Cusco Cathedral - The city of Cusco is a treasure trove of architectural relics and historical landmarks, offering visitors a deep dive into its rich past. At the heart of it all is the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, which has been central to the city’s most significant events since the Inca era when it was known as the “square of the warrior.” Today, it is home to three of the city’s most important churches: the Cusco Cathedral, Iglesia del Triunfo, and the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. Here’s a brief overview of these notable churches and what visitors can expect to see.

The Church of Triumph (Iglesia del Triunfo) was the first church built on Cusco’s main square, with construction starting in 1536, just three years after the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The Jesuits constructed the church over Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building, armory, and heraldry center attached to the palace of Viracocha. It is the first Christian church built in Cusco.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (also known as Cusco Cathedral) was the second church the Jesuits began building in Cusco’s main square, but it was the last to be completed. Construction started in 1559 and finished nearly a century later in 1654.

Like the Church of Triumph, Cusco Cathedral was built on the foundations of a sacred Inca site, a recurring theme. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross, it was constructed atop the foundations of kiswarkancha to replace the Inca religion with Spanish Catholic Christianity. Kiswarkancha was the Inca palace of Viracocha, the ruler of Cusco, almost a century before the Spanish arrived.

Since most of Cusco’s population was of Quechua Inca descent at the time, the Spaniards used Inca labor to build the cathedral.

• Transportation included
• Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)

• Entrane to Qorikancha: 15 Soles
• Entrance to sites: 70 Soles for 2 Days or 130 Soles for 10 Days
• Food and Beverages

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.