US$10–25

The Point (Malecón Junín 300, tel. 01/247-7997, www.thepointhostels.com, US$9–11 dorm, US$15 s, US$22 d with breakfast) is a backpacker option with everything a traveler needs: WiFi, long-distance calling, sitting room with cable TV, nice bunk beds with shared bathrooms, cheap lunches, pool table, sauna, book exchange, travel agency, a grassy lawn, and an outdoor bar. This 11-room, restored 19th-century house is just paces away from Barranco’s best bars and sweeping ocean views. There are frequent barbecues and Monday night outings to the local jazz bar, La Noche.

US$25–50

D’Osma Bed & Breakfast (Pedro de Osma 240, tel. 01/251-4178, www.deosma.com, US$22–40 s, US$30–50 d with breakfast) has upgraded its services and is a great option if you are looking for a tranquil, family-oriented environment.

Backpackers Inn (Malecón Castilla 260, tel. 01/247-3709, backpackersinnperu [at] hotmail [dot] com, US$10–11 dorm, US$30 d with breakfast) is another option, less hectic and more quiet. Some rooms open onto the oceanfront, and a nearby path leads down to the beach. The inn has a communal kitchen, sofa lounge, dining room with board games, TV and DVD player, WiFi, and plenty of tourist information.

Aquisito (Centenario 114, tel. 01/247-0712, US$18 s, U$29 d) is a great bed-and-breakfast. The place is small and cozy, located on a noisy part of Barranco but incredibly quite inside. Rooms are comfortable and staff are quite friendly and helpful.

US$50–100

3B Barranco’s Bed & Breakfast (Centenario 130, tel. 01/247-6915, www.3bhostal.com, US$55 s and d) is the newest addition to a group of comfy and well-equipped hostels and bed-and-breakfasts in Barranco. With a neat, minimalistic design and decor, the rooms are clean, bright, and spacious with very comfy beds and impeccable bathrooms. The hostel is on a very busy street but two blocks away from the ocean and a few more from all of Barranco’s nightlife.

Second Home Peru (Domeyer 366, tel. 01/477-5021, www.secondhomeperu.com, US$75 s, US$85 d with breakfast) is inside the home of Víctor Delfin, a prominent Peruvian painter and sculptor, and his works fill the first floor of the house as well as the five elegant guest rooms. Lilian Delfin, his daughter, is a welcoming and helpful host who will lead you into a morning visit to Víctor’s studio. A swim in the cool pool overlooking the ocean from a cliff, with a lion fountain spouting above, is an absolute must. The high ceilings, crisp white linens, and designer bathrooms make any visitor to Second Home feel simultaneously at ease and refined. All rooms have cable Internet connection. A night in this hotel should not be missed.

© Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio from Moon Peru, 3rd Edition