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Avenida El Sol: what to see and whether to stay on Cusco's main avenue

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Avenida El Sol is the main artery of central Cusco. It starts very close to the Plaza de Armas and runs in a straight line south-east to the Pachacútec roundabout, already in Wanchaq. Unlike the cobbled lanes of the historic centre, it's wide, busy and lined with 20th-century buildings, but along the way it gathers some of the city's most interesting and practical places: Qorikancha, a monumental mural, banks, exchange offices, crafts and many hotels. This guide helps you make the most of it and decide whether to stay here.

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The route, top to bottom

The avenue has a gentle slope: walking up from Pachacútec to the centre is more tiring than it looks at altitude, so if you can, walk it downhill. Over some ten blocks you go from the monumental area by Qorikancha to a more modern, administrative Cusco of offices, banks and shops.

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Qorikancha and its gardens

The Inca sun temple, on which the Santo Domingo convent was built, overlooks Avenida El Sol through its sloping gardens. From the pavement you can see the great curved Inca stone wall, one of Cusco's most photographed sights. At the bottom of the gardens is the Qorikancha site museum.

The Cusco history mural

Half a block from Qorikancha, on the avenue itself, is the History of Cusco mural, by Cusco artist Juan Bravo Vizcarra, painted in 1992. It's about 50 metres long and tells, from left to right, the origins of the Andean peoples, the Inca empire, the Spanish conquest, the rebellion of Túpac Amaru II and modern Cusco. It's free and deserves a few unhurried minutes: every scene is full of detail and characters.

Tip

See it in the morning, when the light is softer and there's less traffic in front.

Banks, exchange offices and services

Avenida El Sol is Cusco's banking district. You'll find branches of the main banks, ATMs and exchange offices, plus the main post office and travel agencies. It's the best place to change money or sort out errands.

Safety

Use ATMs inside bank branches during opening hours, and put your money away before stepping outside.

Crafts and textiles

On the lower stretch of the avenue, at the corner with Tullumayo, is the Centro Artesanal Cusco, a large covered market with hundreds of craft stalls, one of the cheapest places to buy souvenirs. The avenue is also home to the shop and interpretation centre of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, ideal for understanding and buying weavings from Andean communities.

The end: Pachacútec roundabout

The avenue ends at the Pachacútec roundabout, crowned by the monument to the Inca who made Cusco an imperial capital. From here starts Avenida de la Cultura and the Wanchaq district, with its market and the train station for Puno.

Is it worth staying on Avenida El Sol?

Pros

  • Central: Qorikancha is on the avenue and the Plaza de Armas a few minutes' walk away.
  • Almost flat terrain and direct access for taxis and transfers, handy if you arrive with luggage.
  • Many mid-range and upscale hotels with spacious rooms.
  • Banks, pharmacies and services close by.
  • Good location for getting to and from the airport.

Cons

  • Traffic and noise during the day; ask for an inside room.
  • Less colonial charm than San Blas or the area around the Plaza de Armas.
  • Less atmosphere at night than the historic centre.

It suits families, older travellers or those with limited mobility, and anyone who prefers comfort and easy car access.

Where to eat

On the avenue and its side streets there are cafés, chicken rotisseries, set-menu restaurants and some traditional bakeries, aimed more at locals than the Plaza de Armas area. For more variety, walk a few blocks up towards the centre.

Getting around

  • On foot: from the Plaza de Armas to Qorikancha is about 10 minutes; to the Pachacútec roundabout, about 20–25 minutes.
  • Taxi: they pass constantly; it's one of the easiest streets to catch one.
  • City bus: many routes run along the avenue to Wanchaq, the airport and other districts.

Before you go

Airport transfer

Book a private Welcome Pickups transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel before you land, with your driver waiting in arrivals. Check the price and cancellation terms when booking.

Book your airport transfer →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see on Avenida El Sol?
Qorikancha and its gardens, the History of Cusco mural, the Centro Artesanal and the Pachacútec monument.
Is it a good area to stay?
Yes, especially if you want comfort, easy taxi access and proximity to the centre, though it's noisier than other areas.
Where can I change money in Cusco?
Banks, ATMs and exchange offices are concentrated on Avenida El Sol.
Is the Avenida El Sol mural free?
Yes, it's on the street and can be viewed freely.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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