Barancco

To begin our epic Peruvian travel adventure, we flew into Lima Peru from Denver. Our flight landed at about midnight Lima time, so we found ourselves with roughly 24 hours to spend in Lima to kickstart the trip.

We knew we’d be spending another several days in Lima at the end of our trip, so we decided to spend the entire first 24 hours exploring the Barrancco neighborhood.

Nestled along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Barancco is definitely not your typical tourist trap. It reminded us a ton of our neighborhood in Five Points back home. It’s got an artsy vibe, a younger crowd, and a little grit around the edges still. 

One of the first things you’ll notice about Barancco is its vibrant street art scene – all of the amazing street art is pretty damn hard to miss 😉

It seems like every wall is covered in colorful murals depicting everything from political statements to whimsical creatures. It’s the perfect place to spend several hours exploring and admiring.

Of course, no visit to Barancco would be complete without checking out its main attraction: the Puente de los Suspiros, or “Bridge of Sighs.”

The Bridge of Sighs in Lima, Peru’s Barranco neighborhood is a historic landmark with a rich history. Built in 1876, the bridge was designed by the Italian architect Claudio Sahutti, and it was inspired by the famous bridge of the same name in Venice, Italy.

The bridge connects two streets over a narrow gorge, and it was originally used as a pathway for wealthy residents to access the beach. However, over time, the bridge became a symbol of melancholy and heartbreak, as local legend has it that couples who cross the bridge while holding their breath and making a wish will have their love last forever. Today, the Bridge of Sighs is a popular tourist destination and a beloved symbol of Lima’s cultural heritage.

For dinner we decided to try out the highly recomended Ayahuasca Restobar.

Ayahuasca is located in the historic Berninzon Mansion. The Berninzon Mansion has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. It was built in 1897 by the architect Rafael Marquina for the wealthy Berninzon family, who owned the largest textile factory in Peru at the time.

The mansion was designed in the Art Nouveau style, featuring intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and ornate details. The Berninzon Mansion was known for its lavish parties and social gatherings, attracting some of the most influential figures in Peruvian society. Over time, the mansion changed hands and was used for various purposes, including as a school and a cultural center. 

Today, the mansion makes for a perfect setting for an amazing bar and restaurant, and the food and drinks at Ayahuasca live up to the amazing ambiance.