Avenida El Sol (Sun Avenue), Cusco
Sun Avenue (Avenida El Sol) is a pivotal artery in Cusco, known for its vibrant blend of commerce, history, and tourism. Stretching from northwest to southeast across the city's Historic Center, this major avenue follows the course of the once visible Saphy River, which was channelized during the Inca era. Today, the avenue is a bustling hub encircled by an array of shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourist-centric enterprises.
Proximate to key attractions like the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral of Cusco, and the Temple of the Sun, Sun Avenue is not just a tourist destination but also a central part of local life. It serves as a main conduit for the city's public transportation, with ample bus and taxi services, especially during the peak tourist season when it often experiences heavy traffic congestion.
Originally the channeled bed of the Saphy River, Sun Avenue transformed into a major thoroughfare between 1911 and 1931. By 1927, it was fully established up to Wanchaq Station. The construction of the Municipal Theater in 1930 and other key developments marked its growth as the city's main street. By 1940, it was paved and became home to institutional buildings like the Gibson Bank, Popular and Agropecuario Bank, Cusco Club, and Savoy Hotel.
Sun Avenue's historical and cultural importance has been recognized both nationally and internationally. Since 1972, it has been part of the Monumental Zone of Cusco, declared a Historical Monument of Peru. Furthermore, in 1983, as part of the historic center of Cusco, it was included in the area declared by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2014, it gained additional recognition when it was incorporated into the Tawantinsuyo road network, again declared a World Heritage Site.
Proximate to key attractions like the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral of Cusco, and the Temple of the Sun, Sun Avenue is not just a tourist destination but also a central part of local life. It serves as a main conduit for the city's public transportation, with ample bus and taxi services, especially during the peak tourist season when it often experiences heavy traffic congestion.
Originally the channeled bed of the Saphy River, Sun Avenue transformed into a major thoroughfare between 1911 and 1931. By 1927, it was fully established up to Wanchaq Station. The construction of the Municipal Theater in 1930 and other key developments marked its growth as the city's main street. By 1940, it was paved and became home to institutional buildings like the Gibson Bank, Popular and Agropecuario Bank, Cusco Club, and Savoy Hotel.
Sun Avenue's historical and cultural importance has been recognized both nationally and internationally. Since 1972, it has been part of the Monumental Zone of Cusco, declared a Historical Monument of Peru. Furthermore, in 1983, as part of the historic center of Cusco, it was included in the area declared by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2014, it gained additional recognition when it was incorporated into the Tawantinsuyo road network, again declared a World Heritage Site.
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Avenida El Sol (Sun Avenue) on Map
Sight Name: Avenida El Sol (Sun Avenue)
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cusco, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Cusco
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cusco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cusco Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled high in the Andes mountains, Cusco is a city bursting with stories to tell. Peru's historic capital city was also the Inca Empire's center until the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Cusco's Historical Churches
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries introduced the area to Catholicism. The result of that has been a plethora of historical churches built in the city since.
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles