Cusco Nightlife

Museo del Pisco isn't exactly a museum - not unless you count the large, painted diagrams on the walls explaining the different grapes used for Pisco (Peru's signature drink), the regions it originates from and the brewing process. With a dozen or so Pisco-based cocktails on the menu, including the classic Pisco Sour, there's also an eclectic range of mixers lining the bar from mango and passion fruit to Wasabi and coffee. It's a tiny place, made smaller still by the fantastic jazz band they squeeze in every night. The bar tends to be lively and packed, so arrive early to get a seat. There is also a tasting course available that provides a thorough introduction to Pisco.

This spacious bar plays rock and blues music and has a balcony with great views over the Plaza de Armas. Named after the old British motorcycle used by Che Guevara in the 1950s to traverse the continent, the tavern is suitably sprinkled with motorbike paraphernalia and is a big hit with bikers. Sadly, the bar's biking enthusiast owner, Jeff Powers, passed away following an accident but his popular spot lives on.

Set in an old house in Plaza de Armas, this is an energetic party spot that's popular with young locals and tourists. The walls are adorned with African art and the cocktails are as colourful as they come. Playing a mixture of hip hop, dance and reggae, plus plenty from the charts, there's always an eclectic mix on the sound system.

This restaurant-cum-music venue is a unique, lively spot that serves up great food and some decent bottles of Peruvian wine. It is also a social project, so its dining area is full of items made by children and villagers attending one of the two alternative schools that are funded by the eatery. It often stages live live music and interactive events too.

More of a cultural centre than a bar, this colourful venue on Plaza de Armas is full of breathtaking art from Cusco and wider Peru, some of it by top national artists. But it's the nightly live music that draws the crowds, showcasing everything from rock and Andean folkloric to reggae.

Describing itself as a traditional pikanteria, which is a type of Peruvian estate native to the mountains, this large restaurant serves an incredible buffet featuring all the classic Cusqueñian dishes and many national favourites. But the highlight of La Cusqueñita is undoubtedly the nightly performances. Traditional dancers file onto the stage with live musicians and the party begins. Towards the end of the evening, the dancers encourage guests to join them on the dancefloor to become part of the action.

Renamed, renovated and reopened, the Teatro Municipal Daniel Estrada Perez is once again hosting dance shows, music concerts and plays after a fire destroyed part of this old cultural dame. Formally the Teatro Municipal del Cusco, the venue now takes its name from the three-time mayor of the city, Daniel Estrada Perez. The theatre now hosts both national and international performances.

This authentic folkloric performance is bright, colourful and full of energy. The idea is to showcase the traditional music and dance from Cusco and the surrounding areas in order to preserve them. With over 50 dances, conventional clothes and musical accompaniment, shows are a sight to behold. There are explanations of each dance in English, too.