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Polaroid of the Week: Discover Cuzco's Enchanting San Blas Neighborhood

Polaroid of the Week: Discover Cuzco s Enchanting San Blas NeighborhoodWe quickly fell in love with Peru after crossing from Bolivia at Lake Titicaca. Our first stop, Puno, lived up to its gritty reputation, but its charming historic center kept us there for a couple of days.

We hurried to Cuzco to ensure we could trek to Machu Picchu before the trails closed for annual maintenance at the end of the month.

Cuzco captured our hearts at first sight. As the capital of the Inca Empire, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 to protect its unique blend of Inca culture, Spanish-colonial architecture, and remnants from the pre-Inca Killke culture.

This city is a haven for history enthusiasts, with surrounding Andean mountains ideal for trekkers, and visitor-friendly infrastructure welcoming travelers from all backgrounds.

Cuzco ranks among South America's most beautiful cities, boasting the grand Plaza de Armas, impressive churches, and picturesque plazas throughout. Every new street reveals stunning architecture, ornate wooden balconies, and massive Inca stones used in palaces and homes.

Our favorite spot is the San Blas neighborhood, perched on a hillside in the northeastern part of town. Its narrow, steep cobblestone streets wind through centuries-old charm. Colorful doors and intricate wooden balconies make each house distinctive. The endless steps may leave you breathless at this altitude, but the panoramic views of Cuzco below are well worth the climb.

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