Practical information : Going out Peru
Timetable
In Peru we go out mostly in the big cities and quite late. Concerts often take place from 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm, and obviously late on the announced time of the program. On the other hand, the theaters or traditional places of spectacle respect more traditional schedules, but only Lima proposes this kind of place. In the provinces some of the more important artists perform in stadiums or convention centers, but these can be quite rustic in terms of infrastructure. Nightclubs are very popular, but often located outside the cities, where you can dance until dawn. The nights of the selva are also very lively.
Budget & Tips
Going out in Peru is rather reserved for a population with a comfortable standard of living, because the cost of a cocktail is often higher than that of a menu. Cocktail bars, wine bars and craft breweries have flourished, especially in Lima. Here, it is welcome to leave a tip. There are also many smaller bars that serve popular beers or alcoholic beverages, but often of lower quality. For shows, it is possible to buy tickets in advance on the Internet, for example on sites like teleticket.com. In Lima, there are some very successful traditional dance shows. In Trujillo, you can attend shows of marinera and caballo de paso. In Cusco, the Qosko center offers a show that is included in the tourist ticket that the city offers.
To be booked
If you are visiting when a big name in Latin American music is also visiting, you will need to make a reservation and prices are often quite high. Other venues do not require a reservation.
Night transport
The safest thing to do once the party is over is to hire a taxi. Buses do not run at night. If you are alone, be extra careful once you are out.
Age restrictions
As the legal drinking age is often 18, it is sometimes controlled, but it is not uncommon to turn a blind eye.
What's very local
Even if there is no dress code, in general Peruvian women bet on their assets and are quite fond of short outfits, cleavage and high heels and often the 3 at the same time. Be careful with your eyes!
Smokers
While no one smokes during the day, it is not uncommon to see Peruvians smoking in bars or discos even though the law prohibits it.
Tourist traps
Beware of the unrepentant flirts or the equivalent for these gentlemen. Even if we do not speak here about sexual tourism, it is not rare to see Peruvians or Peruvian women to be with the small care for their gringo or gringa in exchange for some small gifts and as many additions to regulate. In Cusco they are called "britchero/as" (which would come from the English "bridge" on the lookout for a possible winning ticket for Europe). In the selva the practice is also widespread and in some cases we are clearly in cases of sexual tourism, even in the company of minors, which is obviously punished by the law, but also to denounce immediately if you witness a case like that.