Puente Balta, Road bridge in Lima, Peru.
Puente Balta is an iron bridge with five arches spanning the Rímac River, connecting Jirón Amazonas in the south to Avenida 9 de Octubre in the north. The structure features cast iron construction with decorative details throughout its railings.
Construction began in 1869 under José Balta's government, when crossing the river required using the only existing bridge. The project formed part of a broader plan to modernize Lima's infrastructure.
The bridge displays cast iron arches and decorated railings that reflect the industrial craftsmanship of the late 1800s. These details shape how people experience crossing from one riverbank to the other.
The bridge is accessible on foot from both riverbanks and provides continuous access across the crossing. Be aware that it sits on a main traffic route with regular vehicle movement throughout the day.
During the Chilean occupation of Lima in 1881, two Peruvian soldiers lost their lives here, and their remains now rest in a historical crypt. This connection to a pivotal moment in war makes the crossing hold deeper meaning for many visitors.
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