Qorikancha Site Museum
A former Inca sun temple, now a museum showcasing incredible stonework and a Spanish convent, offering a unique historical fusion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Qorikancha Site Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former Inca sun temple, now a museum showcasing incredible stonework and a Spanish convent, offering a unique historical fusion.
"Amazing stone work of the Incas! The Spanish demolished most of the Inca’s work and built their own on the top."
📸 No Photos Inside!
Strictly no photography allowed inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules to respect the site.
💰 Entry Fee Separate
The 20 soles entry fee is not included in the general Cusco Tourist Ticket. Plan your budget accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inca Stone Masonry
Main Temple Walls
Marvel at the precise, mortarless Inca stonework, a testament to their engineering genius that has withstood earthquakes.
Spanish Colonial Convent
Upper Levels
Explore the Santo Domingo convent built atop the Inca foundations, showcasing a striking contrast in architectural styles.
Temple of the Sun
Central Courtyard
Imagine the original splendor of the Inca's most sacred temple, once adorned with gold.
Panoramic Views
Upper Levels/Bell Tower
Ascend for breathtaking views of Cusco and the surrounding landscape. Don't skip this part!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Understand the Dual History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Inside!
Strictly no photography allowed inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules to respect the site.
💰 Entry Fee Separate
The 20 soles entry fee is not included in the general Cusco Tourist Ticket. Plan your budget accordingly.
🗣️ Hire a Guide
Consider hiring a guide outside for deeper historical context, as self-guided options can be limited. +1
⬆️ Don't Skip Upper Levels
The views from upstairs are amazing and worth the small extra fee. Don't miss the bells and panoramic cityscapes!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Inside!
Strictly no photography allowed inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules to respect the site.
💰 Entry Fee Separate
The 20 soles entry fee is not included in the general Cusco Tourist Ticket. Plan your budget accordingly.
🗣️ Hire a Guide
Consider hiring a guide outside for deeper historical context, as self-guided options can be limited. +1
⬆️ Don't Skip Upper Levels
The views from upstairs are amazing and worth the small extra fee. Don't miss the bells and panoramic cityscapes!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven surfaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by Qorikancha's incredible Inca stonework and the unique historical fusion with the Spanish convent. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into two distinct eras of Peruvian history, with many praising the architectural ingenuity and the panoramic views from the upper levels. However, some find the lack of photography and limited self-guided information disappointing, and note that the entry fee is separate from the general tourist ticket.
"Very neat place to check out. The history is fascinating and worth learning about. There is great art work and some incredible woodworking. If you like history of religion there is a lot of it. My favorite part of it is the amazing architecture."
Michael Hoffman
"Worth visiting as part of a tour to understand the significance. Cannot take photos inside. The Spanish invaders built a whopping church on top, also worth a visit"
Francois Edwards
"Such a beautiful museum. So much Inca history and views were amazing. Im glad I paid 5 soles which is less than 2 us dollars to go upstairs to see the bells and views. Don't skip that part. It's worth your time!"
Stephanie Baique
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Qorikancha is conveniently located just a few blocks southeast of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. You can easily walk there in about 5-10 minutes. Many tours also include it as part of a city tour. +1
While walking is the easiest way from the city center, taxis are readily available throughout Cusco and can take you directly to the museum.
Parking directly at Qorikancha is limited. It's best to rely on walking, taxis, or public transport if you are not on a guided tour that includes transportation.
Yes, Qorikancha is a very common stop on most Cusco city tours. This is a great way to get an overview and understand its historical significance. +1
If you're staying further out, a taxi is the most efficient option. Alternatively, you can take a local bus towards the city center and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically 20 soles (approximately $5 USD). This fee is separate and not included in the general Cusco Tourist Ticket.
While you can often buy tickets at the entrance, booking in advance, especially during peak tourist season, is recommended to avoid queues.
No, Qorikancha Site Museum is not included in the standard Cusco Tourist Ticket. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for entry.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, it's open from around 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. It's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit.
Discounts are typically not available for Qorikancha unless you are a student with a valid international student ID or a child. Check with the ticket office for current policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Please respect the rules to preserve the artifacts and historical integrity.
Yes, you can hire official guides at the entrance, or many visitors opt for private guides found outside the site. Self-guided tours with limited English translations are also an option. +2
Qorikancha was the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti. It was later converted into the Santo Domingo convent by the Spanish, showcasing a unique historical fusion.
Yes, there is a beautiful garden within the Qorikancha complex, offering a peaceful respite and lovely views.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven surfaces and stairs. Dress in layers as Cusco's weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is prohibited inside the museum itself. However, you can take photos of the exterior architecture and from the upper levels offering city views.
The upper levels, particularly near the bells and bell tower, offer excellent vantage points for panoramic shots of Cusco.
Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots of the exterior and views. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at historical sites like Qorikancha due to preservation and safety regulations. Always check local rules before flying.
Focus on capturing the intricate Inca stonework, the contrast with Spanish architecture, and the stunning city vistas from the upper levels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While photography is not allowed inside, the expansive grounds and the contrast between Inca and Spanish structures provide plenty to discuss. Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch what they see or write down interesting facts. The garden area offers a nice spot for a break. Remember to keep an eye on them, as some areas have ancient walls that shouldn't be touched.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details: the perfectly cut stones, the trapezoidal niches and doorways, and the remnants of the gold plating that once adorned the Temple of the Sun. Understanding the historical context, perhaps with a hired guide, will significantly enhance your appreciation of the site's profound significance as both a sacred Inca center and a symbol of colonial power.
📸 Photographers
Look for unique angles that showcase the precision of the Inca masons and the scale of the Spanish convent. The garden also offers a more serene setting for capturing architectural details and the interplay of light and shadow. Remember to be respectful of the site and other visitors when composing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Fusion of Qorikancha
Visitors can observe the incredible skill of the Inca masons in the perfectly fitted stones, many of which are massive and shaped like puzzle pieces to ensure stability. These stones were quarried miles away and transported without the use of wheels or iron tools. The trapezoidal doorways and windows, designed to withstand earthquakes, are still remarkably intact. In contrast, the Spanish built their church and convent using cement and a more conventional masonry style, highlighting the ingenuity and resilience of Inca engineering.
The site now functions as a museum, allowing visitors to explore both the remnants of the Inca temple and the colonial convent. The garden within the complex offers a tranquil space to reflect on the site's layered history. It's a place where you can literally walk through centuries of history, from the pinnacle of Inca civilization to the colonial era.
Understanding the Historical Significance
The site offers a profound lesson in history, illustrating the impact of colonization and cultural assimilation. It’s a tangible reminder of the Inca's advanced understanding of astronomy, engineering, and architecture. The survival of so much of the original Inca stonework, despite the Spanish efforts to dismantle it, speaks volumes about its construction quality and the Incas' deep connection to their land.
Visiting Qorikancha provides a unique opportunity to learn about the Inca's cosmology and their relationship with the natural world, as well as the subsequent imposition of European culture. It’s a place that sparks curiosity and encourages deeper reflection on the complexities of Peru's past.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
When purchasing tickets, note that the entrance fee of 20 soles is separate from the general Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Some travelers have noted that the restrooms can be less than ideal, so plan accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit