Barranco, Lima is an extremely walkable part of the city. And while you’re wandering, you’ll inevitably come across incredible murals. Nearly every available wall has been taken over by vibrant expressions of artists’ imaginations.

So when you visit Lima, Peru, don’t miss the street art in Barranco. This neighborhood is one of the best places to see murals in Lima—and perhaps all of Peru.

Want to know what to look for? Read on for some of my favorite murals in Barranco. What’s more, at the end of this post, I’ll share some of the other best things to do in Barranco, Lima!

Why is there so much street art in Barranco?

Barranco is the beating heart of Lima’s arts and culture community. Here you’ll find galleries, museums, innovative restaurants and book stores that make you want to dive in and never leave.

It makes perfect sense, then, that Lima’s artists (and muralists from elsewhere) find a welcome reception for Barranco’s street art.

And while I recommend checking out this neighborhood’s arts centers, hip shopping and museums, don’t miss Barranco’s street art. Muralists have turned this corner of Lima into an outdoor gallery—a place where public art is truly meant for everyone.

Where to find Barranco street art

One of the wonderful things about street art is it changes constantly. Chances are, the murals in Barranco that I saw will be different than the ones visible when you explore.

Murals come and go, so no one can be sure if the street art will still be displayed—or painted over, tagged or torn down.

That said, there are a few spots that have become permanent centers of street art in Lima. Here’s where to find murals in Barranco:

1.Under the bridge next to the Parque Federico Villarreal. If you’re wondering where to find murals in Barranco, Lima, you can’t go wrong walking under this bridge. You’ll see some of Lima’s most famous murals and maybe folks painting new ones, like I saw when I visited. Street musicians also perform her often, especially on weekends.

2. The famous street art stairs in Barranco. Pretty much every square inch of wall is painted along these famous stairs in Barranco. You can find them by their entrance next to Restaurante Javier. It’s near the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), the romantically named but fairly underwhelming bridge.

3. Everywhere! Besides these two spots, Barranco murals are spread all over the neighborhood. You can’t help but run into them as you walk around Barranco!

More murals in Barranco, all the time

The Barranco District has embraced its identity as the street art center of Lima. Beginning in 2015, murals festivals and contests have added more public art to this hip neighborhood.

In addition to sanctioned and professional murals, you’ll also probably spy street art that went up on the sly. These more ad hoc murals stick closer to the art form’s history as a subversive, grassroots expression.

Regardless if the artists are world renowned or anonymous, you’ll love seeing the street art in Barranco.

Where else to see art, galleries and museums in Barranco

Since you’re in an art and culture mood, you should also check out the indoors arts. If you’re looking for things to do in Barranco, Lima, add these to your list. These are some of my favorite galleries and museums in Barranco:

Jade Rivera’s studio

Jade Rivera is one of the most famous muralists of Peru, and he keeps a studio in Barranco. The studio is open to the public, and you can buy his art—on a smaller scale (which is much easier to fit in a suitcase than an entire wall!).

You’ll also want to meet the cats that hang out here!

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo – MAC (Modern Art Museum, Lima)

On the border between Miraflores and Barranco, you’ll see the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. (It’s just past the Barranco sign.)

This modern art museum is fairly small, making it a quick stop. You can make your way through the exhibitions in an hour. Its works are continually rotating, so you never know what you’ll see.

The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MAC) also has a little outdoor cafe for quick bites to eat and a drink. Don’t forget to walk the museum grounds to see large outdoor sculptures.

If you’re spending time in Miraflores, you’ll definitely want to read my post on things to do in Miraflores, Lima. It’s one of my most popular posts!

Pedro de Osma Museum

On the other side of Barranco, I definitely suggest you visit the Pedro de Osma Museum. This museum has a completely different feel and exhibits art primarily from the 1600s-1800s. You’ll see how imperialism and Catholicism mixed with indigenous values and religion to create a wholly unique artistic style.

This Barranco museum also holds art and artifacts from Peruvian cultures dating from the fifth century onward.

The Pedro de Osma Museum is housed in the mansion that belonged to the art collector the museum is named after. In the second and smaller building of the museum, you’ll see portraits, art and artifacts from the collector’s family.

I also enjoyed walking around the museum grounds. Its perfectly manicured lawn and palm trees made me feel like I’d traveled back in time—that I might see Pedro de Osma Gildemeister himself pulling up in a horse-drawn carriage.

MATE Museum (Mario Testino photography museum)

Mario Testino is a famous Peruvian photographer who made his name as a fashion photographer. Throughout his career, he photographed portraits of the rich and famous, including Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Madonna and Angelina Jolie. He was also recently accused of sexual harassment and assault by some of the models he worked with—so I leave it to you if you want to visit the MATE Museum. (The museum is a nonprofit, so the money you spend there doesn’t actually go to the photographer.)

I didn’t visit it personally, but some of the people I traveled with went. The MATE Museum focuses on photography, especially that of Mario Testino. It also includes other photography special exhibitions.

When my sister and friends went, they were actually more interested in the visiting exhibition than in the photography. A Peruvian artist had spent four days collaborating with regular ol’ people to create vibrant, spontaneous pieces of art.

Things to do in Barranco, Lima: See all the street art!

There are so many things to do in Barranco, Lima. I loved visiting Barranco museums, shopping in the independent stores, perusing book shops, eating artisan gelato and so much more. Most of all, though, I fell in love with Barranco’s street art!

I’m pretty sure you will, too. If you’re heading to Peru, you should stop in Barranco, even if you’re only staying in Lima for a day. It was one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lima.

And if you’re heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to read my post that details visiting Machu Picchu!

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Once an overlooked stopover city in South America travelers just passed through on their way to something more interesting, Lima is now a destination in its own right. Yet Peru’s capital of nearly 10 million people is big, spread out and a bit confusing to navigate—so we were left wondering, where to stay in Lima? The consensus was to either stay in Miraflores or Barranco. For the first part of my trip to Lima, our group opted for Miraflores—a quiet and safe residential neighborhood in Lima.

My group—11 of us in all—stayed at The Hotel Dazzler in Miraflores for four nights. It was a beautiful, convenient and comfortable hotel within walking distance of most things to do in Miraflores.

When you’re searching for where to stay in Lima, you probably want a more detailed review than the few sentences you’ll find on a travel review site. That’s why I put together a full, comprehensive and honest Hotel Dazzler Lima review. Read on for everything you need to know about this Miraflores hotel.

Hotel Dazzler Lima review: Upscale hotel in Miraflores

I recently traveled to Peru with my sister, brother, sister-in-law and 7 other friends for my sister Beth’s birthday. We gathered in South America from all across the US to celebrate what an amazing human she is, so naturally we wanted an upscale hotel in Miraflores. We needed a hotel that could accommodate all of us, with our varying arrival and departure times, room needs and dietary requirements.

The Hotel Dazzler Lima fit the bill.

Plus, we all got to make jazz hands whenever we said “DAZZLER!”

If you’re looking for hotels in Miraflores and elsewhere in Lima, I know this Dazzler Hotel Lima review will help. Read on for the details you need on rooms, food, drinks and of course the rooftop pool!

Comfortable and spacious rooms

Often when you travel abroad, one of the first things you notice is that hotel rooms in foreign countries tend to be much smaller than you’re used to in the US. Not so with the Hotel Dazzler: Rooms were spacious and comfortable, even for those of us sharing rooms.

In fact, the Hotel Dazzler even had triple rooms, with three double beds. This setup was perfect for our group, as my sister, my friend Paulina and I shared a room. The triple room made our hotel stay—and the whole trip to Peru—much more affordable.

Even with three of us in one room, we had plenty of space: I never felt like I was tripping over anyone or their stuff.

I have zero complaints about the rooms: Beds were comfortable. Blackout curtains kept out any unwanted light, helping us sleep off jet lag and adjust to the different time zone (since Peru is 2 hours ahead of the West Coast of the US). The bathroom was spacious and had a minimalist style; the shower was strong and hot, and the toiletries were high quality.

Accommodating customer service

I have nothing but good things to say about the customer service and front desk at the Hotel Dazzler Lima. At one point, we had to change a reservation, and we just sent an email. Technically, we missed the cancellation deadline, but they were more than happy to help us—no fees attached.

The hotel was also helpful when my sister needed to add me to the room reservation. You see, she booked the room—and her name was on the reservation—but I arrived before her and would need to be the one checking in. One email later and my name was added to the reservation, and I was able to check us in without any hiccups.

Level 10 travel tip: Some of our group had trouble booking the Hotel Dazzler Lima on travel web sites, so I recommend booking directly through the Hotel Dazzler web site.

I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t exchange any money at the front desk, but the concierge pointed me in the direction of several banks within a few blocks and explained that I could also find money-changers on the street—which is apparently a legit (if kind of odd) practice in Lima.

What’s more, the front desk was always happy to hold my bags for me. I arrived in Lima around 7am, much earlier than my room was ready and available to me. So the front desk held my suitcase while I wandered around Miraflores and Barranco. They even held my suitcase when I wasn’t staying there: When I checked out and left for Cusco, I left my large suitcase with the Hotel Dazzler so I could travel light when I went to hike the Inca Trail.

Hotel Dazzler food and drink

When I travel, my MO is to load up on breakfast—after all, I have a really fast metabolism and tend to get hangry if my blood sugar drops. It should come as no surprise, then, that a teeny-weeny continental breakfast isn’t my jam.

Breakfast at the Hotel Dazzler Lima definitely hit the spot, though. Each morning, a central buffet table held dozens of choices, from toast and sliced deli meat to scrambled eggs and traditional Peruvian rice-and-sausage dishes. There were new foods every morning, so I never got bored with the breakfast options. There were hot choices as well as cold choices, plus juices, coffee and tea. I don’t drink coffee, but the rest of my group said the coffee at the Hotel Dazzler was fine—not great, but definitely drinkable.

The breakfasts had plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options (several mornings even had homemade lentil burgers). The kids I saw at the Hotel Dazzler breakfasts loaded up on cereal, granola with yogurt, fruit, eggs and bacon, so their buffet is definitely kid-friendly.

Level 10 travel tip: If you travel with a group, it’s likely you’ll eat lunch later than you may be used to, since it takes longer for lots of people to decide on a place to stop and eat. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast, then, before you head out for your day’s adventure.

You’ll also get free drink tickets when you check in to the Hotel Dazzler. We used ours for Pisco Sours, Peru’s signature cocktail, at the rooftop bar. Each drink was handmade—no pre-made mixer here—and quite delicious. We drank them before dinner and watched the sun set over the Pacific from the rooftop bar.

Central to Miraflores

When I travel, I avoid taking taxis—partly because I am cheap (ha!) but mostly because I love wandering. So I was happy when I discovered that I could walk all over Miraflores and other parts of Lima from the Hotel Dazzler.

Miraflores is perhaps Lima’s safest tourist neighborhood, and I never felt uncomfortable walking in the area.

From the hotel, I walked to the Malecon, Parque Kennedy, the Huaca Pucllana pre-Incan ruins, the Amano Museum of Textiles, the Parque del Amor and Barranco. (To read about these must-see destinations in Miraflores, click over for a full post on what to do, see, eat and drink in Miraflores.)

We were also an easy taxi ride to Lima Central. The hotel front desk was helpful in telling us how much to estimate for paying for the taxi ride (which you always need to negotiate before getting into the car).

Hotel Dazzler amenities

I usually keep my distance from hotel gyms, but while I was traveling I really wanted to keep up with my weight-lifting routine. So I got up early a few mornings to work out at the Hotel Dazzler gym, and it was actually pretty nice. There were a few elliptical machines and treadmills, plus two benches and free weights. It was nothing fancy, but it got the job done.

Just be aware that the gym was open air: The plus is that it doesn’t get sweaty and stinky (yuck!) but the down side is that it’s humid.

Next to the gym is the Hotel Dazzler rooftop pool. I didn’t end up swimming, but it is heated and has a gorgeous view of the Lima skyline. The hotel also has a sauna next to the swimming pool.

Bottom line: Hotel Dazzler Lima review

If you’re looking for where to stay in Miraflores, I absolutely recommend the Hotel Dazzler Lima.

I had peace of mind and confidence in my safety and comfort staying at the hotel here. What’s more, I knew we wouldn’t have the problems faced by my friends who booked another hotel in Miraflores—which mysteriously closed without ever notifying them or refunding their money. (No bueno.)

As a reminder, this Hotel Dazzler Lima review is completely unsponsored and unsolicited. I hope it helps as you figure out where to stay in Miraflores!

Let me know if you’ve stayed at the Dazzler, and if this Hotel Dazzler Lima review is helpful.

The post Complete + honest Hotel Dazzler Lima review: Where to stay in Miraflores appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Take a look at my favorite things to do in Miraflores, Lima from my recent trip to the incredible city. Add these to your itinerary—or pin this post for later. Whether you’re traveling to Peru right now or South America is on your bucket list, you’ll want to visit Miraflores, Lima.

Not convinced yet? You will be by the end of this post!

This post is not sponsored. I tried and loved everything on this list personally, and I think you’ll love these things to do in Miraflores, too!

11 Unforgettable things to do in Miraflores, Peru

In no particular order, here are my top 11 things to do in Miraflores!

1. Stroll along the Malecón

A boardwalk winds along the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean throughout Miraflores. For fresh air, ocean views, and a pedestrian-friendly outing, you can’t beat the Malecón. There are also bike rentals at the Larco Mar, the high-end mall that overlooks the ocean, and you can cycle along the Malecón’s bike paths (painted red).

If you’re wondering what to do in Miraflores with kids, the Larco Mar also has a playground named after Paddington, who arrived in London from Peru.

Level 10 travel tip: Look north to see Lima’s lighthouse, which warns passing ships from crashing into the rocks here.

2. Go cat-spotting at Parque Kennedy

The triangular park in Miraflores, Lima is called by its whole name, Parque Central, on many maps, but most people call it Parque Kennedy. It was named for the American president but these days it’s more famous for the hundreds of stray cats that call it home.

Locals leave them food and volunteers give them veterinary care, so they seem quite happy. They’re also friendly, so if you’re missing Fluffy at home, you can always get your cat fix here.

Level 10 travel tip: In the evenings, you might find an informal and impromptu dance party in one of the mini-amphitheaters in Miraflores, Peru’s Parque Kennedy. Join the crowd if you know salsa or bachata, or simply admire everyone else’s moves.

3. Get a taste of pre-Incan history at the Huaca Pucllana ruins

The contrast between 1,500-year-old pyramids and the chichi homes of Miraflores is a perfect expression of Lima: grounded in history but always pushing forward.

The hour-long tours are mandatory at Huaca Pucllana—no roaming about on your own—but you’ll learn much more about the three pre-Incan cultures who worshiped at this Miraflores, Peru ruins that way. The mud bricks that form these pyramids are still mostly intact and survived earthquakes—and the motorcross races that used to take place here before the ruins were excavated, protected, and preserved.

When researching things to do in Miraflores, don’t miss these urban ruins. 

4. Have a fabricgasm at the Amano Textile Museum

Wandering throughout Lima, you’ll see plenty of examples of Peru’s signature textiles—some mass-manufactured, some painstakingly hand-woven—and you’ll learn about this tradition’s roots at the Amano Textile Museum in Miraflores.

This impressive collection stands out with its detailed explanations in both Spanish and English so you get a sense of history along with the wow factor of centuries-old textiles. Plan for about an hour exploring this impressive museum in Miraflores, Peru, which displays ceramics and other art in addition to its comprehensive collection of pre-Incan textiles.

Level 10 travel tip: For an additional 20 soles (US $7), you can see the archives of blankets, clothing and more that aren’t on display.

5. Taste all the pisco at the Pisco Musuem

Ok, so the Museo del Pisco isn’t actually a museum, but if you come with an open mind, you’ll still learn plenty about Peru’s national drink from the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable waiters. The second (and admittedly less atmospheric) Pisco Museum location in Miraflores is right next to Parque Kennedy, and its expansive cocktail list will take a while to look through.

The canchitas (fried and salted corn) are the best I tried in Peru, and the rest of the tapas menu is delicious, too (try the fried cheese served with guacamole—you won’t be disappointed). Your list of fun things to do in Miraflores must include trying pisco, and you might as well drink it at one of the more respected bars in Lima.

Level 10 travel tip: Don’t limit yourself to iconic pisco sours here, and to make the most of your visit, come with friends (as long as they’re friends who are willing to swap tastes!). My hands-down favorite cocktail in Peru was the Flor de la Canela, which included a beautiful blend of cinnamon and cardamom and was a refreshing departure from the often-sweet cocktails made from pisco. Another standout: the Cocamanto, which draws just a hint of flavor from the coca leaf.

6. Join the faithful at the Iglesia de la Virgen Fátima

This church in Miraflores isn’t typically open to tourists, but if you stop by during mass times—generally 7 and 9am on weekdays and Saturdays and throughout the day starting at 7:30am on Sundays—you’ll get an authentic taste of Lima life while admiring this gorgeous iglesia.

The stained-glass windows let in the morning light in, and faithful locals slide in throughout the service. Stay for a few minutes after mass finishes to wander in the church and admire the artwork.

7. Let the local ceviche blow your mind

Ceviche (or cebiche, as it’s spelled in Peru) is raw fish or other seafood cured in an acid, typically lemon juice.

Such a simple explanation doesn’t even begin to describe the incredible tastes of the ceviche and tiraditos (thin strips of raw fish and other seafood, similar to ceviche) served at La Mar Cebichería. It’s not easy to choose from the traditional dishes served here, but my favorite was the tiradito chalacos.

Level 10 travel tip: This Miraflores restaurant is large, so it can accommodate bigger groups if you make a reservation or are prepared to wait. If you do need to wait for a table, they’re happy to seat you at the bar or bring you a menu so you can plan out your delicious meal to come.

8. Watch fútbol with locals in Miraflores

Soccer—or football/fútbol, to the rest of the world outside the US—is a force that brings people together. Peruvians are no exception.

If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, simply head to the concentration of bars around Parque Kennedy. At any given time, there’s probably a soccer match going on. Cheer for whichever team the locals are rooting for and make some new friends!

9.Feel the love at Parque del Amor

On the Malecón, you’ll find an entire park dedicated to love. The sensual statue at the park’s center gets the most attention, but I was even more smitten with the mosaic walls that wend around the park.

Quotes from love poems are set into the walls, and you’re sure to find a few favorites.

10. Eat tamales that will make you turn vegetarian

Peru’s tamales aren’t the Mexican ones you’re used to, but one taste of Panchita’s veggie tamales will have you swear off meat for good (or at least as long as you have a steady supply of these beauties).

When looking for where to eat in Miraflores, don’t miss Panchita’s criolla cooking. 

11. Sample local beer im Miraflores

Peru’s craft beer game is strong—and you can taste your way through about 20 local cervezas at Curaka Bar in Miraflores. One of my favorites: the Magdalena Pálida. If you can’t decide what you want, order a tasting flight and find your own new favorite!

Still wondering what to do in Miraflores, Peru

Bottom line: If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, there’s plenty to choose from. When you travel to Lima, Peru, don’t miss Miraflores, the neighborhood that offers so much!

And if you’re wondering where to stay in Miraflores, definitely check out my review of the Dazzler Hotel, Lima.

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