The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and declared a World Heritage site, is much more than Machu Picchu. Walking through its streets is stepping back in time and connecting with centuries of history, culture, and tradition. Many of these paths were laid out by the Incas themselves, others emerged during the colonial era, and all have a story to tell.
Below, we present a must-do tour of 10 emblematic streets in Cusco, where every stone and corner holds a fascinating tale.
Contents
1. Calle Loreto
Calle Loreto, also known as Intik’ijllu (Street of the Sun), is one of the oldest and most symbolic passages in the city. It is flanked by impressive Inca stone walls that belonged to the Amaru Kancha palace, residence of Inca Huayna Cápac. It also housed the Acllahuasi, where the virgins of the sun lived.
In the colonial era, the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Loreto (Our Lady of Loreto) was built at its end, from which its current name originates. Today, this pedestrian street is a place where artisans exhibit their works, surrounded by unaltered Inca architecture.
How to get there? From the Plaza de Armas, walking towards the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús).
What to see nearby: Church of the Company, handicraft fairs, Inca palaces.
2. Calle Resbalosa
Calle Resbalosa (Slippery Street) is one of the steepest inclines in Cusco. Its name perfectly describes its condition: a cobblestone path that can be difficult to traverse on rainy days. In Inca times, it was called Sikitakana, which in Quechua means “you hit your backside,” referring to its steepness.
This street connects the historic center with the San Cristóbal viewpoint and allows you to walk all the way to Sacsayhuaman. Today, it is a quiet street, ideal for boutique lodgings, hidden cafes, and panoramic photographs.
How to get there? From the Plaza de Armas, take Calle Suecia and then turn right.
What to see nearby: San Cristóbal viewpoint, hotels, restaurants.
3. Calle Siete Culebras
Calle Siete Culebras (Seven Snakes Street) gets its name from the reliefs of seven serpents carved into a stone wall dating from Inca times. This passage connects the Plazoleta de las Nazarenas with Calle Choquechaka and is flanked by colonial buildings such as the Monastery of Las Nazarenas and the Church of San Antonio Abad, today transformed into luxury hotels.
Originally, this street was known as Amaru Ccata, meaning “fourteen snakes,” because there are seven snakes on each side of the wall. Walking along it is entering a mystical space, where ancestral symbolism is intertwined with viceregal architecture.
How to get there? Going up the Cuesta del Almirante from the Plaza de Armas.
What to see nearby: Luxury hotels, art galleries, Plazoleta Las Nazarenas.
4. Calle del Marqués
Located a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, Calle del Marqués (Marquis Street) has an Inca origin and was part of the road network that connected Cusco with the south of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire). During the colonial era, this street was transformed with manorial houses, including that of Marquis Diego de Esquivel, from whom it takes its name.
In the 20th century, the street was home to the illustrious historian Luis E. Valcárcel and the celebrated photographer Martín Chambi. Today it is a very busy street, full of shops, banks, and tourist services.
How to get there? From the Plaza de Armas, follow Calle Mantas.
What to see nearby: Church of La Merced, School of Fine Arts, Plaza San Francisco.
5. Cuesta del Almirante
This street connects the Plaza de Armas with the Plazoleta de las Nazarenas and stands out for its dense and varied history. In the Inca era, it was the location of Huáscar’s palace, and during the colonial period, it housed the Casa del Almirante (Admiral’s House), which later served as the seat of the republican government.
Admiral Francisco Alderete Maldonado lived there, and the house currently houses the prestigious Inca Museum, part of the National University of San Antonio Abad.
How to get there? To the left of the Cusco Cathedral.
What to see nearby: Inca Museum, Plazoleta de Las Nazarenas, Calle Siete Culebras.
6. Calle Hatun Rumiyoc
Perhaps the most famous street in Cusco, Hatun Rumiyoc (meaning “Big Stone”) is world-renowned for the Twelve-Angled Stone (Piedra de los 12 ángulos), an unsurpassed example of Inca engineering. This street was part of Inca Roca’s palace and still preserves its impressive cyclopean walls today.
It is a must-see for every visitor and is full of handicraft shops, jewelry stores, and cultural activities. It is a perfect example of how the past and present coexist in the Inca capital.
How to get there? From the Plaza de Armas, via Calle Triunfo.
What to see nearby: Twelve-Angled Stone, Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal), handicraft shops.
7. Calle Siete Angelitos
Located in the San Blas neighborhood, Calle Siete Angelitos (Seven Little Angels Street) gets its name from a mural painting of seven angels in an old mansion that belonged to the religious figure Blas de Bobadilla. It is said to have been created as a symbolic response to Calle Siete Diablitos (Seven Little Devils Street), which is very close by.
The street today is surrounded by cozy bars, charming lodgings, and small art galleries. It is perfect for getting lost on a quiet and reflective walk through Cusco’s most bohemian neighborhood.
How to get there? From Calle Choquechaka, heading up towards Carmen Alto.
What to see nearby: Plaza de San Blas, art shops, cafes.
8. Calle Siete Diablitos
Neighboring the previous one, Calle Siete Diablitos (Seven Little Devils Street) stands out for its curious name and picturesque history. According to oral tradition, it was a meeting place for young couples, and due to the unwanted pregnancies that occurred there, it began to be called the “cursed street.”
Despite its name, it is a peaceful street, decorated with urban art and surrounded by cultural life. Like many Cusco streets, it maintains its narrow layout and its heritage essence.
How to get there? From Choquechaka, via Calle Atoqsayk’uchi.
What to see nearby: Plaza San Blas, artisan workshops, restaurants.
9. Cuesta de San Blas
Cuesta de San Blas (San Blas Slope/Hill) connects the center with one of the most traditional and charming neighborhoods in the city. Its layout dates back to the Inca era and leads towards the San Blas church, an ancient huaca dedicated to Illapa, the god of thunder.
The ascent, while demanding, offers spectacular views of Cusco and an immersive experience among handicraft shops, street musicians, and viceregal architecture.
How to get there? Via Calle Triunfo and Hatun Rumiyoc.
What to see nearby: Plaza and Church of San Blas, art workshops, and cafes.
10. Cuesta de la Amargura
This emblematic cobblestone street has a sad but significant past. During the colonial era, huge stone blocks were brought down it from Sacsayhuaman for the construction of the Cusco Cathedral. It is said that many indigenous workers were crushed during the process, hence its name (Slope of Bitterness).
Today, Cuesta de la Amargura is an important passage towards the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, especially during Inti Raymi, when crowds walk it to attend this ancestral ceremony.
How to get there? Via Calle Tecsecocha, in the upper part of the center.
What to see nearby: Sacsayhuaman, San Cristóbal viewpoint, artisan workshops.