Barrios Altos, Historic neighborhood in Lima, Peru.
Barrios Altos is a neighborhood in Lima filled with colonial-era buildings featuring wooden balconies, traditional markets, and small neighborhood shops throughout the area. The buildings showcase colonial design with many details that reflect the district's historical importance.
The area developed during the early Spanish colonial period around Santa Ana Church, built in the mid-16th century on a site sacred to the Inca. The church marked the beginning of permanent Spanish settlement in this location.
The neighborhood is deeply connected to Afro-Peruvian music traditions, which you can hear in many local venues where musicians perform traditional compositions. This musical heritage shapes the daily rhythm and gives the area its own character.
The neighborhood is best explored on foot, with many small streets and passages between the historic buildings to discover. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and explore the area during daylight hours.
Beneath the streets of the neighborhood flows the Huatica, an ancient irrigation canal built by pre-Hispanic civilizations. This hidden water system still functions today and demonstrates the engineering skill of pre-Spanish cultures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
