Perusino was here: Places

Even before you reach the entrance of Plaza San Miguel, shopping carts roll around like metal llamas. People are clutching bags, backpacks, and their cell phones. Children are mostly clinging to their parents' arms, occasionally shouting. Loudspeakers blare advertisements into the air as if they were vital.

Barranco beach is not what you'd expect from a typical travel brochure. No sparkling water, no golden sand dunes, and certainly no tropical palm trees. Instead, it lies nestled between rugged cliffs that, while imposing, also appear somewhat desolate.