Guide to the Qorikancha Temple Complex

Overview and Historical Significance

Qorikancha is considered the most important Inca temple within the city of Cusco, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). Established as a major temple complex in the 1400s, the site today represents a physical manifestation of the region’s blended cultural history, where original Inca architecture coexists with Spanish colonial structures. In 1538, the Church and Monastery of Santo Domingo was constructed on the foundations of the Inca temple. The site is currently owned and operated by the Catholic Church.

This location is often recommended as an initial point of interest for visitors to Cusco due to its comprehensive informational displays. It is a key site for understanding the syncretism of Andean heritage and the Catholic faith that defines much of modern Cusquenian culture.

The Inca Complex and Cosmovision

The original Inca complex was a large, sacred enclosure with multiple distinct elements.

Original Layout and Features

The historical Qorikancha contained a temple dedicated to the sun (Inti), a temple to the moon (Killa), a temple to rainbows (K’uychi), and a temple to lightning (Illapa), in addition to ceremonial gardens. The exterior wall of the main temple was constructed with perfectly interlocking stones and was, according to Spanish chronicles, coated in sheets of gold.

Etymology

The name Qorikancha is derived from two Quechua words: qori, meaning “gold,” and cancha, meaning “a walled enclosure.” It is considered unlikely by scholars that this was the name used by the Inca themselves; rather, it is believed to have been recorded by Spanish chroniclers, reflecting their focus on the empire’s precious metals.

The Principle of Duality in Inca Thought

Inca cosmology was structured around the concept of duality, which posits that all existence is composed of complementary pairs (e.g., sun and moon, day and night, male and female). This principle extended to urban planning, where cities were divided into an upper half, known as hanan, and a lower half, hurin. This vertical division was more logical in the steep terrain of the Andes than cardinal directions. Current archaeological theory suggests that the Sacsayhuamán complex served as the main temple for hanan Cusco, while Qorikancha was the principal temple for hurin Cusco.

Original Scale of the Complex

The Qorikancha of the 15th century was significantly larger than the remnants visible today. Archaeologists have determined that the nearby Kusicancha archaeological site was part of the original complex, as was the palace now occupied by the Palacio del Inka hotel. Other sections were destroyed during the colonial period and subsequently built over with a mix of hotels, restaurants, and private residences.

On-Site Exhibits and Architectural Elements

The site presents its history through a combination of architecture, art, and informational panels.

Architectural Features

Visitors can directly observe the contrast between the precise, mortarless stonework of the Inca and the arches and masonry of the Spanish colonial church built around and on top of it. The remaining Inca temples, such as those dedicated to the rainbows and lightning, exhibit characteristic architectural features including sloping, trapezoidal walls, doorways, and niches.

Andean Astronomy and Organization

The complex houses artistic representations of Inca cosmology. One notable painting depicts the Milky Way, which was called the Sacred River. In Andean astronomy, constellations were often identified not by stars, but by the dark patches of interstellar dust and gas within the Milky Way. This “dark matter” was seen to form shapes, including a pastor, an adult llama, a baby llama, a bird, a toad, and a snake. Another panel illustrates the Seque system, showing the conceptual lines (seqe) that radiated from Cusco to organize the four sections (suyu) of the Inca empire.

Art, Artifacts, and Documentation

Qorikancha contains an important collection of religious art from the colonial period, including religious garments and relics housed in a dedicated room. There are also displays representing the Andean agricultural and ceremonial calendars. Additionally, informational panels document the restoration work that was undertaken at the site following the major earthquake of 1950.

Visitor Information

Location and Access

Qorikancha is located a ten-minute walk south of the main plaza (Plaza de Armas) of Cusco. As an active religious site, most of the monastery remains closed to tourists, as it is still inhabited by monks.

Ticketing

The site is the property of the Catholic Church, not the Peruvian government. Consequently, the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (Cusco Tourist Ticket) is not accepted for admission. A separate entrance fee must be paid.

On-Site Interpretation

Qorikancha is unique among Inca sites in the region for its extensive use of explanatory panels. These panels provide significant context, which means a guide is not considered essential for a basic understanding of the site. However, the information presented often assumes some prior knowledge of Andean culture and history. Professional guides are available for hire at the entrance for visitors seeking a more in-depth explanation.