Government Palace Tours and Activities

Photo provided by promperu


This was Lima’s first official palace when the city went under Spanish rule. Now, it holds government meetings and is home to the country’s president.

This palace was built in the early 16th century by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who is credited with founding the city of Lima. It became the city’s first official palace since going under Spanish rule. The site is currently the residence of Peru’s president and is also where the government converges.  

Visit the palace at noon to see the changing of the guards routine. They perform a march in blue-and-red uniforms, hats and Peruvian flags extended on black poles. Enter through the grand portal on the north side of Plaza Mayor. Take a guided tour of the palace for free. There is much to see, as the palace takes up an entire block. 

Capture photos of the façade with palm trees and an iron fence in the foreground. Browse the ceremonial rooms of colonial design. See the well-maintained garden, which contains trees, shrubs and pebbles. Take a look around the Golden Living Room and its collection of paintings. 

Pizarro constructed the building in 1535 on the exact site of the previous authority of the area’s residence, which was an Incan burial ground. Some locals and historians also know it as the House of Pizarro. Like many other historical sites in the area, it has been destroyed, rebuilt and renovated many times after numerous disasters, such as earthquakes and fires. Locate the fig tree that is said to have been planted by Pizarro, which may now be the only remaining piece from the original palace.

The palace is open to the public, but certain parts may be cut off depending on political activity in the building. Make a reservation by calling the public relations office or asking the guards where to find the office to go in person.

The Government Palace is situated in the center of the city, near to many other attractions of historical importance, such as the Cathedral of Lima, the Aliaga Virreynal House and Parque de la Muralla (Park of the Wall). The Rimac River is just to the north of the palace. The old railway stop, Desamparados Station, which is now used for administrative purposes, is right next to the site. The nearest bus station is Estacion Jirón de la Union. Arrive there and walk four blocks northeast.

Plan a trip to see Government Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Executive Apartment 1Bedroom San Isidro
Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel
BTH Hotel Lima Golf

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Government Palace

Hotel Diamond Lima
Hotel Diamond Lima
3 out of 5
Jr. Cuzco, Lima, Lima
Hotel Diamond Lima
Plaza Mayor Lima
Plaza Mayor Lima
2.5 out of 5
Jiron Callao 125, Lima 1, Lima, Lima
Plaza Mayor Lima
Hospedaje Santa Rosa
Hospedaje Santa Rosa
3 out of 5
Jr. Camana 218, Cercado de Lima, Lima, Lima
Hospedaje Santa Rosa
Hostal Yaki
Hostal Yaki
2.5 out of 5
Jiron de la Union 441, Cercado de Lima, Lima
Hostal Yaki
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Republica 170, Lima, Lima
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Ayenda Goldi
Ayenda Goldi
3 out of 5
Jr Cailloma 209 213 5 - Cercado de Lima, Lima, Provincia de Lima
Ayenda Goldi
Hotel Kamana
Hotel Kamana
3 out of 5
Jiron Camana 547 Lima, Lima, LIMA
Hotel Kamana
Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental
3 out of 5
Jiron Puno 196, Lima, LIMA
Hotel Continental
Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
2.5 out of 5
Av. Nicolás de Piérola, Lima, Provincia de Lima
Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.