Main Square Lima

Main Square Lima

The Plaza de Armas is the beautiful central square of Lima. Here you will find impressive architecture on all corners and surprises in the adjoining streets. The plaza constitutes the historical center of Lima and is surrounded by magnificent buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century.

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The Plaza de Armas is the bustling main square of Lima. It is here that Francisco Pizarro founded Lima. The square is bordered by the Government Palace, Town Hall, Archbishop's Palace, Casa Riva-Aguero, and the Lima Cathedral. At its center, the Plaza de Armas contains an elegant bronze fountain from the 17th century. Locals and foreigners mingle and take photos here.

The Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) was originally used by Peruvian officials. The first bricks were laid in 1535, although it was rebuilt in the 20th century and was remodeled yet again in 1983. The palace is a fabulous example of colonial affluence.

The Cathedral (La Cathedral) is found on the eastern side of the square and dominates with imposing twin towers. Due to ambitious building plans and several earthquakes, the Cathedral was rebuilt on several occasions. The interior hosts a chapel of John the Baptist with a carving of Jesus that is said to be the the most beautiful in the Americas.

The Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) is attractive and impressive—it has detailed, Moorish-style wooden balconies. It is the residence of the archbishop in Lima and the administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese.

Casa Riva-Aguero houses important city archives, an impressive library, and the Folk Art Museum. This building was constructed in 1760 by the Aguero family and was mainly used by the writer Don Jose de la Riva Aguero, although after many years he decided to donate his favorite mansion to Lima's Catholic University.

The impressive San Francisco Cathedral is a short walk from the main plaza. The Cathedral started to take form in 1557 and was originally built with wood and mud. Unfortunately, it was almost completely destroyed by the 1656 earthquake. The Portuguese architect Constantino then decided to rebuild the Cathedral and completed the endeavor in 1672. The Cathedral’s facade shows one of the best examples of 17th-century Baroque architecture in Peru.

Trips to Inspire

Main Square Lima itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Main Square Lima itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

19 days | $$$

Family Expedition Across Peru

Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.

Family Expedition Across Peru
9 days | $$$

Andean Peaks to Lake Titicaca

The Anywhere team was planning and helping us thru out the process. Right from picking us up from the airport to dropping us back to the hotel. They created a WhatsApp group to communicate with us every day and answered our questions within a few minutes. Thanks to Lisbeth and Jose in Cusco. Eduardo in Machu Pichu, Anna Maria in Puno and Sara and Samuel in Lima. They are worked like a team to ensure our trip was well planned and executed. Big thanks to Cesar for the great planning and suggestions along the way.

Andean Peaks to Lake Titicaca
13 days | $$$

Excursion Together

Laura explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a curated 10‑day adventure that blended culture, history, and nature. She began in Lima’s coastal desert, visited the Palomino Islands for sea‑lion spotting, then trekked the high‑altitude ruins of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before sailing on Lake Titicaca’s shimmering plateau. Guides shared local customs and stories, letting her taste dishes and feel the timeless rhythm of Peruvian life, leaving her with an appreciation for the country’s vibrant heritage.

Excursion Together
8 days | $$$

Peru for Two on a Budget

Embark on a vibrant Peruvian adventure where bustling city life meets ancient Andean wonders, contrasting modern Lima’s coastal energy with the mystique of the Sacred Valley. You'll wander Lima’s historic streets, then soar to Cusco’s high-altitude charm before trekking to the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful heights of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll taste traditional cuisine, hear Andean legends, and leave with a deeper connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Peru for Two on a Budget
9 days | $$$

Wow, We Did it!

Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.

Wow, We Did it!
8 days | $$$

We Conquered Huayna Picchu

This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!

We Conquered Huayna Picchu
10 days | $$$

Experience The Heart of Peru

Very professional service, very good organization overall. Everything went smoothly. We ABSOLUTELY will recommend Anywhere.com to our friends. And for our future trips, we will first look at what anywhere.com is offering before looking elsewhere.

Experience The Heart of Peru
13 days | $$$

An Epic Peruvian Family Journey

Peru is bursting with history, interesting sites and friendly people and tourists from all parts of the world. We wished our hotels were a bit better and should have requested upgrades for a reasonably higher price. We have already recommended Peru to family and friends. Our photos and videos on Facebook have evoked several inquiries. I would certainly like to visit Peru again along with other countries of South America.

An Epic Peruvian Family Journey
10 days | $$$

Culinary Delight and Family Adventure

I learned so much of it's history and have such respect for it's culture.

Culinary Delight and Family Adventure
8 days | $$$

Multi Family Adventure Through Peru

Family & friends explored Peru’s iconic sites on an immersive multi‑family adventure. From Lima’s coast to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the itinerary combined tours, a Voyager train ride, island boat trip, and a llama hike. Friendly local guides made history vivid for all ages, while families bonded over shared discoveries, leaving a lasting sense of connection to Peru’s heritage.

Multi Family Adventure Through Peru
9 days | $$$

Let's Feast Our Way Through Peru!

Want to celebrate a special event or simply toast your love? Indulge in lunch or dinner — welcome your special moments with a special meal on this gastronomic adventure.

Let's Feast Our Way Through Peru!
12 days | $$$

Our Quest for Peruvian Adventures

The three of us have been dreaming about this trip for a long time. Everything was well arranged. We just had to be dressed, wait for our ride, and enjoy.

Our Quest for Peruvian Adventures
7 days | $$$

Our Machu Picchu Getaway

Absolutely, your services are impeccable, reliable, well organized and executed.

Our Machu Picchu Getaway
Tours & Activities

Experiences in Main Square Lima

Explore hand-picked Main Square Lima tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.

City Tour Lima
Lima

City Tour Lima

Lodging & Accommodations

Where to stay in Main Square Lima

From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Main Square Lima accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.

San Augustin Colonial
San Augustin Colonial
San Augustin Colonial
San Augustin Colonial

Lima’s Miraflores district is studded with grassy, landscaped parks, referred to as “plazas.” This was a design favored by the Spanish colonialists, and has become a quintessential element of the Lima landscape. The San Augustin Colonial hotel is a great home base for your exploration of Miraflores, as it's close to some of the prettiest places in Lima.

The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center
The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center
The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center
The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center

The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center is located within Lima’s vibrant San Isidro district. This hotel is modern and luxurious.

Hotel Novotel
Hotel Novotel
Hotel Novotel
Hotel Novotel

Hotel Novotel is found within Lima’s San Isidro district. This hotel is a good option for business travelers and people who want a comfortable, modern hotel.

Swissotel Lima
Swissotel Lima
Swissotel Lima
Swissotel Lima

Swissotel Lima is located in Lima’s San Isidro district. This hotel has comfortable, amenity-rich rooms and a very friendly staff.

DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton
DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton
DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton
DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton

The El Pardo DoubleTree is set in the heart of Lima’s Miraflores district. This hotel has a superb location and good facilities.

Casa Cielo Hotel
Casa Cielo Hotel
Casa Cielo Hotel
Casa Cielo Hotel

At Casa Cielo Miraflores you’ll have a room in one of Lima’s most attractive neighborhoods.

Hotel Stefanos
Hotel Stefanos
Hotel Stefanos
Hotel Stefanos

Hotel Stefanos offers clean, comfortable rooms in an excellent location. The Miraflores neighborhood of Lima has a high concentration of museums and restaurants that travelers should be sure not to miss.

Four Points Miraflores
Four Points Miraflores
Four Points Miraflores
Four Points Miraflores

The Four Points hotel is set in the Miraflores district of Lima. This hotel has modern, comfortable rooms and a convenient location.

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

From a room at the Casa Andina Premium Hotel, you’ll be about a 5-minute walk from Parque Central, one of Miraflores’ most well-known parks. Miraflores is one of Lima’s trendiest districts, and it attracts artists from all over the city. On most evenings and weekends, you can visit Parque Central to browse crafts for sale and listen to free live music at the amphitheater.

2W Apartment Diez Canseco
2W Apartment Diez Canseco
2W Apartment Diez Canseco
2W Apartment Diez Canseco

The 2W Apartments are located in Lima, Peru. They are a perfect option for travelers who will be spending an extended amount of time in Lima.

Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores
Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores
Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores
Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores

Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores is a comfortable hotel set within Lima’s fashionable Miraflores district. The hotel is small and has large rooms.

Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores

The Courtyard by Marriott hotel is in the Miraflores district, one of the top destinations for visitors in Lima. There is a huge variety of culture to see in this area – historic districts, museums, archeological sites, and some of Peru’s (and the world’s) top restaurants.

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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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