San Blas, the Artists’ Neighborhood of Cusco

Although Cusco boasts a number of historic neighborhoods, San Blas is different from the rest. It’s immediately recognizable thanks to its blue colonial balconies and a preponderance of artisan shops. Just four (admittedly steep) blocks up from the main square, San Blas has a distinctively artistic and bohemian feel. Though modern backpackers and traveling musicians add to this ambience, the neighborhood actually functioned as the city’s artists’ quarter during the time of the Incas as well. 

Today, artists and artisans still prefer to set up their workshops and galleries in San Blas, alongside the cafés, restaurants, and stores that have popped up to serve Cusco’s tourists and locals alike. Of all of the studios located here, the two studios of the Méndivil family are the most well-known. They made an international name for themselves decades ago by starting a trend for long-necked angel and saint statues.

While the main square dominates the night club scene, San Blas is home to some of Cusco’s best bars and restaurants. These tend to be cozier than those found around the main square, and the former often host live bands.

San Blas is a great stop for souvenir shopping, for dining and drinking, and for photography. Although the neighborhood itself is often touted as the most picturesque in Cusco, it also boasts astounding views overlooking the rest of the city. The views are the payoff for climbing the stairs from the main square, as San Blas is located on a higher level than the square. (The final photo above is of the view from Pirwa San Blas!)

If you visit on a Saturday, you’ll notice that the San Blas Plaza fills with stands for a weekly fair hawking artisan goods. Sometimes, a live band takes part as well.

Although Pirwa Hostels has 4 locations in Cusco, we recommend Pirwa San Blas for those of our guests who are looking for larger private rooms, a view, and a quieter place that still has communal areas such as a TV/game room and communal kitchen.