Cusco's historic Plaza de Armas is a highly accessible, central public square, perfect for both solo exploration and as a key stop on guided city tours, offering rich historical context. It is open year-round with no seasonal restrictions, though the dry season (May-October) offers the best weather. Accessing the plaza itself is free, with costs only incurred for visiting surrounding attractions like the Cathedral or the Church of the Company of Jesus, or for food and drinks at nearby establishments. A typical visit can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing time for people-watching, enjoying the architecture, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a bustling hub for both locals and tourists, surrounded by impressive colonial arcades, restaurants, and shops, often acting as a meeting point or starting point for excursions to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.