San Blas Neighborhood
By CityToursCusco
December 26, 2025
The picturesque San Blas neighborhood is one of the most surprising tourist gems in Cusco. Also known as the neighborhood of artisans, it is home to the city’s most iconic artistic centers. Additionally, many of the best bars, cafés, and restaurants are situated alongside wide panoramic views. San Blas features traditional colonial architecture, Inca foundations in its buildings, and cobbled streets, offering a truly unique perspective.
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Importance of the San Blas Neighborhood
San Blas Neighborhood Cusco
- The relevance of San Blas goes far beyond its visual appeal, as it was historically one of the most important sectors during the Inca Empire, known as T’oqokachi (translated from Quechua as Salt Cave) and inhabited by the Inca nobility.
- With the arrival of the Spanish, the neighborhood transformed, but it kept its cultural essence intact, as well as much of its foundations.
- Today, San Blas is the artistic and cultural epicenter of the city, home to artisan workshops, art galleries, creative schools, and cultural spaces that keep Andean traditions alive.
| Main Features of the San Blas Neighborhood | |
|---|---|
| Aspect | Main Features |
| Location | Historic Center of Cusco, just a few minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas. |
| Historical Origin | Ancient Inca neighborhood known as T’oqokachi, later transformed during the colonial era. |
| Cultural Value | Recognized as the neighborhood of artisans and artists in Cusco, being the city’s creative and cultural hub. |
| Architecture | A fusion of colonial architecture with Inca-based foundations and walls. |
| Main Attraction | Artisan workshops, art galleries, viewpoints, cafés, and restobars. |
| Experience | Bohemian, artistic, scenic, gastronomic, and cultural, ideal for peaceful walks. |
| Gastronomic Offer | Cafés, bars, and restaurants with local, fusion, and international cuisine. |
| Ideal Time | Mornings for visiting workshops, and afternoons to enjoy viewpoints and cafés. |
| Atmosphere | Cobblestone streets for pedestrian access with a relaxed, creative, and romantic ambiance. |
What to Visit in San Blas?
San Blas Viewpoint
The San Blas neighborhood offers a variety of attractions and activities that combine history, art, and authentic experiences. The best part is that you can explore them on foot, with visits full of color and tradition.
- San Blas Square: It is the heart of the neighborhood, where you will find benches to enjoy a peaceful day with incredible views of San Blas. At night, it becomes a magical place with warm lighting that enhances its bohemian and romantic character.
- San Blas Viewpoint: From the main viewpoint, you can enjoy one of the best views of the city, with its colonial rooftops, surrounding mountains, and the urban layout of the historic center. It’s a very romantic spot, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the landscape, a well-deserved reward after climbing its numerous staircases.
- Artisan Workshops and Art Galleries: The streets of San Blas are home to many artisan workshops where local masters work with wood, ceramics, textiles, and silverware, using traditional techniques inspired by Andean culture. Many of these places are open to the public, allowing you to observe their creative process and view their artwork.
- San Blas Church: It is one of the most important colonial temples in the city. The main attraction of the San Blas church is its pulpit, carved from cedar wood, considered a masterpiece of Andean Baroque. Inside, you can also witness the cultural syncretism between the Andean world and Spanish influence through its structure and the artwork that adorns it.
- Cafés, Restaurants, and Bars: Enjoying the city from the terrace of one of these places is an ideal plan when in San Blas. You can taste a variety of flavors while the Cusco sky accompanies you in the experience.
- San Blas Market: If you’re looking for a variety of food at affordable prices, visiting the San Blas market is your best option. In the square of the market, you will also find artisan stalls and very economical services.
💡 The Streets of San Blas
Exploring the San Blas neighborhood is a unique experience, its cobblestone streets exclusively for pedestrians cover the magical artistic landscapes of the area. Before reaching the neighborhood, you can also visit historical points of the city, such as Hatun Rumiyoc street (where the Stone of the Twelve Angles is located) and San Blas slope, a traditional route connecting the historic center with the neighborhood, known for its steep section and heritage value.
How to Explore San Blas?
San Blas Church
- The best way to explore San Blas is on foot, as most of the streets are narrow and pedestrian-only. There are many sections with constant ascents, so be prepared to climb stairs if you want to see all the neighborhood has to offer.
- The main access is from the historic center, starting at Plaza de Armas, taking Hatun Rumiyoc street, and ascending up San Blas slope, a short but somewhat demanding route due to the incline.
- A complete tour of the neighborhood can take between 1 and 2 hours, though it is common to extend it if you visit a gallery, workshop, establishment, or viewpoint.
- The visit to San Blas is not included in traditional city tours, but it is very easy to explore on your own. We recommend visiting in the afternoon, so you can see how the warm light gives each street and landscape a much more special appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The San Blas neighborhood is located within the Historic Center of Cusco, just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de Armas. To get there, it’s recommended to walk along Hatun Rumiyoc street and continue up San Blas slope. It’s a short route but with an incline, so it’s best to take it slow.
It is because San Blas hosts many artisan workshops, galleries, and creative spaces where local masters work with wood, textiles, ceramics, and goldsmithing. When visiting, you’ll appreciate how their art keeps Andean traditions alive.
This neighborhood was once an important Inca sector known as T’oqokachi, inhabited by the nobility. Later, during the colonial period, it underwent architectural changes, but it preserved its foundations and cultural essence, which can still be seen today.
When visiting San Blas, you will find a unique blend of colonial architecture with Inca-based foundations and walls. The cobblestone streets and ancient houses create an environment full of historical value and beauty.
We recommend visiting the San Blas Square, the main viewpoint, the artisan workshops, the San Blas Church, and the neighborhood market. Each place offers a different experience, blending history, art, and landscape.
Definitely! From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Cusco, with its colonial rooftops and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect place to rest and appreciate the scenery in a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, San Blas is perfect for self-guided exploration. Its attractions are close to each other, and the best part is that you can explore it on foot at your own pace.
Mornings are ideal for visiting workshops and galleries, while afternoons allow you to enjoy the viewpoints and cafés with warm light, creating a very special atmosphere in San Blas.
The San Blas Church is one of the oldest in Cusco. It also houses one of the most impressive pulpits of Andean Baroque, carved from cedar wood. Inside, you’ll clearly see the cultural syncretism between the Andean and colonial worlds.
The market offers affordable food options, as well as craft stalls and basic services. It’s a great alternative for eating well and getting a taste of the daily life of the San Blas neighborhood.