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Square · Cusco, Cusco
Plaza de Armas del Cusco
The old Huacaypata of the Incas, the heart of Cusco, with the Catedral, the iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and manor houses with arcades and wooden balconies around it, and the mountains in the background.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza de Armas del Cusco
The Plaza de Armas occupies the site of the Huacaypata, the large ceremonial square of the Inca capital, where the Sun festivals and army parades took place. In the Inca period it was larger and extended into the neighboring Plaza del Regocijo. The Spaniards, who entered Cusco in 1533, redesigned the space and built the churches and arcade-fronted houses that stand around it today.
On the northeast side is the Cathedral, with the church of Triunfo and Jesús María attached to it. On the southeast side, the church of the Compañía de Jesús, built by the Jesuits, has one of the most elaborate baroque façades in Peru and was constructed on top of the palace of the Inca Huayna Cápac. The other sides have arcades with shops, cafés and wooden balconies on the upper floor, from where you can see the whole square.
In the center of the square, a fountain topped by the statue of an Inca recalls the city’s origin. The gardens are well kept and there are benches to rest on, which helps during the first days at altitude. From the streets that lead off the square you can walk to Qorikancha, San Blas, the Mercado de San Pedro and the climb up to Sacsayhuamán.
The square is the stage for Cusco’s major festivals: the Inti Raymi passes through here on June 24, and at Corpus Christi the images of the city’s parish saints gather at the Cathedral. At night the churches are lit up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the plaza and arcades; with the Cathedral, 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, with light on the mountains and a quieter square; and at night, when the churches are illuminated. In June, the Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi festivals fill the square.
How to get there
It's the city center: most hotels in the historic center and in San Blas are less than a 15-minute walk away. From the airport it’s 4 km, about a 15–20 minute taxi ride.
Tip
Climb one of the arcades' balconies to see the square from above and the surrounding mountains. During the first days, sit on the garden benches to rest between walks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de Armas del Cusco
What was the square in the time of the Incas?
It was the Huacaypata, the ceremonial plaza of the capital, where the Sun festivals and army parades took place. It extended across the present praça do Regocijo.
Which churches are on the Plaza de Armas?
The Catedral, with the churches of Triunfo and Jesús María beside it, and the church of the Compañía de Jesús, of the Jesuits.
Is the square flat?
Yes, the square is flat, but the streets around it rise toward San Blas and Sacsayhuamán. At altitude, walk slowly.