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.
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.
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.
Lima
City Tour Lima
Tour
Main Square Lima itineraries
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 · Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa +5
Family
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.
Peru
9 days · Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno
Couple
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.
Peru
13 days · Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Lima
Couple
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.
Peru
8 days · Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Family
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
9 days · Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Aguas Calientes
Family
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.
Peru
8 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes
Couple
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!
Peru
10 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno
Family
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.
Peru
13 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno +1
Family
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.
Peru
10 days · Lima, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, Cusco
Family
I learned so much of it's history and have such respect for it's culture.
Peru
8 days · Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Lima
Friends
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.
Peru
9 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes
Couple
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.
Peru
12 days · Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes +1
Family
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.
Peru
7 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno
Family
Absolutely, your services are impeccable, reliable, well organized and executed.
Peru