Plaza de Armas de Cusco

The old ceremonial heart of the Inca capital, ringed by colonial arcades, the Cathedral and the golden facade of La Compañía.

  • Address: Plaza de Armas, Cusco
  • District: Historic Center, Cusco
  • Category: historic square

Long before it was a Spanish plaza, this was Haukaypata, the great ceremonial square of the Inca capital, much larger than the plaza you see today. After the Spaniards arrived in the 1530s they raised churches and arcaded mansions over the Inca palaces around it, and the result is one of the most striking main squares in South America: red-tiled arcades with carved wooden balconies on every side, a central fountain among gardens, and the stone towers of two great churches. The Cathedral, begun in 1559 and finished in 1654 on the site of an Inca palace, closes one side of the square, flanked by the smaller Iglesia del Triunfo; inside, its colonial paintings include a famous Last Supper in which Jesus and the apostles are served roast guinea pig. On another side, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, begun in 1576 and completed in 1673, lifts a golden Baroque facade above the plaza. By day the square is a place for coffee on a balcony; after dark, with the churches lit, it is at its best. Many of Cusco's biggest celebrations, from Corpus Christi to the Inti Raymi procession, pass through here.

Highlights

  • Colonial arcades with carved wooden balconies on every side, built over Inca palace foundations
  • The Cathedral (begun 1559, finished 1654), with its colonial paintings, including a Last Supper served with roast guinea pig
  • The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, whose golden Baroque facade glows in late-afternoon light
  • A garden square with a central fountain, benches and views of the surrounding hills
  • The stage for Cusco's biggest festivals, from Corpus Christi to the Inti Raymi procession

Ideal for

  • a first orientation walk in Cusco
  • photographers, especially at golden hour and after dark when the churches are lit
  • travelers pairing it with San Blas and Sacsayhuaman

Practical information

Hours
The square is open day and night; the Cathedral and La Compañía keep their own visiting hours (generally daily, with breaks for Mass) -- confirm locally
Price
Free to enter the square; the Cathedral (about S/40 per adult at last check, also included in the Religious Circuit ticket) and La Compañía charge their own entrance fees -- confirm on site
Good to know
Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet, so walk slowly on your first day. Many of the balconies above the arcades are cafes and restaurants and give the best view over the square. The plaza is liveliest on weekends and festival days.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit the Plaza de Armas?

Yes, the square is free and open day and night. The Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía charge their own entrance fees.

What are the main buildings on the plaza?

The Cathedral, with the smaller Iglesia del Triunfo beside it, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and the colonial arcades that wrap the square, now full of cafes, restaurants and shops.

What was this place in Inca times?

It was Haukaypata, the great ceremonial square of the Inca capital, surrounded by palaces. The Spaniards built the Cathedral and La Compañía over some of them.

When is the best time to photograph the plaza?

Late afternoon, when La Compañía's facade turns golden, and after dark, when the churches are lit. Early morning is the quietest.

Can I visit inside the churches?

Yes, both the Cathedral and La Compañía can be visited for an entrance fee, outside Mass times. Hours change around religious holidays, so confirm locally.

What can I combine with the plaza?

San Blas is an uphill walk away, and the Cusco City Tour includes the plaza on its way to Qorikancha and Sacsayhuaman.