Plazuela San Martin

Description

Look, I’ve been to quite a few plazas across Peru, but there’s something special about Plazuela San Martin. It’s this charming square that perfectly captures Lima’s soul – a place where history meets everyday life. The plaza’s centerpiece is this impressive bronze equestrian statue of José de San Martín, Peru’s liberator, sitting proudly atop his horse. You know what gets me every time? The way the late afternoon sun hits those beautiful republican-era buildings surrounding the plaza. The architecture here tells stories of Lima’s golden age, with its French-influenced designs and ornate balconies that’ll make any architecture buff swoon.

Key Features

• That stunning bronze statue of José de San Martín – it’s seriously photogenic from any angle
• Those amazing art deco and neo-colonial buildings that frame the plaza (trust me, your Instagram will thank you)
• The super-elegant Hotel Bolivar, which has been witnessing Lima’s history since 1924
• Traditional wooden benches perfect for people-watching
• These gorgeous palm trees that somehow make everything look more stately
• Historic street lamps that give the plaza this magical glow at dusk
• A bunch of cute cafes and restaurants in the surrounding buildings

Best Time to Visit

From my experience hanging around here, late afternoon to early evening is pure magic. The light is just perfect for photos, and there’s this amazing energy as locals finish up their workday. If you’re like me and enjoy a quieter vibe, try early mornings – especially on weekdays. The plaza comes alive during national holidays and festivals, but honestly? Any time between April and November is great because Lima’s weather is more stable. Just keep in mind that June through August can get pretty crowded with tourists.

How to Get There

Getting to Plazuela San Martin is actually pretty straightforward. If you’re taking the Metropolitano (Lima’s rapid transit system), hop off at the Colmena station – it’s just a short walk from there. Taxis know the spot well, and most drivers can drop you right at the plaza. For the adventurous souls like myself, walking from Plaza Mayor takes about 10 minutes and lets you soak in more of central Lima’s atmosphere. Just head down Jirón de la Unión, and you can’t miss it.

Tips for Visiting

Ok, here’s the real deal – I learned some of these the hard way! Bring your camera because the lighting here is fantastic, especially during golden hour. Keep an eye on your belongings though; like any busy city spot, it’s better to stay alert. The plaza gets pretty busy during lunch hours when office workers flood the area, which can actually be fun if you want to experience local life. Try grabbing a coffee at one of the historic cafes nearby – they’ve got this old-school charm that’s hard to find nowadays.

I always tell my friends to combine their visit with other nearby attractions. The plaza’s perfectly positioned for a walking tour of historic Lima. And hey, don’t rush through – take time to notice the little details in the architecture. Those buildings have some pretty incredible stories to tell if you look closely enough.

Oh, and one last thing – if you’re into photography, the early morning light creates these amazing shadows across the plaza. Just saying, some of my best shots of Lima were taken right here at sunrise when the city’s just waking up.

Location

Places to Stay Near Plazuela San Martin

Find Tours in Moyobamba

Explore More Travel Guides