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Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
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Plaza de Armas in Cusco: history, what to see around it and practical tips

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The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco and almost certainly the place you'll pass through most during your trip. Framed by colonial arcades, wooden balconies and two of the most striking churches in South America, it's a meeting point for locals and travellers, the stage for parades and processions, and the natural starting point for exploring the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

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From Inca square to colonial plaza

In Inca times this space was part of the great ceremonial square of the capital of Tawantinsuyo. It's usually called Huacaypata or Aucaypata, and it was much larger than today's plaza, also covering what is now Plaza Regocijo (Kusipata). The big festivals of the Inca calendar, such as Inti Raymi, were held here, and it was surrounded by the rulers' palaces.

After the Spanish arrived in 1533, the square was reduced and churches, mansions and arcades were built on top of Inca walls. In 1781 Túpac Amaru II, leader of one of the largest indigenous rebellions against colonial rule, was executed in this very square. Today a fountain topped by a statue of the Inca Pachacútec stands in the centre, recalling the city's Inca past.

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What to see on and around the square

  • The Cathedral: it dominates the north-east side, flanked by the churches of El Triunfo and the Sagrada Familia. Inside is a large collection of Cusco School art.
  • The Church of La Compañía de Jesús: with its baroque façade and towers, it rivals the Cathedral. Its interior is visited with a separate ticket.
  • The arcades: the portales around the square house cafés, restaurants, agencies and shops.
  • The Pachacútec fountain: in the centre, beside the gardens.
  • Nearby streets: Hatun Rumiyoc, with the famous twelve-angled stone, and Loreto, lined by Inca walls.

Best viewpoints over the square

Some restaurants and cafés in the arcades have balconies over the square — perfect for seeing the Cathedral lit up at night. For a bird's-eye view, climb to the San Cristóbal plaza or Cristo Blanco, which overlook the whole square and centre.

When to go

  • Early morning: the square is quiet and the light is perfect for photographing the Cathedral.
  • Sunday mornings usually bring a flag-raising ceremony with a parade, a good glimpse of local life.
  • Sunset and evening: the floodlit façades are spectacular and the square buzzes.

Festivals and celebrations

The Plaza de Armas is the main stage for many celebrations:

  • Inti Raymi (24 June): one scene of the ceremony takes place here, between Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán.
  • Corpus Christi: saints from different parishes arrive in procession at the Cathedral.
  • Holy Week: on Holy Monday the Señor de los Temblores, Cusco's patron, is carried in procession.
  • June in general: near-daily parades during Cusco's anniversary month.

During festivals the square gets packed; arrive early and watch your belongings.

Touts, vendors and offers

On the square and under the arcades you'll be offered massages, tours, restaurants, photos with llamas, paintings and crafts. These are street vendors and touts ("jaladores") working on commission. It isn't dangerous, but it can be persistent:

  • A firm, friendly "no, gracias" is usually enough.
  • Don't book big tours such as Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail with street touts: compare agencies calmly.
  • If you take a photo with girls or women in traditional dress with llamas, they'll ask for a tip; agree on it first.

Safety

The square is one of the most closely watched parts of the city, with a constant police presence. Even so, pickpockets take advantage of festival and parade crowds. Wear your backpack in front in crowds, don't leave your phone on terrace tables, and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres.

Keep off the grass

Don't sit or walk on the square's lawns: it's forbidden and guards will ask you to move. Use the benches.

Sleeping near the square?

Staying a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas puts everything within walking distance, though the immediate streets can be noisy at night and prices are higher. Many people prefer slightly quieter streets or nearby neighbourhoods such as San Blas.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Plaza de Armas called in Inca times?
It's usually called Huacaypata or Aucaypata. It was the great ceremonial square of the Inca capital and was larger than today's plaza.
Can I enter the Cathedral for free?
No, the Cathedral and La Compañía charge for tourist visits. Some masses are open to worshippers, but they aren't tourist visits.
Is the Plaza de Armas safe at night?
Yes, it's usually busy and well watched. Take normal precautions against pickpockets, especially during festivals and crowds.
Why can't I walk on the grass?
It's forbidden to protect the gardens. Use the benches.

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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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