Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

THE CALLE DE LOS SIETE BORREGUITOS IN CUSCO

THE CALLE DE LOS SIETE BORREGUITOS IN CUSCO

5MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2024-06-26

Cusco in the South of Peru, was once the Inca capital and is now a thriving destination for tourists who visit Peru on their way to Machu Picchu. Cusco is home to various architectural marvels, with Inca and colonial buildings exhibiting stone constructions from years gone by. These buildings and streets are in an excellent state of repair and makes it easy to imagine how life was in years gone by. Certain parts of Cusco are famous for their narrow cobble-stoned streets, especially the San Blas neighborhood. As you wander around these stunning streets on your Cusco tours, you will surely pass along the Calle de los Borreguitos, a narrow thoroughfare with stone steps, where farmers used to pass with their sheep….. or "borreguitos". Read on for more information about this quaint and historic street and how to visit it on your Cusco city tour.

 

The Plaza de Armas is included in Cusco city tours and is the heart of Cusco, Peru. This vibrant and historical square has played a central role in Cusco´s history for centuries, ever since Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The Incas built the plaza as a central gathering place, surrounded by important buildings and temples.

Cusco´s Plaza De Armas 

Cusco's Cobbled-Stone Streets

Cusco is characterized by its narrow, cobbled stone streets that give the city its mystique and character.  and Cusco is like a maze, where countless narrow alleyways and passageways that lead to even more steep staircases. If you’re not careful, you will end up getting lost! but fortunately, that’s not a bad thing. Wandering through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Cusco is an adventure in itself. Make sure you take the time to just wander around and explore all the alleys and passageways around the city. Just take Just remember to take it slowly — Cusco is at a high elevation!

 

San Blas is a picturesque neighborhood in Cusco. You are sure to visit on Cusco tours. It is just a few blocks from the central Plaza de Armas and is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, art and handicraft shops, and its unique bohemian vibe.

San Blas Cobbled Stone Streets

 

Location of The Calle 7 Borreguitos

7 Borreguitos Street is a small and narrow lane situated in the heart of Cusco's Historic Center. It can be found just a few blocks away from the Plaza de Armas, in the center of Cusco City. Cusco is found at an elevation of 3400 meters/11, 152ft. Of course, most travelers will spend a few days in Cusco before they head out on a Trek in the region or to Machu Picchu, but Cusco also has its nooks and crannies that are definitely worth investigating! One of these is 7 Borreguitos.

 

La Calle 7 Borreguitos is a lesser-visited but recently famous street in Cusco. This picture-perfect street adds to the city's rich historical and cultural charm. The name translates to "The Street of the Seven Little Sheep," and it has recently been called the most Instagrammable Street in Cusco! Make sure you visit when you travel to Cusco, Peru.

Calle Siete Borreguitos

 

The Street Names of Cusco

One of the more unusual facts about Cusco is that it has 7 streets that have the name "seven" in their title. Siete Culebras, Siete Angelitos, Siete Diablitos, Siete Ventanas, Siete Cuartones, Siete Mascarones and of course, Siete Borreguitos. In colonial times, the local people of this part of the city, during their day-to-day activities, would go out to the Puck’ro River to wash their clothes and to graze their sheep. It was thought that this part of the street was the ideal place to let the sheep graze. Many families or individuals did this and as time passed the general population began to call this place “Borrego Street”. The street connects the Sapantiana Aqueduct in San Blas with the neighborhood of San Cristobal above Cusco. The street had white-washed walls for many years until local people decided to brighten up the neighborhood, painted the walls, and added clay ceramic flower pots. The blooming of the flowers of course, drastically changes the presence of this street. Today it is one of the best places to visit when you travel to Cusco Peru and has the bonus of being free of charge.

 

Calle Siete Cuartones is found in the center of Cusco, close to the Plaza de Armas. As is the case with many streets in Cusco, Calle Siete Cuartones is built on ancient Inca foundations. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the local ambiance, a stroll down Calle Siete Cuartones is a must on your Cusco city tour.

Siete Cuartones

 

Calle 7 Borreguitos in Cusco, Today!

Calle Siete Borreguitos is officially in the San Blas neighborhood and heads up to San Cristobal (the White Christ on the hill). It used to be a small, relatively unknown street among the tourist community, however, it has now become one of the most 'Instagrammable' streets of Cusco! Even today, llamas and alpacas come down the street with their owners to the San Cristóbal church to be photographed by visitors. If you are very lucky, you can spot donkeys also coming down with their loads.

 

7 Borreguitos Street, on your Cusco tour, is not as commercial as the San Blas neighborhood. Calle 7 Borreguitos has small artisan shops where local craftsmen sell handmade goods, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. You can also find small art galleries showcasing the works of local artists, providing insight into the contemporary art scene in Cusco.

Flower-Filled  Siete Borreguitos

 

From flowers harmoniously arranged in pots along the staircase to those distributed in elevated hanging baskets, the 7 Borreguitos stairway is nothing short of spectacular. There is a panoramic view of the city accompanied by a typical local song, that takes you back to colonial times. The scenes captured here are photo-worthy for any social media platform!. If you enjoy taking photos and are looking for a good shot for Instagram or Pinterest, don't miss this spot during your Cusco Peru tours.

 

Siete Borreguitos is an incredibly quaint stair-filled street that is the meeting point between the San Blas and San Cristobal neighborhoods. If you’re walking from Plaza de Armas or San Blas towards Sacsayhuaman, you can walk up this street to get there. Get there early if you want to get a shot without other people in it as the Street has become a famous place to visit on Cusco tours!

San Cristobal Church at the Top of 7 Borreguitos


So, if you want to visit one of the most spectacular Cusco Streets and visit arguably one of its most picturesque, plan ahead and include some time in your itinerary. Exploring Cusco to the full is a must on your Machu Picchu vacation packages and on your Cusco Excursions. There is a surprise around every corner that is combined with an element of mysticism and history that makes the streets of Cusco one of the most unique places to visit on the planet! Find out more about how we can combine a visit to 7 Borreguitos with your Cusco City tour, to experience the magic that Cusco has to offer!

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