Contents
1. History
Check out below a brief chronological history of The Changing of the Guard Lima.
During the colonial period, the protection of the Viceroy—the alter ego of the king and the Viceregal Palace or La Casa de Pizarro, corresponded to the Corps of the Royal Spanish Infantry.
During the republican period, the protection of the president and the Presidential Palace (formerly the Viceregal Palace) were in charge of the Mounted Infantry Battalions and the Civil Guard of Peru (nowadays known as the Policia Nacional del Peru).
Today, the Changing of the Guard is very popular, especially for national and international tourism, which has increased considerably since the 90’s from the 20th century.
2. Description of the Changing of the Guard
This event happens every day in front of the Presidential Palace of Lima, the military uniform may change depending on the type of military regiment in charge and the weather season of the year; on Saturdays, the changing of the guard is carried out by the national police, so the military uniform will be very different.
2.1 The event
The military staging begins at about 11:45 am with a a trumpet musical announcement, then the military choreographies are performed for approximately 15 minutes to the rhythm of live music.
2.2 The Music
The military band plays European and Peruvian cantatas depending on who is in charge, they usually combine both types of music; the most played European pieces of music are by Johann Sebastian Bach and Carmina Burana; the Peruvian military marches (Peruvian military songs) are the following ones:
- Los peruanos pasan
- Sesquicentenario
- Tupac Amaru
- Las 3 armas
- Zarumilla
- Estado Mayor
- La Salaverrina
Listen to the most famous military themes in Peru, which have a clear Andean culture influence.
2.3 The completion
To finish this military staging, the band plays 100% Peruvian (non-military) musical themes, such as: The Peruvian Marinera or a Peruvian Zarzuela—El Cóndor pasa, composed by Daniel Alomía Robles.
Listen to the most famous peruvian musical composition worldwide: El Cóndor Pasa.
3. Where does the Changing of the Guard occur?
This event takes place in the main courtyard of the Presidential Palace, in the Plaza de Armas, in the historic center of Lima.
4. What are the schedules?
The changing of the guard with the military staging occurs only once every day, starting at about 11:45 am and ending at about 12:15 pm.
Normally on Sundays, the changing of the guard includes the use of horses in the military choreography.
Note: The changing of the guard is not guaranteed, because sometimes there are strikes, festivities and political events, which may affect the performance of this event; however be positive, regardless of whether it happens or not, the Plaza de Armas of Lima is a living museum, so either way you will have a beautiful day.
5. Price
This event is 100% free.
6. FREE Guided Tour of the Changing of the Guard
If you want a qualified tourist guide, to give you a professional description of the Changing of the Guard, the Plaza de Armas and surroundings in about 2.5 hours, you can join our free tour.
How do I join your Lima free tour?
To see our meeting point, tips and all the details about this tour, make your reservation on Free Tour Lima from the historic center and Miraflores, you can also see our comments on Facebook and Google.
Nota para peruanos: Los free tours por el momento son solamente para el turismo receptivo; sin embargo puedes realizar el city tour clásico del Lima colonial y moderna.
To Consider: The Plaza de Arma de Lima is not our meeting point, please visit our website to see all the details.
7. How to get the Changing of the Guard?
7.1 From Miraflores
If you are in Miraflores, look for the Metro-Bus—Metropolitano (we suggest going to Ricardo Palma station), get on line C, head Miraflores to Lima center, please get off at Jirón de la Unión station and walk for about 5 minutes until you reach the Plaza de Armas. To use this service you need to pay 2.50 soles pp—before entering the bus station, there is a control booth, where you can ask for more information.
Note: If you are in Miraflores, you can also join our Lima free tour leaving from Miraflores, we will help you with all the details.
7.2 From Barranco
If you are in Barranco, look for the Metro-Bus—Metropolitano (we suggest going to Bulevar station), get on line C, head Barranco to Lima center, please get off at Jirón de la Unión station and walk for about 5 minutes, until you reach the Plaza de Armas. To use this service you need to pay 2.50 soles pp—before entering the bus station, there is a control booth, where you can ask for more information.
7.3 From other districts
If you are in a different place, take a taxi or Uber, we suggest you haggle the price of the taxi fare, don’t be afraid, haggling in Peru is part of our culture.
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