegant, upscale boutique hotel located in Lima’s Barranco neighborhood. The Casa Republica has a restaurant, where breakfast buffet is offered every morning, an al fresco bar, and a garden. The location is wonderful if you want to be close to hip bars, restaurants such as the famous Central, and museums like Mario Testino’s MATE. Take advantage of the hotel’s bicycles to explore everything  Barranco has to offer. 

Barranco is known to be quite safe in most places, however, there are a few places to be wary of or avoid altogether. Locals advise that the streets near the train tracks, especially at night, and the sections around the Avenida República de Panamá between Barranco and the district of Surco are areas avoided during the wee hours or if you are traveling alone. The area around the Bajada de Los Baños should be avoided late at night unless you are well accompanied. Barranco is an easy taxi ride from the Lima airport, for a fare of around 50 soles (less than 20 USD). Lively Barranco is well worth a visit on your Lima trip. We will be delighted to help with all of the arrangements you may require.