Hey there, traveler! Get excited to explore the lively charm of Cusco, Peru! We’re taking a stroll down El Sol Avenue, the city’s pulsing main artery, where history, culture, and modern flair converge. This 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) stretch from Plaza de Armas to the Paccha is more than just a street.
We can claim that this street is a living tapestry of Cusco’s past and present. Let’s delve into the fascinating details of the Pancha Fountain and one of the world’s largest murals, alongside the must-see Coricancha. Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure!
The Roots: From Sacred River to Modern Avenue
Picture this: you’re at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, where every breath feels like a victory. Avenida El Sol starts near the postcard-perfect Plaza de Armas, or Cusco’s main square, a spot once ruled by Inca emperors and later Spanish conquistadors.
Avenida El Sol, or Mut’uchaka in Quechua, means “Truncated or Mutilated Bridge.” It runs from northwest to southeast, traversing a significant part of the Historic Center of Cusco. Beneath this avenue flows the Saphi River, which means “root” in Quechua.
The name Mut’uchaka was originally intended as a form of mockery, highlighting the challenges faced by the Spanish in crossing this area. The Spaniards built three stone and lime bridges along the avenue because of the river below.
These bridges helped them cross the rough land and waterways below. This changed the layout of Avenida El Sol as we see it now. This avenue is a key route in Cusco that connects historical landmarks and modern areas, reflecting the city’s Inca and colonial heritage.
The Vibe: Where Old Meets New
By the 20th century, the river was buried underground (between 1911 and 1931), and by 1927, the avenue stretched from Qoricancha to Wanchaq Station. Since 1972, this avenue has been part of Cusco’s protected historic area, officially named a Historic Monument of Peru back then.
In 1983, UNESCO made it a World Cultural Heritage Site, since it’s right in the city’s historic center. It got some extra recognition in 2014 when it was included in the road network of Tawantinsuyu, and UNESCO again named it a World Heritage Site. Today, it’s Cusco’s bustling backbone, built atop those ancient roots.
How is the avenue looking these days? Imagine it as a vibrant six-block celebration where history meets modern life. You’ll find banks, hotels, shops, and three notable landmarks: The Pancha Fountain, an impressive mural, and the Coricancha.
The initial blocks are a practical hub—casas de cambio for currency exchange, ATMs, and major banks like Banco de la Nación. A helpful tip: carry soles, as that alpaca scarf won’t trade itself!
The Paccha Fountain: A Splash of Charm
Just a hop from Qoricancha, you’ll spot the Paccha Fountain, your starting point for exploring this venue. Legend says its waters once trickled down from the mountains, an Inca gift to the city. Today, it’s a refreshing pit stop—perfect for a quick splash or a selfie.
The design of this fountain hides a deep meaning: The Sun in the middle, called Echenique’s sun, represents Inti, the major deity for the Incas. The chacana’s three steps on three arms represents the three worlds or realms for the Incas, and the Puma showcases the puma shape that Cusco has.
Although there are more things to decipher, you can read our Pumaqchupan Paccha guide to get more information about the historical significance of this fascinating fountain!
Paccha Trivia: Did you know that this point marks the “tail” of the Puma, a sacred animal for Incas which inspired the shape of ancient Cusco city?
The Mural: Cusco’s Giant Storybook
Now, feast your eyes on the second block’s showstopper: a massive mural, stretching 14 meters long and 6 meters high—one of the largest in the world! Painted between 1989 and 1992 by local artists, this masterpiece shows Cusco offering a unique approach to its rich cultural history
First Scene
The mural features several scenes that depict the history of Cusco. The first scene invites us to explore the vibrant cultures that thrived before the Inca Empire emerged. It highlights how Andean camelids, like alpacas, were domesticated.
We also see the discovery of fire and the impressive skills in metal and stonework. This section wraps up with the introduction of the four Ayar siblings, believed to be the legendary founders of the Incan dynasty. Each sibling brought their own special talents to the table.
Second Scene
In the second panel, we celebrate the growth of the Inca civilization that shows incredible skills. We can see how they built straw bridges for llama caravans, and how they carved and moved huge stones. The mural also shows how they created rich agricultural terraces in the mountains.
Finally, the second scene shows how Incas learnt about medical advances like cranial trepanation, and how they celebrated the Inti Raymi, or the festival of the sun.
Third Scene
The third scene portrays the start of the colonial era. The conquerors carry flags and royal banners. A centaur represents them, symbolizing the Spanish warrior on horseback. A stern-faced Dominican friar represents the Catholic Church, while fierce war dogs known as “alanos” also make an appearance.
This part of the mural features key figures. They include Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Bishop Mollinedo y Angulo, and mestizo painter Diego Quispe Tito, which highlights intense moments of conflict. Next, we see the Túpac Amaru II rebellion in Tinta, led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui.
This scene depicts his tragic execution, where he was torn apart by four horses. The four centaurs symbolize the Spanish crown, the Church, the military, and the landowners. The god Kuychi (the Rainbow) is also included, connecting this moment to the independence and the birth of the Republic.
Fourth Scene
The final scene showcases key leaders of Peru’s independence movement. This includes Agustín Gamarra, a Cusco native who was Bolívar’s prefect. It captures the early days of the newly independent Peru, showcasing the growth of industries and advancements in arts and crafts.
The mural culminates in a circle of children from various social classes and ethnic backgrounds, symbolizing a hopeful and prosperous future for Cusco. The mural closes with an Inkari figure, representing rebirth and resilience.
Coricancha: The Golden Gem
Let’s zoom into Coricancha, perched in the fifth block. This was the Inca Empire’s holiest site, a temple dripping in gold—called “sweat of the sun”—dedicated to Inti. The Spanish looted it in the 1500s, building a catholic convent above Inca foundations.
Probably Inca Pachacutec, the Inca Empire’s most acclaimed Emperor built it. Just like its name (temple of gold, or the sun) this whole Inca building was built with gold, and the Incas used to worship their sun god Inti just right here.
The Spanish looted it in the 1500s, building a catholic convent above Inca foundations. However, what remains is pure magic: flawless stone blocks, no mortar, just engineering wizardry. Earthquakes? Now, the Santo Domingo church crowns it, blending colonial and Inca vibes. The gardens out front? Total photo bait.
This temple, which shows Cusco’s rich history and syncretism, is a must when you wander around El Sol Avenue. Nothing better than to have the best of two worlds in the same place.
Nearby Attractions
Centro Qosqo
The Qosqo Native Art Center is a theatre where you can see authentic and fascinating dances from Cusco, and other parts of Peru. You can find this theatre just in front of the giant mural we told you about. The fare for a foreigner is around 10 $, or you can enter by getting a tourist ticket.
Museums and Galleries
Besides visiting the Coricancha and the Santo Domingo cathedral, you can get into the Coricancha museum, where you’ll get extra info and details about this wonderful tourist attraction.
The Natural History Museum and the Popular Art Museum showcase more information about Peru, the Andes, and Cusco. The Paraninfo of Cusco was the former house of Tupac Amaru, a rebellious indigenous leader who fought against Spaniards.
Palace of Justice
A beautiful colonial building hosts Cusco’s palace of justice and features a small but intricate mural designed by a Cusqueño artist. This beautiful mural, created in 1984, honors the anniversary of Cusco receiving its royal title.
It reminds us that Cusco was the first city to be recognized in Nueva Castilla. King Charles V of Spain granted this special title through a Royal Decree on April 24, 1540, in Madrid. This decree honored Cusco as:
“The most illustrious, most noble, loyal, and most faithful city of Cusco, the principal and head of the kingdoms of Peru.”
This stunning mural offers a visual journey through the past, capturing key moments of Cusco’s historical and cultural legacy. You can admire it in minutes, but its details show scenes from daily life in ancient times. This makes it a meaningful tribute to the city’s lasting heritage.
The Centro Artesanal
If you love deals, alpaca’s souvenirs or want to see live demonstrations of traditional weaving, you can drop by Centro Artesanal, where you can find over 120 stalls to get a little piece from Cusco. Although it’s not located in Sol Avenue, it’s right in front of the Paccha.
You just can’t skip this Avenue
Avenue El Sol is a fundamental piece in the heart of Cusco: It combines historical Inca stones below, colonial echoes above, and modern life everywhere. At night, it sparkles with a magical glow—perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
Avenida El Sol could turn loud, lively, and sometimes a bit wild, but its charm and attractions remain the same. Grab your curiosity and hit Avenue El Sol, with the Paccha’s charm, the colossal mura, or Coricancha grandeur, Cusco’s calling!
With Coricancha’s grandeur, the Pancha Fountain’s charm, and that colossal mural, you’ll leave with stories, souvenirs, and maybe a llama hat. Cusco’s calling! Keep in mind that with Viagens Machu Picchu’s assistance you can make your dream of seeing Cusco and Peru come true!
Feel free to contact our experts to answer all your questions, and have more knowledge about our packages and best deals! The adventure of your life in Cusco and Peru awaits!
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