The Inca city of Machu Picchu was built in the middle of a cloud forest around the 15th century. This ancient Inca city is home to some of the most incredible structures in existence such as the Temple of the 3 windows, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun or the Temple of the Moon. The latter is known as ‘The hidden jewel of Machupicchu’.

• What is the Temple of the Moon?
• Where is it?
• How to get there?
• Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern?
• Map to get to the Temple of the Moon
• This is the hike
• Details of the hike
• What are the visiting hours?
• Recommendations for the visit
• Gallery of images
• Other temples in Machu Picchu

Temple of the Moon – Machu Pichu

The Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great cavern is considered as ‘The hidden jewel of Machu Picchu’ due to the difficulty of getting there. Tourists who dare to climb Huayna Picchu and take the detour to this construction, will be almost alone with this mysterious temple.

What is the Temple of the Moon?

• The Great Cavern (popularly called ‘Temple of the Moon’) is one of the most incredible constructions inside Machu Picchu.
• It is built inside a natural cave. It has finely carved lithic structures.
• The Incas had an admiration for the caves as they believed they could connect them with the world of the dead.
• In the center of the Temple of the Moon there is a surface like a throne. Some researchers suggest that sacrifices could have been made there.
• There is no clear idea of what was the function of the Temple of the Moon.
• The way to get to this site is by acquiring your Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket. Keep in mind that it can only be purchased during the high season.

The official high season
The latest ticket updates and modifications incorporated the official high season. This season will start on June 1st and will last until October 15th. Only during this period of time you can purchase the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket. During the Regular Season or the rest of the year you will not be able to make the trip to this destination.

Temple of the Moon of Machu Picchu

Where is it?

• The Temple of the Moon at the back of Huayna Picchu. It is located almost 1 kilometer from the top of the mountain.
• The summit of Huaynapicchu is at 2,720 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) while the great cavern is at 2,256 (m.a.s.l.).
• The Temple of the Moon is in a little known sector of Huaynapicchu. Almost no tourists descend to this place because of the remoteness of its location.
• The Temple of the Moon is inside a natural cave.

How to get there?

• You can only do this route during high season and with the ticket ‘Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon’.
• To get there, you have to take a detour on the way to the top of Huayna Picchu. The walking time is approximately 1 hour to 30 minutes.
• The stretch to the Temple of the Moon is downhill by stone steps, and even an obstacle made of wooden stairs.
• After visiting the Great cavern, you must return to the exit door of Huaynapicchu. During this stretch you must climb several stone steps until you find the same path by which you ascended.
• You will only be able to do the route to the Temple of the Moon, you will not be able to follow the trail to Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu.

View of the road to the Temple of the Moon

Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern?

• The name ‘Great cavern’ was given by the American explorer Hiram Bingham during the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911.
• After many years, the name ‘Temple of the Moon’ gained popularity among archaeologists, tour guides and visitors.
• Therefore, there is no relation between the moon and this Inca construction. The name originated from a commercial idea created by the local inhabitants.
• The more appropriate name for this construction is the ‘Great cavern’.

Map to get to the Temple of the Moon

Route map to reach the Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern)

This is the hike

• The hike includes part of the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail. The hike is downhill through the abundant vegetation.
• The trail is varied, you can find stretches of stairs, wooden steps and also of trail. Remember to do the hike with due care.
• The trail runs along narrow stone paths so it is recommended to have both hands to hold on. There is also a flight of wooden stairs that require a lot of care.
• Once in the Great cavern you must ascend a series of stone stairs for about 1 hour (1.5 kilometers) to the exit door of Huayna Picchu. This section is one of the most difficult due to the elevation between each staircase.

Details of the hike

The hike to the Temple of the Moon is impressive. You cross the stairs of death and other trails next to huge cliffs. To climb up to The Great Cavern you must follow a moderate to difficult hiking route.

• Name: The Great Cave (Temple of the Moon).
• Location: Mountain Huayna Picchu.
• Discovery: Hiram Bingham 1911.
• Height: 2,720 meters above sea level.
• Hike: Moderate – difficult.
• Characteristics: Construction in granitic stone inside a cave.
• Function: Its function is not yet defined.
• Ticket: Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon.
• Visitors per day: only 200 tourists (only in high season).
• Reservation time: 1 or 2 months in advance.

What are the visiting hours?

Group 1

• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7:00 a.m. onwards.
• Entrance to the Temple of the Moon from 7:30 to 8:30 in the morning.
• It is important to check the schedules that are available in the entrance tickets. The tour time is more than 6 hours in total.

Group 2

• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 a.m. of the day.
• Entrance to the Temple of the Moon from 09:30 to 10:30 in the morning.
• This is probably one of the most requested schedules. Because it allows a simple tour with the day already started.

Interior of the Great Cavern – Temple of the Moon

Recommendations for the visit

• The descent begins after passing through the checkpoint. Normally from 9:40 to 10:30 in the morning, this in the first schedule.
• The second group will start from 9:45 to 11:30 in the morning.
• During the hike to the Temple of the Moon follow the signs. Do not leave the marked trail or try to look for trails on your own.
• You must purchase or reserve the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket.
• Children are no longer allowed on this route.
• It is only open to tourists and visitors over 18 years of age.
• Older adults can do this hike as long as they have consulted with their doctors beforehand.
• Keep in mind to wear hiking shoes as the trail can be slippery in places.

Gallery of images

Other temples in Machu Picchu

Temple of the 3 Windows – This Inca construction has 3 trapezoidal windows made with finely carved stones. The 3 windows would symbolize the tripartite cosmovision of the Incas: the division of the world in 3 dimensions, the 3 Inca laws, etc.

Temple of the Sun – This religious temple of Machu Picchu was dedicated to the sun, the highest Inca deity. It is located at the top of the religious sector, where the sun’s rays illuminate it. It is built over a cave and between carved stone walls.

Temple of the Condor – Below the Temple of the Sun is a mysterious construction composed of 3 separate pieces. Each piece joined and fixed from an angle represents the figure of a condor, the sacred bird of the Incas.

Main Temple – In the main square of Machu Picchu is this temple made of 3 polished rock walls. The main wall is deteriorated by the passage of time. Inside there is a kind of altar where sacrifices would have been made.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Shaomy Z.

“The Young Mountain“

“Do not miss the Waynapicchu mountains and the way to the Inca bridge, the bridge itself, is seen from afar, but the walk to the mountain Waynapicchu is easy and wonderful. Stay as long as you can on the terraces enjoying the view, it is unrepeatable, and you can not return later, it is advisable to go as early as possible.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024