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Qorikancha

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Historical site
—°10
Qorikancha (Peru)

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The Qorikancha, meaning 'Golden Courtyard' in Quechua, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, located in the heart of Cusco. Dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, it was considered the spiritual and geographical center of the empire (Tahuantinsuyo). The walls of the temple were originally covered with massive plates of solid gold, and its garden featured life-sized gold and silver statues of animals and plants. Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the temple was looted, and the Convent of Santo Domingo was constructed upon its foundations. The Inca walls of Qorikancha are characterized by extraordinary precision, with stones fitted together without mortar so perfectly that they have withstood severe earthquakes. The complex also housed sanctuaries dedicated to the moon, stars, rainbow, and lightning. Today, visitors can admire the striking fusion of Inca architecture and colonial Baroque art, which stands as a symbol of Peru's complex history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C998888789999
Rain mm129127964494118186372137

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Qorikancha is a museum and active convent; you can visit the interior rooms and see the Inca stonework. The site is well-preserved and guided tours are available.
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Typical hours
Qorikancha typically opens Monday-Saturday from 8:30 to 17:00, and Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. Check for holiday closures.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash. Tripods require special permission; leave them at the hotel.
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Time needed
A guided tour of Qorikancha takes about 1 hour. If you explore on your own, allow 45 minutes to admire the stone walls and colonial paintings.
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Combine with
Located in central Cusco, combine with Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán, and San Pedro Market. Many city tours include Qorikancha.
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Getting there
Qorikancha is a short walk from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. It is also accessible by taxi or on foot.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid large tour groups. The tour is worth it to understand the superposition of Inca and Spanish architecture.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.52000, -71.97500

Facts

  • Most important Sun Temple of the Incas
  • Originally covered in solid gold plates
  • Located in the center of Cusco
  • Serves as the foundation for Santo Domingo
  • Survived the major 1950 earthquake
  • Precision masonry without the use of mortar

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cristo BlancoCristo Blanco<1 km · EExplore →
TambomachayTambomachay2 km · NEExplore →
Potato Park of PisacPotato Park of Pisac14 km · NExplore →
TipónTipón17 km · NExplore →
UrubambaUrubamba17 km · SEExplore →
MorayMoray26 km · SExplore →
PikillaqtaPikillaqta29 km · NExplore →
OllantaytamboOllantaytambo33 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Qorikancha (10)

Museo de Sitio Qorikancha🏛 museum

Located underground beneath the Sun Temple, the Museo de Sitio Qorikancha displays pre-Columbian artifacts, mummies, and ceramics.

🕒 Mo-Sa, PH 08:00-17:00; Su 14:00-16:00💶

Palacio Inka del Kusikancha🏺 historical

The Palacio Inka del Kusikancha in Cusco is a historic Inca compound where the famous ruler Pachacútec was allegedly born.

ICPNA🎭 culture

The ICPNA (Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano) in Cusco is an animated arts center fostering cultural exchange through exhibitions and events.

Museo Quechua🏛 museum

The Museo Quechua in Cusco preserves the traditions, language, and weaving arts of the Andean indigenous communities.

Z.A. QHATAQ'ASAPATALLAQTA🏺 historical

The archaeological zone of Z.A. QHATAQ'ASAPATALLAQTA near Cusco includes scattered remains of Inca-era terraces and residential structures.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Belén📍 landmark

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Belén is a Christian church in Cusco featuring striking colonial twin towers and a richly decorated altar.

Capilla Virgen de Chapi📍 landmark

The Capilla Virgen de Chapi is a small Christian chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Chapi, deeply venerated in the Andes.

Iglesia San Martín de porres📍 landmark

The Iglesia San Martín de Porres honors the first Black saint of the Americas and serves the local Christian community in Cusco.

Mercado Artesanal Qoricancha Nº 22🎭 culture

The Mercado Artesanal Qoricancha Nº 22 is a lively market near the Sun Temple offering colorful alpaca sweaters, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Mercado de San Blas🎭 culture

The Mercado de San Blas is located in the eponymous artisan district of Cusco, offering fresh local produce, juices, and Andean ingredients.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-16:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the entrance included?
No, Qorikancha often requires a separate ticket.
When is the best time for photos?
In the morning, the light falls beautifully on the walls.
How long does a tour take?
Expect about one hour for the tour.
Are there restrictions?
In some rooms, flash photography is prohibited.
Is it centrally located?
Yes, it is easily walkable from the main square.
Qorikancha: where is it located?
Qorikancha is located in Peru.
Qorikancha: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo de Sitio Qorikancha, Palacio Inka del Kusikancha, ICPNA.
Qorikancha: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Qorikancha: why is it worth visiting?
The Qorikancha, meaning 'Golden Courtyard' in Quechua, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, located in the heart of Cusco.
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Nearby cities

Cusco — Qorikancha (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Coricancha — Qorikancha (Peru)
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Cristo Blanco — Qorikancha (Peru)
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Cusco Cathedral — Qorikancha (Peru)
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Q&#39;enqo — Qorikancha (Peru)
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Sacsayhuamán — Qorikancha (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Tambomachay — Qorikancha (Peru)
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Pisac Ruins — Qorikancha (Peru)
Pisac Ruins
An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
Moray — Qorikancha (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.

Nature

Urubamba River — Qorikancha (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

Puka Pukara — Qorikancha (Peru)
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Potato Park of Pisac — Qorikancha (Peru)
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Pisac — Qorikancha (Peru)
Pisac
Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.
Tipón — Qorikancha (Peru)
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.
Pikillaqta — Qorikancha (Peru)
Pikillaqta
One of the few well-preserved pre-Inca ruin cities of the Wari culture near Cusco.
Constancia Mine — Qorikancha (Peru)
Constancia Mine
An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.
Megantoni Sanctuary — Qorikancha (Peru)
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
Salcantay — Qorikancha (Peru)
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.