Plaza de Armas Tours and Activities

Plaza de Armas showing a church or cathedral and a garden
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas


Cusco’s busy main square has been the centre of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants.

Head to where the action is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, a large landscaped square bordered by shops, restaurants and ancient churches. For more than 500 years, the square has been at the heart of city life. Come to the plaza nowadays and you might see festivals, concerts and religious processions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the ornate lampposts and colonial archways and relax with a drink.

During the Inca Empire, the square was called “Huacaypata” (Square of Warriors) and extended as far as the adjacent Plaza del Regocijo. Ceremonies and military parades were conducted here and battle victories were celebrated. The Plaza de Armas has also witnessed historic events, including the execution of Túpac Amaru II who led a failed uprising against the Spanish in 1780.

Walk over to Cusco Cathedral on the northeastern side of the plaza. Step inside to view the hundreds of religious paintings. Head to the square’s southeastern side to see the 16th-century Church of the Society of Jesus. At first glance, the two churches look similar. Both have twin towers and comparable architectural designs but the cathedral is much larger and has a grand stone staircase in front.

Stroll under the colonial archways of the covered arcades that surround the square. Here, you’ll find some of Cusco’s finest shops and restaurants. The plaza attracts many street hawkers and persistent vendors. If you don’t wish to buy anything, simply smile and say “No, gracias” (No, thank you).

Plaza de Armas is located in downtown Cusco and easy to get to from all directions. The square is well-served by buses but many people navigate Cusco on foot as its winding, cobblestoned streets are best explored at a slow pace. Return to the square at night to see it beautifully lit up with spotlights. Enjoy the view from a seat by the large fountain or have dinner or a drink in one of the cafés overlooking the square.

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Popular places to visit


Top Plaza de Armas Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Kantu Hotel

Kantu Hotel

2.5 out of 5
calle chaparro 121, Cusco, Cuzco
Kantu Hotel
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

5 out of 5
Esquina De La Calle Ruinas 432, y San Agustin, Cusco, Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott

5 out of 5
Plazoleta Santo Domingo No 259, Cusco, Cusco
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Sonesta Hotel Cusco

4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco

Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco

4 out of 5
Santa Teresa N 344, Cusco, Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

3.5 out of 5
Santa Ana, Avenida Abancay 207, Cusco, Cusco
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
San Juan De Dios 255, Cusco, Cusco
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Antigua Casona San Blas

Antigua Casona San Blas

4 out of 5
Calle Carmen Bajo 243, San Blas, Cusco
Antigua Casona San Blas
Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco

Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco

3.5 out of 5
Av. Portal Mantas 114 , Cusco, Cusco
Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Plaza de Armas

At Plaza de Armas in Cusco, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including vibrant shopping opportunities and guided city tours. This bustling hub offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and local craftsmanship, making it an ideal spot for tourists to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Peru. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning architecture and lively streets surrounding this iconic square.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, head to San Pedro Market, only 644m from Plaza de Armas, where you can find local crafts and produce. Nearby, Santiago Plaza, 1.1km away, offers a mix of shopping and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, ideal for sports enthusiasts. For a serene escape, Orellana Pumaqchupan Park offers relaxation amidst nature, only 966m away. Alternatively, unwind at Agua Buena Recreational Park, a tranquil spot 4.8km from Plaza de Armas, perfect for rejuvenation.

Adventure

At Butterfly Park, located 35.4km from Plaza de Armas, immerse yourself in a vibrant world of colourful butterflies and lush gardens. For a thrilling hike, head to Musqa Pukyo Terraces, 41.8km away, where breathtaking scenery and adventure vibes await amidst ancient Incan landscapes.

Nightlife

In Cusco, the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo offers vibrant cultural performances, perfect for families and couples alike. The Municipal Theater, just a short stroll from the square, showcases captivating shows. For a unique experience, head to Planetarium Cusco, where the stars come alive in a family-friendly setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Plaza de Armas

When visiting Plaza de Armas in Cusco, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring the magnificent Cusco Cathedral and the nearby museums. Families can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local art while discovering nearby attractions like the Monasterio de Cusco. This bustling square is perfect for travellers seeking a blend of history and city life, making it an ideal starting point for your Peruvian adventure.

  • Plaza El Regocijo: This vibrant urban park, only 161m from Plaza de Armas, is a perfect spot for families and those seeking a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Enjoy the lush greenery and local events, all while soaking in the lively city vibes.
  • Cusco Cathedral: Situated 161m away, this stunning cathedral showcases remarkable colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and artistry of Cusco.
  • Twelve Angled Stone: Located 322m from Plaza de Armas, this architectural marvel is famed for its intricate stonework. Experience the impressive craftsmanship that reflects the ingenuity of Incan engineering and culture.

Best time to go to Plaza de Armas

The best time to visit Plaza de Armas can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Plaza de Armas falls in November, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Plaza de Armas falls in June, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January50.2°F (10.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February50.0°F (10.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November52.5°F (11.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December51.1°F (10.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaza de Armas

To save on your trip to Plaza de Armas, visit during the off-peak months of January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for the best rates. Saturdays offer the cheapest night, while Mondays are pricier. Use Expedia’s tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for package discounts, and remember that walking is the best way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Plaza de Armas are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Plaza de Armas about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plaza de Armas is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Plaza de Armas is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Plaza de Armas hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.