La Merced Church and Convent
A stunning colonial church and convent in Cusco, featuring a beautiful courtyard, impressive art, and a unique red neoclassical retablo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer crowds
La Merced Church and Convent
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning colonial church and convent in Cusco, featuring a beautiful courtyard, impressive art, and a unique red neoclassical retablo.
"The gorgeous colonial courtyard made for beautiful photos and was worth a visit!"
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect an entrance fee (15 SOL for full payers, 8 SOL for students). It's worth it for the courtyard and art!
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography is generally not allowed inside churches, especially during mass. Be respectful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neoclassical Retablo
Main Altar
A stunning red neoclassical retablo, distinct from other Cusco churches, graces the main altar.
Colonial Courtyard
Convent Interior
A serene and beautiful courtyard offering a peaceful atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities.
Ecclesiastical Art Collection
Museum within the Convent
An impressive collection of religious art that showcases the historical and artistic significance of the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colonial Charm
Discover Hidden Courtyards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect an entrance fee (15 SOL for full payers, 8 SOL for students). It's worth it for the courtyard and art!
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography is generally not allowed inside churches, especially during mass. Be respectful.
Is La Merced market different than the Tepito market?
🚶♂️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the gorgeous colonial courtyard; it's a highlight for photos and tranquility.
⏰ Check Mass Times
Masses can impact your ability to tour freely. Plan accordingly to avoid disruption.
La Merced Market
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect an entrance fee (15 SOL for full payers, 8 SOL for students). It's worth it for the courtyard and art!
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography is generally not allowed inside churches, especially during mass. Be respectful.
🚶♂️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the gorgeous colonial courtyard; it's a highlight for photos and tranquility.
⏰ Check Mass Times
Masses can impact your ability to tour freely. Plan accordingly to avoid disruption.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise La Merced Church and Convent for its stunning colonial architecture, particularly its beautiful courtyard and impressive ecclesiastical art collection. While an entrance fee is required and photography is restricted during mass, most find the experience well worth it for the historical and artistic insights it provides.
"Worth visiting. Beautiful church. Usually open. Free entrance. Has a museum at the convent. Taking pictures are not allowed so as all the churches within Cusco. Touring around the church is being discouraged when the mass is ongoing. Has a beautiful red neoclassical retablo..different from other Cusco churches. Has a different orientation.. the main retablo facing the direction of the cathedral and parallel to the main road."
leo lobarbio
"Wonderful colonial courtyard in the heart of Cusco. Definitely recommended! Most tourists just pass by the nondescript entrance. Don't make the same mistake. The entrance fee for students is 8 SOL for full payers 15 SOL. However, it is worth it!"
Elias Egal
"This church had a gorgeous courtyard that made for beautiful photos and was worth a visit! It was 20 soles for the entrance fee. I visited during a morning and was the only person there which was very peaceful."
Brittany Thiessen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Merced Church and Convent is centrally located in Cusco, making it easily accessible on foot from the Plaza de Armas. Simply walk a few blocks from the main square, and you'll find it.
Yes, it's very close to many key sites in Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. You can easily combine a visit with other nearby historical landmarks.
From Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to your accommodation in Cusco's city center, and then walk to the church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee. Full payers are typically charged 15 SOL, and students receive a discounted rate of 8 SOL.
The church is usually open, but it's best to check for specific hours, especially around mass times. The convent museum also has its own operating hours.
Information on online ticket purchases is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the site.
Yes, student discounts are available, with a reduced entrance fee compared to the full price.
The entrance fee typically covers access to both the church and the convent's museum and courtyard.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally discouraged or not allowed inside the church, especially during religious services. Be mindful of signage and respect the sacred space.
The colonial courtyard is a highlight for photography, offering beautiful architecture and a peaceful ambiance. The exterior of the church also presents striking visual elements.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and religious sites to preserve their integrity and for safety reasons. It's best to assume it's not permitted.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the beautiful red neoclassical retablo, explore the impressive ecclesiastical art collection in the museum, and wander through the serene colonial courtyard. +1
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the church, the museum, and the tranquil courtyard.
While children can appreciate the visual aspects, the historical and religious context might be more engaging for older children. The courtyard offers space to move.
While not explicitly mentioned, local guides are often available in Cusco's historical center who can provide insights into the church and convent.
The murals, if present and accessible, would likely depict religious scenes or historical events relevant to the church's history and the Augustinian order.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures
Beyond the religious artifacts, the colonial courtyard is a significant draw. This serene space, often overlooked by those who only view the church from the outside, provides a tranquil atmosphere and is a popular spot for photography. The combination of architectural grandeur and artistic richness makes La Merced a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
The unique orientation of the main retablo, facing parallel to the main road and towards the direction of the cathedral, adds another layer of historical and architectural interest. This detail, along with the bulletin boards filled with intriguing images, contributes to the site's unique character.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Many visitors highlight the serene colonial courtyard as a major highlight, perfect for quiet contemplation and capturing beautiful photographs.
For those interested in the historical context, consider engaging a local guide if available, as they can offer deeper insights into the church's history and the significance of its art and architecture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit