Last updated on December 19, 2023.

Cusco is not limited to Plaza de ArmasQorikancha, 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.

A street in Cusco, Peru
A street in Cusco

 

Plaza Regocijo

Just to the west of Plaza de Armas is Plaza Regocijo. The Cusco Municipality (Municipalidad de Cusco) is located there.

Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, Peru
Plaza Regocijo
Municipalidad de Cusco in Cusco, Peru
Cusco Municipality

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.

Cuy in Cusco, Peru
Cuy

 

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.

Avenida El Sol in Cusco, Peru
Avenida El Sol
Palacio de Justicia in Cusco, Peru
Palace of Justice
Centro Artesenal Cusco, Peru
Cusco Craft Center

 

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.

Colegio Nacional de Ciencias in Cusco, Peru
National College of Science and Arts

 

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.

Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
San Pedro Market
Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
Fruits and vegetables at San Pedro Market
Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
San Pedro Market
Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
San Pedro Market

The market spills out onto the streets as well.

Outside of Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
Outside of San Pedro Market
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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