A Nice Walk Through The Barranco Neighborhood In Lima

The Barranco neighborhood of the city of Lima is one of the most beautiful in all of Peru. Walking through it is enjoying art, tradition and the sea. It runs over a large ravine that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. And, without a doubt, it is a neighborhood that invites us to lose ourselves among its colonial and republican mansions to discover its extensive sea.

Barranco is a bohemian neighborhood, home to poets and artists. Its architecture has been recovered and adapted to current needs. Therefore, walking through it is a fabulous experience.

In addition, in Barranco you can find galleries and houses of important Peruvian artists. This is the case of the home of Víctor Delfín, master of Peruvian painting, and his art gallery. There is also the Pedro de Osma house, which houses a renowned viceregal art museum. But there are many more places. Here we show you some.

Its main square, the heart of the Barranco neighborhood

This beautiful square was inaugurated on October 13, 1898. Its importance, in addition to its beauty, is due to the fact that it is the nerve center of the Barranco neighborhood. The main events of the Barranquilla community take place there. Thus, this square has been configured as the favorite place for its presentation by artists and musicians.

The Bridge of Sighs, emblem of the Barranco neighborhood

For Barranquinos and Lima residents in general, this is not just any bridge. It is a symbol of the neighborhood and very special, since it served as the inspiration for the song La flor de la canela, by the Creole singer-songwriter Chabuca Granda. It is located on the Bajada de Baños passage and is the emblem of Barranco.

As this bridge is a reference for the visit to Barranco, it is very difficult to find the bridge empty of visitors, couples and neighbors of the place. In addition, there is a tradition that whoever steps on it for the first time and crosses it holding their breath will be able to make a wish and it will be fulfilled. So, take a deep breath before crossing it.

The beautiful Chabuca Granda walk

It is a space dedicated to the already named singer-songwriter of Creole music. A space that is also very busy, as it is located at the confluence of the main square of Barranco, the Municipal Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Bajada de Baños.

Previously, its name was Zepita passage, and in it we can see examples of republican wooden architecture, characteristic of Barranco. It is an ideal space to learn about the evolution of this area of ​​Lima, because around it we can see exhibition panels with old photos.

The hermitage of Barranco

It is located next to the Bridge of Sighs. It is a construction from the middle of the 18th century. A hermitage that has suffered the passage of time. Rebuilt in 1882, there have been several changes since its inception. It has been a monument since 1955, but since 1974 it has been closed due to an earthquake damaged its structure.

Tradition says that some fishermen got lost at sea off the coast of Barranquilla and at this point they saw a light that helped them return safely to their homes. In gratitude for the miracle granted, this hermitage was built.

The Bajada de Baños

The Bajada de Baños is the place where the fishermen used to go down to the beaches of Barranco. And it is that Barranco has an inseparable relationship with the sea. This path has managed to maintain the harmony of its architecture. It is a staircase that descends towards the coast.

On the cliffs of La Bajada, since the beginning of the 20th century, beautiful ranches were built that are still preserved. And it is that Barranco became the summer resort of upper-class families, who installed their large beach houses in this district. Today these houses are hotels and restaurants that offer the best of Lima’s gastronomy.

There are many more places you can visit in the Barranco neighborhood, such as the Pedro de Osma Museum or the Mario Testino Museum. And do not forget to visit its craft markets and bookstores or simply stroll through its streets and enjoy its large houses. Barranco is an ideal place for free and traveling souls, a place full of life and color that will make your senses vibrate.