San Blas Private Walking Tour: Explore Cusco’s Artisan Quarter

Summary

Cusco’s San Blas Neighborhood: Handicrafts & Inca History

If you want to see where Cusco’s artists really work and live, this walk through San Blas is for you. You’ll get close to local craftspeople, spot real Inca stonework under modern homes, and catch some great city views along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we climbed into San Blas was the sound—shoemakers tapping away behind half-open doors, a radio playing some old cumbia from a tiny window. The air felt thinner up here, but it carried the smell of wood shavings and fresh bread from a corner bakery. Our guide, Luis, pointed out how the stone walls at street level still show those tight Inca joints—no mortar, just rock pressed perfectly together.

We wandered through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses. Some had blue balconies draped with laundry; others had little signs for artists selling hand-carved gourds or silver jewelry. I stopped to watch an old man paint tiny saints onto wood panels—he smiled and waved us inside his shop, but we kept moving since there was so much to see. The Church of San Blas stood at the top of the hill, its doors closed for repairs, but Luis explained its roots go back to an Inca temple for Illapa, the thunder god. Even from outside, you could see how it anchors the whole neighborhood.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore San Blas Neighborhood

• Visit San Blas neighborhood and handicraft shops
• Panoramic visit to Church of San Blas

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The walk is gentle and our guide adjusts the pace for everyone. Just let us know if you have any concerns.

Can we go inside the Church of San Blas?

The church is currently closed for maintenance, so we’ll view it from outside and hear about its history from your guide.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks both Spanish and English fluently.

Do I need to bring anything special?

A comfy pair of shoes is best—the cobblestones can be uneven. A light jacket helps too; mornings can be chilly in Cusco.

What’s included

This tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco plus a professional bilingual guide who knows San Blas inside out. All ages are welcome—just let us know your hotel name when booking so we can coordinate everything smoothly.