Nightlife in Cusco – Peru

If you love the nightlife, then Cusco is the place for you. The high Inca Empire town is home to some of the best places to boogie in South America.  Your days in this magical city are busy with activities, seeing the sights learning the history, but Cusco truly comes alive at night with a vibrant energy. It doesn’t matter what day it is; you can party every night of the week. The Plaza de Armas serves as the center of Cusco’s nightlife scene, surrounded by numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Popular Nightlife Zones

In Cusco, the Plaza de Armas area is generally considered the most popular nightlife zone, with a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to various tastes. Other well-liked spots for nightlife are the streets around Plaza de Armas, especially for live music and smaller bars, and San Blas, which has a more bohemian vibe.

Features Bars

Fuego

If you are a craft beer and hamburger, Fuego is the place for you. Here is a beer lovers paradise, it offers a wide menu of tasty, high-quality craft beverages. You will also find delicious food.

It is located at the Plaza de Armes and it is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and from Friday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Republica del Pisco

The Republica del Pisco offers you many different drinks based on Pisco. The Republic of Pisco is a unique experience during your stay in Cusco. Located at Calle Plateros 354, and it opens daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Paddy’s

There is an Irish pub in Cusco, which is very popular for its great view of the Plaza de Armas. According to the owner, Paddy’s is the highest Irish pub in the world. Amazing!

Its walls are full of random art, and the bar is full of good cider and local brews. Located at the corner of the Plaza de Armas, in Calle Triunfo 124. It is open daily from 11 a.m.

Indigo

Indigo is at the top of “Gringo Alley”, it is one of the warmest bars in the city. This makes it a great place to enjoy a fancy cocktail or a tasty meal, whether alone or with friends. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 4 am.

Discotheques and Clubs

There are many clubs where you can party and dance all night, enjoy salsa, reggaeton, or bachata. Some clubs even offer dance classes as part of the fun. Also listen to live music, including rock, indie, funk, and more. Most of them remain open until the early hours of the morning, here are our recommendations for best places to spend a night on the town.

Wild Rover

Despite being a backpacker hostel, Wild Rover is the best of Cusco nightlife. You will find a friendly atmosphere and a fun vibe. They offer cool-themed parties, good drinks, special live shows, and DJs playing all the time. The best part is that you do not need to be a client. It is open to everyone. Even better, there is no admission fee. A little bit out of town, so take a taxi.

Mushrooms

In the same building as Mama Africa, the club features every single day, electronic, funk, house, and techno music in a surreal environment. DJs make sure the crowds enjoy the vibe and the music.

Ukukus

Close to the Plaza de Armas, in Av. El Sol 819, is one of the busiest nightclubs of Cusco, Ukukus. From the moment you enter, you will feel like you are in a dream. Artists decorate the walls with colorful masks and surreal art. You will also see eccentric and mystical murals inspired by Andean culture. Going to Ukukus is a must, it has free admission where you can enjoy live music sessions. Every Tuesday, there is a live concert, and a band plays a mix of traditional Andean music and modern styles. Ukukus is open Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 2 am. On Saturdays, it is open from 6 pm to 4 am. On Sundays, it is open from 6 pm to midnight.

Changos

Its lively atmosphere makes Changos one of the best spots for nightlife in Cusco. You can enjoy live concerts with different music styles like rock, reggae, or salsa. There are also fun beer games in the middle of the dance floor. Don’t miss this club while in Cusco. Changos is a club with free admission during weekdays, but you have to pay a fee on weekends. It is open daily from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Limbus Resto Bar

A short walk up the stairs from San Blas you will find the Limbus Resto Bar. Here you will have the most spectacular views of the city of Cusco. Go at sunset when from the balcony you will be delighted with views and later enjoy the blanket of stars while enjoying a delicious cocktail.

Alternative Experiences

There are many other activities in Cusco that you can enjoy at here are some suggestions if you don’t want to go to a club.

1. Taking a tour to the Cusco Planetarium
2. Take a night tour of Cusco
3. Visit at night tour at the Pre-Columbian Art Museum
4. Walk through the neighborhood of San Blas
5. Visit the viewpoints of Cusco
6. Enjoy a wine tasting experience
7. Participate in trivia or board games in a pub-bar

Some Tips for Night Time Activities.

• Cusco is a safe place, but if you plan to go out dancing or partying all night, do not walk the streets at night alone. Sometimes, pickpockets take advantage of foreign targets.
• Take an official taxi, Cusco has Uber and InDrive, it costs approximately 2 USD, depending on the distance to your destination.
• Do not carry a lot of cash, just bring the necessary amount needed for the night out.
• Do not carry your passport. It is better if you leave it in a safe place, like your hotel, and just make a copy to take with you.
• Bring a jacket, nights in Cusco are usually really cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What precautions should I take in Cusco?

When you are in Cusco, take some precautions. Walk slowly and calmly. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Also, don’t eat too much during your trip. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Keep hydrated is the best way to have a great trip in Cusco. 

At what age is it legal to drink alcohol in Cusco?

In Peru, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. The rules also apply in Cusco; this city is a popular tourist spot and attracts many young people from around the world.

Is there any dress code for entering a nightclub in Cusco?

No, since it will necessarily depend on you. However, there are some events or parties during the year when clubs may ask for formal or semi-formal attire.

Is it safe to go out at night in Cusco?

Yes, Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru. Because many people come from all over the world, the local government works to keep travelers safe. However, we recommend being more careful after 10:00 pm. This is when businesses in the city close. And you will only find open nightclubs, pubs, and discotheques.

Cusco is a great place to spend a few days; the city has much to offer and the nightlife is one of its main attractions. Contact Wayna Trekkers Peru for more information about night tours and the local club scene.