The San Blas Neighborhood in Cusco
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on February 15, 2021 by James Bustamante
There are various interesting places to visit in the city of Cusco. The San Blas neighborhood is one of these cool destinations. San Blas is also known as the art district in the capital of Cusco.
Visiting this street before going on your Machu Picchu hike can be the perfect first-day activity.
The beautiful artwork that adorns the shops owned by famous Andean artisans is the perfect complement to the steep cobbled streets of San Blas.
From this high lookout point, you can even view the rest of the city of Cusco. Let’s delve deeper into the San Blas neighborhood and check out what you can see during your stay in Cusco.
History of the San Blas Neighborhood
The history of San Blas goes back to the Inca Empire. During this era, the neighborhood was called T’oqokachi, which in Quechua means “The Salt Cave”.
San Blas is one of the highest points in Cusco and seems to have been of importance to the Inca this might have something to do with the natural springs you can find at the highest points of the neighborhood.
Another interesting fact about San Blas is that the remains of the Inca Pachacutec were apparently found here. Pachacutec is a very important personality in Incan culture because he is said to have ordered the construction of Machu Picchu.
San Blas is also famous for the families that have received here. For many years now the San Blas neighborhood has been the residence of several Andean families who are dedicated to being artisans. Among these families, you will find painters, sculptors, and musicians just to name a few.
When the Spanish arrived and ultimately conquered the region in 1533, this area’s name changed to San Blas, after a famous bishop of the third century.
The conquering Spanish aimed to destroy the temples located in “T’oqokachi” and succeeded for the most part. The Incan temples were then replaced with the colonial buildings travelers can see in the San Blas neighborhood today.
The hint of Andean culture was kept though, hybrid Spanish colonial architecture in this neighborhood reflects that. The result is a very appealing Andean/colonial style of buildings that make the San Blas neighborhood look like something out of a fairy tale book.
When Peru became an independent republic in 1821 The San Blas neighborhood began to be a popular tourist attraction in Cusco.
A lot of this is due to the Incan history it is known for as well as the great artist families that continued to live there. Among the old family, names would be the Merida, Olave and Mendivil families.
If you are ever in San Blas you can check out their local art galleries and if you find something you like, purchase it.
What to See in San Blas?
So you are in Cusco and want to walk to the San Blas neighborhood, now what should you see? Below we have a shortlist of all the destinations you want to see while walking through this Andean cobblestoned neighborhood.
Cuesta de San Blas
This “Cuesta de San Blas” or The San Blas Hill is the CenterPoint of the neighborhood. This famous hill will give you a view of the shops on the cobblestoned streets.
The slope leads into the small plaza and connects to other famous streets in Cusco such as Almudena, el Puente Almudena, Hospital, San Pedro, Santa Clara, Marqués, Triunfo, and Hatunrumiyoc.
The San Blas Plaza or Plazoleta
This small main square is found right at the bottom of the “Cuesta de San Blas”, it is also called the “Plazoleta de San Blas”. This plaza is a place where you can rest after walking around the neighborhood.
It’s a good place to take pictures as well as maybe have a snack. There are a couple of attractions at the “plazoleta” as well, the Hilario Mendivil and family gallery and the Temple of San Blas.
San Blas Galleries and Workshops
While you are on the San Blas hill (or slope) check out the local art galleries that decorate the street. There are numerous stores, galleries, and workshops throughout the entire area.
From old families like the Merida with well-known galleries and newer artists that are just trying to promote local art. If you find something you like make sure to let the artist know, even if you aren’t going to buy it.
If you are thinking of purchasing from the San Blas art galleries then remember you can always haggle the price down.
The San Blas Temple
The main attraction to these cobblestoned streets is the San Blas temple, it boasts beautiful colonial architecture that blends in perfectly into the Andean background. This temple or church was actually built over an old “Inca Huaca”.
In the year 1650, there was an earthquake in the region and the San Blas temple was destroyed. Later on, it was rebuilt by the local government of Cusco.
If you visit and look closely, you will see some details on the new construction that hint at how some anonymous artists left their mark when it was rebuilt.
Travelers notes: A Huaca is Quechua for a revered destination or place of worship for the Inca.
The Hilario Mendivil and Family Art Gallery
This art gallery is named after one of the most important artists in the city of Cusco, Hilario Mendivil.
This artist worked during the twentieth century and mainly focused on religious images with the peculiar trait of having an elongated neck, in reference to the native Llamas and Alpacas.
The San Blas Observatory
At the very top of the San Blas neighborhood, you’ll find a terrific look out spot where you will be able to gaze at the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy this spot while you sit down and witness one of the most amazing sunsets ever. There is something about seeing the sun setting in the Peruvian highlands.
Restaurants in San Blas
If you are up for it after a day of walking through the San Blas neighborhood, sit down and relax at one of the local restaurants. You can find everything from typical highland cuisine to pizza to the Peruvian favorite Lomo Saltado.
Additionally, you can also find a bar or two so you can relax and have a Pisco sour as you relax from the day’s activities.
Conclusion
The San Blas neighborhood is a great place to visit while you are in Cusco. Since it is near to the main square in Cusco almost anyone can simply walk to it and check out the local streets.
We recommend going out to San Blas during your first days in Cusco. This can count towards a light activity to do while you are getting acclimated to the elevation.
You won’t need a guide to get there either. If you want to visit San Blas before or after your Machu Picchu tour please contact our travel advisers today!
Frequently Asked Questions About San Blas
How far is San Blas from The Cathedral in the Cusco main square?
Not far at all. We can walk from the Cathedral to San Blas in 5-10 minutes.
Why is San Blas known as the artistic center?
San Blas is known for its art galleries that go back several hundred years. There are families dating back to the colonial period that has had art sold here.
Can I haggle prices in the San Blas Art galleries?
I would not recommend trying to lower the price too much but as with most of the items sold in Cusco, this too can be haggled.
What was The original name for the San Blas neighborhood?
The original name for San Blas was T’oqokachi, which in Quechua means “The Salt Cave”
