San Blas

Cusco

San Blas showing a city
San Blas featuring street scenes and animals
Cusco featuring street scenes
San Blas
San Blas which includes a city

Take a walk through the heart of Cusco’s artisan district, one of the city’s most beguiling and lively areas. 

San Blas is an animated neighborhood packed with artist studios, galleries, historic attractions, and excellent dining and nightlife. This district draws visitors throughout the day with its picturesque cobblestone streets and intriguing shops, but truly sparkles at night when its bars and restaurants hum with an infectious energy.  

During Incan times, San Blas was one of Cusco’s 12 administrative centers. Following the Inca’s defeat by the Spanish, the area’s architecture and culture blossomed with a mix of local and Spanish influences. It suffered widespread destruction during a 1950 earthquake restoration work continues to this day. Many of the neighborhood’s charming colonial houses have now been transformed into trendy shops, restaurants and hostels. 

Most attractions are found around the hilltop Plaza San Blas. Stop by this scenic plaza on Saturday, when an open-air market of contemporary and traditional jewelry, art and handicrafts takes place. Musicians often gather to provide entertainment for shoppers. 

Explore the neighborhood’s pleasant streets, noticing the beautiful contrast between the whitewashed walls and bright blue doors of the adobe houses. Look inside workshops of sculptors, potters and weavers. The narrow pedestrian-only streets are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Look for the remains of Incan walls. 

Be sure to check out the Iglesia de San Blas, originally constructed in the 16th century. The church’s exterior is relatively modest, but inside you’ll find an impressive pulpit carved from a single cedar trunk. Notice the lovely gold-leaf work on the church’s Baroque main altar. 

Find the Plazoleta San Blas on the southeast side of the church. This beautiful fountain is shaped like an Incan cross. Come at night when the fountain is illuminated with an enchanting light display. Then have a drink at one of the district’s casual pubs or cocktail bars.

Reach San Blas by following a short, steep flight of stairs from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. There is an admission fee to visit the Iglesia de San Blas.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Blas

Antigua Casona San Blas

Antigua Casona San Blas

4 out of 5
Calle Carmen Bajo 243, San Blas, Cusco
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
W
"Wonderful stay in a charming hotel with plenty of amenities and special touches. The staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Antigua Casona San Blas
Atoq San Blas Hotel

Atoq San Blas Hotel

3 out of 5
Calle Atoqsaycuchi 278, Esquina con Calle Tandapata, San Blas, Cusco
The price is P5,691 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P5,691
P6,260 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (568 reviews)
"Very charming. The staff is professional and warm. I will stay in this hotel again."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Atoq San Blas Hotel
Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

4 out of 5
Plazoleta De Limacpampa Chico - 473, Cusco, Cusco
The price is P12,005 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P12,005
P13,205 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"We spent one night here after hiking the Salkantay trail. It was a large spread out property. The rooms were 4 star. I loved how quiet it was compared to the hotel we stayed at before our trek. The breakfast was amazing! Tons of fruit and homemade options. Wish we had stayed another night."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas

Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas

3 out of 5
Calle Carmen Alto 194, San Blas, Cusco, Cusco
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (504 reviews)
"Loved the entire thing."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas
Andenes

Andenes

2.5 out of 5
176 Choqechaka, Cusco, Cuzco
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,403 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P4,403
P4,403 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Stay at this hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"Friendly staff and"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Andenes
XO Art House

XO Art House

3.5 out of 5
choquechaca 350, Cusco, cusco
The price is P4,274 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P4,274
P4,274 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"Great service , clean, comfortable room. Great friendly professional staff. Great location. Delicious breakfast Recommend for family visits."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

XO Art House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around San Blas

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Lucrepata

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lucrepata and surrounding area, you can visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Blas.

Lucrepata
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San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza de las Nazarenas and Plaza Sán Cristobal.

San Cristóbal
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Zaguan del Cielo

While there might not be top attractions in Zaguan del Cielo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Blas.

Zaguan del Cielo
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Tahuantinsuyo

While Tahuantinsuyo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Plaza de Armas and Plaza Tupac Amaru.

Tahuantinsuyo
La Merced Church showing a city

Cusco Historic Center

A noteworthy feature of Cusco Historic Center is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Convent.

Cusco Historic Center
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Rosaspata

When in Rosaspata, you can plan a visit to Plaza de Armas and Plaza Tupac Amaru, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Rosaspata

San Blas