Qorikancha

The Temple of the Sun was the richest and most important temple in the Inca Empire, and its gold-covered walls once dazzled visitors before Spanish conquest. Located in downtown Cusco, the remaining stone foundations and incorporated colonial church reveal the site's sacred significance.

Things to do

• Explore the Temple Stone Foundations — Walk through the precisely fitted Inca stonework that remains visible in the temple's base, showcasing advanced engineering techniques that survived the Spanish conquest.
• Visit the Church of Santo Domingo — Tour the colonial Catholic church built directly atop the temple ruins, creating a striking architectural blend of Spanish and Inca elements.
• View the Gold Museum Exhibits — See artifacts and reproductions explaining the temple's original splendor, including information about the gold sheets that once covered the walls.
• Walk the Cusco Historic Center — Explore nearby colonial plazas and streets that maintain Inca foundations beneath Spanish buildings, understanding the layered history of the conquest.
• Attend a Sunset Visit — Experience the temple grounds during golden hour when light reflects off the remaining stonework, creating the atmospheric conditions that once dazzled Inca visitors.
• Photograph Inca Wall Details — Document the precisely cut stones and trapezoidal niches that characterize Qorikancha's construction and remain largely intact.

Food to try

• Ceviche Cusqueño — Fresh fish cured in lime juice with local Andean potatoes and corn, reflecting Peru's coastal-highland culinary fusion available in nearby restaurants.
• Cuy al Horno — Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy that was sacred food in Inca times, served crispy with potatoes in the Cusco region.
• Quinoa Soup — A hearty local soup made from quinoa grain native to the Andes, often served with cheese and vegetables in traditional restaurants near the temple.
• Corn Chicha — A fermented maize beverage with pre-Inca origins, still consumed during celebrations and available at local markets within walking distance.
• Causa Limeña — Layered potato dish with avocado and fish that represents Peruvian culinary tradition, readily found in upscale restaurants in downtown Cusco.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Space Etiquette — The site remains spiritually significant to many Andean peoples; maintain quiet reverence and avoid touching the stones excessively, as locals consider it a holy location.
• Learn Quechua Words — Speaking basic Quechua phrases like 'Allinllachu' (hello) shows respect to the indigenous heritage; many local guides and vendors appreciate the effort.
• Visit During Local Festivals — Attending June's Inti Raymi festival or other Andean celebrations near the temple provides authentic context for understanding Qorikancha's original religious significance.
• Understand Spanish-Inca Conquest History — Take time to reflect on how the temple's destruction and reuse represents a complex colonial narrative; guides offer perspectives from both Spanish and Andean viewpoints.