Calle Loreto (Inca walls)
Walk through a 'living Inca town' on Calle Loreto, marveling at ancient, perfectly fitted stone walls and historic foundations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Calle Loreto (Inca walls)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a 'living Inca town' on Calle Loreto, marveling at ancient, perfectly fitted stone walls and historic foundations.
"So wonderful seeing the amazing architecture of the Incas."
🚶♀️ Walk the Ancient Streets
Explore the cobblestone streets and admire homes built on original Inca foundations. It's like stepping back in time!
🧐 Examine the Inca Walls
Notice the incredible stonework and the mysterious 'knobs' on the lower sections. Theories abound on their purpose!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inca Stonework
Along the entire street
Marvel at the precisely cut, polished stones and trapezoidal doorways, a hallmark of Inca architecture.
Living Inca Town Atmosphere
Calle Loreto
Experience a unique blend of ancient Inca foundations and vibrant local life in this 'living Inca town'.
Historical Significance
Calle Loreto
Walk where the Inca elite once lived and administered, with structures like the Acllahuasi and Amaru Cancha.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Calle Loreto
Understanding the Inca Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Ancient Streets
Explore the cobblestone streets and admire homes built on original Inca foundations. It's like stepping back in time!
🧐 Examine the Inca Walls
Notice the incredible stonework and the mysterious 'knobs' on the lower sections. Theories abound on their purpose!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the unique architecture and vibrant local life. Alpacas and llamas often make an appearance for photos! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Support Local Vendors
Browse unique crafts and souvenirs from local artisans selling their wares along the street. :shopping_bags:
The original Inca walls of Calle Loreto in Cusco, once part of Amaru Cancha palace. Peru, 15th century [1590x1108]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Ancient Streets
Explore the cobblestone streets and admire homes built on original Inca foundations. It's like stepping back in time!
🧐 Examine the Inca Walls
Notice the incredible stonework and the mysterious 'knobs' on the lower sections. Theories abound on their purpose!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the unique architecture and vibrant local life. Alpacas and llamas often make an appearance for photos! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Support Local Vendors
Browse unique crafts and souvenirs from local artisans selling their wares along the street. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunningly preserved Inca walls and the unique atmosphere of Calle Loreto, often described as a 'living Inca town'. The historical significance and architectural marvels are consistently praised, making it a must-see in Cusco. Some find it a bit touristy with vendors, but the beauty of the ancient stonework generally overshadows this.
"Calle Loreto, also known as Intik’ijllu in Quechua, is one of the most historically significant streets in Cusco.
During the Inca period, Calle Loreto was an important thoroughfare in Cusco.
The street was flanked by significant Inca structures, including the Acllahuasi (House of the Chosen Women) and the Amaru Cancha (Serpent Enclosure).
These buildings served religious, administrative, and residential purposes for the Inca elite.
The Inca walls of this street are characterized by:
- Polished Stonework:
- Trapezoidal Doorways
After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Cusco underwent significant urban and architectural changes. The Spanish built their colonial structures atop the foundations of Inca buildings, incorporating and often preserving the impressive stonework of the Incas. Calle Loreto remained an important street, linking colonial structures and serving as a residential and commercial area."
Thomas Defise
"beautiful Inca walls, one of the best preserved streets"
Franko Zrin
"A great stopping point on the walking tour"
Gurpal atwal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calle Loreto is located in the historic center of Cusco, easily accessible on foot from the Plaza de Armas. It's a short, pleasant walk through charming streets. Many walking tours of Cusco include this significant street.
While not a single monumental site like Machu Picchu, Calle Loreto is a crucial part of the ancient Inca capital, Cusco. The street itself is lined with remarkably preserved Inca walls and foundations, showcasing the urban planning of the Incas.
The best way to explore Calle Loreto is by walking. Take your time to admire the intricate stonework and soak in the atmosphere of this 'living Inca town'. Consider joining a guided tour for deeper historical insights.
Parking in Cusco's historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use taxis or public transport to get close to the Plaza de Armas and then walk to Calle Loreto, as it's a pedestrian-friendly area.
You can absolutely visit Calle Loreto independently. However, a guide can significantly enhance your understanding of the historical context and architectural details, pointing out features you might otherwise miss.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Calle Loreto is a public street and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely and admire the Inca walls and the local life.
As a public street, Calle Loreto is accessible at all hours. However, for the best experience and to see local shops and homes, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
The street itself is free to access. However, if you choose to purchase items from vendors or enter any of the adjacent historical buildings that may have separate entry fees, those would incur costs.
Calle Loreto can get busy, especially during peak tourist hours. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Yes, photography is generally welcomed on Calle Loreto. It's a fantastic spot for capturing the unique Inca architecture and the vibrant atmosphere. Be respectful if photographing residents. :camerawithflash:
📸 📸 Photography
The entire street offers great photo opportunities! Focus on the intricate Inca stonework, the trapezoidal doorways, and the interplay of ancient walls with modern life. The early morning or late afternoon light is particularly beautiful.
Yes, vendors often have alpacas and llamas available for photos, sometimes for a small fee. They add a charming touch to your pictures! :camerawithflash:
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the architectural details. Late afternoons provide a warm, golden glow, perfect for atmospheric shots.
While generally permitted, always be mindful and respectful. Avoid intrusive photography of residents without their consent. Some shops might have their own policies. :camerawithflash:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the streetscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the impressive walls. Don't forget a good phone camera for quick snaps! :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the cobblestone streets can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are a must. The street is generally safe and walkable, making it a good spot for a family stroll. Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch the walls or the animals they see. :camerawithflash:
📸 Photographers
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The presence of local life, and sometimes even alpacas, adds a dynamic element to your shots. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles to highlight the scale and precision of the Inca construction. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Take time to study the stonework techniques and ponder the debated purpose of the wall 'knobs'. Understanding that many homes are built on original Inca foundations adds to the immersive historical experience, showcasing how the city has evolved while retaining its ancient core.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Inca Stonework
One of the most intriguing aspects are the 'knobs' or protrusions found on the lower sections of some blocks. While their exact purpose remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists, theories suggest they might have been used to attach wooden structures, scaffolding, or even decorative elements to the exterior of the buildings. Some speculate they could have been for securing ropes during construction or for supporting external features like awnings or balconies.
These walls are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization. Walking along Calle Loreto offers a tangible connection to this ancient past, allowing visitors to appreciate the enduring legacy of Inca construction.
A 'Living Inca Town'
This unique characteristic means that as you walk, you're not just observing ancient history; you're witnessing its integration into contemporary life. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, and the daily routines of the residents all contribute to an atmosphere that feels like a journey back in time. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.
The street was historically significant, serving as a thoroughfare and housing important Inca structures like the Amaru Cancha (Serpent Enclosure) and the Acllahuasi (House of the Chosen Women). Understanding this historical context adds another layer to the experience, revealing the strategic and spiritual importance of this area within the ancient Inca capital.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit