Nestled within the vibrant city of Cusco, Peru, lies the captivating neighborhood of San Blas. Known for its bohemian charm and artistic spirit, San Blas beckons visitors with its colorful streets and lively atmosphere. As you wander through its narrow cobblestone alleys, you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of history, blending indigenous traditions with colonial influences. This enchanting neighborhood, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco’s historic center, offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the city. From its stunning architecture and captivating artistry to its delectable gastronomy and cozy cafes, San Blas invites you to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery and immersion in the cultural wonders of Peru.
The Charm of San Blas: Architecture and Artistry
Immersing yourself in the charm of San Blas means surrendering to a world where architecture and artistry intertwine in a breathtaking dance. This neighborhood boasts a captivating blend of indigenous and colonial influences, evident in its stunning architectural gems. As you stroll through its picturesque streets, you’ll marvel at the intricately carved wooden balconies, vibrant facades adorned with vibrant murals, and ancient Inca stone walls that whisper tales of a bygone era. San Blas is not just a feast for the eyes; it is a sanctuary for artists and craftsmen. The air is filled with the sweet melodies of talented musicians, and the scent of freshly painted canvases lingers in the air. Delve deeper into the labyrinthine alleys, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of art galleries, workshops, and boutiques, where local artisans showcase their masterpieces. In San Blas, every corner is an open invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty of its architecture and embrace the vibrant artistic spirit that permeates the very soul of this enchanting neighborhood.
Gastronomic Delights: Food and Drink in San Blas
Chakruna Native Burgers
There are multiple different gastronomic and drink options in the neighborhood for any budget. Chakruna Native Burgers is a small burger restaurant where you get a Peruvian style bread bun with your choice of beef, alpaca or vegetarian burger with fries and a free drink, usually chicha morada, at a very good price. Chakruna is located just one street off the main plaza of San Blas, with a very relaxed vibe and a good place to spend an afternoon with friends.
Green Point Vegan Restaurant
Cusco is a fantastic place to live for those who prefer healthier options like the Green Point Vegan Restaurant. The restaurant is a unique plant based gastronomic experience. Located a short walk from the main San Blas plaza makes it a great place to visit.
Limbus Restobar
Limbus Restobar is priced a little higher than the others in this list, but it’s well worth it. It is situated high up the hill with a great balcony overlooking Cusco and San Blas, making it the perfect spot for photos and a cocktail while you watch the sunset. They serve classics like burgers and typical Peruvian food like ceviche, lomo saltado and leche de tigre. If you want to experience Limbus, you’d better be ready to climb the steps to reach the restaurant high above the San Blas plaza.
L’atelier Café Concept
L’atelier is a small cafe near the San Blas plaza that serves delicious artisanal coffee and pastries. The café is very small and beautiful. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cafés in Cusco. The café also sells artisanal jewelry and clothing. This is a great place to have a morning coffee, or an afternoon pick me up with the perfect Cusco vibe.
Shopping at The Local Market
San Blas has a great neighborhood market, some of the best fruits and vegetables you’re ever likely to buy, there are stations where fresh juice can be made in any combination you can imagine. These juices are served in very large potions and can sometimes be accompanied by a egg sandwich for a good money saving breakfast. The produce available is some of the most delicious and rare you can find, like Peruvian yellow chilies, 100% pure Peruvian cacao and all different kinds of quinoa. The market is very fairly priced and a great place to buy the majority of your groceries fresh daily. The market also has a cooked food section where you can find Peruvian classics like ceviche and lomo saltado, these food stalls are a very economic and delicious option.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options in San Blas
From personal experience, the best way to find accommodation is old school. Finding permanent private accommodation is the secret to living comfortably when you’re planning to stay for an extended period of time. Hostels, hotels and Airbnb’s can be great for temporary accommodation, but to obtain something permanent you need to walk the streets of San Blas looking you flyers with numbers to call, or contact via text on WhatsApp if you‘re not a good Spanish speaker yet. Payments are usually made in cash monthly and should be done with the signing of a contract. There are multiple apartments available in and around the San Blas neighborhood, you’re just going to need to walk the streets and find these flyers and set up your viewings.
We hope this guide can help those who are interested in visiting Cusco to find adventure, San Blas makes for a great base to explore Cusco and Peru from, with everything you might need to enjoy your stay. The neighborhood is perfect for both long term and short-term visitors. Discover the Bohemian Paradise on the hillside of Cusco Peru. San Blas was good to me, and I had wonderful experiences in the narrow stone streets, met interesting people, and I will always remember the time that I spent there and I hope others can have the same experience.