When the Inca Pachacutec Yupanqui, the great architect of Cusco, ordered the old city to be redesigned in the form of a puma as the imperial capital of Tawantinsuyo, “the empire of the four quarters”, he ordered the builders to reserve a space for all the mitimaes who would come from the four corners of the known world. The mitimaes were groups

of pilgrims who travelled guided by the principle of the creator god: the principle of sharing, or “ayni”, and this reserved space has now transformed into the bustling San Blas district.

From that time on every tribal group or community of the great empire would send its best craftsmen and wisest elders on the long pilgrimage to Cusco, the sacred city. Their duty was simple: “to share all they knew and to learn all they could”.

That was how the San Blas district came to be a melting pot for the arts. It became known as San Blas, of course, with the arrival of the Spanish, who founded the church of that name in the area. Although it is true that very little of the original Inca artisans’ quarter remains standing, it is also true to say that the spirit of Pachacutec lives on: a creative, sharing spirit.

From colonial times to the present day, the arts and crafts tradition of San Blas has been passed from one generation to the next. Most of today’s artisans have learned their trade from their parents and grandparents. In San Blas one finds sculpture, pottery, painting, jewelry, textiles, woodcarvings, stonework, religious art and antiques. Not only that, but the residents of San Blas offer a glimpse into the true nature of Peruvian culture: generosity and trust.

The people of Cusco are justly proud of the great wealth of arts found in San Blas, and the neighborhood today also represents much more than simply the traditional arts. With its restored streets and houses, cafes, restaurants and bars, it has become a cosmopolitan complement to the unbroken tradition represented by the monumental stonework of Cusco’s historic center. An incredible blend of the old and new, San Blas offers everything from traditional dance performances to modern reggae and rock music concerts. All in all, we are certain when we say we are offering our guests a great place to stay.