At first glance, the title of this article might seem difficult to grasp, given that the vast number of visitors to this prominent city—the country’s primary tourist destination—are active walkers and urban catalysts. Why then the demand for a city designed for people? Those who do not just pass through, but actually live there, understand this reality best. Cars are increasingly being prioritized over pedestrians, threatening and endangering the city, its conservation, and its heritage.
I remember experiencing the magic of walking there amid drizzle, stone-paved streets, narrow alleys, colonnades, and cathedrals. It must be one of the most unique places in the world, where walking is a mystical and immersive experience.
Cusco is the historical capital of Peru, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire and later one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty. It preserves a vast number of monuments from those eras, reflected in its churches, palaces, and plazas. The Plaza Mayor, majestically flanked by two cathedrals, is one of its main draws due to its centrality, architecture, and cultural activity, drawing large crowds—but also heavy vehicle traffic. This is the crux of the debate: Should it be pedestrianized? What is the current state of urban mobility?
The decision to reopen nearly all of the Plaza Mayor to vehicular traffic continues to be defended by the mayor of Cusco, Víctor Boluarte. While many view this as a setback in the effort to protect world heritage, Boluarte argues that he is fulfilling a campaign promise to reopen the entire plaza and that no technical standards support the restriction. "It does not destroy heritage, as some have claimed; on the contrary, it helps improve the lives of Cusco’s residents," he asserts, claiming the measure resolves the traffic congestion caused by the restrictions initiated under the previous administration.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Sustainable Urban Mobility in Cusco
Following recent events in Cusco, the Red de Municipalidades Urbanas y Rurales del Perú (REMURPE) and the ANKAWA Internacional team, with support from Colectivo Ciudad, in coordination with the Urban Mobility Commission of the Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú and the Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú – Cusco Chapter, recently issued a Public Statement regarding the pedestrianization of Cusco’s Plaza Mayor and the challenges of urban mobility in the city. Below, we outline the main points of this manifesto to inform, disseminate, and prompt response.
This document compiles the contributions from the “First Forum on Sustainable Urban Mobility – Cusco,” an event held last February at the Universidad Andina del Cusco. The multidisciplinary panel comprised academics, technical specialists, politicians, and social advocates with expertise in the field, who exchanged knowledge, experiences, and best practices in sustainable urban mobility.
Currently, “sustainable urban mobility” has gained prominence not only in technical fields but also in politics and, most importantly, among citizens. It is common to hear that urban mobility is a “right” for city dwellers to move freely and access all the urban activities a city offers. However, the reality is that vehicular congestion is currently one of the biggest problems in cities. This situation not only generates environmental pollution and accidents, but also increases commute times and costs, especially for communities living in peripheral areas.
Cusco is an intermediate city with a population of approximately 500,000. Its urban structure and layout naturally support public transit for long distances, and non-motorized options like cycling and walking for medium and short distances. Consequently, these modes of transport should be actively promoted and prioritized.
Based on the above, the following ACTIONS, MEASURES, AND/OR PUBLIC POLICIES are proposed, drawing from the panelists' contributions, a summary of which is attached to the document.
Street design and management with a new pedestrian-oriented mobility approach.
Both street design and management must account for the primary modes of travel (40% public transit, 50% walking, according to the PLAN CUSCO Public Space and Mobility), ensuring they are adequately accommodated in the urban mobility landscape. The specific proposal for each mode (walking, cycling, and public transit) is detailed in the document.
Pedestrianization of the Historic Center
While pedestrianization in historic centers and urban downtowns is common worldwide, these efforts follow distinct paths based on local urban conditions. In the case of Cusco's historic center, a place of immense historical, architectural, and heritage value, preservation must involve restricting vehicular access, a step that also drives the humanization of its streets.
The Provincial Municipality of Cusco as the managing entity for transport and urban mobility.
“We demand that the municipality assume its responsibility.” The authority responsible for transport and urban mobility in Cusco is the Provincial Municipality of Cusco. Its strategy has historically focused merely on regulation rather than active management, prioritizing road infrastructure and vehicle fleet renewal. For instance, in recent years, it promoted replacing smaller minibuses (combis) with higher-capacity buses—a necessary step, but not a sufficient one.
The excerpt of this manifesto presented above is intended to be shared with the public and delivered to the Provincial Municipality of Cusco, the Congress of the Republic, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Peru, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
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You can read the full Public Statement here.
Comments
“Every city has a different configuration. Just because Madrid or Arequipa did it doesn't mean we have to; above all else comes the person and their convenience,” the mayor declared. It is true that every city is unique. However, we must find ways to reinterpret successful models and adapt them to each local context. Since he mentioned Madrid, the Spanish capital restricts and carefully manages vehicle access to its historic center. Cars are limited to surrounding streets to facilitate access, always prioritizing the pedestrian rather than the vehicle. Convenience is not just about driving, nor should it be confused with a misguided idea of modernity. It is worth noting that ICOMOS has repeatedly recommended that vehicle circulation within historic neighborhoods be regulated in heritage cities.
Studies and research remain disconnected from actionable plans. Cusco already possesses the technical studies for an Urban Mobility and Public Space Plan, the assessment and proposal of which were presented at the forum by Javier Maldonado (B.Arch). However, this plan has yet to be shared with the public. Furthermore, despite invitations being sent to both the provincial mayor of Cusco and the district mayors, none participated. How long will local administrations continue to work in isolation, cutting off dialogue with specialists and citizens? Why are these opportunities to collaborate for the common good being squandered?
“Purely political decisions without technical backing are the worst combination. Cusco is taking a step backward in the pedestrianization of its historic center, but the learning process continues. Let this serve as an opportunity to speak out, dive deeper into the issue, and, most importantly, raise public awareness that we deserve a better city,” concludes Katy Huaylla (M.Arch). Will we have to return to using windshield decals to restrict vehicle circulation on alternating days of the week, or do we need to open our minds and bodies to walking more and using healthy alternatives like bicycles? Cars are not necessary for every trip; Cusco is a medium-sized and delightfully walkable city. The answer will always lie in making people the priority, which is how inclusive and, ultimately, sustainable cities are built.
Participants in the First Forum on Sustainable Urban Mobility – Cusco
Rubén Acuña (Arch.), Dean of the Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú – Cusco Chapter; Javier Flores (Arch.), Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú – Urban Mobility Commission; Amilcar Romero (LL.M.), President of Ankawa Internacional.
Academic Panel: Katy Huaylla (M.Arch), architect and specialist in urban mobility and city planning; Enrique Estrada (M.Arch), professor at the UAC School of Architecture; Zulema Conto (M.Arch), architect and urbanist specializing in urban mobility and public spaces.
Social Panel: Amilcar Romero (LL.M.), President of Ankawa Internacional; Lannia Camargo (M.S.), Colectivo Biciñan; Edwin Gudiel (Ph.D., Arch.), social activist from Colectivo Ciudad.
Technical Panel: Javier Maldonado (B.Arch), professional from the Cusco Mobility Plan; Javier Flores (Arch.), urban mobility consultant; Juan Menéndez (Arch.), Manager of Historic Centers for the Provincial Municipality of Cusco.
Political Panel: Prof. Edgar Ochoa, Member of Congress; Marisa Glave (Soc.), Member of Congress
This article was written by Delia Bayona. The translation is powered by AI.
