The Best of San Blas: Cusco’s Most Picturesque Neighborhood
San Blas, known as the “artisan’s neighborhood,” is one of the most charming and picturesque places in Cusco, Peru. Located on a hill northeast of the Plaza de Armas, it’s famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial houses, artisan workshops, and bohemian atmosphere that attract both tourists and locals. San Blas is where history, culture, and art intertwine, making it perfect for studying Spanish in Cusco at Amauta.
History of San Blas
San Blas has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. Originally known as “T’oqokachi,” meaning “salt hole” in Quechua, it was a residential area for Inca nobility during the Inca period. Many colonial structures are built on ancient Inca foundations. With the arrival of the Spanish, the neighborhood was renamed after San Blas, the patron saint of artisans. The Spanish influence is evident in the colonial architecture with carved wooden balconies and red tile roofs. Over the centuries, San Blas has maintained its artistic and artisanal character, becoming a vibrant cultural center.
Main Attractions in San Blas
San Blas Church
Built in 1563, San Blas Church is one of the oldest in Cusco, famous for its carved wooden pulpit, a masterpiece of Andean colonial art, depicting biblical scenes and religious figures with exquisite detail.
San Blas Square
Located just 20 meters from Amauta School, this square is the heart of the neighborhood, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere. On weekends, it comes alive with craft markets and live music.
Hatun Rumiyoc Street
Famous for the Stone of Twelve Angles, this street showcases Inca architecture’s precision with its perfectly fitted twelve-angled stone. Connecting Plaza de Armas with San Blas, it’s a delightful walk filled with artisan shops and art galleries.
Choquechaka Street
Separating San Blas from downtown Cusco, this street, meaning “golden bridge” in Quechua, was an important Inca route. The colonial houses built on Inca foundations give it a unique historical character.
Zapateana Aqueduct
At the end of Choquechaka Street lies an ancient Inca aqueduct, a hidden gem demonstrating advanced Inca hydraulic engineering.
Siete Borreguitos Street
Located in historic San Blas, this street features colonial architecture with old houses and wooden balconies adorned with flowers. Once relatively unknown, it’s now famous as one of Cusco’s most ‘Instagrammable’ streets. You’ll see colonial-style buildings; it’s a peaceful and quiet place.
Other Famous Streets in San Blas
- Carmen Alto and Carmen Bajo: A long, steep, picturesque street connecting Plaza de Armas with San Blas, hosting Amauta Spanish School and other businesses.
- Tandapata Street: A steep street offering beautiful views of Cusco as you ascend.
- Siete Angelitos Street: Known for its artisan shops and cafes.
- Atoqsaykuchi Street: A small street between Carmen Alto and Tandapata, known for its artisan shops and cafes.
- Plazoleta San Blas: The heart of the neighborhood, surrounded by picturesque streets.
- Suytuccatu Street: Connecting with San Blas Square, known for artisan workshops.
Restaurants and Cafes in San Blas
Limbus Restobar
Popular for its panoramic views of Cusco, this bar-restaurant offers a wide selection of cocktails and modern Peruvian dishes, perfect for enjoying a sunset drink.
Pachapapa
Located in a colonial house with a beautiful patio, this restaurant offers authentic Andean food, such as baked guinea pig and pachamanca, ideal for trying local cuisine.
Green Point
A great option for vegetarian and vegan food lovers, offering a variety of healthy and delicious dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Nuna Raymi
Creative kitchen concept with organic ingredients, full of Peruvian flavor, passion, and cooperation. Located in a cozy place with lots of plants. Vegan and gluten free options are available.
Cabin & Garden
This local restaurant with a beautiful garden serves Peruvian food, as well as burgers and chicken wings.
Popular Cafes in San Blas
- L’Atelier Café Concept: Artistic cafe offering specialty coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Café Loco: Known for organic coffee and healthy food options.
- Siete & Siete Café: Small cafe serving high-quality Peruvian coffee.
- La Bo’M: Cafe-restaurant with a terrace offering panoramic views of Cusco.
- Jack’s Café: Popular among visitors to San Blas, technically just outside the neighborhood on Choquechaka Street.
- Qosqo Maki Panadería Cafetería-Tullumayo: The best fresh baked bread in Cusco, also serves great pastries and coffee
- Llama Café: hidden café in a cobblestone street in San Blas with a cozy patio; offers pancakes, empanadas, sandwiches, great drinks and much more.
Artisans and Shops in San Blas
San Blas is famous for its artisan shops, offering handmade products by local craftsmen such as:
- Textiles: Handwoven blankets, ponchos, and tapestries with traditional Andean designs.
- Ceramics: Decorative and utilitarian pieces often incorporating Inca motifs.
- Jewelry: Silver and other precious metal jewelry, often adorned with local semi-precious stones.
- Paintings: Art reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Cusco and the Andes.
Where to buy Souvenirs and Artesian products
- Mercado San Blas: A beautiful market in San Blas, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, great juices and food, as well as souvenirs and textiles.
- Plaza San Blas: Fridays and on the weekends, plants and handicrafts are sold.
- Triunfo Street: local artisans sell their products here; the street is full of colourful paintings and beautiful Jewelry. This place is less crowded than a lot of the markets.
- Tandapata Street: above the water fountain you´ll find fabrics from the Amazon. Walking further you can buy a lot of jewelry and other souvenirs from the artists.
Artist Hilario Mendívil
Hilario Mendívil (1929-1977) is renowned for his elongated and stylized religious ceramic figures. His distinctive style, using materials like plaster, wood, and fabric, has left a significant mark on the region’s artistic tradition. His family’s workshops in San Blas continue this artistic legacy.
Panoramic Views from San Blas
Due to its elevated location, San Blas offers spectacular views of Cusco, such as from Limbus Bar or the San Blas Balcony.
San Blas in Cusco is a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. With its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, vibrant art scene, and delicious culinary offerings, San Blas provides a unique experience that captures the essence of Cusco.
How to Get to San Blas from Downtown Cusco
San Blas is conveniently located within walking distance from Plaza de Armas. Follow Calle Triunfo from Plaza de Armas, continue along Hatun Rumiyoc Street, and then climb the narrow Cuesta San Blas until you reach San Blas Square.
Where to stay in San Blas:
Quinta San Blas
This small hotel is located in the heart of San Blas in an old colonial house from the 19th century. It has around 20 rooms, cozy patios, a terrace, and a massage room. The hotel is dedicated to sustainable development.
Antigua Casona San Blas
This boutique hotel offers a variety of amenities, a spa, yoga classes, a restaurant, and activities such as hiking or paddle boarding. It is a place to feel at home.
Cabin & Garden
Book a cozy cabin in the mountains of Cusco and enjoy their beautiful garden with a great view of the city. A special extra: free running Alpakas.
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
This beautiful Boutique hotel is built in the Incan architecture style and is surrounded by a eucalyptus forest. Relax in the large garden and in your individual, colorful room, and enjoy the view over San Blas.