The Bridge of Sighs
A breath-held wish.
Ibrehaut (Ivan Brehaut L.) — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jaime Troncoso — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Avodrocc — CC BY 2.0 · Alejandrovilbort — CC BY-SA 4.0 · BBCLCD — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small bohemian district on the cliff south of Miraflores, once a 19th-century seaside retreat for Lima's wealthy and now the quarter of artists and writers, with old colourful mansions, street murals, galleries and cafés. Its best-known landmark is the «Bridge of Sighs», a small wooden bridge over a stone path that slopes down between trees towards the sea. Folk tradition says that if you cross it for the first time holding your breath, your wish comes true. At the end of the path is a lookout over the ocean and the beaches below. The district has small museums and galleries in old houses, a quiet square with a garden, and streets full of colourful murals that visitors photograph. It is a lovely place for an unhurried afternoon walk. At night Barranco turns into a nightlife quarter with bars and music, so daytime and early evening suit families best. Combine it with the Miraflores promenade on foot or by a short taxi ride.
A breath-held wish.
Art on the walls.
At the path's end.
Barranco district, south of Miraflores, Lima; about 15 minutes by car
A folk tale says that whoever crosses it for the first time holding their breath will have their wish granted. It is a small wooden bridge over a path down to the ocean.