History & Background
Qorikancha (literally "Golden Courtyard") was the spiritual center of the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. Its walls were once covered in gold leaf. In the 16th century, Spanish conquerors erected the Santo Domingo Church on top of its foundations.
How to Arrive
Walk from the hotel towards the Plaza de Armas, then walk down the historic Calle Loreto (famous for its perfect Inca stone walls) directly to Avenida El Sol.
Practical Travel Tips
- Look for the perfectly smoothed curved stone wall, which survived major earthquakes that collapsed the colonial church.
- Hire a guide to explain the sophisticated astronomical alignments of the temple windows.
- Visit the underground site museum located in the green esplanade in front of the temple.