Coricancha (Qorikancha): Temple of the Sun In Cusco, Peru

Coricancha—The Temple of The Sun—is among the most sacred of sites in the ancient Inca Kingdom. Five and a half centuries after it was built, the site draws in more than 1.5 million visitors from around the globe.

Today, it has an unusual effect on those who experience it. The temple’s unique beauty (and ancient history) compels.

No matter your motive, a trip to the Temple of the Sun may be worth your while.

What Is Coricancha (Qorikancha)?

Coricancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It was once a golden beacon, with gold and precious metals plating its gardens and lining its halls.

The Inca dedicated the temple to five gods:

• Viracocha, the God who created the worlds
• Quilla, the Goddess of the Moon
• Ch’aska Quyllur, the Goddess of Twilight and Stars
• Illapa, God of Weather and War
• Inti, God of the Sun

Over time, Inti became the god the temple most centered.

The Temple of The Sun of Cusco: Time Period + Events

This history of Qorikancha is rich and vast. This timeline is a brief overview.

1100 A.D. Pre-Inca Killke Culture Establishes Site

The Killke people lived in the region now called Cusco from the 10th century A.D. to the 13th. They established early settlements and structures of civilization—including, around 1100 A.D., the foundations of Coricancha.

1200-1230 A.D. Manco Cápac Founds Cusco, Temple

Manco Cápac was the first emperor of the Inca Kingdom.

He founded the Inca Empire in Cusco, Peru, developing the earliest Coricancha temple atop foundations the Killke built.

1300-1400 A.D. Legendary Earthquake Ruptures Cusco

Natural disasters impacted the city of Cusco dramatically in the 14th century, though their exact dates and natures are unclear.

Among these catastrophes is a nearly-mythic earthquake. Despite legends around it, it was a real event—one that broke much of the first Coricancha Temple.

1438 A.D. Pachacútec Inca Yupanqui Starts Coricancha Reconstruction

The version of the Inca Sun Temple of Cusco best known today is the one built by Incan ruler Pachacútec Inca Yupanqui. He launched several wide-ranging reconstruction projects, re-establishing the strength and unity of the Inca Empire.

1495-1501 A.D. Huayna Capac Expands, Elevates Qorikancha

The 11th Sapa Inca, Huayna Capac transformed and revitalized Qorikancha during his reign. He is responsible for many of the temple’s iconic design elements—most notably, plating the entire temple in gold in honor of Inti.

1533 A.D. Spanish Conquest Largely Destroys Temple

In 1533, the Spanish conquerors laid siege to Qorikancha. The attack successfully demolished much of the temple. Once taken, Spain built a convent atop the site.

1633 A.D. Consecration of Church and Convent of Santo Domingo

In the mid-17th century, Spain completed the church built atop the ruins and foundations of the Inca Sun Temple in Cusco. The new complex blends Spanish baroque architecture and Inca masonry.

1650-1976 A.D. Earthquakes and Restorations

In 1650, and twice since then, the Qorikancha site was struck by earthquakes. These damaged the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. The ancient foundations remained whole and strong.

The church has been rebuilt each time.

The most recent restoration, completed in 1976, houses both an active convent and a museum.

Where Is Coricancha?

The Qorikancha Site Museum, the ancient-historic Coricancha temple complex, and the active Church of Santo Domingo, all share one street address:

Avenida El Sol 526
Cusco, 08002 (Peru)

What’s Inside Coricanha Temple Today?

Those visiting the Coricancha site today can explore its interior, much of which has been preserved.

Five Temples

Visitors can see the remnants of Inti’s sanctuary temple, as well as the temples of Viracocha, Quilla, the Ch’aska Quyllur, and Illapa.

The temples’ degree of preservation varies, but each god’s distinct motifs and geometric structures are still present.

Inti & Viracocha (Wiracocha) Sun Gardens

The gardens were once an extension of the temple to both Viracocha, the creator god, as well as a tribute to Inti.

Though diminished, they still hold some of the original sculptures of sacred animals, ritual stone circles, and geometric structure.

Qorikancha Site Museum

The museum preserves and displays artifacts from Corcicancha. Highlights include:

• The Mummies Enclosure, displaying the preserved remains of Inca Royalty.

• The Textile Display, showcasing both intricate Inca fashions and well-preserved quipus.

  • Quipus are Inca “documents” made of cords, recording accounts with precise knots and colorful patterns of thread

• The Ceramics Showcase, displaying carefully crafted artifacts for everyday use and specific religious ceremonies

Visitors can view the artifacts and learn about their history—both from guided tours and placards with written descriptions.

What To Do At The Inca Sun Temple of Cusco

Visitors to the Inca Sun Temple of Qorikancha in Cusco are free to explore the site independently during regular hours.

They might also enjoy a Qorikancha Museum Experience: a guided, interactive tour offered by the site’s curators.

Specific tour times vary.
Museum hours are:

• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon.-Sat.
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Sun.

The Convent of Santo Domingo also offers Bell Tower Tours. Guests learn about the convent’s history and architecture while ascending to the top of the bell tower. The location offers a panoramic view of Cusco.

Experience Qorikancha In Cusco, Peru With Caravan

Caravan’s eight-day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchuu takes guests on a journey through a wondrous country.

Caravan tours are all-inclusive, balancing structured, pre-planned activities with time to follow your bliss. In Cusco, that balance creates abundant opportunities to explore Coricancha (Qorikancha) in the city’s center.

For more insight into what our Peru tour has to offer, contact us at +1-312-321-9800. Or, call 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot today.