Cusco’s most spectacular viewpoints for unforgettable photographs
Cusco not only holds an incomparable historical and cultural wealth, but also offers stunning viewpoints that capture the magical essence of the city and its surroundings. From panoramic views of its majestic Andean sky to unique perspectives of urban and natural landscapes, these strategic points are perfect for photography and adventure lovers.
- What are the most spectacular viewpoints in Cusco?
- How to visit the main viewpoints?
- Comparison of the viewpoints
- Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
One of the best viewpoints in Cusco
Visiting the viewpoints in Cusco is an unforgettable and completely free experience, perfect for those who want to enjoy the best views of the city without spending a dime. From the tranquility of the Santa Ana Viewpoint to the grandeur of Cristo Blanco, each of these spots offers unique panoramas that capture the essence of historical and natural Cusco.
What are the most spectacular viewpoints in Cusco?
San Blas Viewpoint
Description
Located in the heart of the San Blas neighborhood in Cusco, this viewpoint is a magical corner that combines charming views with a unique cultural atmosphere. From here, you can see Cusco’s clay rooftops, the surrounding mountains, and the picturesque horizon that seems to touch the sky.
Location
San Blas neighborhood, 10 minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas.
How to get there
Walk along Hatun Rumiyoc Street in Cusco, famous for the Stone of the 12 Angles, until you reach the heart of the neighborhood.
Notable features
- Surrounded by art shops, cafes, and galleries reflecting local talent.
- Serene atmosphere, perfect for resting after exploring the neighborhood’s streets.
Why visit it?
The San Blas viewpoint is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and artistic experience. It’s a place where you can sit, contemplate the beauty of Cusco, and at the same time enjoy the cultural richness of the neighborhood. If you love photography, this viewpoint is an excellent spot to capture the colonial essence of the city and its integration with the mountainous surroundings.
San Blas Viewpoint
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
Description
The Cristo Blanco, the protector of Cusco, is one of the most iconic places, not only because of the majestic statue that presides over it but also because of the panoramic view it offers. From this viewpoint, you can see the Plaza de Armas, the colonial churches, and the streets of the city in one single view.
Location
A few meters from Sacsayhuamán, about 1.5 km from Plaza de Armas.
How to get there
You can walk about 30 minutes from Plaza de Armas or take a taxi. It is also part of many tourist tours.
Notable features
- The Cristo Blanco statue is 8 meters tall and was a gift from the Palestinian Arab community living in the city in 1945.
- The viewpoint is accessible both during the day and at night, offering illuminated views of Cusco that are ideal for night photography.
Why visit it?
It is an iconic place that combines a spiritual experience with the opportunity to admire the beauty of Cusco from the heights. Additionally, its proximity to the Sacsayhuamán fortress makes it an essential stop for visitors interested in Cusco’s history and landscape.
Looking at the city of Cusco from Cristo Blanco
San Cristóbal Church Viewpoint
Description
From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the historic center of Cusco, with its colonial churches, narrow streets, and the vibrant movement of the Plaza de Armas. The San Cristóbal church, built on an ancient Inca base, adds a unique historical and architectural touch.
Location
In the San Cristóbal neighborhood, about 15 minutes on foot from Plaza de Armas.
How to get there
Walk uphill from Plaza de Armas towards Sacsayhuamán.
Notable features
- The San Cristóbal church is one of the oldest in Cusco, and its architecture reflects the fusion of Inca and colonial cultures.
- It offers a privileged view of the city from a central and accessible location.
Why visit it?
It’s perfect for those seeking a combination of history, culture, and spectacular views. Moreover, the viewpoint is strategically located to capture panoramic photographs that highlight Cusco’s colonial beauty.
Sunset photo from San Cristóbal Viewpoint
Santa Ana Viewpoint
Description
In the Santa Ana neighborhood, this viewpoint offers a different and less touristy perspective of Cusco. From here, you can observe the city framed by its hills and mountains, with a tranquility that is not always easy to find in the center.
Location
In the Santa Ana neighborhood, about 20 minutes on foot from Plaza de Armas.
How to get there
Walk up the Santa Ana hill until you reach the viewpoint, which is near the church of the same name.
Notable features
- A less crowded space, ideal for those who prefer quiet places.
- Close to the Santa Ana church, which is also an interesting attraction.
Why visit it?
This viewpoint is an excellent choice for those wishing to discover another facet of Cusco. Its slightly secluded location makes it ideal for enjoying a more intimate view of the city, away from the more crowded areas.
Santa Ana Plaza – Cusco
Picol Viewpoint
Description
Cerro Picol is a prominent mountain located in the San Jerónimo district, southeast of Cusco. With an approximate altitude of 4,448 meters above sea level, it is one of the region’s most prominent elevations.
Location
Cerro Picol is located in the San Jerónimo district, marking the boundary between the San Sebastián and San Jerónimo districts, in the province of Cusco, Peru.
How to get there
To ascend Cerro Picol, it is recommended to start from Larapa, in Cusco. From there, the hike is uphill from the beginning, offering a moderate challenge for hikers.
Notable features
- Cerro Picol is locally revered as an Apu, a sacred mountain in Andean cosmology.
Why visit it?
Picol combines an impressive view of Cusco with a natural setting that invites relaxation. It’s ideal for those seeking a less crowded place to enjoy peace and photography.
If you want to experience a more authentic side of Cusco, the viewpoints offer the opportunity to discover the city from a different angle, without the crowds that usually fill the more touristy sites. Walking to these panoramic spots is also a small adventure, allowing you to explore lesser-known corners and get a close-up view of the traditional streets and the impressive topography that make Cusco so special.
How to Visit the Main Viewpoints?
Proposed route: San Blas, San Cristóbal Church, Cristo Blanco, and Santa Ana.
1. Start at the San Blas Viewpoint
- How to get there: From the Plaza de Armas, walk up Hatun Rumiyoc Street. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
- What to do: Enjoy the bohemian atmosphere, visit artisan shops, and have coffee at a café with a terrace.
2. Head to the San Cristóbal Church Viewpoint
- How to get there: From San Blas, walk down to the Plaza de Armas and head toward Sacsayhuamán. The walk up takes around 15 minutes.
- What to do: Admire the view of the city from the terrace and visit the church to learn about its history.
3. Continue to the Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
- How to get there: From San Cristóbal, continue uphill for about 10 minutes on a marked path leading to Cristo Blanco.
- What to do: Take in Cusco from the heights, snap photos, and enjoy the fresh air. This is the highest point of the route.
4. End at the Santa Ana Viewpoint
- How to get there: From Cristo Blanco, walk back down to San Cristóbal Church. From there, continue downhill towards (ask for the Santa Ana slope). The walk takes about 25 minutes, or you can take a taxi from Cristo Blanco or San Cristóbal to reach Santa Ana in about 10 minutes.
- What to do: Relax at this less crowded viewpoint and enjoy a quieter view of the historic center.
Comparison of the Viewpoints
| Viewpoint | Location | Main View | Key Features | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Blas | San Blas Neighborhood | Historic center, colonial and artistic rooftops. | Bohemian atmosphere, surrounded by art and picturesque shops. | Relax and take artistic photographs. |
| San Cristóbal Church | Near Sacsayhuamán | Panoramic view of the Cusco center. | Historical terrace, perfect to combine with a visit to the church. | Appreciate history and enjoy the sunset or sunrise views. |
| Cristo Blanco | Adjacent to Sacsayhuamán | Complete view of Cusco from the heights. | Iconic monument and the highest point of the route. | Contemplate Cusco from great heights. |
| Santa Ana | Santa Ana Neighborhood | Tranquil view of the historic center and surroundings. | Less crowded, relaxed atmosphere. | Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the calm. |
| Picol | San Jerónimo District | Mountain landscape and panoramic view of the valley. | Natural area ideal for walks and connection with nature. | Outdoor activities and landscape photography. |
Recommendations
- Organize your visit based on the location of the viewpoints to optimize time. For example, you can start at San Blas and end at Cristo Blanco or Santa Ana.
- Wear suitable footwear for walking, as some streets are cobbled and there are steep ascents.
- Cusco has variable weather, so bring a light jacket and, if it’s the rainy season (November to March), a raincoat or umbrella.
- The effort of walking and the altitude may require more energy. Bring water and snacks to stay active.
- Visit the viewpoints in the morning or at sunset to capture the best views and photographs.
- Keep the place clean, don’t leave trash, and respect green areas and historical structures.
- If you prefer to avoid long ascents, take taxis to reach the higher points like Cristo Blanco or Santa Ana.
- Combine your visit to the viewpoints with other nearby activities, such as strolling through traditional neighborhoods or visiting historical temples.
- Beyond photos, take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquility and majesty of the views.
Imperial city of Cusco
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How much does it cost to visit the viewpoints of Cusco?
All the viewpoints mentioned (San Blas, San Cristóbal, Cristo Blanco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Picol) are free to access.
2) What is the best time of day to visit the viewpoints?
Morning and sunset are ideal to enjoy the natural light and capture the best photographs.
3) How can I get to the viewpoints?
- San Blas: Walking from the Plaza de Armas in 10 minutes.
- San Cristóbal: Walking from the Plaza de Armas in 15-20 minutes or by taxi.
- Cristo Blanco: Walking from San Cristóbal in 10 minutes or by taxi from the center.
- Santa Ana: Walking from the Plaza de Armas in 20 minutes or by taxi.
- Cerro Picol: By taxi or bus to San Jerónimo, then a 1-hour walk.
4) Do I need to hire a guide to visit the viewpoints?
No, it’s not necessary since the routes are accessible and well signposted. However, a guide can enrich the experience with historical and cultural information.
5) What should I bring to visit the viewpoints?
Wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, water, sunscreen, and a camera or phone for photos.
6) Can I visit all the viewpoints in one day?
Yes, the viewpoints in the Cusco center (San Blas, San Cristóbal, Cristo Blanco, and Santa Ana) are relatively close and can be visited in one day by walking or by taxi.
7) Is it safe to visit the viewpoints at night?
Some viewpoints, such as Cristo Blanco and San Blas, have lighting, but it is recommended to visit during the day for greater safety.
8) Are there services near the viewpoints?
The viewpoints in the center have nearby services, such as shops, restaurants, and restrooms. Cerro Picol, being a natural area, does not have services.
9) What kind of views do the viewpoints offer?
Each viewpoint offers a unique view:
- San Blas: Colonial rooftops and the charm of the artistic neighborhood.
- San Cristóbal and Cristo Blanco: Full panoramic views of Cusco.
- Santa Ana: A tranquil view of the center and surroundings.
- Cerro Picol: Mountain landscapes and the Cusco valley.
10) Do I need experience to reach Cerro Picol?
No experience is necessary, but it is a moderate-level hike, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Mikel A“Cusco from the heights“
“Touring Cusco's viewpoints was one of the best decisions of my trip. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of the city, with a perfect blend of nature, history and architecture. From the beauty of San Blas to the majesty of the White Christ, each place left me with unforgettable memories.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 29, 2025