Must-see entertainment in Peru

  • La Cabaña

    Huancayo

    Contemplate this: a man collects wondrous and miraculous things, from old fruit machines to antiquated aguardiente-making equipment throughout his life…

  • Ukuku’s

    Cuzco

    The most consistently popular nightspot in town, Ukuku’s plays a winning combination of crowd-pleasers – Latin and Western rock, reggae, reggaetón, salsa…

  • Microteatro Lima

    Lima

    The theater is anything but dry or about high society, at least as far as this tiny space is concerned. A rotating roster of directors and actors changes…

  • Restaurant Peña Turistico Wanka Wanka

    Huancayo

    This peńa (bar or club featuring live folkloric music) in El Tambo attracts local bands such as Kjantu and has good cumbia and folk music. The food and…

  • Sargento Pimienta

    Lima

    A reliable spot in Barranco with a name that means ‘Sergeant Pepper.’ The barnlike club hosts various theme nights and occasional live bands.

  • El Huayruro

    Puerto Maldonado

    The best place for live music and dancing, away out of the city. Brazilian music is favored.

  • Wachaque

    Trujillo

    Overlooking pleasant Parque California, this welcoming modern place is billed as a gastrobar, but while the food is pretty good, it's more of an upmarket…

  • Woodstock

    Arequipa

    This clean-cut gourmet burger bar has one thing in common with the namesake festival: live music (mostly jazz, rock and funk), played here most evenings…

  • Jazz Zone

    Lima

    A variety of jazz, folk, cumbia (Colombian salsa-like dance and musical style), flamenco, comedy and other acts at this intimate, well-recommended club on…

  • Café Art Montréal

    Arequipa

    This intimate little bar with live bands playing (Thursday to Saturday) on a stage at the back would be equally at home as a bohemian student hangout on…

  • Antojitos

    Huancayo

    Local bands perform at this long-serving bar-restaurant most nights from 9pm. Expect John Lennon posters, Pink Floyd on the stereo, and burgers and pizzas…

  • Centro Cultural de España

    Lima

    A full range of offerings, including a roomy 1st-floor gallery that puts on some of Lima’s most intriguing contemporary-art exhibits. Also has a library …

  • Complejo CNI

    Iquitos

    Well-known local group Illusion play here at Iquitos’ best disco, where hundreds and hundreds of iquiteǹos end up dancing on a weekend evening.

  • La Noche

    Lima

    This well-known tri-level bar is the spot to see rock, punk and Latin music acts in Lima, though drinks could be better.

  • Cocodrilo Verde

    Lima

    With great bands that range from popular music to jazz and bossa nova, this hip lounge is good for a night out. Minimum tab S25.

  • Centro Cultural

    Ayacucho

    Students and hipsters flock here for regular open-air performances (music, comedy, the works) in the courtyard.

  • Teatro Británico

    Lima

    This theater hosts a variety of worthwhile productions, including plays in English.

  • Restaurante Turístico Canana

    Trujillo

    Although it's billed as a restaurant and does indeed serve good Peruvian food, this place is really a lively peña (Andean-themed) bar and only opens…

  • Estadio Nacional

    Lima

    Fútbol (soccer) is the national obsession, and Peru’s Estadio Nacional, off cuadras 7 to 9 of Paseo de la República, is the venue for the most important…

  • Km 0

    Cuzco

    This convivial bar just off Plaza San Blas has a bit of everything. There’s live music late regularly – local musicians come here to jam after their…

  • Hipódromo de Monterrico

    Lima

    Located at the junction of the Panamericana Sur and Av Javier Prado, the horse track has races three to four days a week; times vary.

  • El Dragón

    Lima

    With live music or DJs, this popular venue draws a diverse crowd for Latin rock, tropicalismo, soul and funk.

  • La Peña del Carajo

    Lima

    Locals recommend this high-energy peña that brings guests to their feet. It offers a variety of shows.

  • La Candelaria

    Lima

    A show that incorporates both folklórica and criollo music and dancing.

  • Teatro Segura

    Lima

    Built in 1909, the gorgeous Teatro Segura puts on opera, plays and ballet.

  • Mama Africa

    Cuzco

    Mama Africa is the classic backpackers’ hangout, usually packed with people sprawled across cushions or swaying to rock and reggae rhythms. Happy hour is…

  • Cine Planet

    Lima

    Large cinema with outlets throughout the city, including in Miraflores.

  • Cine Planet

    Lima

    Large cinema with outlets throughout the city.

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