San Blas, once known as the “artisans’ neighborhood”, is an invaluable area within Cusco’s Historical Center that maintains its classical original state, with narrow, stone-cobbled streets. Visitors may easily find and walk through this neighborhood because it is only four blocks away from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
In the times of the Inca Empire, the San Blas Neighborhood was known by the local inhabitants as T’opokachi (the Hole or Cave of Salt). Its beautiful architecture, a mix of Andean and European styles, was built during the Colonial period.
Why visit San Blas?
The San Blas Neighborhood includes a number of very interesting places to visit in the daytime and at night, along its narrow and beautiful streets rich in art and culture, that will become some of your best experiences in the magical city of Cusco. Here we list some of the favorite places for locals and visitors.
The San Blas Slope
More than a place to visit, it is rather an obligatory preview if you are coming from the Main Square. The San Blas slope begins at the street called “Choque Chaqa”, where you will get a first impression of what the other streets are like that connect to the small plaza. On the San Blas slope you will find:
- Galleries and workshops: The galleries and workshops of Cusco’s best-known artists are at your disposal, where you can have a look at their work and perhaps buy something that catches your eye.
- San Blas Square: At the top of the slope you will come into the San Blas square, a small rendezvous spot where you can take a break and relax. From here you can easily reach two of the most visited sites in the area: the San Blas Temple and the Gallery of Hilario Mendivil and Family.
Visiting the area by day is wonderful, but at night the city lights up and it is a sight you definitely do not want to miss. The local shops light up attractively in the evening and become popular spots, especially the bars.
There are also night tours led by local singers/songwriters who, through their music, weave tales of the myths, legends and local culture.
San Blas Temple
The famous San Blas Temple, also known as San Blas Church, was built of adobe in 1563 on top of a sacred Inca space where the God Illapa was worshipped. It was rebuilt of stone in 1650 following an earthquake. Today it is considered one of the jewels of Colonial architecture.
Photo 3: San Blas Temple
Gallery of Hilario Mendivil and Family
The Galería de Hilario Mendivil y Familia is one of the most important museums in the city of Cusco. It is where the Mendivil family, especially Hilario Mendivil, exhibit their marvelous art to the public. Hilario Mendivil was one of the great Peruvian artisans of the 20th century, known for his art and style in the making of long-necked and serene figures of saints, virgins and arquebusiers.
Restaurants and Bars
Not surprisingly, such a popular place like the San Blas neighborhood has a great variety of restaurants and bars for all tastes. To mention just two:
- Limbus Resto Bar: As its name indicates, this is a restobar. It is a good place to spend some time marveling at the view since it is surrounded by large windows. It also has a balcony where you can relax and enjoy the sun while looking out over the town.
- The Meeting Place: This spot is on the San Blas Square and will make you feel right at home. The Meeting Place is a café that offers delicious breakfasts, lunch or just a cup of good coffee.
San Blas Viewpoint
To finalize your day tour, and looking forward to watching the sunset over the Cusco Historical Center, the San Blas Viewpoint is your next stop. It is located uphill towards Calle Tandapata, from the San Blas square, and finally at Calle Pasñapaskana. This lookout point has been remodeled and refitted to offer the best and most comfortable view for visitors.
Photo 4: View of the city of Cusco from the San Blas Neighborhood
The residents in this neighborhood proudly show visitors all the artwork they have created in gold and silver, pottery, wood or stone.
As already mentioned, at night San Blas becomes a colorful party. The bars welcome every visitor who have come to discover the marvelous city of Cusco with great music. Have you been inspired to find out a little more? Then wait no longer and visit this spectacular neighborhood in the imperial city.
And since you’re in the area, how about visiting the Machu Picchu citadel? Aboard the PeruRail Vistadome train, you’ll live one of the best experiences when it comes to visiting our world wonder. Get your train tickets now!