Known as the “Temple of the Sun”, Qoricancha was the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, where homage was paid to Inti, the Sun God, considered the highest deity of the Incas. Its architecture, adorned with gold, and its function as an astronomical observatory reflected the Incas’ advanced culture, which skillfully combined spirituality with scientific knowledge.
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Qoricancha: The Temple of the Sun and Its Impact on Inca Culture
Qoricancha was not only a sacred place, but also a center of power and organization that influenced the social and religious life of the Tawantinsuyo. Through this temple, the Incas demonstrated their respect for nature and their ability to integrate the cosmos into daily life. Today, Qoricancha remains an awe-inspiring site that connects us with the history, culture, and beliefs that shaped one of the most remarkable civilizations in human history.
What Is Qoricancha and Why Is It Important?
Qoricancha, or “Golden Temple”, was the most important religious center of the Inca Empire—a sacred place where worship was offered to the Sun God, Inti, as well as other deities like the Moon, the Stars, and Lightning. Its walls were once covered in gold sheets, and its gardens decorated with golden figures of plants and animals. In addition to being a temple, it also served as an astronomical observatory, where the Incas studied the movements of the sun and moon to predict the seasons and organize their agricultural calendar.
After the arrival of the Spanish, Qoricancha was looted, and the Convent of Santo Domingo was built over its foundations. However, the impressive Inca walls still stand, resisting both time and earthquakes. Today, it symbolizes the grandeur of the Inca civilization and the fusion of two cultures, attracting travelers from all over the world who come to admire its architecture, history, and ancestral energy. Visiting Qoricancha is like stepping into the heart of the Inca past and feeling the magic of a civilization that lives on in every stone.
Location and How to Get to Qoricancha
Qoricancha is located at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level (11,151 ft), and there are several ways to get there:
| HOW TO GET TO QORICANCHA | DESCRIPTION |
| Taxi | You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city of Cusco directly to Qoricancha. |
| Public transportation | For a more affordable option, take a local bus that runs along Avenida El Sol. |
| Walking | A 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas lets you enjoy the historic city center. |
| Private Tour | If you prefer a guided experience, there are tours that include this and other archaeological sites. |
Qoricancha is located in the heart of Cusco, making it very easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the historic center. You can also take a taxi or bus if you’re coming from a more distant district.
History and Architecture of Qoricancha
During the Inca era, Cusco was founded between the Saphy and Tullumayu rivers, and in 1438, under the rule of Pachacútec, the Temple of Coricancha was built, known as the “Golden Temple” due to its gold-covered decoration. This temple was not only a major place of worship but also functioned as an astronomical observatory for Inca priests, who observed the movement of the Sun to plan religious festivities and agricultural cycles. Spanish chroniclers such as Pedro Cieza de León and Garcilaso de la Vega described that the temple walls were covered in gold, and that inside stood a statue of the Sun God surrounded by golden figures of sacred animals and plants.
After the Spanish conquest in 1533, the conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro looted Qoricancha and melted the gold to send it to Spain. The Dominicans built the Convent of Santo Domingo on top of its ruins, using the Inca foundations. Despite colonial efforts to erase Inca heritage, the solid architecture of Qoricancha allowed many of its structures to survive several earthquakes. Today, Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo form a major tourist site that reflects the fusion of Andean and Catholic cultures.
Main Attractions of Qoricancha
| ATTRACTION | DESCRIPTION |
| Temple of the Sun (Inticancha) | This space was used to offer tributes to the Inca gods. It is said that llama sacrifices were performed here. Its walls were covered with gold sheets, impressively reflecting sunlight. |
| Temple of Sacrifices | This area was used to offer tributes to the Inca gods. Llamas and alpacas were sacrificed here as part of religious ceremonies. |
| Temple of the Moon | Dedicated to Mama Quilla, the moon goddess. This chamber featured silver murals, as the Incas associated this metal with the moon. |
| Temple of Venus and the Stars | The Incas regarded the stars as feminine deities. This temple was an astronomical observation center used for agricultural calendar planning. |
| Temple of the Rainbow | The rainbow was believed to be a link between the Sun and the Earth. This chamber was decorated with polished stones that reflected the rainbow’s colors. |
| Temple of Thunder, Lightning, and Rain | Dedicated to Illapa, the god of rain and storms. He was vital to the Incas due to their dependence on rain for agriculture. |
| The Fountains | Qoricancha featured a complex system of channels and fountains, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering. These fountains were used in purification rituals. |
| The Solar Garden | An impressive garden adorned with gold and silver sculptures of plants, animals, and human figures. According to chroniclers, it symbolized the abundance and wealth of the Tahuantinsuyo. |
| Astronomical Observatory | Inca priests used this place to study the skies. The temple’s windows were aligned with solstices and equinoxes, allowing them to measure time. |
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Access to the Qoricancha Archaeological Center is available every day of the week, with visiting hours from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
| TICKET TYPE | PRICE | VALIDITY | CIRCUIT |
| General Ticket “BTCI” | S/ 130.00 | 10 days | Circuit II (City and South Valley): Qorikancha Site Museum |
| Student Ticket “BEE” | S/ 70.00 | 10 days | Circuit II (City and South Valley): Qorikancha Site Museum |
| Partial Ticket II “BTCPII” | S/ 70.00 | 2 days | Circuit II (City and South Valley): Qorikancha Site Museum |
Best Time to Visit Qoricancha
The best time to visit Cusco and Qoricancha is during the dry season (May – October), when the days are sunny and the clear skies allow you to fully appreciate the temple’s beauty. If you visit in June, don’t miss the Inti Raymi (June 24), the Festival of the Sun, whose first ceremony takes place at Qoricancha.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: To avoid crowds and enjoy the site’s energy peacefully.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Cusco’s weather is variable, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Follow the rules: Touching the Inca walls is not allowed in order to preserve their structure.
- Hire a guide: Qoricancha’s history is fascinating, and a guide can bring it to life.
- Don’t forget your camera: The blend of Inca and colonial architecture is perfect for unforgettable photos.
