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The San Blas neighborhood, known as the Montmartre of Cusco, is located on the upper part of the historic center. Known in pre-Hispanic times and in the Quechua language as Toqocachi: Salt Cave, this was the place where pools were found from which salt was extracted for consumption.
Today, it is the neighborhood that houses the most artists, and its narrow streets still retain the charm of the past. It has countless cafes, art and craft shops, restaurants, and hotels.
A large number of visitors to Cusco prefer to stay in this neighborhood because of its picturesque nature. Each of its streets has a special meaning (which is explained in our guides), and walking through them is quite pleasant.
CUSCO DOWNTOWN
The Plaza de Armas of Cusco, formerly known as Haucaypata (in the Quechua language: place of crying), is surrounded by beautiful colonial mansions and bordered by arcades, which make it even more beautiful. It houses two churches, which is quite unique, and has all sorts of tourist businesses, with restaurants and craft shops predominating.
Just one block away is another square, currently called Regocijo (which in Quechua is Kusipata: place of joy), adorned with a fountain, and in front of it stands the city’s Municipality. The historic center of Cusco also boasts a third square, named San Francisco for being in front of the monastery of the same name.
Strolling through its cobblestone streets and exploring its more than 8 churches is a true historical adventure.
The San Blas neighborhood, known as the Montmartre of Cusco, is located on the upper part of the historic center. Known in pre-Hispanic times and in the Quechua language as Toqocachi: Salt Cave, this was the place where pools were found from which salt was extracted for consumption.
Today, it is the neighborhood that houses the most artists, and its narrow streets still retain the charm of the past. It has countless cafes, art and craft shops, restaurants, and hotels.
A large number of visitors to Cusco prefer to stay in this neighborhood because of its picturesque nature. Each of its streets has a special meaning (which is explained in our guides), and walking through them is quite pleasant.
CUSCO DOWNTOWN
The Plaza de Armas of Cusco, formerly known as Haucaypata (in the Quechua language: place of crying), is surrounded by beautiful colonial mansions and bordered by arcades, which make it even more beautiful. It houses two churches, which is quite unique, and has all sorts of tourist businesses, with restaurants and craft shops predominating.
Just one block away is another square, currently called Regocijo (which in Quechua is Kusipata: place of joy), adorned with a fountain, and in front of it stands the city’s Municipality. The historic center of Cusco also boasts a third square, named San Francisco for being in front of the monastery of the same name.
Strolling through its cobblestone streets and exploring its more than 8 churches is a true historical adventure.
