Best Viewpoints in Cusco: Complete Guide and Access Routes

Best Viewpoints in Cusco: The Ultimate Guide to Panoramic Views

Guide to enjoying panoramic views, colonial streets, and unforgettable photos

Cusco is a city best enjoyed on foot. Its cobblestone streets, colonial balconies, ancient temples, reddish rooftops, and surrounding mountains create a unique postcard view from almost every corner. But if you want to see the city from a different perspective, Cusco’s viewpoints are a must-visit during your stay.

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1. San Cristóbal: One of the Best Viewpoints in Cusco

If you are looking for the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco, San Cristóbal is a must-stop thanks to its historical significance. This place is not just an observation point; it stands on the foundations of the ancient palace of Manco Cápac, in the area known as Colcampata.

Upon arrival, you will notice that the square is supported by imposing Inca walls built in the cellular style, which have withstood centuries of history.

What can you see from San Cristóbal?

From this spot, you have a clear, front-facing view of the historic center. It is the perfect place to identify the Plaza de Armas, the towers of the Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus.

Unlike other viewpoints, here colonial architecture blends directly with the Inca past. The Parish of San Cristóbal, built in the 17th century, was funded by the Inca noble Paullu Inca, giving it a unique cultural significance along the route of Cusco’s best tourist viewpoints.

How to Get to the San Cristóbal Viewpoint?

To visit one of the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco, you have two main options from the Historic Center:

• On foot (adventure route): From the Plaza de Armas, walk up Plateros Street until you reach Siete Cuartones Street. Turn left and climb the famous Resbalosa Street. It is a steep stone slope that will take you directly to the viewpoint square in about 10 to 15 minutes.
• View walking map: Route from Plaza de Armas to San Cristóbal on foot.

• By taxi (comfortable route): If you prefer to avoid physical effort, a taxi from the city center will charge between 8 and 10 soles. The route goes along Saphy Street and then up Don Bosco Street, dropping you right at the church entrance in less than 7 minutes.
• View driving map: Route from Plaza de Armas to San Cristóbal by car.

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2. Discovering the San Blas Viewpoint in Cusco

The San Blas Viewpoint is the spot with the greatest artistic character in the city. It is located in the heart of the artisans’ neighborhood, originally known in Inca times as the T’oqokachi sector (which means “salt hollow”).

It is considered one of the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco thanks to its bohemian atmosphere and its proximity to the region’s most famous art workshops.

What you will see from the San Blas Viewpoint: The Artists’ Balcony

It is one of the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco for understanding colonial architecture built on Inca foundations in the ancient T’oqokachi sector.

Key points you can identify:

• Red-tiled rooftops
• The Cathedral towers
• Domes of the Church of the Society of Jesus
• San Blas Square
• Cristo Blanco and Sacsayhuamán
• Viva el Perú Hill

Why does it stand out on the viewpoint route?

Unlike other top tourist viewpoints in Cusco, San Blas is surrounded by commercial and artistic points of interest. Just a few meters from the viewpoint, you will find:

• Limbus Restobar: Famous for its glass balcony with a 180° view.
• Mendívil Workshop: Where the long-neck sculptures originated.
• Art galleries: Located along Cuesta de San Blas, connecting the viewpoint with the city center.

How to get to the San Blas Viewpoint?

For travelers looking for the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco with easy access, San Blas is the ideal option:

1. On foot: From the Plaza de Armas, walk up Triunfo Street, continue along Hatun Rumiyoc (where the Twelve-Angled Stone is located), and keep going straight up Cuesta de San Blas. It’s a picturesque uphill walk filled with craft shops and art galleries.
2. Reference: The viewpoint is located near the intersection of Carmen Bajo Street and Tandapata Street.

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3. Vistas panorámicas en los mejores miradores de Cusco: El Cristo Blanco

The Cristo Blanco Viewpoint is the highest and most panoramic observation point in the city. Located at the top of Pukamuqu Hill (Red Mountain), it offers a 360-degree view that encompasses the entire Cusco Valley.

Due to its altitude and strategic location, it is considered the number one among the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco.

What can you see from Cristo Blanco?

At 3,550 meters above sea level, the perspective is complete. From here, you can identify:

1. The complete urban layout
2. Sacsayhuamán: The viewpoint is located just a few meters from the Llaullipata sector, allowing you to see part of the fortress’s zigzagging walls.
3. Velasco Astete Airport: You can watch planes taking off and landing, which is a unique visual spectacle due to the valley’s geography.
4. Sacred Mountains (Apus): This is the best spot to see Apu Ausangate (the highest mountain in the region) and Pachatusan Hill.
5. Garcilaso Stadium: Easily identifiable by its circular structure, it stands out in the modern part of the city.

How to get to Cristo Blanco

If you are exploring the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco, here is the logistics to get there:

• On foot: This is a demanding walk. You must go up Pumacurco Street from the Plaza de Armas, pass by the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, and continue along the road toward Sacsayhuamán. Estimated time: 35 to 45 minutes.
• By taxi: This is the most recommended option. The vehicle takes Saphy Street and then goes up via the Circunvalación road, dropping you off at the Cristo Blanco parking area. Cost: 10 to 12 soles.
• Public transportation: Buses operated by the “Cristo Blanco” or “Señor de Huanca” companies follow the Circunvalación route. You must get off at the “Cristo Blanco” stop.

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4. Santa Ana Viewpoint (Qarmenqa Neighborhood)

The Santa Ana Viewpoint is historically the oldest entrance point to the city. Located in the Qarmenqa neighborhood, this site once marked the northwestern boundary of the Inca capital and was the mandatory passage for those arriving from Chinchaysuyo (the northern sector of the empire).

Due to its location and historical depth, it is a key stop on the list of the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco.

What can you see from Santa Ana?

Being located on a lateral position relative to the Plaza de Armas, it offers a “long” view of the valley:

• The Processional Axis: You can clearly see the line connecting the Santa Ana neighborhood with Meloc Street and Abancay Street, which descend directly toward the city center.
• Southern Valley View: You can identify the districts of Wanchaq and San Sebastián stretching toward the horizon.
• Church Skyline: This is the best spot to see the dome of the Church of San Francisco and the side profile of the Cathedral.
• Viva el Perú Mountain: It stands out directly ahead with its white letters on the green hillside.
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How to get to the viewpoint

If you want to include this spot in your route through the best tourist viewpoints in Cusco, these are the routes:

1. On foot: This is one of the most demanding climbs. You must start from the Plaza de Armas, go up Plateros Street, continue along Meloc Street, and finally ascend the steep Cuesta de Santa Ana. Time: 20 to 25 minutes.
2. En Taxi: El vehículo subirá por la calle Meloc o por la calle Arco Iris. El viaje es corto pero te ahorra el desgaste físico de la pendiente. Costo: 8 a 10 soles.

Sugerencia: “Si prefieres conocer estos puntos con un guía local, mira nuestro Free Walking Tour en Cusco“.