Exploring Cusco’s Best Nightlife with the Pub Crawl: A Balanced Look

Traveling through Cusco isn’t just about ancient Incan ruins or breathtaking mountain vistas — the city’s nightlife offers a vibrant mix of local flavor and lively social scenes. The Cusco Pub Crawl promises a four-hour journey through the city’s top bars and clubs, all for just $19 per person. Led by friendly guides, this experience is designed for those wanting to meet new people, enjoy some great drinks, and dance until dawn. The tour typically starts at 9:00 pm and is mostly a walking tour, making it easy to hop between spots without worrying about transportation.

What makes this pub crawl particularly appealing? First, the guides are often praised for their energy and friendliness — Franz, for example, gets rave reviews for his dancing skills and making everyone feel welcome. Second, the venues visited are described as authentic and memorable — from a craft brewery to a party-like hostel, and sometimes not just one but two of Cusco’s best clubs.

A potential consideration for travelers is the duration and timing. Four hours is a solid night out, but if you’re not used to late nights or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel intense. Also, on weekends, the tour includes a visit to a club just a few blocks from the main square, which is convenient for those staying nearby.

This experience suits travelers who love socializing, dancing, and exploring local nightlife without the hassle of organizing entry or waiting in lines. It’s especially perfect for solo travelers, young groups, or anyone eager to connect with both locals and fellow travelers. If you’re after a safe, lively, and well-organized way to experience Cusco after sunset, this pub crawl is worth considering.

Key Points

Affordable price for a guided night out at only $19 per person.
Includes free entrance and no lines at popular venues, saving time and money.
Guides are highly praised for their energy and friendliness, enhancing the social vibe.
Diverse venues ranging from craft breweries to high-energy clubs.
Walking tour makes hopping between bars easy, except on Saturdays when transportation might be needed.
Authentic local and tourist mix for a lively, inclusive atmosphere.

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An In-Depth Look at the Cusco Pub Crawl Experience

Starting Point and Route: A View of Cusco from San Blas

The adventure begins at the Mirador de San Blas, a viewpoint that offers a stunning panoramic look over Cusco’s rooftops, especially beautiful at night. Meeting in a cozy bar with one of the best views in town, you get your first taste of the local scene with a welcome drink included. This spot isn’t just for photos — it’s a warm, lively start where you can get to know your fellow night explorers.

The Heart of the Tour: Plaza de Armas and Surrounds

From there, the tour moves into Plaza de Armas, the city’s bustling main square. This area is the hub of Cusco’s social life, and the bars around here are some of the best spots for both locals and travelers to unwind. You’ll spend about three hours hopping between three different venues, each with its unique atmosphere. The reviews highlight that the places visited are not only fun but also special — some are described as being “like something out of a movie,” with lively music, great drinks, and a welcoming crowd.

What to Expect at Each Bar

In each of these venues, you’ll stay for about an hour, enjoying a welcome shot or drink that sets the tone for the night. The tour includes discounts and promotions, making drinks more affordable while you mingle. The venues are close enough to walk between, which keeps the energy high and the pace lively.

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The Clubs: Dancing Until You Drop

The night concludes at a popular club just a few blocks from the main square. Sometimes, the tour visits two clubs in one night, giving you a chance to experience different music styles and atmospheres. The reviews mention how much fun people have dancing with both locals and fellow travelers, especially when guided by someone like Franz, who’s noted for being an excellent dancer himself.

Guides and Group Dynamics

A key highlight from many reviews is the enthusiasm and friendliness of the guides. They aren’t just there to lead but are genuinely engaging, making everyone feel included. Whether it’s Erika’s infectious energy or Franz’s dance moves, these guides are praised for creating a fun, relaxed environment. The size of the group is capped at 160, which keeps things manageable and lively, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, even those unfamiliar with Cusco’s bar scene.

Practical Aspects and Value

The cost of $19 is remarkably reasonable given the included free entries, welcome drinks, and discounts. Compared to the cost of individual club entries and drinks, this tour offers excellent value. Plus, organizers handle all tickets and logistics, so you don’t have to worry about lines or hidden fees. The tour is booked on average 21 days in advance, indicating good planning and popularity.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Many reviewers emphasize the authentic, friendly atmosphere and how easy it is to meet new people. Several mention that it’s a great way to experience Cusco’s nightlife safely, especially for solo travelers or first-timers in the city. The diversity of venues means you get a well-rounded taste of Cusco’s social scene, from laid-back local bars to energetic dance clubs.

Possible Drawbacks

While the tour is highly praised, some might find the late start and four-hour duration a bit long if they’re not night owls. Also, given that the tour is mostly walking, those with mobility issues might want to consider the physical aspect of hopping between venues. On Saturdays, when the tour includes transportation, it might be somewhat less flexible compared to weekdays.

Who Should Join?

This pub crawl is perfect for adventurous souls, anyone eager to connect with others, and fans of dancing and lively nightlife. It’s an especially good choice if you want to skip the hassle of figuring out the best bars yourself — guides know the best spots and handle all the logistics. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you’ll find it an excellent way to make friends and experience Cusco’s vibrant nightlife scene.

FAQs

How long does the pub crawl last?
It lasts around 4 hours, starting at 9:00 pm and ending near the main square.

What’s included in the price?
The $19 fee covers a walking tour through three bars and one club, free entrance, welcome drinks or shots at each venue, and discounts on drinks.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, with a cap of 160 people. It’s ideal for those who enjoy social activities, dancing, and meeting new people.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked about 3 weeks ahead, and it’s recommended to reserve early to secure your spot.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are the venues close together?
Yes, except on Saturdays when transportation is used, the venues are within walking distance, making the night flow smoothly.

What about safety?
The guides are known for creating a fun, safe environment. They handle entry and logistics, so you can focus on having fun.

What kind of drinks are served?
Each venue offers a welcome shot or drink, plus discounts on additional drinks. The reviews mention good quality and strong cocktails.

Can I participate if I’m not a dancer?
Absolutely. While dancing is encouraged, you can enjoy the social atmosphere without hitting the dance floor if you prefer.

Is the tour family-friendly?
This tour is geared toward adult travelers looking for a lively night out, so it’s not suitable for children or minors.

Final Thoughts

The Cusco Pub Crawl offers a lively, well-organized way to experience the city’s nighttime scene without the hassle of planning each stop. For just $19, you get access to some of the best bars and clubs, with guides who are praised for their friendliness and energy. It’s a perfect choice if you want to socialize, dance, and see a different side of Cusco after sunset.

If you’re a solo traveler, a young group, or simply someone who loves discovering local nightlife, this tour promises a fun-filled night, full of good drinks, great music, and new friends. Just be prepared for a late night and lots of walking — the perfect way to cap off a day exploring Cusco’s fascinating sights.

Final Recommendations

This tour is best for lively, social travelers who want a safe, fun introduction to Cusco’s nightlife. It’s a fantastic value, especially considering the included entries and drinks, and the guides are clearly passionate about making sure everyone has a good time. If you enjoy dancing, meeting travelers from around the world, and exploring local venues without the stress of planning, this pub crawl will likely be a highlight of your trip.