London Town, Cusco's emblematic rock bar

If you like rock and want to see how Cusco's nightlife feels away from tourist clubs, London Town is a must. This bar in the historic centre has long been one of the meeting points for Cusco's rockers: a place where local bands take the stage, people sing the classics at the top of their lungs and lifelong locals mix with curious travellers. For us it also has special meaning: we ourselves have played on its stage several times with our rock band.

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Where it is

London Town is on Tecsecocha street, on a second floor, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. It's a short street with plenty of nightlife, including other rock bars, so it's easy to combine with other venues in one night. Look for the street-level entrance and head up the stairs.

• Plaza de Armas in Cusco: history, what to see around it and practical tips

The music

Live music is the heart of London Town. According to its recent posts, there are usually bands several nights a week, with a repertoire ranging from classic to alternative rock, through the eighties and nineties, Spanish-language rock and also pachanga, the danceable mix locals love at the end of the night. Many of the city's bands play here, some covers and some original material, so every night is different.

The atmosphere

It's an informal, friendly rock bar, more popular with locals than with tour groups. According to customer reviews, it has two spaces: one with a stage for bands and another geared to dancing. On big football nights, such as Cienciano matches, games are shown on a big screen. If you're in a group and want a table, arrive early.

Drinks and food

The menu is classic rock-bar fare: beers, cocktails and Peruvian drinks, plus sharing plates like wings, burgers or salchipapas and other combos. Promotions such as happy hour are usually announced on social media. Prices and offers change, so check on the spot.

Our story with London Town

We're from Cusco and music is part of our lives. We ourselves have played on London Town's stage several times with our rock band, so we know what it feels like when the crowd sings along to a classic at over 3,400 metres. We recommend it because it's an authentic spot in the local rock scene, not because anyone pays us to.

Tips for your visit

• Check opening times before you go: the band line-up changes, so look at their social media.
• Bands usually start at night; arrive too early and it will be quiet.
• At altitude alcohol hits faster: drink water and pace yourself, especially in your first days.
• Carry only what you need and watch your drink and belongings, as in any busy bar.
• To get back, use a trusted taxi or a ride-hailing app.

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What is pachanga?

If you stay past midnight in a Cusco bar, you will hear about pachanga. It is what locals call the moment in the night when rock gives way to dance music: cumbia, salsa, Latin hits and Spanish-language rock classics that everyone sings along to. In rock bars it usually comes at the end of the night. If you have never experienced it, stay a while: it is the quickest way to understand how the city has fun, and nobody will judge you for not knowing the steps.

Football and Cienciano

Watching a Cienciano match in a bar is another way to get to know Cusco. It is the city's most popular club and the only Peruvian side to have won the Copa Sudamericana (2003), as well as the 2004 Recopa Sudamericana; it plays its home games at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium. On big match nights the atmosphere heats up, in the best way.

Wrap up for the walk home

Even if it is warm inside the bar, Cusco nights are cold, especially from May to August, when temperatures can approach freezing in the early hours. Bring a jacket for the way back and avoid stepping outside sweaty.

More rock in Cusco

If you want more, the same area and San Blas have other bars with rock and live music. We've gathered them in our guide to Cusco's rock bars.

• Rock bars in Cusco: where to hear rock and live music
• Cusco nightlife: areas, live music, peñas and how to go out safely

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).