During the 195th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held earlier this month, the announcement of the tenth temple in Peru was made during the Sunday afternoon session. This new temple will be located in Chorrillos, in the southern part of Lima.
With this announcement, Peru continues to stand out as one of the South American countries with the most temples. Lima, the capital city, already has two operating temples: the Lima Peru Temple, located in the district of La Molina, and the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple, situated in the district of San Martín de Porres, near the Los Olivos district. With the upcoming construction of the Chorrillos Peru Temple, Lima will host three temples across different parts of the city, which currently has over 10.5 million residents spread across 43 districts.
An interesting note is that the Trujillo Peru Temple, though now fully operating, was not announced during a general conference—it was revealed in a special announcement in December 2008. Nevertheless, it has become a spiritual landmark for the northern region of the country since its dedication in 2015.
Cusco Temple: Next in Line for Dedication
Following the chronological order of temple construction in Peru, the next temple scheduled to be dedicated is the Cusco Peru Temple. The site has already been announced, located at Avenida Arcopata 452, very close to Cusco’s beautiful main square, the Plaza de Armas. Some say the temple may even be visible from the square itself, making it a striking symbol of faith in the heart of a city rich with history.
However, building in Cusco comes with unique challenges. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, Cusco has strict construction regulations meant to preserve its historical and cultural significance.
Historic Center Regulations in Cusco
According to the Master Plan for the Historic Center of Cusco, the rooftops of buildings must use colonial-style ceramic tiles or Andean-style prefabricated tiles. The use of metallic roofing materials (like corrugated metal) is strictly prohibited. These regulations ensure the visual harmony of the cityscape and protect Cusco’s architectural identity.
Additionally, any construction or remodeling within the Historic Center must be approved by the Cusco Office of the Ministry of Culture (DDC-Cusco), which reviews materials, colors, and building methods to ensure compliance with heritage standards.
Traditional Cusqueño Materials
Traditional rooftops in Cusco are made with fired clay tiles, often handcrafted in nearby towns like Piñipampa. These tiles not only enhance the city’s colonial aesthetic but also provide thermal comfort suited to the Andean climate.
Timeline of Temples in Peru
| Temple | Announcement | Dedication |
|---|---|---|
| Lima Peru Temple (La Molina) | April 1, 1981 | Jan 10–12, 1986 (Gordon B. Hinckley) |
| Trujillo Peru Temple | Dec 13, 2008 | June 21, 2015 (Dieter F. Uchtdorf) |
| Arequipa Peru Temple | Oct 6, 2012 | Dec 15, 2019 (Ulisses Soares) |
| Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple | Apr 3, 2016 | Jan 14, 2024 (D. Todd Christofferson) |
| Cusco Peru Temple | Apr 3, 2022 | To be dedicated |
| Chiclayo Peru Temple | Oct 2, 2022 | In planning |
| Iquitos Peru Temple | Apr 2, 2023 | In planning |
| Huancayo Peru Temple | Oct 1, 2023 | In planning |
| Piura Peru Temple | Oct 1, 2023 | In planning |
| Chorrillos Peru Temple | Apr 6, 2025 | Recently announced |
The continued announcement and construction of temples across Peru reflect the spiritual growth and dedication of its members. Each temple serves as a sacred opportunity to draw nearer to the Lord. With great anticipation, we look forward to the dedication of the Cusco Peru Temple in the near future.