THE BEERS PERUVIANS ACTUALLY DRINK

Forget imported brands. Most Peruvians reach for Pilsen Callao, Cristal, or Cusqueña. These classics dominate football matches, family gatherings, barbecues, and weekend parties, while regional beers like Arequipeña, San Juan, and Pilsen Trujillo have loyal local followings.

One curiosity is Pum Pum, a beer with 6% alcohol, making it one of the strongest mainstream beers in Peru. It's known for its stronger kick and has earned a cult following among drinkers looking for something more powerful than the usual lagers.

Beer in Peru is about sharing. Instead of individual bottles, groups usually buy large bottles and pass them around, pouring into small glasses. If someone buys the first bottle, another person is expected to buy the next one—an unwritten social rule that keeps the conversation going long after the beer is gone.

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