This winter, we went on a trip to visit our Peruvian partners and to see how our Cloud Cotton Collection goes from farm to fabric. While we were there, we immersed ourselves in the local culture. Most people fly into Lima and immediately head north to visit Machu Picchu. But, trust us, the capital city is well worth exploring. Not only is it one of the world’s most exciting food cities, but it’s also home to fantastic artisan markets, cool galleries and boutiques, and some seriously epic surf spots.
Pablo Lupis Davila, the second-generation owner of Lima’s pioneering textile manufacturer, Romosa, was the host with the most. He gave us an insider’s tour of Lima, but also took us off-the-beaten-path to visit his family’s winery, Quierolo, as well as some of his favorite restaurants and beaches down the coast.
We wanted to share some of the highlights from our trip, but also want to acknowledge the political unrest that recently unfolded in Peru and continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our partners there.
Where to Stay
Hotel B
A Belle Époque mansion in the heart of Barranco has been revived as a 20-room hotel that could double as an art gallery, with over 300 original works. Breakfast and lonche (afternoon tea) are served in a gorgeous library and the rooftop with its Pacific Ocean views is where locals gather for sunset cocktails. @hotelblima
Second Home Peru
This eight-room guesthouse in the Barranco District once belonged to Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin. His work is displayed across the grounds of the oceanfront hotel. www.secondhomeperu.com
Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels
A colonial home-turned-boutique hotel just off Plaza de Barranco and Lima's seafront promenade, the Malecón. The neighborhood’s artsy vibe compliments the Bohemian decor in the eight spacious rooms (most have ocean views). @ananayhotels
Where to Eat + Drink
Siete
Chef Ricardo Martins attracts a cool crowd with delicious sharing plates, classic cocktails, and a soundtrack of The Rolling Stones and Miles Davis. We dropped in for lunch and are still thinking about the super fresh razor clams and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu he prepared for us. @7restaurante_
Central
You need to book reservations months in advance to score a table at Central. Chef Virgilio Martinez’s creative tasting menus have consistently earned the restaurant a top 5 ranking on the world’s best restaurants list. @centralrest
LA73 Paradero
A local haunt known for its classic dishes like empanadas and cazuela, a traditional stew. @la73_barranco
Isolina
This modern riff on an old-school taverna pays homage to classic Peruvian dishes like cau cau (tripe and potato stew) and hearty lechon sandwiches. @isolinataberna
Kjolle
At her first solo venture, Central Co-Chef Pía León showcases rare ingredients from the Amazon and Andes in wildly flavorful dishes. @kjollerest
Mérito
The downstairs bar at this relaxed Barranco spot provides a front row seat to the kitchen where two Venezuelan chefs (both alum of Central) craft whimsical dishes from humble Peruvian ingredients like Andean tubers and Amazonian pork sausage. @meritorest
Viñas Queirolo
Peru is best known for its signature spirit, pisco, but the country also has a burgeoning wine scene. We visited this gorgeous vineyard hotel in Ica, a town four hours south of Lima, and were treated to a wine-paired meal at its excellent restaurant. @hotelvinasqueirolo
Surf + Beach Scene
Punta Roquitas
A popular beach break, often lined with surf schools and board rentals, set just below the malecón (esplanade) of Miraflores.
Cabo Blanco
Dubbed the “Pipeline of Peru”, this left-hand barrel in northern Peru is near the beach and fishing club frequented by Ernest Hemingway.
Punta Rocas
One of the most consistent surf spots in Peru, often likened to Trestles in California, lies just 90-minutes south of Lima.
Paracas
We were big fans of this laid back beach town around three hour’s drive south of Lima. You can rent beach bungalows at oceanfront Bamboo Paracas Resort, which has a super chill beach bar and neighboring kite surf school. @bambooparacasresort
Where to Shop
Inka Market
This vast colorful maze of artisan stalls in the Miraflores neighborhood is an essential stop for souvenirs ranging from supersoft alpaca shawls to silver jewelry. Kerry ended up taking home four vibrant, handwoven rugs. Ninie, always on the hunt for cool decor for our stores, purchased pom pom curtains crafted from Peruvian wool and cotton by a women’s artisan group in the Highlands.
Dédalo
One of our favorite places in the Barranco neighborhood that we visited, this coffee shop meets art gallery is filled to the brim with up-and-coming Peruvian designers, including jeweler Lorena Pestana, and clothing brands like Philomena that work with weavers in the Andes. We enjoyed fresh juices from the café tucked away like a secret in a quiet back courtyard. @dedaloarteyartesania
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