In the middle of cobblestone streets and steep slopes in the traditional city of Cusco, San Blas is the city’s bohemian neighborhood by excellence. San Blas is the hub for artists, artisans, and travelers, and we consider as one of the must-haves on your visit to Cusco.
But why is the San Blas Neighborhood so intriguing? What can I see, and what activities can I do? Stay with us to find the answers. We’re sure you’ll love San Blas as much as we do. Let’s go!
History and Importance
San Blas has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the Inca Empire time. Originally, ancient Peruvians called this charming area, “T’oqokachi”, a Quechua term rendered as “salt cave.” The name refers to the neighborhood’s location on a hill. Spring waters flowed from the hill, offering panoramic views of the entire city.
Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa and Juan Polo de Ondegardo were famous chroniclers who stated that the remains of Pachacutec, one of the most powerful Inca emperors were discovered in the Toqokachi Area. So, we can affirm that in Inca times, the neighborhood we known as San Blas was an important spot for Inca nobility.
When the Spaniards arrived in Cusco, they renamed the area for San Blas, in honor of “Saint Blase of Sebaste,” a Turkish bishop and doctor who was popular among Spaniards for his healing powers. Spanish Conquistadors replaced the Inca temples with colonial buildings.
These new structures combine Andean and colonial styles, some of which still exist today. This unique charm keeps delighting locals and visitors. After Peruvian independence, San Blas blossomed into a key tourist destination and a vibrant center for local artists. Many talented Cusco artists, like the Mendivils, Olave, and Mérida, set up studios and galleries here, inviting visitors to explore and get traditional Peruvian art.
Art and Culture
You can find several studios and galleries throughout the neighborhood. As you stroll the streets, you’ll also find shops and workshops filled with traditional Andean crafts and modern art. Hilario Mendivil is a museum- workshop created by the author of the same name. One special trait of these artists is the elongated-necked sculptures of saints.
Edilberto Merida Workshop or Maximo Laura Art Gallery are some other places where you can learn more about Peruvian and Cusco art. Merida workshop, for example, shows ceramic works with realistic and expressive figures, offering a fresh take on Andean art, standing out from traditional Cusqueñan styles.
Attractions
San Blas Viewpoints, Squares, and more
One of the most famous streets in this neighborhood is the San Blas slope, a steep street that leads you to the square, and Carmen Alto Street, another popular street. This slope is filled with craft shops and tiny restaurants, but it’s also an aesthetic point to take your inner photographer.
After an exhausting walk through this not gentle slope, Carmen Alto Street invites you to explore its vibrant artisan culture and enjoy the views.
This stone street has classic cobblestones and charming houses mixing Andean and colonial styles, which creates a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Carmen Alto Street is also a fantastic spot to enjoy scenic views.
The famous Mirador de San Blas viewpoint offers a stunning view of Cusco’s historical center. This great high spot overlooks the city’s red-tiled rooftops. We recommend taking a look at night, because, along the city’s night lights, the views are way more impressive. If you have a partner, you can take a small lock and hang it into the slits located on the metal balcony.
San Blas Church
The Church of San Blas is one of Cusco’s oldest parishes, founded by Viceroy Francisco Toledo. The original structure was destroyed in the 1650 earthquake but has been beautifully rebuilt. Now, it features a Latin cross layout and a Plateresque façade, showcasing its rich history. Although the church is made by adobe, the inside shows notable works by the Cusco School, combining ornamental and artistic works.
The pulpit is a beautiful example of Cusco’s Baroque art for its detailed wood carving and intricate designs. This piece of art was carved from a single cedar piece and dates back to the late 17th century. Tickets cost 15 soles for adults and 7.50 soles for students.
San Blas Market
This little market is one of Cusco’s traditional markets scattered throughout the city. This market is also one of the oldest in the city, with San Pedro Market. After over 50 years, this market offers from groceries to traditional Cusco dishes not only for locals but also for foreign visitors eager to try the real Peruvian food.
On weekends, you can see a special fair featuring plants and artisan crafts, which adds even more charm to the market. Keep in mind that you can visit this spot every day, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The San Blas Market offers a wonderful glimpse into Cusco’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Unlike other markets that offer regular food, you can find vegetarian and vegan options inside.
San Blas Fair
Although this fair opens on weekends, especially on Saturdays, you can find here the best of Cusco’s street art. You can find here paintings, amazingly handcrafted souvenirs, or beautiful textiles. You can also meet the authors behind these beautiful pieces of art.
Keep in mind that you can bargain (it’s totally ok in Peru) as this practice is a part of Peruvian everyday habit. You can find this fair on the San Blas square, just a few meters from the main Plaza de Armas. The square also is the center of cultural and religious events.
Restaurants
L’Atelier Cafe Concept
This specialty coffee spot offers a great view of Carmen Alto and the San Blas neighborhood thanks to its balconies on the second floor. This cafe was born thanks to a French artist who was spending some days in Cusco.
The coffee is really good, along with the pastries, the juices, and the hot chocolate, which is considered the star of L’atelier. The first floor is a small store where indie artists share their creations in art, clothing, or textiles.
Address: Atoqsayk’uchi 695A, San Blas, Cusco
Green Point
Green Point is possibly the best vegan restaurant in Cusco, thanks to its strategic location is one of the favorites of locals and travelers. The calm, but inviting setting makes the perfect place to try Peruvian and international cuisine in a vegan and healthy approach.
You can have a healthy and delicious breakfast, brunch, and dinner. We don’t want to put aside the drinks. Thanks to its sustainable and local production philosophy, Green Point is a great choice to have a great dinner in the heart of the artistic venue.
Address: Carmen Bajo St, 235, Cusco
La Bo’m Creperie Backpacker
The star of this restaurant is its sweet and savory crepes, but all you can find on the menu is also delightful. The French-Peruvian idea behind La Boheme is interesting, that’s why you can see locals and visitors having a great time.
The first floor serves as a hostel where French and other international backpackers can have a good rest in the heart of the historic center.
Address: Carmen Alto St, 283, Cusco
Limbus Restobar
Limbus Restobar has one of the most stunning views of the city for a restaurant. But there’s more: Its menu is so creative and innovative, from the cocktails to the main courses. Along with its high-quality ingredients, Limbus is the perfect option to grab something to eat or have a cocktail after the walk to get here.
The modern decor and eye-catching presentation make dining here a special experience. Don’t miss out on their vibrant cocktail menu, which features colorful and beautifully crafted drinks. These aspects make Limbus Restobar a great choice. It has delicious food in a remarkable setting.
Address; Pasñapakana 133 St, San Blas, Cusco
San Blas Importance in the Present Day
We recommend taking your time to explore every corner, spot, and eaterie that San Blas has to offer. You can reach San Blas by walking from Coricancha or the main square, it’ll take you around 10 minutes. Since you’ll be more than 3,000 meters above sea level, we recommend taking your time too but this time to adapt your body to high altitudes.
San Blas is located on a hill, you’ll find narrow streets with many stairs, so you must be in good shape to climb them all. This neighborhood also has comfortable boutique hotels in case you opt to stay nearby. We hope you can enjoy every corner of our city’s bohemian neighborhood.
If you want to know more about the culture in our city or other fascinating cities in Peru, Viagens Machu Picchu’s got your back! We operate around Peru, and our more than 1000,000 clients can confirm we do our best to give them the best service possible thanks to our expert tour guides. Contact us to take the first step into the trip of your life!
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