Nightlife in San Blas and Choquechaca: a practical guide
Going out at night in San Blas is easy: the area starts a few steps from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, climbs along stone streets towards the artisans’ quarter and is full of small bars and restaurants. This practical guide covers how to get there, what to keep in mind about the altitude and the cold, how to get around safely and how to get back to your hotel.
Where San Blas and Choquechaca are
San Blas is the neighborhood on the hillside northeast of the Plaza de Armas, known for its artisan workshops, its cobbled streets and the San Blas square with its church. To get there from the Plaza you almost always pass along Hatunrumiyoc street, the one with the Inca wall and the 12-Angled Stone.
Choquechaca street is in the lower part of the neighborhood, behind the Cathedral. It is the easiest way into San Blas: mostly flat and about a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. Further up, the Cuesta de San Blas and the streets around the neighborhood square get steeper and have steps.
Getting there from the Plaza de Armas
From the Plaza de Armas, take Triunfo street, beside the Cathedral, and carry straight on along Hatunrumiyoc. After a few minutes you will see the 12-Angled Stone in the wall; at the end of the street, turn right towards Choquechaca. According to Google Maps it is 300 meters, about a 5-minute walk.
If you are heading to Blackbird Choquechaca, the bar is at Calle Warankallki 111, on the corner of Choquechaca. The how to get here page has the step-by-step route and the map.
What to expect from a night in San Blas
San Blas is not an area of big nightclubs: it is more about small bars, restaurants and places to talk, sing or listen to music with friends. That makes it a good choice for starting the night early, having something to eat and a few beers without having to shout to be heard.
On Choquechaca, for example, Blackbird is the brand’s food and rock restaurant: there is karaoke and the menu runs from Peruvian food to pizza and burgers. It is open every day from 12 pm to 12 am.
Altitude and alcohol
Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters above sea level. At altitude alcohol hits sooner and hangovers can be worse, especially in your first days. The sensible approach is to wait until you have acclimatized before a long night, eat before drinking, alternate with water and check with a doctor before mixing alcohol with altitude sickness pills.
The cold at night
Even if it is sunny during the day, nights in Cusco are cold all year round, and between May and August temperatures can get close to freezing. Bring a warm jacket and layers you can take off when you go into a bar.
Safety: getting around and getting back
The historic center is the busiest area at night, but take the same precautions as in any city: walk along lit streets with people around, go out in a group, carry only the cash you need, do not leave your phone on the table and keep an eye on your drink.
To get back to your hotel, the easiest option is a taxi booked through an app. If you walk, do it in a group and along the busier streets to the Plaza de Armas. The streets are stone and some are narrow: at night, especially after rain, they can be slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip.
If you are coming as a group
For a birthday, a bachelorette party or a night out with your travel group, book ahead, especially at weekends. At Blackbird Choquechaca you can request your table with the booking form or on WhatsApp, and the groups and parties page explains how to arrange it.
A good meeting point is the Plaza de Armas or the 12-Angled Stone, which is on the way and easy for everyone to find.