The Temple of the Moon, the Great Cave of Machu Picchu

The Temple of the Moon is a mysterious structure located at the base of Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is famous for its hiking route, which follows the lower slopes of Huayna Picchu and leads to a mysterious Inca temple finely carved inside a cave. For this reason, it is also known as the Great Cave. The hike takes approximately 2 hours for the average visitor. It is suitable for visitors over 18 years of age. The hike is only available during the high tourism season: from June 1 to October 15.

The Temple of the Moon, the Great Cave

• The Temple of the Moon

  The Temple of the Moon is one of the most mysterious stone structures in Machu Picchu. It is located in one of the most inaccessible corners of the Inca city, at the base of Huayna Picchu Mountain, approximately 3 kilometers from the heart of the archaeological site. Its elevation is estimated at 2,050 meters above sea level.

  Its most well-known name is the Great Cave because it is a stone structure carved inside a cave. However, tour guides in Cusco popularized the name Temple of the Moon. It is believed that religious ceremonies were held there in honor of the goddess “Killa,” the moon.

  The Great Cave features finely carved stone walls. It also includes a ceremonial altar and niches where ritual objects made of stone, gold, and precious gems were placed. For the Incas, caves connected the earthly world of humans (Kai Pacha) with the upper world of the gods (Hanan Pacha).

• What the Hike to the Temple of the Moon Is Like

  The hike to the Temple of the Moon is one of the most challenging trekking routes in Machu Picchu. It covers nearly 3 kilometers along the lower slopes of Huayna Picchu. These paths were built by the Incas. The route includes uphill sections with stone stairways, flat trails, and steep descents. An average visitor can complete the round trip in about 3 hours or slightly more.

  Access to the Temple of the Moon hiking route is through the same entrance used for Huayna Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu. After registering entry, visitors must follow the signs leading to the Great Cave. In other words, the Temple of the Moon ticket does not allow access to the summit of Huayna Picchu or to the smaller Huchuy Picchu Mountain. A different ticket is required to visit those attractions.

• Information About the Temple of the Moon

  Temple of the Moon	Information
  Name	The Great Cave (popularly known as the Temple of the Moon).
  Elevation	2,050 meters above sea level
  Structure	Stone walls carved inside a cave.
  Available Route	Route along the lower slopes of Huayna Picchu
  Entry Ticket	“Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon” ticket

The Temple of the Moon Entry Ticket

• The Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon Entry Ticket

  The “Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon” ticket grants access to the hiking route and the Great Cave. In addition, this ticket allows entry to the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Circuit 3 (the Royal Circuit).

  This circuit allows visitors to explore stone structures considered sacred by the Incas, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Three Doorways enclosure, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector, where a classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu can be taken.

  Visiting the Temple of the Moon is only allowed for visitors over 18 years of age. Visits are only permitted from June 1 to October 15, the months when Machu Picchu receives the highest number of tourists.

• Ticket Schedules for the Temple of the Moon

  These are the visiting schedules offered by the “Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon” ticket:

  • Schedule 1: Entry to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (Circuit 3) is from 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. (visitors have over 1 hour to complete the circuit up to the entrance gate of the Great Cave). Entry to the Temple of the Moon (Great Cave) is allowed until 8:00 a.m.
  • Schedule 2: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (visitors have over 1 hour to complete the circuit up to the entrance gate of the Great Cave). Entry to the Temple of the Moon (Great Cave) is allowed until 11:00 a.m.

• Temple of the Moon Ticket Prices

  Find the prices for the “Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon” ticket below:

  Machu Picchu Ticket with Temple of the Moon (Great Cave)
  Machu Picchu Entrance	Foreign Visitors	Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia
  General adults	200 S/.	112 S/.
  University students	125 S/.	80 S/.
  Under 18s (entry not permitted)	118 S/.	80 S/.

  *Visits to the Temple of the Moon are only available from June 1 to October 15 each year.

• Tour Guide Service on the Temple of the Moon Route

  Accompanying a professional tour guide on the Temple of the Moon route is not mandatory. If you choose a private guide, they will accompany you along the paths leading to the Great Cave. The guide provides safety and valuable information, and also helps you take the best photographs.

  Optionally, a private guide can also accompany visitors on Circuit 3 at the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The hike to the Temple of the Moon takes approximately 3 hours round trip. Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu takes about 2 hours on average.

• What Is Included and Not Included in the Temple of the Moon Ticket

  What is included in the Temple of the Moon ticket:

  • Entry to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3.
  • Access to the 3-kilometer hiking route to the Temple of the Moon.

  What is not included in the Temple of the Moon ticket:

  • Private tour guide service.
  • Bus transportation to Machu Picchu (Consettur ticket).
  • Train transportation to Machu Picchu (Peru Rail or Inca Rail ticket).
  • Snacks, restrooms, etc.