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Neighbourhoods and places

Cusco historic centre: areas, what to see and where to stay

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Cusco's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It's a living city built in layers: Inca walls supporting colonial mansions, churches raised on temples and narrow streets that follow the plan of the old capital of Tawantinsuyu. Almost everything you'll want to see is within easy walking distance, but each area has its own character.

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A city in layers

Cusco was the capital of the Inca empire. After the conquest, the Spanish built their houses and churches on Inca foundations. Earthquakes, especially those of 1650 and 1950, destroyed many colonial buildings, while the Inca walls survived. That's why on many streets you'll see an Inca stone base with a colonial or republican upper part.

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Finding your way

The Plaza de Armas is the reference point. From it, streets climb north towards San Cristóbal and Sacsayhuamán, and northeast towards San Blas. To the south and southeast the ground is flatter and leads to the Qorikancha and Avenida El Sol. To the southwest are San Pedro and its market. If you get lost, ask for the plaza: everyone knows the way.

The areas of the centre

  • Plaza de Armas and around: the cathedral, the Compañía, restaurants, agencies and nightlife.
  • San Blas: the artisans' quarter, with steep streets, workshops and cafés.
  • San Cristóbal: an upper neighbourhood with a viewpoint, quiet and with views.
  • Qorikancha and Avenida El Sol: flatter, with banks, large hotels and the sun temple.
  • San Pedro and Santa Ana: more local, with San Pedro market and budget lodging.
  • Regocijo and San Francisco: quiet squares with churches and museums.

What to see

You can see the essentials of the centre in two or three days: the cathedral, the Qorikancha, the twelve-angled stone, San Blas, the museums and San Pedro market. Many monuments are included in the Tourist Ticket or the religious ticket, so plan which tickets suit you.

Where to stay for your style

  • First visit, short on time: near the Plaza de Armas, to have everything close.
  • Bohemian vibe and views: San Blas, if you accept the hills.
  • Peace and views: San Cristóbal.
  • Comfort and flat streets: the Avenida El Sol area.
  • Tight budget: San Pedro and around.

Hills and altitude

Cusco is at about 3,400 metres. The streets up to San Blas and San Cristóbal are steep and stepped, which you'll feel in your first days. If you have reduced mobility or heavy luggage, choose lodging in a flat area with taxi access.

Traffic and pedestrian streets

The centre's streets are narrow and many are pedestrian or restricted. Some lodgings have no direct car access: ask in advance whether the taxi can drop you at the door. Pavements are narrow, so walk carefully.

Noise

The centre is lively at all hours. Near the Plaza de Armas, Procuradores and Plateros there's bar noise at night, and during fiestas there can be music, parades and fireworks. If you sleep badly, ask for an inside room.

Safety

The centre is generally safe by day and in the evening. As in any tourist area, watch your belongings in crowded places. At night, avoid dark, empty streets, especially in the upper areas, and use identified or app taxis.

Respect for the heritage

Don't climb on Inca walls or touch the stones with objects. Follow the rules in churches and museums, where photos are often not allowed. Many buildings in the centre are homes: don't walk into private courtyards without permission.

Colonial architecture

Besides the Inca walls, look out for carved wooden balconies, doorways with coats of arms, arched courtyards and stone baroque churches. Many colonial mansions now house hotels, museums or shops, and some let you see their courtyards.

A first walk

Start at the Plaza de Armas, climb Hatun Rumiyoc to San Blas, come down towards the Qorikancha along streets such as Tullumayo or Loreto and finish on Avenida El Sol. Another day, walk through the Regocijo and San Francisco squares to San Pedro market.

Frequently asked questions

Since when is it a World Heritage Site?
Cusco's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
What's the best area to stay?
It depends on your style: the Plaza de Armas for convenience, San Blas for atmosphere, Avenida El Sol for flat streets.
Can you explore it on foot?
Yes, almost everything is close, though there are steep climbs to San Blas and San Cristóbal.
Is it safe?
Generally yes by day and in the evening; at night avoid dark streets and use identified taxis.

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