Page 76 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

ermen, lost and disoriented at sea. They
prayed for salvation and suddenly spotted
a shining light. They followed it to the
shoreline, but when they sought the source
of the light, they found only a wooden
cross.
The fishermen built a shrine at that
spot and almost a century later, in 1901, it
was replaced with a church—the first in the
village. La Ermita has been closed to the
public since it was damaged in the 1940
earthquake. The church’s facade looks to
be in good condition, but the collapsed
roof remains, roosting and nesting for
birds.
We marched on, following Edward’s
lead into a natural ravine once traversed
by fishermen to get to the sea. Plants from
around the world, including ancient ficus
and olive trees and brightly colored
bougainvilleas, now line the paths and
banks. It’s one of Edward and Poppy’s fa‐
vorite destinations for scenic walks and in
the gathering dusk seems far removed
from urban commotion.
Several minutes later we reach the
iconic wooden bridge, Puente de los Sus‐
piros, also known as the Bridge of Sighs,
one of the most photographed locations in
Barranco. According to legend, if you make
a wish and hold your breath for the entire

76 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024