7 Angelitos Street in Cusco

The streets of the city of Cusco catch our attention with their curious names, such as Siete Angelitos (“Seven Little Angels”). Interestingly, many streets in the historic center feature the number seven, making them particularly intriguing. Now let’s learn more about Calle Siete Angelitos.

7 Angelitos Street: A Magical Corner in the San Blas Neighborhood

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a city full of history and charming corners. Among its most picturesque streets is Calle Siete Angelitos, located in the traditional San Blas neighborhood. This narrow alley stands out for its colonial beauty and unique atmosphere.

According to local oral history, Calle Siete Angelitos got its name from an interesting coincidence: just across from it is another street called “Siete Diablitos” (“Seven Little Devils”). During colonial times, many couples in love used to secretly meet on this street. However, due to the lack of lighting, it became dark and barely visible at night.

That’s when a devout believer named Blas de Bobadilla commissioned the painting of seven angels on the street, intending to inspire reflection and offer protection to those passing through.

Years later, the former mayor of Cusco, Daniel Estrada Pérez, ordered the creation of a stone carving depicting a little angel holding the number seven—an artistic detail that reinforces the mysticism and uniqueness of this street.

History of 7 Angelitos Street

Calle Siete Angelitos owes its name to the small angels carved into the ancient walls that decorate its architecture. According to some versions, these angels were added by the Spanish colonizers as part of their efforts to evangelize the indigenous population. Over time, this street has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the San Blas district of Cusco.

This street also reflects the fusion between Inca and Spanish culture, visible in the architecture of the surrounding houses. Many of these structures still have Inca stone walls at their foundations, upon which later colonial buildings were constructed.

In pre-Hispanic times, the area now known as San Blas—formerly Tococachi—was home to a settlement of the Killke culture between 1000 and 1400 AD. This community focused on pottery, camelid herding, and agriculture. During the colonial era, Tococachi became the San Blas neighborhood, marking the beginning of its urban transformation.

In the republican era, the decoration of one of the houses with angel figures on its roof tiles led to the street being renamed “Calle Siete Angelitos.” Today, the street has undergone a revival and is now a lively commercial area filled with cafés, bars, and clubs, offering a vibrant and modern atmosphere while preserving its historical essence.

Location and How to Get to Calle Siete Angelitos

Calle Siete Angelitos is located in the heart of the San Blas neighborhood, just a few minutes’ walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. To reach this charming corner, you can follow one of these options:

• On foot: From the Plaza de Armas, take Cuesta del Almirante Street and continue along Cuesta de San Blas until you reach Carmen Alto Street. From there, you will find the entrance to Calle Siete Angelitos.

Due to its location in the neighborhood of artists and artisans, it is common to find small art galleries and souvenir shops along the way.

Attractions on 7 Angelitos Street

Some of the most important attractions include: