The Plaza de Armas de Cusco is the city’s beating heart, a wide, elegant square surrounded by arcaded colonial buildings, restaurants, shops, and two striking churches: the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús). It’s the perfect place to start any exploration of the city.

We loved coming here at different times of day:

• Morning: Locals heading to work, vendors setting up, and the square bathed in golden light.

• Afternoon: A bustling hub, with tour groups, musicians, and plenty of activity.

• Evening: The plaza lit up beautifully, restaurants glowing under the arcades, and the cathedral standing out against the night sky.

Inside the Cathedral, you’ll find both colonial art and Andean symbolism woven into the decorations (like the famous painting of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig). The Compañía de Jesús is equally stunning with its baroque façade.

The Plaza feels like the anchor of Cusco. No matter how far we wandered, we always found ourselves back here.

Pro Tip: Grab a balcony table at one of the restaurants or cafés around the square for the best views of the plaza. It’s also the stage for many festivals, so check local calendars if you want to catch traditional parades and celebrations.