Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas
4.6
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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  • DanielMtz90
    Monterrey, Mexico458 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Cusco Main Square, or Plaza de Armas, is a spectacle of history and modernity intertwined, a central haven where the pulse of the city is most palpable. This square is a kaleidoscope of culture, where historic cathedrals stand in conversation with the lively buzz of contemporary restaurants and bars. From every corner, eateries of varying degrees of formality beckon, each offering a window seat to the world passing by. Opting for a balcony view, one may find themselves enveloped in the golden hues of an Andean sunset, which, when paired with the culinary delights of local and international cuisine, becomes an experience of sensory splendor. Though the church tour, at a modest price, may not be the highlight for all, it is a testament to Cusco’s rich spiritual tapestry and a must for those with an appetite for ecclesiastical architecture. The plaza is also a paradise for souvenir hunters, where local artisans offer a medley of crafts that are as colorful as they are emblematic of the region. Beyond the tangible, the Main Square offers a vista that is more than visual; it’s a narrative of the city’s past, present, and future, woven together in the cobbled streets and the silent stories of the Inca and colonial structures. This is a place to linger, to dine, to watch, and to be enveloped in the vibrant tapestry that is Cusco.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 20, 2024
  • Diego P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Plaza de Armas in Cusco is simply magical. During the day, the sun lights up the colonial churches, and the energy is incredible. At night, the lights create an amazing atmosphere. It’s the heart of Cusco, surrounded by history, great restaurants, and friendly people. Perfect for grabbing a coffee with a view, taking epic photos, or just sitting and enjoying the vibe. If you visit Cusco and don’t stop by here, did you really go to Cusco?
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 26, 2025
  • Sridhar
    Eden Prairie, Minnesota459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    -Cusco's main square -busy and vibrant -home to iconic buildings-Cusco Cathedral and Church -hosts city's important gathering (new year fiesta takes place here) -variety of restaurant and eateries -just a few mins walk to San Peadro (local bustling market, which is a must visit) -local vendors selling paintings, alpaca clothing etc. -plenty of opportunities to tale photos Playa De Armas was only 5mins. walk from our JWM hotel. We came here everyday atleast twice. It is the happening place and we loved it!
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 19, 2025
  • Viviajando31
    Belo Horizonte, MG406 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Central point of Cusco. It's almost impossible to be in town and not pass by. But in addition to simply passing, it is a place to visit in peace. In addition to being very beautiful, the square has several shops, restaurants, churches and museums around it. It is very worth taking a period to visit it peacefully. For more tips on our trip to Peru, follow @viviajando31 on Instagram.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 27, 2024
  • Maria Eugenia G
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Plaza de Armas del Cusco is a must-see place, has green areas with beautiful flowers and is surrounded by beautiful colonial churches only the Cathedral which I recommend you visit. Give yourself the time to sit and watch the dances that practically happen every day... I recommend them!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 23, 2024
  • 09_eddie_09
    Karlsruhe, Germany4,013 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Plaza de Armas in Cusco is the historical and cultural center of the city, one of the most iconic places in Peru. The square is surrounded by colonial architecture, churches, restaurants and shops. Here are the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Society of Jesus, two symbolic colonial buildings that reflect Spanish influence.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 7, 2024
  • MichDames
    Port Elizabeth, South Africa117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful well.maintained plaza. Lots of festivities and marches going on all the time. The hub if cusco. The cathedrals and buildings around the plaza are exquisite. Definitely worth staying nearby as all the activity is here. Lots of restaurants and curio shops too.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.6
4.6 of 5 bubbles9,984 reviews
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Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
The grand square is not only beautiful; it's also the heartbeat of the city, where locals and tourists come together to observe each other in the most stunning surroundings.

This is where you can find deals on the countless activities originating from Cusco, including the overwhelmingly popular trip to one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

You'll be offered a massage at least 10 times and forced to say no to all sorts of touristy stuff, and normally, all this commotion might annoy you - but here in Cusco's central square, you'll just shrug and smile instead. It's part of the charm here.

If you can only visit one attraction in Cusco, make it Plaza de Armas.
Written February 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Smith Williams
United States2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Wonderful! Cusco's Plaza de Armas, with its historical charm, impressive architecture and cultural energy, is the heart of the city. A meeting point for locals and visitors, it offers magical sunsets, artisan markets and delicious local cuisine. Its beauty and vitality make it the perfect starting point to explore the rich history of Cusco.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angela L
Katy, TX91 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
This is a beautiful plaza with amazing views and where most of the restaurants for foreigners are located. We probably visited the plaza at least 8 times in our 4 days in Cusco, because a bunch of other attractions are very close to it, such as the twelve angle stone. Be aware that there will be many locals trying to sell you items or paintings and they will repeatedly keep coming up to you. There will also be local ladies with alpacas walking around that you can take a picture with for a few soles.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Atis B
Kharagpur, India1,214 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Family
After our scheduled tour to Ollantaytambo was over we had few hours free before we left Cuzco for Bolivia. We both decided to walk away in the plaza. We wanted local experience and we find it. We are from India and we can’t speak Spanish yet we found the locals are happy to help the foreigners like us. The all we’re enjoying on their own. Someone was selling beautiful paintings some one souvenir, someone toys. We loved the place.
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wesleyz85
Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands103 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Beautiful square with churches, restaurants and shops. It is busy there. Car traffic is crazy in Peru. Souvenir shops are a bit more expensive than elsewhere outside the square. It is also beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Google
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

betteskid
Boston, MA1,353 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
We spent time in this plaza while visiting Cusco. There are plenty of places to sit and it's a great place to people-watch, take a break or enjoy a snack. You get a sense of the atmosphere of the city while you are here and it is central to everything. A lovely fountain can also be found here.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LMCM111
Perth, Australia695 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Interesting and attractive central square ringed by mountains. Seemed to be always something happening, when we were there a festival was taking place. We had lunch at restaurant on boundary and got a great view. The heart of Cusco and in contrast to other city centres in south America we felt very safe there. Lots to take in!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ7,131 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
This Plaza located in the historic center of Cuzco is one of the main tourist attractions. At one time, it was a swamp, and the starting point to begin developing the Imperial City. Today, it encompasses Temples and Old Mansions, Restaurants, Fancy Stores, and Travel Agencies. Many of the buildings still have the original Inca Walls in their foundations – as pointed out by our guide.

Easter Celebrations, Ceremonies, Parades and Free Concerts are routinely held here. The lovely flower gardens and pathways are immaculately maintained.

We spent about an hour walking around, chilling on one of the benches, and taking photographs of the surrounding areas. Do not miss the gorgeous balconies all around.

Worth a visit, for sure.

Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

deborahk3
Maidstone, UK1,815 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
Cusco's main square, Plaza de Armas, is a busy and vibrant place that marks the colonial centre of the city. The Plaza which features colourful gardens and wide stone pathways, is home to two iconic buildings; the Cusco Cathedral and the Church La Compania de Jesus. This area covers part of the area that was once the great inca square. Today, however, Spanish Colonial buildings dominate the architecture of the square, but many of the carved Inca stones remain. This is a beautiful and well maintained square, typical in Peru. Its a lovely place to wander around or sit and drink in the architecture, a must visit square when in Cusco.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suresh C
Charlotte, NC977 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
It is a very lively place - lot of souvenier shops, ATMs, Tour companies and churches. Quorenka attraction is about a 6 minutes walk. A very big market and super market is very close to the place in a walkable distance. Hotel we stayed Tambopata de Arriera is around 9 minutes walk from this plce.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Plaza de Armas (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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