The Plaza de Armas in Cusco sits on the exact ground where the Inca Empire held its most sacred ceremonies. Its defining feature is the uniform, stone-arched colonial portico that rings the square, blending Spanish architecture with the…
San Cristóbal Overlooks
Walk up the steep, historic paths of Cusco's northern hills to enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas and the ancient palace ruins overlooking the terracotta roofs of the valley.
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1. Plaza de Armas
2. Nazarenas
The church of the Nazarenas features a distinct colonial facade carved from dark, volcanic stone, standing apart from the surrounding streetscape with its intricate, weathered portal. This structure rises directly over the foundations of…
3. Calle Resbalosa
Calle Resbalosa is a steep, narrow stone staircase connecting the historic center of Cusco to the San Blas neighborhood. Its name translates to Slippery Street, a label earned from the slick, uneven cobblestones that challenge anyone…
4. Mirador de Sán Cristobal
The Mirador de San Cristobal features a solitary stone cross standing on a pedestal above a plain, open terrace that overlooks the entire city of Cusco. This site marks the location where Manco Inca, the puppet ruler installed by the…
5. Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay
The Palacio Manco Capac features thick, rustic stone walls that date back to the Inca era, contrasted with a colonial-style balcony jutting out over the street. This house served as the residence for the last Inca emperors during the early…
6. Calle Siete Borreguitos
Calle Siete Borreguitos is a steep, narrow alleyway paved with rounded stones in the heart of Cusco. The name translates to Seven Little Lambs Street. It gets this name from the colonial era, when local herders brought their flocks of…
7. Sapantiana Aqueduct
The Sapantiana Aqueduct features a tall, three-story stone archway bridging a small stream. Built by the Spanish in the eighteenth century, the structure directed water from the Picol mountain spring into the growing city of Cusco. While…