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Objective. Alcohol use disorders are exceedingly common and result in major public and individual health consequences. However, very little is known about the burden of these conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Our objective is to estimate lifetime prevalence of alcohol use disorders in Peru, we analyzed World Mental Health Survey data. Methods. These data are based on face-to-face interviews in the community using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI). Using a probabilistic multistage sampling design, a total of 3930 adults (age 18–65) were surveyed in five Peruvian cities (Arequipa, Chiclayo, Huancayo, Iquitos and Lima). Results. Overall, the lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse and dependence were 5.6% and 1.3%, respectively. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse and dependence by gender was 10.7% and 2.6% in males, compared to 0.83% and 0.1% in females. Additionally, the prevalence of lifetime alcohol abuse and dependence varied by city: 2.2% and 1.2% in Arequipa, 3.1% and 1.8% in Chiclayo, 8.2% and 0.48% in Huancayo, 7.0% and 1.4% in Iquitos, and 5.9% and 1.6% in Lima. Conclusion. Understanding the distribution of alcohol disorders will guide public health research and interventions designed to reduce alcohol-related morbidity and mortality.