Qorikancha
- Address: Plaza Santo Domingo, Cusco
- Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm
- Admission: Adults: 6 Nuevos Soles
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Ruin - Ancient,
Temple
Qorikancha means ‘Golden Courtyard’, and in Inca times the temple walls were clad with 700 sheets of solid gold, proving a tempting lure for the conquistadors. The gold sheets and gold and silver statues are gone, melted down and recast by the Spanish, but the impressively hewn curved wall of basalt stonework remains.
The temple complex is thought to have been built by the first Inca emperor, Manco Capac, 100 years before the coming of the Spaniards. It was built as an observatory and religious temple to the sun, housing the mummified bodies of the Inca rulers.
When you enter the courtyard, imagine the octagonal front clad with solid gold, flanked by temples to the moon and the stars draped in solid silver.
Latest Reviews
Review by Miguel U, May 2013
Doing what: Cusco Markets and Ruins Small Group Tour
The trip was excellent. I had my own private tour guide and we visited the market and ruins as planned. It was very informational and worth the money.
Review by Julie P, April 2013
Doing what: Cusco City Sightseeing Tour
Loved it!
Review by Sherry V, March 2013
Doing what: Cusco Markets and Ruins Small Group Tour
I loved this trip. The guide was very knowledgeable and we all had so much fun. Great for all ages.
