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Cusco's squares beyond the Plaza de Armas: Regocijo, San Francisco, Nazarenas and more

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The Plaza de Armas is Cusco's grand stage, but the city has many other squares, each with its own character: some were part of the great Inca square, others grew up beside colonial convents and others are the heart of neighbourhoods with a life of their own. Exploring them is a great way to understand the city, escape the bustle and discover museums, churches and corners many visitors miss. This guide introduces the main ones and suggests a walking route to link them.

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The great Inca square: Huacaypata and Kusipata

In Inca times, central Cusco was a huge open space divided by the Saphy river, now channelled beneath the streets. On one side lay Huacaypata, today's Plaza de Armas, and on the other Kusipata, today's Plaza Regocijo. The empire's great ceremonies took place there. The Spanish built between them, which is why they now look like two separate squares.

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Plaza Regocijo (Kusipata)

One block from the Plaza de Armas, via Calle Garcilaso or the arcades, Plaza Regocijo is quieter and tree-lined. It's home to the Cusco Municipality building and, on one corner, the Casa Garcilaso, where tradition says the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was born; today it houses the Regional History Museum, included in the Tourist Ticket. Around it are cafés, restaurants and colonial mansions.

Plaza San Francisco

Two blocks further down, Plaza San Francisco is wide and green, with the San Francisco church and convent, which holds a large collection of colonial painting and catacombs. It's a meeting place for students and families and often hosts fairs and events. From here, the Santa Clara Arch marks the way to the San Pedro neighbourhood.

Plaza de las Nazarenas

Behind the Cathedral, up Calle Córdoba del Tucumán, this small cobbled square is one of Cusco's prettiest and quietest. It's surrounded by colonial buildings on Inca walls, including the Casa Cabrera, home of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and former convents and seminaries now turned into hotels. At dusk, with lamplight on the stone, it's a magical spot.

Plazoleta de San Blas

At the top of the Cuesta de San Blas, this small square with a fountain is the centre of the artisans' quarter. On one side is the San Blas church with its famous carved pulpit. On Saturdays there's often a small craft market, and the surroundings are full of workshops, cafés and galleries.

Plazoleta Intipampa, facing Qorikancha

In front of Santo Domingo church and Qorikancha lies the small Intipampa square, whose name means "plain of the sun". From here you see the curved Inca stone walls on which the church was built, one of the most symbolic images of the meeting of two worlds. It's a good place to pause before or after visiting the temple, and the gardens sloping down to Avenida El Sol give a clear view of the façade.

Plaza Limacpampa

On Avenida Tullumayo, near Qorikancha, Limacpampa is a simpler, local square with traffic and bus stops. Its Quechua name refers to Inca celebrations held here. It's a useful landmark for moving between the centre and Avenida El Sol.

Plaza Túpac Amaru

Outside the historic centre, in the Wanchaq district, Plaza Túpac Amaru is wide and modern, with a monument to the leader of the great 18th-century Indigenous rebellion. Locals use it for civic events, parades and celebrations, and it's a good example of everyday Cusco away from tourism.

Walking route through the squares

  1. Start at the Plaza de Armas early, before the crowds.
  2. Cross to Plaza Regocijo and visit the Casa Garcilaso.
  3. Walk down to Plaza San Francisco and step into its church.
  4. Head back towards the Cathedral and climb to Plaza de las Nazarenas.
  5. Continue along Calle Hatun Rumiyoc to the Plazoleta de San Blas.

Allow about three hours with visits and breaks. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for the cobbles.

Tips

  • Many squares have shady benches: use them to rest and acclimatise.
  • Ask before photographing people in traditional dress; they usually ask for a tip.
  • In the busiest squares, watch your belongings.
  • Some squares close or change during fiestas and parades, especially in June.

Frequently asked questions

Which squares should I visit in Cusco besides the Plaza de Armas?
Regocijo, San Francisco, Nazarenas and the Plazoleta de San Blas, all a few minutes' walk from each other.
What was Plaza Regocijo in Inca times?
It was part of the great Inca square, as Kusipata, separated from Huacaypata (today's Plaza de Armas) by the Saphy river.
What's on Plaza de las Nazarenas?
Colonial buildings on Inca walls, such as the Casa Cabrera, home of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
How long does it take to walk the squares?
About three hours on foot with visits and breaks.

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