Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Cusco has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene concentrated around Plaza de Armas, Calle del Medio, and the streets radiating from the main square. The nightlife has a youthful energy fueled by the constant flow of trekkers, backpackers, and international visitors. Bars range from sophisticated pisco cocktail lounges to raucous party venues, and the altitude ensures drinks hit harder than expected.
Lively and international. Cusco's nightlife starts late by Andean standards (bars fill after 9 PM, clubs after midnight) and continues until 3-5 AM on weekends. The area around Calle del Medio between Plaza de Armas and the San Blas neighborhood has the highest concentration of bars and clubs. Expect a mix of backpackers, Peruvian university students, and international visitors.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Calle del Medio and surrounds
The main nightlife strip with bars, clubs, and live music venues within a short walk of Plaza de Armas
Best for: First-time visitors, backpackers, those wanting easy bar-hopping
Plaza de Armas restaurants/bars
Second-floor bars and restaurant bars on and around the plaza offer pisco sours and cocktails with stunning Cathedral views
Best for: Couples, those wanting a classier evening with a view
San Blas neighborhood
A handful of cozy bars and wine bars with artisan character in the cobblestone streets of San Blas
Best for: Those wanting a quieter, more intimate evening
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Fallen Angel
Cusco's most famous bar is a surreal art installation-meets-cocktail lounge with bathtubs serving as tables, angel sculptures, and dramatic lighting. The pisco cocktails are some of the best in Cusco and the decor is unforgettable.
Known for: pisco cocktails in eccentric decor
Norton Rat's Tavern
A longstanding Cusco institution housed on the second floor above Plaza de Armas with multiple rooms, pool tables, darts, and a reliably good crowd. One of the most consistent bars in town with good beer and fair prices.
Known for: craft beer and pool tables
Indigo
An elegant rooftop bar with craft cocktails using Peruvian ingredients and excellent views of the city. More sophisticated atmosphere than the backpacker bars, popular with upscale travelers and locals.
Known for: creative pisco cocktails
La Gruta Bar
A cozy bar built into a cave-like space under the streets of Cusco, serving local craft beers and pisco. The unusual stone-walled setting makes it one of Cusco's most atmospheric drinking spots.
Known for: Peruvian craft beer
Pisco Republic
A bar dedicated to Peru's national spirit with an extensive menu of pisco sours, chilcanos, and pisco-based cocktails using traditional and craft distilleries. Educational and delicious.
Known for: pisco sours and Peruvian spirits
Bar 7
A popular venue with screens showing international sports, good happy hour deals, and a lively mixed crowd. Great for watching football (soccer) matches with other travelers.
Known for: sports screens and happy hour
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Mythology
Cusco's most famous nightclub, packed with travelers and locals dancing to electronic music, Latin rhythms, and pop. The multiple floors and constant crowd make it the beating heart of Cusco nightlife.
Cover: $5-10
Hours: 9 PM - 5 AM daily
Mama Africa
A beloved multi-story club with reggae and world music vibes, popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Free cocktail with entry during happy hours.
Cover: $5
Hours: 9 PM - 4 AM
Ukuku's
The best salsa club in Cusco with a dance floor that fills with locals and adventurous travelers. Live bands on weekends. Free salsa lessons earlier in the evening.
Cover: $5-8
Hours: 9 PM - 4 AM
Los Perros Bar and Lounge
A chill lounge bar popular with travelers for its comfortable sofas, good food, extensive cocktail menu, and relaxed atmosphere. Good for an evening that starts with dinner and transitions into drinks.
Cover: Free
Hours: 11 AM - 2 AM daily
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
El Truco restaurant hosts nightly Andean folk music shows during dinner. Several bars on Calle del Medio have live music on weekends.
Late dining
Cicciolina, Mythology (bar food), and Los Perros all serve food until midnight or later
Cultural shows
Tupay restaurant at Palacio del Inka offers nightly Andean folk dance performances during dinner
Pisco tasting
Several bars and restaurants offer pisco tasting flights - La Bodega 138 and Pisco Republic are best
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Altitude makes alcohol hit significantly harder than at sea level - pace yourself and drink water
Free pisco sours offered on the street to lure you into bars are often watered down - politely decline
Ukuku's has free salsa lessons from 9-10 PM before the main night begins
Calle del Medio is safe during nightlife hours due to high foot traffic and bar owners watching the street
Join a pub crawl offered by hostels to meet fellow travelers and get introduced to the best bars
Leave valuables in the hotel safe before going out at night