The most beautiful streets of Cusco to explore and photograph

The city of Cusco is full of streets that preserve the essence of its Inca past and the colonial legacy built upon its ancient foundations. Especially in the historic center, every walk reveals corners rich in history, architecture, and tradition. If you want to discover the most emblematic and photogenic streets of the city, we will present below the most outstanding ones so you can include them in your tour of Cusco.

Bitter Street

Known for its more than 200 stone steps, Bitter Street connects the lower part of the city with the San Cristobal neighborhood, and it is also one of the main routes leading to Sacsayhuamán.

According to some chronicles, during colonial times this street was used to transport stone from Sacsayhuamán into the city for the construction of temples and colonial buildings. This hard work often caused accidents to the people of Cusco, which is why it was named Mucchuicata, a Quechua word meaning “Slope of Bitterness.”

• Location: Historic center, from Saphy Street to Don Bosco Street.
• Distance from the main square: 5 minutes walking.

Hospital Street

An important and wide street that was part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road system), which started from the Main Square and extended southeast, reaching what is today the Almudena square.

Hospital Street gets its name from the former Hospital of Naturales of Cusco, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1650. Today it is a major vehicular route located in the popular San Pedro neighborhood.

• Location: Historic center, from San Pedro Street to Almudena bridge.
• Distance from the main square: 10 minutes walking.

Loreto Street

Characterized by the Inca walls of the ancient palace of Inca Huayna Cápac that are still preserved along the street, Loreto Street is also an important route, connecting the Main Square (Haucaypata) with several significant sites toward the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha).

In Inca times this street was called Intik’ijllu, meaning “Sun Alley.” Its current name comes from the Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto, which was built here.

• Location: Historic center, from the Main Square toward Pampa del Castillo Street.
• Distance from the main square: Adjacent street to the square.

Hatun Rumiyoc Street

The most popular street in Cusco is Hatun Rumiyoc, home to the famous Twelve-Angled Stone. Its historic walls once belonged to the Inca ruler Inca Roca; today, the Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco stands here.

Hatun Rumiyoc means “place of the big stones,” something that can clearly be seen when visiting this iconic street. Today it is one of the most photographed spots in the city, where many tourists stop to capture images of its unique stonework.

• Location: Historic center, from Triunfo Street to the San Blas slope.
• Distance from the main square: 2 minutes walking.

Slippery Street

Considered one of the steepest and most picturesque streets in Cusco, it connects the Main Square with the San Cristobal neighborhood. Its peculiar name comes from the fact that during the rainy season the polished stone surface becomes very slippery.

This Inca street is quite long and features many stairways. Being located next to old colonial houses, it offers a beautiful blend of colonial architecture built over Inca foundations.

• Location: Historic center, from Suecia Street to Don Bosco Street.
• Distance from the main square: 3 minutes walking.

Seven Little Devils Street

Many streets in Cusco include the number seven in their name, as is the case with Seven Little Devils Street, located in the San Blas neighborhood next to stone walls and colonial houses.

The traditional Seven Little Devils Street was very important during colonial times, when its hidden location made it a common meeting place for lovers guided by passion. Because of this association between desire and “evil,” the street was named Seven Little Devils.

• Location: Historic center, from Tandapata Street to Kiskapata Street.
• Distance from the main square: 15 minutes walking.

San Blas Hill Street

Known for its steep slope, San Blas Hill Street is the main route to reach the popular neighborhood of the same name. Surrounded by galleries and artisan workshops, it is narrow and features colonial balconies.

The San Blas Hill Street leads to very important historical and tourist sites in the city, such as the San Blas Temple (built over an Inca huaca dedicated to the god Illapa). From the top of the slope, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

• Location: Historic center, from Hatun Rumiyoc Street to the San Blas square.
• Distance from the main square: 5 minutes walking.

Seven Snakes Street

With a magical, romantic, and historical atmosphere, Seven Snakes Street features Inca stone walls with snake carvings in high relief. At the entrance, there is a large stone arch that adds even more beauty to the place.

The historic passage of Seven Snakes is located between the Church of San Antonio Abad and the former Monastery of the Nazarenes, which are now home to two of the most luxurious hotels in Cusco: Palacio Nazarenas and Belmond Monasterio.

• Location: Historic center, from the Nazarenas square to Choquechaka Street.
• Distance from the main square: 5 minutes walking.

Admiral Hill Street

Located next to the city’s Cathedral, Admiral Hill Street preserves an impressive legacy from Inca times to the present day. In ancient times, the palace of Inca Huáscar stood here, which later became a colonial mansion and the Admiral’s palace.

Today, the small Inca street Admiral Hill leads to the Inka Museum (former Inca palace) and Tricentenario square, where you can enjoy incredible views of the Main Square, especially beautiful for sunset photography.

• Location: Historic center, from the Main Square to Ataúd Street.
• Distance from the main square: Adjacent street to the square.

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