Cristo Blanco in Cusco: how to walk up, best time for views and safety

From almost anywhere in central Cusco, if you look north up the hill you'll see a white figure with open arms: Cristo Blanco, one of the city's most popular viewpoints. Walking up is free, takes under an hour from the Plaza de Armas and rewards you with one of the best panoramas of Cusco — red tile roofs, church towers and the mountains ringing the valley.

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History of the statue

Cristo Blanco was inaugurated in 1945. It was a gift from the community of Palestinian Christians who had settled in Cusco, as a thank-you to the city that welcomed them. The statue is about 8 metres tall and stands beside the Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex at roughly 3,550–3,600 m, a little more than 150 metres above the Plaza de Armas. With its arms open over the city it's a small echo of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, and it's lit at night, so you can see it from much of the centre.

How to get there

Walking from San Blas

The most popular option. From the Plaza de Armas walk up the San Blas slope to the neighbourhood square and keep climbing the streets and stairways heading north, following signs to Sacsayhuamán or Cristo Blanco. It takes roughly 20–40 minutes depending on your pace and acclimatisation. The stairs are steep: go slowly and stop whenever you need to.

Walking from Calle Suecia

Another route leaves the upper side of the Plaza de Armas via Calle Suecia and climbs to the San Cristóbal area and the Sacsayhuamán entrance. From there a small road leads to the statue.

By taxi

If you've just arrived or don't fancy the stairs, a taxi from the centre takes about 10–15 minutes by road. It's a good way to ride up and walk down, or to come back after sunset.

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Best time for views

• Early morning: crisp light, fewer people and sharper mountains in the dry season.
• Sunset: the most popular time, as the city turns golden and the lights come on.
• Night: the lit statue and the city below are very photogenic, but don't stay alone (see safety).

In the rainy season, roughly December to March, afternoons are often cloudy or showery; mornings are more reliable.

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Safety

The daytime walk is busy and relaxed. Still, keep these precautions in mind:

• Avoid walking up or down the stairways and alleys alone after dark. If you stay for sunset, walk down in a group or take a taxi.
• Keep phones and cameras out of sight in poorly lit areas.
• Bring a warm layer: the temperature drops fast after sunset.

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Altitude and effort

The climb is short but you'll feel the altitude, especially if you've come from the coast or sea level. It's not ideal for your first afternoon — better on day two or three. Bring water, go slowly and don't push. If you get a strong headache, dizziness or shortness of breath, stop and rest.

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What to combine it with

• Sacsayhuamán: the great Inca complex is right next to the statue. With the Tourist Ticket, do both.
• Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay: take a taxi up to Tambomachay and walk down to the statue.
• San Blas: on the way down, browse its artisan workshops, cafés and viewpoints.
• The "Temple of the Moon" and Huaca area: horse rides start nearby.

• Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay: the Inca sites above Cusco and how to visit them
• Sacsayhuamán: how to visit, tickets, history and tips
• San Blas, Cusco's artisan quarter: what to see, viewpoints and tips

Quick tips

• Carry small change in case you want a drink or a souvenir from the stalls.
• Be patient with photos: it gets crowded at sunset.
• People posing with llamas or alpacas for photos usually ask for a tip; agree on the amount first.
• Be respectful: it's also a leisure spot for local families.

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