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Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
Culture and history

Cusco Cathedral: what to see inside, the Last Supper with guinea pig, tickets and hours

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Cusco Cathedral — officially the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption — presides over the Plaza de Armas with its stone façade and twin towers. It's impressive outside and even more surprising inside: one of South America's largest collections of colonial art, with hundreds of Cusco School paintings, altars covered in gold leaf and silver, and some famous curiosities, such as a Last Supper in which Jesus and the apostles share a roast guinea pig.

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History: a cathedral on an Inca palace

The cathedral was built on the foundations of Kiswarkancha, identified as the palace of the Inca Wiracocha — a clear statement of the new colonial power. Construction took more than a century, from the mid-16th century to around 1654. Stone blocks brought from Sacsayhuamán were reused to build it. The result blends Renaissance and baroque styles, and much of the labour was indigenous, which shows in many decorative details.

The complex includes three connected churches: the Cathedral in the centre, the Church of El Triunfo — Cusco's first Christian church, built over an Inca structure — and the Church of the Sagrada Familia (Jesús, María y José).

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What to see inside

Marcos Zapata's Last Supper

Painted in the 18th century by Cusco artist Marcos Zapata, this Last Supper is the most talked-about work. A roast guinea pig (cuy) sits in the middle of the table, along with Andean fruit and, by some interpretations, chicha. It's a perfect example of how Andean artists adapted European iconography to their own world.

The Lord of Earthquakes

A dark-toned crucified Christ, deeply venerated in Cusco. According to tradition, carrying it in procession during the 1650 earthquake stopped the tremors, and it has been the city's patron ever since. Every Holy Monday it leaves in a huge procession.

Altars and choir stalls

  • The high altar, clad in silver.
  • The choir stalls, intricately carved in cedar.
  • Numerous gilded baroque altarpieces in the side naves.

Cusco School art

Paintings of Virgins with triangular mantles that echo mountains, angels in richly decorated clothing and biblical scenes with Andean landscapes. Look out too for the paintings showing Cusco after the 1650 earthquake.

The María Angola bell

One of the towers holds the María Angola, one of South America's most famous bells, cast in the 17th century. It rings only on special occasions.

Get a guide or audio guide

There's so much detail that an explanation makes a big difference. An audio guide is usually offered with the ticket, or you can hire an official guide at the door.

Tickets and the religious pass

The Cathedral isn't included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It has its own ticket and is also part of the religious pass (Circuito Religioso Arzobispal), which usually also covers the San Blas church, the Museum of Religious Art (Archbishop's Palace) and the San Cristóbal church. Prices differ for foreigners, Peruvians and students and change over time, so check current fees before you go.

Hours and duration

  • It usually opens for tourist visits roughly 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; hours can change on holidays and during religious celebrations.
  • Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see it calmly.
  • Early hours are usually quieter; city tour groups arrive mid-afternoon.

Rules and tips

  • Photos and videos aren't allowed inside.
  • Dress respectfully: it's an active church. Take off your hat or cap when entering.
  • Tourist visits don't run during mass; if you want to attend one, enter as a worshipper and keep quiet.
  • It's cold inside: bring an extra layer.

No photos

The photo ban is strict and staff enforce it. Enjoy the visit without your phone in hand.

How to combine it

  • With a city tour: the Cathedral or Qorikancha are usually the first stops.
  • With a walk around the centre: the Plaza de Armas, La Compañía church, Hatun Rumiyoc street and San Blas are minutes away.
  • With the religious pass: spend a morning at the Cathedral, the Museum of Religious Art and the San Blas church with its famous carved pulpit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cusco Cathedral included in the Tourist Ticket?
No. It has its own ticket or can be visited with the religious pass, which includes other churches and religious museums.
Where is the Last Supper with guinea pig?
Inside Cusco Cathedral. It's an 18th-century work by Cusco painter Marcos Zapata.
Can I take photos inside the Cathedral?
No, photography and filming aren't allowed inside.
How long does a visit take?
About 1 to 1.5 hours to see it calmly with an audio guide or guide.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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