[2024 Cusco Attraction] Travel Guide for Qorikancha (Updated Nov)

Peru Cusco - One of the must-visit attractions in Cusco: The Temple of the Sun!

2024.08.26 Today, we had a very leisurely day in Cusco. In the morning, we had breakfast at Café D´wasi Peruvian Coffee. The coffee wasn't particularly impressive, and the breakfast was just average, feeling somewhat overrated. After breakfast, we visited Convento Santo Domingo, with an entrance fee of 20 soles (approximately 170 TWD). This is not included in the ticket package! So you have to pay extra, but the price is not expensive, and we spent quite a long time inside! No wonder it is rated as one of the must-visit attractions in Cusco! It is a Spanish colonial monastery built on the site of Qorikancha. Qorikancha was the most important Temple of the Sun in the Inca Empire, and it is said that the walls and courtyards of the temple were once covered in gold. Its name comes from the Quechua language, meaning "Golden Courtyard" or "Golden Area," and it was the religious and astronomical center of Cusco. It not only worshiped the sun god Inti but also included temples for the moon, stars, rainbow, and thunder. When the Spanish conquered Cusco in 1533, they demolished the Qorikancha temple to express their victory and built the Santo Domingo Monastery on its foundation. Although most of the metal ornaments were melted down and looted, the foundation stones of the Inca architecture were preserved and became part of this colonial building. The combination of the two creates a strong cultural contrast and shows how the conquerors integrated Inca civilization with Christian civilization. Interestingly, the Inca stone walls of Qorikancha were treated with special techniques, and the stones were precisely cut and polished to fit perfectly without the use of mortar, remaining stable even during strong earthquakes. Even when Spanish buildings were damaged in earthquakes, these Inca stone walls remained standing, demonstrating the superb Inca architectural techniques. Today, this complex not only showcases the architectural features of the Inca and Spanish colonial periods but also houses a large number of artifacts and artworks. Visitors can see paintings and sculptures that blend Inca and colonial art, as well as beautiful courtyards and arcades within the monastery. This place is not only a must-visit for history enthusiasts but also a great place to reflect on cultural collisions and historical transitions. For lunch, we randomly found a cheap local restaurant, spending only 9 soles per person (about 75 TWD), which was both cheap and filling. Next, we went to the Traditional Textile Center of Cusco, which is a center for the preservation and promotion of traditional Cusco weaving techniques. You can see local women using handlooms to weave beautiful alpaca and wool fabrics and demonstrate ancient dyeing techniques. These traditional crafts are passed down through generations, and the patterns and colors of the textiles are rich in culture and history. This place is not only a great place for shopping but also a window into understanding Andean culture. In the afternoon, we suddenly had no plans. My friend had been thinking about getting a tattoo for the past few days, so we decided to get one! It just so happened that the tattoo artist we met a few days ago was nearby. She chose a design with Peruvian characteristics and got the tattoo done very spontaneously. We spent some time sunbathing at Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants, often a gathering place for tourists and locals. In the evening, we went to Plaza Mayor Cusco Restobar for a few Pisco Sours and enjoyed a delicious dinner. The whole day passed by so leisurely and pleasantly. Tomorrow, we will finally start the journey I am most looking forward to—the exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas! This trip will include the spectacular Moray terraces and the mysterious Salinas de Maras salt mines, and the day after tomorrow, we will visit the highlight of this trip, Machu Picchu. I am really looking forward to it!

"Too Temple": Inca civilization that never falls, two styles of art intertwined" Inca era, Cusco is the capital of the Inca Empire, considered to be the center of the world, this sun temple is supreme. In the agricultural era, people pray that the sun god can never disappear. At the Machu Picchu site there are also stone inscriptions that are intended to hold the sun. The sun temple in the Quechua language is the original "golden courtyard", the current temple is a two-story Spanish courtyard with a veranda, flowers bloom, the majestic bell tower leaves visitors with endless delusions. The most amazing thing about the Temple of the Sun is the ingenious combination of Western architecture and Inca ruins. We entered from the gate of the "Domingo Monastery", and there are two lines of black on the white wall on the left side of the gate, "Domingo Monastery". There is a room in the temple with a large stone, an anvil used to kill when the sacrifice is made. The windows of the temple are unique in shape, narrow and wide. Looking down from a specific location, you can always look to the end. The stone in the wall is snapped between the stones, no adhesive is used, and no gap is visible. Its awesome! Its amazing. The Temple of the Sun can see some replicas of the year, a large number of religious paintings, sculptures, artifacts, etc. The garden outside the temple building is full of mystery, and it is a fascination and admiration for the Inca culture. Looking from the wall of the shrine to the distance, the blue sky and white clouds, the rolling hills and the houses scattered in the mountains. History records, the Temple of the Sun built in the Inca era, the megalithic building, the outer gold foil wrapped, in addition to the worship of the sun god, as well as the moon, stars, rainbow and thunder and lightning, known as the Golden Temple or the Golden Garden. The Spanish colonists invaded and the gold foil was plundered. The temple of the sun was transformed into a monastery. After the Spanish colonists invaded Cusco, the gold foil was torn off, leaving only the broken temple. Then, in the old site of the temple, Santo Domingo was built. Two buildings of different styles were close together, each with its own splendour, but it was embarrassing. History will be the past, we can't change anything, we can only touch the splendid civilization hundreds of years ago in the Temple of the Sun. Address: Santo Domingo s/n

Explore Peru and experience the charm of the Inca culture.

️How to plan a trip to Peru? Here is a 7-day itinerary! Explore Peru and don't miss any exciting moments. -------- Peru has a rich history, with the spectacular Machu Picchu🏰 and the mysterious Nazca Lines. Here, you can experience the grandeur of the Andes and the charm of the Inca culture. Don't miss it! -------- 🎉Itinerary: Day 1: Temple of the Sun - Inca Museum Visit the mysterious Temple of the Sun and experience the charm of ancient civilization. Then, head to the Inca Museum to learn about the rich history of the Inca culture. Day 2: Sacsayhuaman - Tambomachay Visit the spectacular Sacsayhuaman ruins and experience the exquisite Inca craftsmanship. Then, head to Tambomachay to explore this ancient Inca sanctuary. Day 3: Machu Picchu - Sacred Rock Climb the majestic Machu Picchu and enjoy the stunning views. Visit the mysterious Sacred Rock and experience the power of the Inca faith. Day 4: Sacred Valley - Moray Terraces - Salt Mines Explore the Sacred Valley from Aguas Calientes to Cusco and enjoy the spectacular views of the Moray Terraces. Then, visit the ancient salt mines and experience the wisdom and diligence of the Incas. Day 5: Inca Town - Textile Center Start your Chinchero cultural tour and stroll through the Inca town to experience the historical charm. Then, visit the Textile Center to learn about the exquisite Inca textile art. Day 6: Inca Museum - Temple of the Sun - Plaza de Armas - San Blas - Inca Trail and Twelve-Angled Stone Return to the Inca Museum and Temple of the Sun to refresh your memory. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and experience the prosperity of Cusco. Then, visit San Blas, the Inca Trail, and the mysterious Twelve-Angled Stone. Day 7: Private Airport Transfer A private driver will take you to the airport, ending your pleasant trip to Peru. Return home with memories and rewards. 🎈 -------- 🧳 Travel Preparation: Peru Travel Checklist 📞 A SIM card is a must. Apply for one at a business hall in advance for easy contact. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter, as the socket type in Peru may be different from that in your country. 📕 Bring all necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and entry card. 👕 Choose clothes according to the weather in Peru in December. Warm coats and raincoats are important. 🔋 Chargers are also important. Make sure your devices are charged so you can capture beautiful memories. -------- ✨️Your trip to Peru is over, but your adventurous spirit never stops! Follow me for more mysterious destinations!✨️

Have you checked in at Machu Picchu yet?

The first time I learned about the Inca civilization was when I was a child watching "The Hare Brothers". One episode was about the ancient Inca country. The mysterious murals in the valley were accompanied by weird and terrifying music, which scared me and left a deep psychological shadow. . Now I come to Machu Picchu, the best preserved ancient city of Inca civilization. When the morning mist slowly dissipates and the ancient city that has been lost for 400 years appears on the top of the mountain, it is still shocking. Machu Picchu is located on a mountain top at an altitude of about 2,430 meters Until 1911, it was discovered by American archaeologist Hiran Bingham that it had been hidden in the mountains and forests This also allowed it to escape the destruction of the Spanish conquerors The entire site has almost 140 buildings including temples, shelters, parks and residential areas. More than 100 steps have been built here. Each step is carved out of a huge granite. These huge stones are precisely cut and assembled to build various spectacular buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Palace and the Farmland. The discovery of Machu Picchu also represents the peak moment of Inca civilization. Its existence is a testament to the glorious history of the Inca Empire. It allows modern people to have a deeper understanding of Inca culture and history, but there are also many mysteries here.

Cusco | The Pinnacle City of the Inca Civilization

Cusco, the capital city of the Cusco Province, was also the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. It serves as the gateway to various Inca ruins such as Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and the Temple of the Sun. Cusco is built on hillsides and by rivers, with its architecture varying in elevation, earning it the title 'Jewel of the Andes Mountains'. The city center is home to important sites like the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun, and the entire old city is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. Due to the narrow and sloped streets within the city area and the relatively concentrated attractions, exploring the city by CITY WALK is the most appropriate. Wandering through the streets and alleys, admiring the distinct yet harmonious Inca and Spanish-style architecture, passing by stalls run by Inca women, and checking in at charming guesthouses and cafes will leave unforgettable memories of your trip to Cusco. 🏞【Destination Guide】 🧳Pre-trip Preparation: Altitude sickness medication 🚗Transportation Tips: There are multiple flights daily between Lima and Cusco. It is recommended to hire a car within the city and walk within the old town. 🌟Local Must-Visits: Sacsayhuamán ruins, Temple of the Sun, Plaza de Armas, and its surroundings 📌Little Tips: The altitude is high, so move slowly. The UV radiation is strong, remember to wear sunscreen.

Cusco: Peru’s Ancient Andean City 🇵🇪

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the world-famous Machu Picchu. Its blend of Incan and colonial heritage makes it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Historical Treasures: Explore the heart of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find the impressive Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun, showcases the incredible stonework of the Incas and is partially built into the walls of the Santo Domingo Convent. Cultural Riches: Visit the San Pedro Market for a vibrant local experience, where you can sample traditional foods, buy handcrafted goods, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Cusco’s residents. The Museo Inka offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Cusco’s narrow cobblestone streets and steep stairways lead to charming neighborhoods like San Blas, known for its artisan workshops, galleries, and cafes. The neighborhood’s main square, Plaza San Blas, is a great place to relax and enjoy local music and street performances. #CaptivatingCusco #AncientAndeanCity #HistoricalTreasures #AdventureAwaits #ExplorePeru #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Captivating Cusco: Gateway to the Incan Empire

Cusco, nestled high in the Andes of Peru, is a city rich in history and culture, serving as the gateway to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offering a unique and immersive travel experience. What to Expect Visitors to Cusco can expect to be enchanted by its well-preserved colonial architecture, which is often built atop ancient Incan foundations. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, surrounded by impressive structures such as the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The narrow cobblestone streets of the San Blas district are lined with artisan shops and cafes, providing a charming and vibrant atmosphere. Experiences and Recommendations Exploring the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, just outside Cusco, offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Incas, with its massive stone walls constructed with remarkable precision. The Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun, showcases the Incas’ advanced engineering and the Spanish conquest’s impact, as a colonial church sits atop the original Incan temple. A visit to the bustling San Pedro Market provides an authentic taste of local life and cuisine, with an array of fresh produce, traditional foods, and handmade crafts. For those looking to delve deeper into Incan culture, a day trip to the Sacred Valley offers stunning landscapes and ancient sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Cusco: Unveiling the Incan Heart of Peru

High in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco whispers stories of its Inca emperors. Once the empire's core, it now stuns with a unique fusion of ancient ruins and lively colonial character. Cusco's heart beats in the Plaza de Armas, a bustling square framed by carved balconies. Nearby, the grand cathedral stands tall, built atop Inca foundations. Explore Qoricancha, the "Temple of the Sun," where Inca stonework peeks through beneath a Baroque church, showcasing the city's layered past. Beyond the city walls, the Sacred Valley invites, promising stunning scenery and hidden Inca treasures. Cusco, where time intertwines, awaits your discovery.

Peru 8-Day Tour | Machu Picchu tickets are too difficult to buy

Peru is located in western South America and is famous for its unique and magnificent natural landscapes, long and profound history and culture, and distinctive cuisine. Among them, Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the New World and has been included in many people’s bucket list of must-visit destinations. However, as a World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu only allows 4,044 visitors per day. 🧡Tour Machu Picchu with a Chinese-speaking group; avoid the hassle of grabbing tickets~🧡 🛬【Itinerary】: ✅D1 Home-Lima (Pick-up from Lima) ✅D2 Plaza de Armas-Convent of St. Francis Church-Cusco (including air tickets) ✅D3 Sacred Valley - Maras Salt Fields - Morey Rice Terraces - Machu Picchu Hot Water Town (including scenic train tickets) ✅D4 Machu Picchu-Cusco ✅D5 Cusco Temple of the Sun-Sacsayhuaman Ruins ✅D6 English Tour A Line: Cusco-Rainbow Mountain-Cusco, Chinese Tour B Line: Awana Cancha Alpaca Farm-Pisac Ruins-Local Market ✅D7 Puno-Sistine Chapel-La Raya Mountain-Pucara Museum ✅D8 Lake Titicaca-Puno-Home (Puno airport drop-off) ⛺【Must-see attractions】: ✅ ✅ ✅✅✅✅✅✅🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Local 4 diamond hotel throughout the journey Exclusive overnight stay in Hot Water Town at the foot of Machu Picchu Exclusive stay at Sacred Valley Hotel 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Lima – Cusco one-way flights Cusco - Hot Water Round Trip Machu Picchu Viewing Train Ticket Cusco-Puno bus tickets 🧡【tips】： ❤The overall altitude of Peru is high. When you first reach the plateau, move slowly. Do not consume too much energy. Drink hot water and eat more fruits rich in vitamin C. ❤High-altitude areas generally have lower temperatures, large temperature differences between morning and evening, day and night, rapid weather changes, and high ultraviolet intensity in high-altitude areas. Pay attention to keep warm and protect yourself from the sun Lake Titicaca Peruvian Cuisine in Machu Picchu