Just a short distance from Cusco’s bustling Plaza de Armas, a climb up the Cuesta de San Blas unveils a different facet of the city: the bohemian and artistic heart of Barrio San Blas. Known as the “Balcony of Cusco,” this elevated neighborhood invites a slower pace as one navigates its steep cobblestone lanes, revealing whitewashed adobe walls punctuated by vibrant blue doors and the visible layers of Inca foundations supporting colonial structures. Here, the air hums with a quiet creativity, spilling from hidden workshops and intimate galleries where traditional crafts like ceramics, wood carvings, and alpaca textiles flourish alongside contemporary expressions, often bearing the legacy of renowned artisan families. The journey culminates at the tranquil Plazoleta de San Blas, home to the unassuming yet historically significant Iglesia de San Blas, all while offering stunning panoramic views of Cusco nestled within the surrounding peaks.