If you only have one day to explore Lima in Peru, I can recommend skipping the touristy bustle of Miraflores and heading straight to Barranco – a fashionable coastal neighbourhood. With colourful buildings, fabulous street art, historic mansions and a bustling food scene, Barranco makes you want to slow down and soak everything in.
Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Barranco.
Morning: Coffee, Culture and Coastal Views
Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Demo Café, a local favorite full of beautiful pastries before strolling through Barranco’s main square Plaza de Armas de Barranco. At the edge of the square, I peeked in the library which was much smaller inside than I expected – a quiet room with ornate works of art, and I also perused the markets on the other side.
Explore Dédalo Arte y Artesanía, a gallery and store where I loved all the handmade Peruvian crafts and the beautiful, hidden courtyard cafe oasis.
Walk past the Neo-Gothic style La Ermita which overlooks the ocean. Closed in 1940 due to earthquake damage, the roof has now almost entirely collapsed, and it is home to birds.
It took me a while to find the observation deck (Catalina Recavarren lookout) as I didn’t expect it to be behind the dilapidated cathedral. I also spent some time searching for a funicular which closed down some years ago.
From here, walk down the Bajada de los Baños (Descent to the Baths/ Path to the Beach), through street art and markets.
Check out the Puente de los Suspiros – bridge of sighs, a wooden pedestrian bridge which popular tradition suggests was a place lovers met.
Lunch: Ceviche and Local Flavours
For lunch, head to Canta Rana for classic ceviche or try Mérito for a creative fusion of Venezuelan and Peruvian flavors. Both offer memorable foodie experiences in cozy settings.
Afternoon: Art and Ocean Breezes
Spend your afternoon at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC) and MATE, the Mario Testino museum, or just wander the streets to admire Barranco’s ever-changing murals and graffiti.
Sunset: Cliffside Walks, Rooftop Drinks and dinner
Walk along the Malecón which runs from Barranco to Miraflores for stunning ocean views. There are a number of parks where you can sit and read a book or just enjoy the views and watch the sun set. Then head to the rooftop bar at Hotel B for a Pisco Sour.
If you’re with a group of people with differing tastes, I can recommend Mercado 28 in Miraflores, a short Uber ride away. It’s effectively a trendy street food market serving international food and drinks as well as traditional Peruvian dishes.
Transfers from Lima Airport to Barranco
I’d pre-booked a transfer to my accommodation in Barranco through Bookaway who were fabulous in communicating with me via Whatsapp as to where they were waiting for me while I was waiting for my bag. If you haven’t booked a transfer in advance, go to the official desk inside the airport as the others on my tour found out that the people standing around are seriously overcharging.
The drive was my first Peru adventure – on the wrong side of the road (to me), with bursts of speed, sudden lane changes and honking.
Getting money out in Barranco
It proved impossible to get Peruvian Sol on the spot in Wellington. Obviously the New Zealand dollar is equally unpopular in Peru as the currency exchange recommended by my first hotel in Lima offered me a shocking rate. The first two ATM’s I tried were charging a 25-30 Sol transaction fee but after a quick google I learnt that Banco de la nación ATM’s did not charge such a fee.
With the perfect blend of art, ocean, and culture, my day in Barranco left me inspired and excited for the rest of my trip to Peru. Have you been? I’d love to hear your favorite spots.
