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Qorikancha

  • Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru

  • Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 31 March, 2024

Dedicated to the sun and the moon, and with twin rooms once covered in solid gold and silver, the Qorikancha temple was the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire.

The building was literally laid out as a giant ‘Sun, star and moon dial’, used to physically track the movements of a diversity of astronomical bodies and to coordinate these with day-to-day planning and crop-planting across the Empire.

This was once the richest, most elaborate temple to Inti – the sun – in the entire Inca empire. ‘Qorikancha’ means ‘golden courtyard’. Unfortunately, the golden walls – and other gold-sculpted treasures – were looted and melted down by the Conquistadors on their arrival in the city.

Only the magnificent stonework remains; a curved, perfectly-fitted wall, inside which are the remains of the last Inca emperor: Tupac Amaru.

Don’t miss 

While visiting, don’t miss the art gallery – just out of view on the second floor of the monastery; a small museum featuring installations of contemporary Peruvian art.

Logistics

Price from: £2
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Qorikancha has nothing in the way of signage to explain its purpose and history-making a guide highly recommended. Find them at the entrance; many speak English and other languages.

When to do it

Open all year round, seven days a week except for Sunday morning and public holidays.

Who to go with: organised tours

3

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple

  • Cusco

Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple

Viator

Discover the magic and beauty of Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire. The flawlessly built Incan roads spread to all regions from the “Plaza” which was thought of as the center of the world. Visit the Temple of the Sun, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the famous Cusco Cathedral with its Cuzqueno paintings. Entrance fees included, skip the line.

Price $59

Min age 0

Rating 4.36 / 5 [126 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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City Tour Cusco

  • Cusco

City Tour Cusco

Viator

The ancient glory of the Inka capital is reborn! If you aren’t sure what exactly to do, you can enjoy your day getting lost in Cusco city – this tour allows you to visit the Qorikancha temple, Sacsayhuaman fortress, the Cusco Cathedral, and Puka Pukara. You can’t miss the opportunity to experience these unique places. Your English- speaking guide will take you through with a lot of dedication during these 4 hours of the tour. • Learn everything about the Qorikancha Temple, the main ceremonial center of the Incas. • Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, a beautiful religious structure with outstanding baroque style. • Explore the Ceremonial Fortress of Sacsayhuaman and wander upon its mysteries. • Walk through the caverns of the Qenqo temple and learn about its gloomy past. • Discover the Puca Pucara fortress and appreciate Cusco from a privileged view. • Get to know the living example of Inca hydraulic engineering in Tambomachay.

Price $24

Min age 4

Rating 4.81 / 5 [82 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Cusco 4-Hour Private Tour Including Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo

  • Cusco

Cusco 4-Hour Private Tour Including Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo

Viator

Discover the magic of Cusco on a 4-hour private sightseeing tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the city’s main attractions with your private guide, such as the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then continue to nearby archaeological sites including Sacsayhuaman and others that are the best example of ancient Incan architecture and religion.

Price $80

Min age 2

Rating 4.79 / 5 [43 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

2

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cusco

  • Cusco Region, Peru

Aerial view of the Cusco town in Peru

Destination guide

The heart of the old Inca empire has a wealth of Inca ruins, Spanish treasures and historic architecture to explore.

Peru

  • Peru

Peru

Destination guide

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience

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