In the heart of Cusco, the neighborhood of San Blas is a real classic. Just a few blocks from the city’s Plaza de Armas, this area is famous for its folk artists and colorful outdoor fairs.
Known today for outdoor folk-art fairs and endless rows of souvenir shops, the neighborhood of San Blas went by a different name in the days of the Inca. T’oqo-kachi was one of the empire’s centers of economic and political power, inhabited primarily by Quechua nobility.
Much more recently, San Blas has grown from being a stomping ground of artists and artisans, the home of workshops and traditional stores, to also include a host of trendy restaurants and shops, making it an essential stop for any visitor. Come with us to San Blas, heading up the iconic hill of the same name along Calle Hatun Rumiyoc.
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
1. Museo Galeria MeridaThis museum on the Plazoleta de San Blas pays tribute to one of Cusco’s most important folk artists. Born in 1927, Edilberto Mérida began as a woodcarver, before finding the material that would make him famous: clay. Mérida crafted hundreds of expressive figurines, and some of his most representative work can be seen in this museum, currently run by his daughter, Maria Antonieta Mérida, a sculptor in her own right.
2. Museo Taller Mendivil
Over the years, the Mendivil family has helped Peru earn an international reputation as a land of ingenious craftsmen of tremendous artistic sensibility. Master folk artist Juana Mendivil continues the family tradition in this beautiful museum and workshop, where you can appreciate the unique skill of these artists in pieces that combine fabric with a special paste made from potatoes, rice or wheat.
3. Museo Taller Galeria Arte Olave
Antonio Olave created Cusco’s most famous sculpture: “El Niño de la Espina” (Boy with Thorn). Since then, Olave has toured the world and joined the pantheon of Peruvian folk-art greats. Olave still welcomes visitors to his workshop, where he offers a tour of the history of his artistic endeavors, from pieces with pre-Columbian designs to contemporary works.
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
1. Pachapapa
Since opening its doors to the tourism industry as a traditional country estate 14 years ago, Pachapapa has resisted the passage of time and today is one of the neighborhood’s most iconic restaurants. The mud oven is the star of the show, turning out delicious pizza. Try the one with smoked alpaca ham or roast Ayaviri lamb.
2. Macondo Café
When it comes to innovation, Macondo is a fine example of how far creativity can go. Behind the bar are stunning works from artists like Richard Peralta and Carlos Lizarraga. Known mainly for its Nouveau Andean cuisine, this café is also the perfect place to slow down the pace of your day, play a board game, read a book or browse the new coffee shop.
Cuesta San Blas 571
3. Capricho Andino
This restaurant is one of the best spots in San Blas to sample traditional cuisine from the Peruvian Andes. Nestled in one of the neighborhood’s busiest and most emblematic corners, Capricho Andino is also famous for its design elements, all of which were produced locally, including the tables, dishes, silverware and even the bar.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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