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Cusco is not limited to Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the churches. The rest of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city is well worth discovering. You’ll find many interesting places along the way.
Plaza Regocijo
Just to the west of Plaza de Armas is Plaza Regocijo. The Cusco Municipality (Municipalidad de Cusco) is located there.
This small plaza seems to have events quite often. One day I passed through and there was a military parade. On another day, I was able to watch live music and see the plaza filled with food tents serving cuy (guinea pig), a Peruvian delicacy.
Avenida El Sol
To the south of the plaza is Avenida El Sol. This is one of the main arteries of Cusco. It connects Plaza de Armas with Qorikancha, the bus terminal, and airport. One of the most prominent buildings along Avenida El Sol is the Palace of Justice (Palacio de Justicia). At the southern end of it is the Cusco Craft Center (Centro Artesenal Cusco), a handicraft market where you can find all kinds of souvenirs including alpaca sweaters.
Plaza San Francisco
West of Plaza Regocijo is Plaza San Francisco, which is the location of one of the most prestigious schools in Peru, the National College of Science and Arts (Colegio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes). It was founded by Simón Bolívar in 1825.
San Pedro Market
Even further west is a great place to see how Cusqueños live. San Pedro Market (Mercado San Pedro) has stalls selling everything from cheese, meat, vegetables, and fruits to souvenirs, clothes, and household goods.
The market spills out onto the streets as well.
