San Blas: The Artistic Heart of Cusco

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pair-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [kay oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

San Blas is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the Inca Empire. This neighborhood was once a vital area for the Incan nobility, who built their homes and temples here. The layout of the streets reflects the traditional Incan urban design, with narrow alleys and impressive stone walls that have withstood centuries of weathering.

Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, San Blas underwent significant transformations. Spanish colonizers constructed churches and colonial homes atop Incan foundations. The most notable structure is the San Blas Church, built in the 16th century, featuring a stunning pulpit carved from a single trunk of cedar, exemplifying the blending of indigenous and Spanish styles.

During the colonial period, San Blas became known as the artisans' quarter, where skilled craftsmen produced textiles, pottery, and metalwork. This tradition continues to this day, with numerous workshops and galleries showcasing local art. The neighborhood's vibrant culture is celebrated through festivals and fairs, highlighting the ongoing legacy of craftsmanship.

In the early 20th century, San Blas emerged as a center for cultural revival in Cusco. Intellectuals and artists, inspired by the rich history of the area, began to promote Andean culture and heritage. This period saw the establishment of cultural institutions and the return to traditional practices, which laid the groundwork for the preservation of Peruvian identity.

Today, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood that attracts both locals and tourists. Its cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, shops, and art galleries, creating a lively atmosphere. The ongoing cultural festivals and artisan markets highlight the neighborhood's rich heritage, making it a focal point for those exploring the historical and cultural landscape of Cusco.

San Blas is easily accessible from various parts of Cusco. It is located just a short walk from the main square, Plaza de Armas. For those arriving from the airport, taxis are the most convenient option; the journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a shared shuttle service that operates between the airport and the city center. If you’re coming from other neighborhoods, local taxis or the public transportation system can drop you off close to San Blas.

San Blas is a compact neighborhood best explored on foot, as many of its charming cobblestone streets are narrow and steep. Walking is the most immersive way to experience the area’s art galleries, artisan shops, and cafes. There are no trains or buses specifically within San Blas; however, local taxis are available for longer distances. Bicycle rentals are also an option if you prefer two wheels, with some shops offering guided tours around Cusco.

San Blas is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying expensive items, and be cautious in less populated areas, especially after dark. Areas around the Plaza de Armas and the main streets tend to be safer, while some side streets may have higher crime rates, including petty theft or pickpocketing. Always stay vigilant and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for police or 106 for medical assistance in Peru. The nearest hospital is Hospital Antonio Lorena, located a short distance from San Blas. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues, where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it's considered impolite.

To experience San Blas like a local, visit the artisan markets where you can find handmade crafts and traditional goods. Engage with local artisans, as many are happy to share their techniques and stories. Don't miss the San Blas Church, known for its stunning wooden altar. If you're interested in local culture, consider taking a traditional cooking class to learn how to prepare Andean dishes. Additionally, explore the neighborhood's lesser-known viewpoints for breathtaking views of Cusco.