Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas features stone pathways, gardens, and colonial buildings surrounding a rectangular space of 155 meters by 95 meters at 3,400 meters elevation.

The square originated as Haukaypata during the Inca Empire, transformed by Spanish colonizers in 1534 who constructed Catholic temples and mansions over former Inca structures.

The plaza hosts major celebrations including Inti Raymi, the Inca Festival of the Sun, and religious processions throughout the year with traditional music and dances.

Restaurants, jewelry stores, and travel agencies line the plaza's perimeter, while local vendors sell handicrafts, alpaca clothing, and tour packages to Machu Picchu.

The square marks the convergence point of four main roads of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road system that connected their vast empire.

Location: Cusco Department

Location: Cusco Province

Location: Cusco District

Elevation above the sea: 3,400 m

Length: 141 m

Width: 78 m

Part of: City of Cusco - Main Square and Historic Centre

GPS coordinates: -13.51671,-71.97882

Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:41