{"id":898,"date":"2020-06-30T01:50:13","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T06:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/cambio-de-guardia-lima-peru-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T23:43:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:43:49","slug":"changing-of-the-guard-lima-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/changing-of-the-guard-lima-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"Lima: A Complete Guide to the Changing of the Guard at the Government Palace"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Every day in Lima\u2019s Historic Centre<\/strong>, locals and visitors to the \u201cCity of Kings\u201d pause in front of the gates of the Government Palace<\/strong> to witness a military ceremony that, due to its brilliance and emotion, stands out as one of the most striking traditions<\/strong> in the Peruvian capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Changing of the Guard<\/strong> is a military ceremony that dates back to colonial times<\/strong>. During this display, the energetic and perfectly synchronised movements<\/strong> of the soldiers who guard the seat of government<\/strong> and the presidential residence are accompanied by the stirring melodies<\/strong> of a live military band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For these and many other reasons, it\u2019s always a good idea to take a break from the rush<\/strong> and admire this patriotic and ceremonial ritual performed by the members of the Cavalry Regiment \u201cMariscal Domingo Nieto\u201d<\/a>, who serve as the Honour Guard of the Government Palace and the Official Escort of the President of the Republic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When planning your visit to the old town<\/a>, be sure to set aside time in your itinerary to enjoy the vibrant Changing of the Guard<\/strong> in the historic heart of the city<\/strong> \u2014 right at the centre of political power in a country that declared its independence on 28 July 1821.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Journey Through History<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Changing of the Guard<\/strong> is a centuries-old tradition that began during colonial times<\/strong>, when what we now know as the Government Palace was referred to as the \u201cHouse of Pizarro<\/a>\u201d, named after Francisco Pizarro \u2014 the conquistador of Peru<\/strong> and the first resident of this historic building in central Lima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back then, protection of the Viceroy \u2014 the representative of the Spanish Crown and the highest authority in the newly conquered land<\/strong> \u2014 was the responsibility of the Royal Spanish Infantry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the republic was established, the duty of guarding the President and the Government Palace fell to various battalions of the Peruvian Army<\/strong> and the Civil Guard of Peru (now the National Police of Peru).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the final decade of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st, the prestigious Cavalry Regiment \u201cGlorious Hussars of Jun\u00edn\u201d served as the Government Palace Honour Guard, a role they proudly held from 1987 to 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, it is the members of the \u201cMariscal Domingo Nieto\u201d Regiment who carry out the perfectly timed and visually captivating Changing of the Guard<\/strong> you\u2019ll see in the Honour Courtyard of the historic \u201cHouse of Pizarro\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How the Changing of the Guard Takes Place<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every day of the year, as the clock approaches noon<\/strong>, the Honour Courtyard of the Government Palace becomes a stage of tradition and splendour<\/strong> during the Changing of the Guard \u2014 a military ceremony carried out by the soldiers of the Escort Regiment \u201cMariscal Domingo Nieto\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On special occasions, other military units or members of the National Police take charge of the guard change. In those cases, the music and uniforms vary<\/strong>, as do the ceremonial drills performed before the captivated audience, who delight in every detail of the spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Beginning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At 11:45 a.m., the sound of a trumpet rings<\/strong> through the Honour Courtyard. Its piercing melody signals the beginning of the guard change<\/strong> \u2014 a much-anticipated ceremony for both locals and tourists who gather behind the iron gates that guard the grand residence of the President of Peru<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning to visit Lima\u2019s Historic Centre, it\u2019s worth knowing that no ticket is required<\/strong> to enjoy this ceremonial event<\/strong>. If you\u2019d like to secure the best view, it\u2019s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early. The entire ceremony lasts around 30 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To the Rhythm of Music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The military band plays a key role in the Changing of the Guard. During the ceremony, they often perform European cantatas<\/strong> by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach<\/a> and Carl Orff, the latter known for the scenic cantata Carmina Burana<\/a>. You\u2019ll also hear stirring Peruvian marches such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n