Cerro Azul has become one of the go-to weekend paradises for Limeños. Largely forgotten by tourists, eschewing the beach for bus rides to Paracas and Ica, the beach town has become one of the new hot spots for Peruvians looking to find the sun and escape foggy Lima. Now it has an up-and-coming nightlife and restaurant scene supported by traveling Peruvians. Here are the best places to sit down and have a drink the next time you’re in Cerro Azul.
This is a local favorite and a place that you’ll hear about for blocks. It’s not located near any of the major tourist spots, but that doesn’t matter because for sure you’ll hear about it. If not for the music, you’ll be attracted by the inviting disco lights. You’ll find occasional deals for buckets of beers and cocktails. During the summer months this place really gets going. There’s also an outside area right next door for those who want a quieter atmosphere to talk.
During the day they sell 4x4s and at night it turns into a raging night club. It is located at the end of the Malecón near the pier, close to pretty much everything. The club has an open floor plan set up perfectly for dancing with little cocktail tables scattered throughout. They also have dancers who will perform for those in attendance on weekends. It is very popular with locals and the weekend crowds that come from Lima.
This place only opens on the weekends in the patio of what seems to be an old, forgotten church. It has the best view of the Plaza de Armas, slightly perched above it, so it’s a great location for people watching. The owner and bar tender knowns his pisco, so ask about the different types and flavors that he has. If you’d like he’ll even offer you tasters. The most popular orders are his jaras (pitchers) of chilcanos (ginger ale, pisco and lime) and glasses of pisco sour. His cocktails are all at great prices, especially when considering his location. He also owns a bar of the same name in Cañete.
On the weekdays this is the only bar open in the plaza. It’s just outside of the people selling street food, so the bar really feels like you’re in the thick of this Peruvian commerce. They have all the classics and all for reasonable prices. Their pisco sour is served in larger than normal glasses, which is always a nice touch.
In Cerro Azul, the entire beach is actually a giant bar. No matter where you sit, you’ll be able to get cold beers and even cocktails. You won’t even have to leave your chair while enjoying the sun to get a nice drink – just one feature that makes Cerro Azul such a relaxing place.
This seafood restaurant is also a great place to grab a cocktail. Along with your fresh ceviche you can enjoy some of Peru’s most classic cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s on the corner of the Plaza de Armas and a great place to head to when the sun goes down.
If you want to do it like the locals do then don’t head to any cocktail bar, but a local corner store. At night, the plastic chairs and tables go out and these stores turn into the local bars, where you can score cheap beer and some nearby street food.
