Attractions and Places To See in Los Olivos - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see in Los Olivos include historical sites, religious buildings, and significant public squares. The area features well-preserved architectural landmarks and monuments that reflect its rich history. Visitors can explore various cultural sites, including a basilica and convents, alongside prominent urban spaces. These attractions offer insights into the region's heritage and provide points of interest for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in Los Olivos
- The most popular attractions is Plaza Mayor of Lima, a historical site that serves as the birthplace of the Peruvian capital. This magnificent square, along with the historic old town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Another must-see spot is San Martín Square, a man-made monument. This public square features a large equestrian statue of José San Martín and is a representative public space in Lima's historic center.
- Visitors also love Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima, a religious building. This Franciscan monastery complex impresses with its architecture, ancient treasures in the library, and catacombs.
- Los Olivos is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and man-made monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from grand plazas to significant architectural complexes.
- The attractions in Los Olivos are appreciated by the komoot community, with 25 upvotes and 27 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
San Martín Square
Highlight • Monument
Source and further information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_San_Mart%C3%ADn,_Lima
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Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima
Highlight • Religious Site
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Gran Hotel Bolívar
Highlight • Historical Site
As part of a modernization program for Lima, the hotel was built on government-owned land. The hotel was inaugurated on December 6, 1924, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho, a decisive military encounter during the Peruvian War of Independence. The square itself was inaugurated on July 27, 1921, to mark the centenary of Peru's independence.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the hotel attracted Hollywood film stars such as Orson Welles, Ava Gardner and John Wayne, where many also discovered the local cocktail, the Pisco Sour.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Hotel_Bol%C3%ADvar
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Desamparados
Highlight • Historical Site
The main highlight of the train ride is the Galera station, the second highest in the world, at an altitude of 4,876 meters. Other highlights include Puente Carrión, a 200-meter-long bridge between high peaks, and a thrilling Infernillo bridge that connects two tunnels. During 14 hours, the train passes by the Cordillera Occidental, Valle del Mantaro and finally reaches Huancayo, the capital of the high mountain Junín.
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Government Palace, Peru
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
On the last Sunday of the month, ethnic groups from different parts of the country meet here alternately.
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The building was designed as the main station, passenger terminal, and office building of the Central Railway of Lima. It was completed in 1912. Modern methods and materials such as reinforced concrete with iron structures and metal lattice girders were used in its construction.
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In its heyday, the Gran Hotel Bolivar was the place to be in Lima. Built at the request of the government on state property and designed by Peruvian architect Rafael Marquina, its original raison d'être was to serve as a sophisticated base for politicians. Charles de Gaulle, Nixon, Robert Kennedy and Emperor Akihito all stayed at the Bolivar, which is located in the royal Plaza San Martín, six blocks from the Government Palace.
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A great place. But unfortunately, like everywhere else, there is a lot of traffic.
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The Estación de Desamparados is a historic train station in Lima. The station was named after the former Jesuit convent Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados. It is located on the railway line to La Oroya, which began operating here in 1871. After a later operating company, the line is also known as Ferrocarril Central Andino (Peruvian Central Railway). Today the station is mainly used as an exhibition hall and since 2003, twice a month between April and November, when a tourist train runs along the old line, as a stop for photo shoots. The "Desamparados" station houses a museum that shows ethnic exhibitions, as well as the Casa de la Literatura Peruana.
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A beautiful colonial-era hotel. It seems as if time has stood still here. Some exhibits are on display in the hotel lobby.
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Currently, the station is only used for administrative purposes, although it can offer excursion services for passengers between Lima and the central mountain range. The station has been beautifully remodeled and is now home to the "La Casa de la Literatura Peruana" which was inaugurated on October 20, 2009 in the Desamparados station by President Alan García. The basement houses the Mario Vargas Llosa Library. The name of the library is a tribute to the writer Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 2010, which also happened to be inaugurated in 2010 with the writer's presence in the library.
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A few years after the founding of Lima, Francisco de Santa Ana arrived in Lima in 1546 and built a modest and small church, which was later expanded along with the monastery by the Viceroy of Peru, Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza. The magnificent extensions were not very solidly built and were completely destroyed in the earthquake of February 4, 1655. Francisco de Borja, General Commissioner of the Franciscans, commissioned the Portuguese architect Constantino de Vasconcellos to plan the new church and Limeño Manuel Escobar to build it on the same site. The Viceroy Luis Enriquez de Guzmán laid the foundation stone on May 8, 1657. The new church was solemnly consecrated on October 3, 1672, and work on the monastery continued until 1729. In 1941, the church and the monastery complex were declared a national cultural heritage site. Pope John XXIII. raised the church of San Francisco de Jesus to the rank of a minor basilica with his letter of January 11, 1963. In 1966 and 1970, earthquake damage occurred again. In 1988, the church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the historic old town of Lima. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilika_St._Franziskus_(Lima)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Los Olivos?
Los Olivos, as part of Lima's historic center, offers several significant historical sites. You can visit the Plaza Mayor of Lima, the birthplace of the Peruvian capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another key landmark is San Martín Square, known for its grand equestrian statue. Don't miss the historic Desamparados train station, now home to the Casa de la Literatura Peruana, or the iconic Gran Hotel Bolívar, a historic hotel on Plaza San Martín.
Are there any religious buildings or cultural sites to visit?
Absolutely. The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima is a must-see. This Franciscan monastery complex is renowned for its impressive architecture, ancient library treasures, and catacombs containing the bones of 70,000 people. It's a significant cultural and religious landmark in the area.
What are the most popular public squares in Los Olivos?
The two most prominent public squares are the Plaza Mayor of Lima and San Martín Square. The Plaza Mayor is the historical heart of Lima, while San Martín Square is celebrated for its monumental architecture and the statue of José San Martín. Both are representative public spaces in the historic center.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Los Olivos?
Visitors frequently praise the historical significance and architectural grandeur of the sites. The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima is particularly noted for its spectacular monastery, impressive cathedral, and fascinating catacombs. The Plaza Mayor of Lima is often described as beautiful and picturesque, while San Martín Square is considered an impressive and heavily guarded place.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Los Olivos?
Yes, several attractions are considered family-friendly. Both the Plaza Mayor of Lima and San Martín Square are great for families to explore, offering open spaces and historical context. The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima also falls into this category, providing an engaging historical and architectural experience for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
While the immediate area around these historical sites is urban, Los Olivos offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can find several running trails, including loops from Jesús María and routes connecting to coastal areas. For cycling enthusiasts, there are cycling routes that explore different parts of Lima, such as the Costa Verde Bike Path. If you prefer walking, there are hiking routes that take you through the city's historical and scenic spots.
Are there hiking trails near Los Olivos attractions?
Yes, there are easy walking and hiking paths available. For instance, you can explore routes like the "Government Palace, Peru – Peru Square loop from Lima" or the "Plaza Mayor of Lima – Government Palace, Peru loop from Lima," both offering easy walks within the city's historical core. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Los Olivos.
What is the significance of the Desamparados station?
The Desamparados station is a historic train station in Lima, named after the former Jesuit convent Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados. It was once a crucial part of the railway line to La Oroya, an engineering marvel. Today, it serves as an exhibition hall and houses the "La Casa de la Literatura Peruana," with the Mario Vargas Llosa Library in its basement, making it a cultural hub.
Is the Gran Hotel Bolívar still operational or just a historical site?
The Gran Hotel Bolívar is both a historical site and a functioning hotel. Designed in 1924, it was Lima's first large, modern hotel and attracted Hollywood stars in its heyday. While it retains its historical charm and some exhibits are displayed in the lobby, it continues to operate, offering a glimpse into Lima's past grandeur.
Are any attractions in Los Olivos wheelchair accessible?
Yes, some attractions are noted for their accessibility. San Martín Square and the historic Desamparados station are listed as wheelchair accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to enjoy these significant sites.
How much time should I allocate to visit the main attractions?
To fully appreciate the main historical and cultural sites like the Plaza Mayor, San Martín Square, and the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, it's recommended to dedicate at least a full day. This allows for leisurely exploration, enjoying the architecture, and perhaps a self-guided walk through the historic center.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see?
The architecture in Los Olivos, particularly within Lima's historic center, is predominantly colonial and republican. You'll see well-preserved buildings, grand plazas, and impressive religious structures like the Franciscan monastery, showcasing intricate details and historical styles that reflect the city's rich heritage.
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