The Best Viewpoints in Cusco: Guide, Routes, and Tips
Ideal for appreciating the city from all its angles, the viewpoints of Cusco offer varied perspectives that enrich each of your tours. From the contrast between mountains and urban areas to the reddish rooftops, archaeological sites, and the nature surrounding the valley, each view reveals a new reason to be amazed in the millennial city of the Incas.
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San Cristóbal Viewpoint
San Cristóbal Viewpoint – Cusco
From the San Cristóbal viewpoint, you get a spectacular view of the city, along with a closer look at the iconic cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Due to its proximity to the historic center, it can be visited during any of your tours.
Next to the viewpoint is the San Cristóbal church, which gives the place its name. When entering, you can also visit its bell tower for a more exclusive and iconic angle.
- Location: In the San Cristóbal neighborhood, a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
- Nearby attractions: San Cristóbal Church and artisan workshops.
- Approximate height: 3,500 meters above sea level.
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint – Cusco
Probably the most famous and impressive viewpoint in the city, from the Cristo Blanco, one can appreciate the grandeur of the city and the surrounding mountains. The place is surrounded by green areas to relax while enjoying beautiful views.
The Cristo Blanco is a monument donated by the Palestinian community in 1945, and since then, it has been a must-see in the city. Being very close to the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park, it can be an additional stop if requested during the classic City Tour of Cusco.
- Location: 5 minutes from Sacsayhuamán, approximately 2 kilometers from the city center.
- Nearby attractions: Sacsayhuamán, forests, and lots of nature.
- Approximate height: 3,600 meters above sea level.
💡 Cusco City Tour Route
If you want to visit some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city, it is ideal to book the classic City Tour. This half-day tour allows you to visit the Cathedral, the Qoricancha Temple, and the archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy exceptional panoramic views from Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, and Qenqo, along with the landscapes that accompany the entire route and the natural beauty surrounding Cusco.
Santa Ana Viewpoint
Santa Ana Viewpoint – Cusco
If you’re looking for a less crowded panoramic perspective of the city, the Santa Ana viewpoint is the best option, where you can observe Cusco surrounded by mountainous hills in a square with less foot traffic.
This viewpoint is part of the historic center, so during your visit you’ll encounter other attractions, such as the popular Santa Ana hill, where you’ll find many shops and cafes to enjoy a peaceful morning or afternoon exploring the city.
- Location: Santa Ana neighborhood, a 20-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
- Nearby attractions: Santa Ana Church, cobbled hill, and cafes.
- Approximate height: 3,450 meters above sea level.
San Blas Viewpoint
San Blas Viewpoint – Cusco
Located at the top of the San Blas neighborhood, this viewpoint is one of the most iconic, due to its proximity to Plaza de Armas and being in the heart of Cusco’s most artistic and bohemian area.
From the San Blas viewpoint, you can see the urban area of the historic center, with the iconic reddish rooftops adding more beauty to this part of the city. You can also leave a lock as a symbol of eternal promise if you want to seal a commitment or idea with someone special.
- Location: San Blas neighborhood, a 15-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
- Nearby attractions: Many cafes, bars, workshops, and art galleries.
- Approximate height: 3,575 meters above sea level.
Qenqo Viewpoint
Qenqo Viewpoint – Cusco
If you’re looking for a peaceful day surrounded by nature with stunning views of the city, the Qenqo viewpoint is probably your best option in Cusco. Here, you can enjoy a picnic, a romantic date, or simply go out to contemplate the beauty of the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire.
The viewpoint is located within the Queuña Forest of Qenqo, a unique destination for all kinds of outdoor activities. Also, given its proximity to the archaeological site of the same name, it can be combined with a historical tour alongside abundant nature.
- Location: 10 minutes from Sacsayhuamán, approximately 4 kilometers from the city center.
- Nearby attractions: Qenqo archaeological site, Sacsayhuamán, and Queuña forest.
- Approximate height: 3,600 meters above sea level.
The Best Tour of Cusco’s Viewpoints
| Route | How to get there | Approximate time | Important details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas → San Cristóbal Viewpoint | Walk up the Suecia hill or the Resbalosa street to reach the San Cristóbal neighborhood. Both routes are signposted and are wide cobbled paths. | 15 minutes on foot | Ideal to start with, as it’s the closest viewpoint to Plaza de Armas. |
| San Cristóbal → Cristo Blanco | From San Cristóbal square, continue on the paved road towards a cobbled hill that leads to Sacsayhuamán. You will see a signposted turnoff towards the Cristo Blanco along the way. | 20 minutes on foot | A light but somewhat long uphill climb, with beautiful nature views and archaeological sites along the way. |
| Cristo Blanco → Qenqo Viewpoint | From Cristo Blanco, follow the paved road towards Qenqo (it is clearly signposted). When you reach the forest, you’ll find an open area that serves as a natural viewpoint. | 10 minutes on foot | A large area surrounded by Queuña forest. Perfect for resting. |
| Qenqo → Santa Ana Viewpoint | Descend to the city by taking transportation from the Qenqo road (taxi or public transport) until you reach Santa Ana square. | 10 minutes by taxi / 35 minutes on foot | The walk is long through picturesque streets, but the taxi is quick and direct. |
| Santa Ana → San Blas Viewpoint | From Santa Ana square, take Meloc street down, cross San Francisco towards Plaza de Armas, and finally ascend San Blas hill to the top of the neighborhood. | 25 minutes on foot | A city walk with cafes, shops, and traditional streets. Ideal to end the tour in a colorful and artistic atmosphere. |
Other Viewpoints You Can’t Miss
- Picol Viewpoint: Located at the top of San Jerónimo district, Picol is a hill offering panoramic views of the city. It is at 4,350 meters above sea level and is perfect for outdoor activities.
- Cruzmoqo Viewpoint: A short distance from Sacsayhuamán, Cruzmoqo viewpoint gives you a different angle of the city, alongside a small Queuña forest. Many llamas pass through this area from the archaeological park. Perfect for spending the afternoon contemplating Cusco. Approximate height 3,650 meters above sea level.
- Inca Pachacútec Viewpoint: The Pachacútec Inca monument offers an impressive viewpoint with views of all angles of the city, a bit further from the historic center. This place is also a six-story museum that exhibits much of Inca culture through panels, maps, and interactive rooms. The summit is approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.