Plaza de Armas Cusco

The Plaza de Armas is the historic heart of Cusco, once known as Huacaypata — the central ceremonial square of the Inca Empire where the most important festivals, religious ceremonies, and political events took place. Today it remains the vibrant center of the city, surrounded by colonial arcades, the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.

What to See

The Plaza de Armas is flanked by two of Cusco's most important churches. The Cathedral, built between 1559 and 1654 on the site of the Inca palace of Viracocha, houses an extraordinary collection of colonial art including a famous painting of the Last Supper featuring a guinea pig. The Church of La Compañía, built by the Jesuits on the site of Huayna Capac's palace, features one of the finest baroque facades in the Americas.

Walking Tours with Wonders of Peru

The Plaza de Armas is the starting point for most of our Cusco walking tours. Wonders of Peru Expeditions guides share the rich history of this square, from its Inca origins through the Spanish conquest and into the present day, bringing centuries of history to life right where it happened.