11 Best Nightlife in The North Coast and Northern Highlands, Peru

Cafe 900

Fodor's choice

This bi-level restaurant and bar opens at 8 am for breakfast and doesn't close until late. Decorated with old guitars and various knickknacks and furnished with leather couches, it's one of the few options in Chiclayo with charm. Tapas and sandwiches dominate the long menu, and there are twenty or so different desserts. The superb cocktail list features new looks at Peruvian favorites, like the chilcano de hierba luisa (made with lemongrass, pisco, lime, bitters, and ginger ale). There's occasionally live jazz and folk music.

Arlekin Discotec

Locals flock to this laid-back restaurant-bar to toss back chelas (beers) and listen to live music. The decor is inviting, the atmosphere mega-friendly.

Cafe Bar 13 Buhos

Homey furnishings and a super-chill vibe make this three-story lounge a cozy nightspot after an all-day trek. The menu includes an in-house brew (called Lucho's) and inexpensive pubgrub like piqueos and burgers. Pool tables and a DJ, add to the relaxed, house-party feel.

Recommended Fodor's Video

El Boticario

A speakeasy vibe and cocktails d'auteur are what draw locals to this basement bar, located a short cab ride from downtown. For ambience, think brick walls, dim lighting, and a design concept based on an old-fashioned apothecary's shop. Perfect for an intimate, low-key evening.
Av. Larco 992, Basement, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru
044-287–632
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

El Trasgu

Named after a Spanish gnome who's considered the embodiment of mischief, this friendly, Irish-style pub features live music, cheap piqueos (snacks for sharing), and bar hands who are generous with the hooch. It's good for happy hour or for dancing on weekends.
Cl. Las Hortensias 588, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru
991-783–001
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Huanchakero

A hot spot mainly filled with foreign travelers, this trendy restaurant and pub has an extensive menu with a range of Peruvian and Nikkei food, from sushi to cebiche. Their cocktails, many utilizing pisco that has been macerated in local fruits or herbs, are the most innovative on the strip, and there's loud music for the after-dinner crowd. Service can be hit or miss, and the food is not always consistent, so be warned.

InstaBar

Huanchaco's version of the beachside tiki bar features humorous decor (think caballitos de totora instead of canoes and "Polynesian" heads that resemble Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons), but the drinks are delicious, and you can dance while the sun goes down. There's also a menu of seafood snacks.

Licores La Reina

A large selection of aguardientes in flavors that range from leche to mora is available at this friendly local bar. Also on tap: mixed drinks typical of the Peruvian jungle and live music on weekends.

Runa's Martini Lounge

Conveniently set in a lovely colonial building not far from the plaza, this sleek bar and lounge attracts an upscale, 20- to 40-year-old clientele who are content with skipping the club scene. Happy hours and frequent drink promotions keep the cocktail prices down.

Sabes?

Worth checking out, especially on the weekend, this laid-back spot at the northern end of the main drag has good music and drinks, as well as decent pizza.

Usha Usha

Friendly locals, charming hosts, and sing-alongs with the local musicians that drop in make this watering hole a Cajamarca favorite. The owner, Don Jaime, shares stories and songs to promote local Cajamarca culture.