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.