Where It's Located
The Lima Peru Temple is located at Av. Javier Prado Este 6420, Urb. Santa Patricia, La Molina, Lima 12, Peru. Situated in the eastern district of La Molina, the temple stands on a beautifully landscaped 4.5-acre site that also includes patron housing, an arrival center, and a distribution center. The Peru Missionary Training Center (MTC) is located just a short drive away. There is no visitors' center on the temple grounds.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Lima on nonstop or one-stop flights from cities such as Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles. From the airport, the temple is typically a 35- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Lima Peru Temple was announced by President Spencer W. Kimball on April 1, 1981, as part of the historic announcement of nine new temples—the largest number announced at one time in Church history up to that point. It became the first temple in Peru, the third temple in South America, and the 38th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Groundbreaking services were held on September 11, 1982, with Elder Boyd K. Packer presiding. More than 24,500 visitors toured the temple during its public open house, which was extended because of overwhelming interest. President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple during eleven dedicatory sessions held from January 10–12, 1986.
The temple quickly became one of the busiest in the Church. By the late 1980s, attendance had tripled, increasing from three endowment sessions per weekday to eleven, while Saturdays and holidays often required more than 30 sessions in a single day. Its heavy use eventually led to the announcement of the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple, which was dedicated in 2024 to help serve the rapidly growing membership in the Lima metropolitan area.
Design and Architecture
The Lima Peru Temple contains approximately 9,600 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished in light-colored Peruvian marble and is distinguished by six detached white spires, with the tallest crowned by an angel Moroni statue. Rising approximately 112 feet (34 meters) above the surrounding area, it remains one of the most recognizable Church buildings in Peru.
Inside, the temple includes four instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Although modest in size compared to many newer temples, its efficient design has enabled it to serve hundreds of thousands of members since its dedication. During a 2013 renovation, a new angel Moroni statue was installed atop the main spire.
Final Thoughts
The Lima Peru Temple holds a special place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the first temple in Peru and one of the earliest temples in South America, it opened the door to temple worship for generations of faithful Saints across the country. Today, even with additional temples operating and under construction throughout Peru, the Lima Peru Temple continues to serve as a symbol of the Church's remarkable growth and enduring faith in the region.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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