Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Plaza de Armas / Huacaypata
The heart of the Inca Empire, a square ringed by Spanish colonial cathedrals and churches, with arcades, balcony restaurants and lights at night. It is the starting point for exploring Cusco's old town.
In Inca times the Plaza de Armas was called Huacaypata ('Warriors' Square'). It was the ceremonial center of the empire, and four roads ran from here to the four quarters of the realm. The Spanish built a cathedral on the foundations of an Inca palace (1559–1654). It holds over 400 paintings of the Cusco School, including the famous 'Last Supper' with guinea pig and a Black Christ statue. Entry costs about PEN 40 and includes two smaller chapels next door. The Jesuit Church (Compañía de Jesús) has a baroque façade even more ornate than the cathedral's, and you can climb its bell tower for views over the square (about PEN 15). Around the square, colonial arcades with wooden balconies house restaurants, bars and travel agencies on their second floors. The square is the hub of all activity. From here, walk northeast up Triunfo Street to the Twelve-Angled Stone, a symbol of Inca stonework, and to the San Blas artisan quarter, a district of handicraft workshops on steep slopes with good views. Walk south along Loreto Street's Inca stone lane to the Qorikancha temple. Northwest lies San Pedro Market, known for local juices, alpaca textiles and snacks. At night, when the square's lights come on, the lights on the surrounding hillsides form a ring, making it a great time for night photos. On June 24, the Inti Raymi festival opens with a ceremony in the square. Mind the altitude of 3,400 m. On your first day, just walk slowly around the square. Massage touts, tour sellers and painting hawkers are everywhere, so politely decline. Restaurants serving coca tea, ceviche and lomo saltado cluster here. Chicha (fermented corn drink) and guinea pig are local specialties. You can buy the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket, PEN 130), which covers 16 sites including Saqsaywaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray and is valid for 10 days.
Opening hours
All day (cathedral 10:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Cusco Cathedral
- Church of the Society of Jesus, Cusco
- Basilica and Convent of La Merced, Cusco
- Museo Inka
- Museo Machu Picchu – Casa Concha
- Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP)
- Twelve-Angled Stone & Hatun Rumiyoc Street
- San Cristóbal Church & Viewpoint