| Season | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Champions | Sporting Cristal 13th Primera División title |
| Relegated | Aurich–Cañaña Ciclista Lima Guardia Republicana San Agustín |
| Copa Libertadores | Sporting Cristal Alianza Lima |
| Copa CONMEBOL | Universitario |
| Top goalscorer | Waldir Sáenz (19) |
← 1995 1997 → | |
The 1996 Torneo Descentralizado was the 81st season of the top category of Peruvian football. A total of 16 teams competed in the tournament. Sporting Cristal won its 13th first division title, completing a string of 3 consecutive titles starting in 1994. The feat is known as a tricampeonato and was only accomplished before by Alianza Lima.