16 Places in Cusco So Beautiful They Feel Like Magic

Another dreamy spot located at the top of Sán Cristobal is Calle Siete Borreguitos. The steep “Seven Lambs” street was named for the many farmers who would pass through this way with their cattle, llamas and sheep.

It’s also one of Cusco’s seven streets whose name literally begins with “seven”, a sacred number to the Incas linked to the rainbow. The street is idyllic in that you’ll pass rows of potted plants dotting both its walls and stairs as you ascend or descend into the city.

Neighborhood: Sán Cristobal

Located in the Sán Cristobal neighborhood on the outskirts of Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is one of the main tourist highlights in Cusco – and for good reason. The site is actually a former Incan citadel with stone walls so giant I left feeling absolutely mesmerized. The magic and beauty of this site is only amplified by the fact that the Incas had such precise building techniques that they didn’t even need mortar to hold these large stone walls together.

Neighborhood: Sán Cristobal

Plaza San Blas is small, but central square in the neighborhood. It contains a central stone fountain, an old church and multiple green benches to rest your feet on after all the climbing you’ll do throughout town.

In addition, this beautiful spot acts as a gateway of sort to many of the neighborhood’s streets and alleyways – this is a great spot to both start and come back to, to ensure you never get too lost!

Neighborhood: San Blas

Similar to most Inca sites, the exact function of the Tambomachay ruins is unknown. However, because the site is made up of connected aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that has earned it the Spanish name, “the Bathroom of the Inca”.

This was one of my favorite Inca sites in Cusco for its unique features and lack of crowds!

Neighborhood: Huayllarcocha

Qenqo is an Incan archeological site that’s usually visited in tandem with Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara on “4 Ruins” Tours.

The site is divided into two parts: Big Qenqo, which can be explored today, and Small Qenqo, where visitors are prohibited.

It’s believed that Big Qenqo was used by the Incas as a place of worship. The site contains a former astronomical observatory, sacrifice room and amphitheater.

Neighborhood: Balconcillo

Not far from Tambomachay is Puca Pucara, a site that’s believed to be former Inca military fort as its strategic location would allow soldiers a 360 degree view of the valley and entrance to Cusco.

Another notable feature of this large site is that it had multiple rooms that could allow opportunities of rest to weary Inca trackers and explorers.

Neighborhood: Huayllarcocha

A hidden gem in the heart of Centro Histórico, Convento La Merced has striking murals, blue-roofed porticos and a vibrant green gate that can all be explored without the crowds. Definitely one of Cusco’s most unique and brilliant places to see.

Neighborhood: Centro Histórico

Located near Rucula and Organika restaurants, Plaza Tricentenario is certainly one of Cusco’s easier viewpoints to reach on foot – and it also happens to be a hot spot on Instagram.

Not only does the Plaza offer sweeping views of Cusco’s Cathedral and Plaza De Armas, but it also has a reflective fountain and two pairs of back-to-back benches to help make any rest or photography stopa bit more enchanting.

Neighborhood: Centro Histórico

From Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, head down Calle del Almirante until it dead ends into Córdoba del Tucumán. There you will find one of the few fire engine red doors and bright green balconies in all of Cusco.

Neighborhood: San Blas