Qorikancha Audio Guides
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appInstant access
Open your tour from the link we send. No app required.
Explore at your pace
Start, pause, and continue whenever you like.
Online or offline
Listen in your browser or download the tour in the app.
Top sights near Qorikancha

Dive into the heart of ancient and colonial Peru with this self-guided audio tour of Cusco. This tour is tailored for history enthusiasts and travelers eager to experience the rich cultural tapestry of one of Peru’s most fascinating cities. The adventure begins at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a symbol of the city's layered past, and takes you on an immersive journey through Cusco's streets and history, ending with the mesmerizing view at Cristo Blanco. Following the narrative at your own pace, you'll uncover the precision of Inca stonework at the Stone of Twelve Angles, stand in the revered space of Qorikancha, and gaze upon the baroque splendor of The Church of La Compañía de Jesús. Meander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, peek at the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and marvel at the grandeur of Sacsayhuamán's walls. Your path will take you from ancient temples to Spanish colonial churches, offering a glimpse into the stories that weave the fabric of Cusco. The crescendo of this cultural exploration awaits as you reflect upon the region's history with the inspiring panoramas from Cristo Blanco. Each stop promises unique insights into the Inca civilization and the colonial era, ensuring a memorable journey through time in the majestic city of Cusco.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores Cusco’s layered past, from Inca foundations to Spanish colonial churches. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a clear introduction to the city’s historic center, its sacred places, and the streets where daily life still moves between stone walls laid centuries ago. Your route begins at Plaza de Armas, the city’s grand central square, where clipped gardens, arcaded buildings, and the cathedral frame the highland light. From there, you continue along Loreto, a narrow street lined with remarkably precise Inca masonry, then reach Kusicancha, where archaeological remains reveal the scale of elite Inca residences. The walk continues to Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca world, later enclosed by the Convent of Santo Domingo. After that, you climb toward Plazoleta de San Blas, a smaller square known for its artistic spirit and whitewashed buildings, before finishing at Mirador de San Cristobal above the old city. Along the way, you will experience some of Cusco’s most vivid contrasts: massive Inca stone blocks beneath colonial walls, steep lanes opening onto intimate plazas, and broad views over red-tiled roofs and church towers. The most memorable moments include standing in the ceremonial heart of Cusco, tracing ancient stonework with your eyes, and ending with a panorama that helps the whole historic city fall into place.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of the ancient Inca Empire with this self-guided audio tour. Please note this tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Purchase the ticket for Circuit 2 at www.machupicchu.gob.pe/online-tickets Also, note Internet access in Machu Picchu is limited due to its mountainous location - download the tour in advance. The tour begins at the parking where buses arrive from Aguas Calientes, and concludes with the hike to the Sun Gate, where the sun greets the ancient city at dawn. Hiking both ways to the Sun Gate usually requires 2-3 hours, which might sound feasible. However, considering the high altitude, it's essential to be reasonably fit for the trek. Alternatively, you can explore the main attractions of the Sacred Plaza and return to the starting point. To start with, the tour will take you through the Sacred Sector Hanan, where you will see the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Mausoleum among other great locations around the Sacred Plaza. Enjoy amazing views when you get to the Intihuatana group, the highest point of the Sacred Space. Marvel at the ancient sundial and feel the most powerful energy believed to pass through it. You will also discover the "Hurin," or the Residential Part of the city, and hear amazing stories behind the Inca construction methods making water naturally pump up the hill! Touch the stones, hear the whispers of the past, and see the world from the perspective of the ancient Incas.

With these Machu Picchu tickets, the idea of scaling Peru's mountain marvel is no longer confined to daydreams and Instagram scrolling. Before you know it, you can be breathing in fresh Andean air and admiring the world-famous Inca citadel live. Note! Ticket collection takes place in Cusco. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Inca history – an unforgettable visit to the heart of the Andes. Walk within the walls to marvel at the ruins of the city, which was hastily abandoned in the 16th century when those dastardly Spaniards sidled up in Peru, bringing with them pointy beards and a passion for pillaging. You'll also see what would have been vital strategic locations within the city. Intipunku served as a principal entrance into Machu Picchu, while the Inca Bridges provided a secret way in and out for the army, and the elites who once resided there. This is your ticket to a significant slice of South American history... and then some.
Attractions in Cusco
About Qorikancha
Address
Santo Domingo s/n, Cusco 08000, PeruOpen in Google MapsOpening hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Best time to visit
Crowd level
Directions
Qorikancha was one of the most important sacred sites of the Inca Empire and is best known as the Temple of the Sun. Associated with worship of Inti, the sun deity, the 15th-century complex expressed the religious and political power centered in Cusco. Accounts describe its walls and floors as once adorned with gold, which was removed after the Spanish conquest. The Spanish built the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo over the Inca site, creating the striking architectural contrast visitors see today. Inside, carefully fitted Inca stonework survives alongside colonial construction and religious art. This layering makes Qorikancha a vivid place to consider both Inca craftsmanship and the changes Cusco underwent after the conquest.
Before you enter
- Check current opening hours before you go; Sunday opens in the afternoon.
- Allow at least an hour to explore the Inca remains and colonial spaces.
- Bring a light layer for Cusco’s cool mornings.
What to expect
- Look for precisely fitted Inca stone walls beneath and beside the Santo Domingo buildings.
- Expect displays and architectural details from both the Inca and Spanish colonial periods.
- Interpretive information is available in Spanish and English.
During your visit
- Follow posted photography rules, particularly around religious paintings.
- Take time to compare the Inca masonry with the colonial walls above it.
- Move respectfully through religious spaces and keep passageways clear.
FAQ about Qorikancha
Explore Qorikancha at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours:
Qorikancha is located in Cusco, surrounded by many other great sights.
These tours cover Qorikancha and other nearby highlights:
The most popular tours for Qorikancha are:











