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A walk from Pariwana Cusco to San Blas, the city’s most artistic, bohemian and photogenic neighborhood.
This route takes you from Pariwana Hostel Cusco to San Blas, one of the most beautiful, artistic and photogenic neighborhoods in Cusco. Along the way, you’ll pass Plaza de Armas, Hatun Rumiyoq, the famous 12-Angled Stone, cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, galleries, independent cafés, San Blas Square, San Blas Church and San Blas Market.
It is a short walk, but it includes uphill sections. Take it slowly, especially if you have just arrived in Cusco or are still adjusting to the altitude.
Follow the map from your phone and use this guide as a quick reference to know what to look for in each part of the walk.
San Blas is known as Cusco’s artists’ neighborhood. It is a great area to walk slowly, look at façades, step into small shops, discover local workshops and take breaks in cafés.
The best time to do this route is between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when many galleries, shops and cafés are open. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for some steep, cobblestone streets.
1 | Leave Pariwana Cusco through Calle QueraStart at Pariwana Hostel Cusco, at Calle Quera 270. Leave the hostel, turn left and walk until you reach Av. El Sol, one of the main avenues in the center. |
2 | Continue along Av. El Sol toward Calle MantasTurn left onto Av. El Sol and continue to Calle Mantas. On your right, you’ll start seeing the Plaza de Armas area, the heart of Cusco’s Historic Center. |
3 | Walk along Hatun Rumiyoq and find the 12-Angled StoneContinue along Hatun Rumiyoq, one of Cusco’s most famous streets. Cross Calle Palacio and, a few meters ahead, you’ll find the famous 12-Angled Stone, an impressive example of Inca stonework. |
4 | Enter San Blas through Cuesta de San BlasContinue along Hatun Rumiyoq, cross Choqechaka and keep straight on Cuesta de San Blas. This is where the climb into San Blas begins, with narrow streets, balconies, old walls and a more artistic atmosphere. |
5 | Visit San Blas SquareReach San Blas Square, surrounded by workshops, galleries, independent shops and cafés. You can also visit San Blas Church, a small but very representative colonial gem of the neighborhood. |
6 | Explore Carmen Alto and TandapataWalk along Carmen Alto and Tandapata, two streets with plenty of local character. Here you’ll find street art, design shops, small workshops and very photogenic corners. It’s a good area to walk slowly and notice the details. |
7 | Stop at San Blas MarketHead to San Blas Market to see a more everyday side of the neighborhood. It’s a good place to find local food, juices, snacks or simply observe daily life in Cusco away from the most touristy areas. |
8 | Return toward Pariwana CuscoTo return, go down Chihuampata, continue along Santa Mónica, turn left onto San Agustín and then left again onto Maruri until you reach Av. El Sol. From there, continue toward Calle Quera to return to Pariwana Hostel Cusco. |
Do this route calmly and without rushing. Bring water, sunscreen, some cash for small purchases and a light jacket in case the weather changes. San Blas is perfect for photos, cafés and small shops, so it’s worth leaving time to step into a few places.
Walk carefully on cobblestone streets, especially if it has rained. Keep your personal belongings in sight, avoid showing your phone unnecessarily in crowded areas and don’t take quiet shortcuts. If you do the route late or feel tired because of the altitude, consider taking a taxi back from San Blas or the Historic Center.
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