Convent of Los Descalzos Lima
Discover colonial art and serene cloisters at this historic convent in Lima's Rímac district. A peaceful escape with a rich artistic heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Convent of Los Descalzos Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover colonial art and serene cloisters at this historic convent in Lima's Rímac district. A peaceful escape with a rich artistic heritage.
"Excellent guided visit with three cloisters and more than hundred paintings mostly from the XVIIth c."
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Patios
The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Interior Chapels
Various chapels within the convent
Discover breathtaking chapels adorned with religious art and intricate architecture, offering a glimpse into spiritual devotion.

Extensive Painting Collection
Museum halls
Explore a vast collection of over a hundred paintings, primarily from the 17th century, showcasing religious and historical themes.

Tranquil Cloisters
The three cloisters
Wander through peaceful courtyards and cloisters, offering moments of quiet reflection amidst historical beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
Guided Tours Enhance the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Patios
The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops.
🕰️ Check Weekend Hours
Weekend hours may be extended by popular demand.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
The convent houses a large collection of 17th-century paintings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Patios
The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops.
🕰️ Check Weekend Hours
Weekend hours may be extended by popular demand.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
The convent houses a large collection of 17th-century paintings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Convent of Los Descalzos for its surprisingly large size, extensive collection of 17th-century paintings, and peaceful atmosphere. The guided tours are consistently highlighted as excellent, providing valuable context to the art and history. It's considered a worthwhile visit for its historical and artistic significance.
"Very nice place and much bigger than it seems from outside. Large collection of paintings. Nice patios and great guide explaining the paintings and the life of the monks."
Danijel Popovic
"Excellent guided visit (every hour from morning and afternoon) with three cloisters and more than hundred paitings mostly from the XVIIth c."
Etienne Metenier
"Very nice place, it was so peaceful."
Edward Zuniga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Convent of Los Descalzos is located at the end of the Alameda de los Descalzos in the Rímac district of Lima. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Public transport options might involve buses to the Rímac area, followed by a short walk.
The Rímac district has historical significance. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when using public transport or walking at night. Taxis or ride-sharing services are generally recommended for convenience and safety.
The most convenient way is to take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly from Miraflores to the Convent of Los Descalzos. This avoids the complexities of Lima's public transport system and offers a direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The convent typically has hourly guided tours. While specific hours can vary, they are generally open from morning to afternoon. It's best to check their official schedule or inquire locally, as weekend hours may be extended by popular demand.
Admission typically includes a guided tour. While exact prices can change, it's a reasonably priced attraction that offers significant historical and artistic value. It's advisable to check for current admission fees upon arrival or on their official website if available.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site, and guided tours are offered hourly. Booking in advance is generally not required, but arriving a bit before the tour start time is recommended to secure your spot.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or children is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any available concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore beautiful interior chapels, a large collection of 17th-century paintings, and three peaceful cloisters. The guided tour provides in-depth information about the art and the history of the monks.
A visit, including the guided tour, usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows ample time to appreciate the art and the serene atmosphere of the convent.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally permitted in common areas like the cloisters, but often restricted in areas with delicate artwork or religious services. Always look for signage or ask your guide.
The convent has multiple levels and historical architecture, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Some areas might be accessible, but it's advisable to contact the convent directly for specific accessibility information.
Founded in the 17th century, it's a significant historical and religious site in Lima, housing a rich collection of colonial art and offering insights into the life of the Discalced friars.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities within the convent itself. Visitors usually eat before or after their visit at restaurants in the Rímac district or other parts of Lima.
The Rímac district offers traditional Peruvian cuisine. You can find local eateries serving dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos. Exploring the surrounding streets can lead to authentic culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The cloisters with their arches and courtyards are very picturesque. The interior chapels, when photography is permitted, also offer stunning shots of religious art and architecture.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in historical and religious sites due to privacy and preservation concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly permitted by the authorities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Look for tours that might be more interactive or focus on specific stories. Ensure children are comfortable with walking and quiet environments. The peaceful nature of the convent can be a good contrast to more active tourist spots, offering a moment of calm.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
Highlights for history buffs: Pay close attention to the details in the paintings, the architectural evolution of the convent, and the stories of the Discalced friars. The guided tours are exceptionally informative and highly recommended to fully grasp the significance of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: A Colonial Treasure
Visitors often remark on the sheer volume and quality of the paintings, noting that the convent is much larger and more art-filled than its exterior suggests. The collection is a testament to the wealth and artistic patronage of the religious orders in Lima during the Viceroyalty. Experiencing this curated history is a primary draw for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Key artists and schools represented might include works influenced by the Cusco School or Lima School of painting. While specific artist attributions might require a detailed catalog, the overall collection provides a comprehensive overview of religious art in the region. The preservation of these pieces within the convent's walls makes it a vital cultural heritage site.
Exploring the Tranquil Cloisters
Redditors and visitors often highlight the peaceful ambiance of the cloisters, making them ideal spots for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying the historical surroundings. The interplay of light and shadow, the architectural arches, and the sense of history create a visually appealing and calming environment. These areas are also excellent for photography, capturing the essence of the convent's enduring tranquility.
Architectural elements such as arcades, columns, and central fountains contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the cloisters. They were historically designed as spaces for meditation, study, and daily life for the friars. Today, they serve as a beautiful backdrop for visitors seeking a moment of calm and a connection to the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit