Summary
Machu Picchu is visited by around 1.5 million people every year. This number of visitors makes the Inca citadel one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people are looking to get the great photo at Machu Picchu, but also to take part in some of the most famous hikes in its mountains.
There are three mountains surrounding Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. This last summit is one of the most famous for its ascending paths along stone steps. In addition, deep within this mountain, there is a mysterious construction called the Great Cavern.
The hiking route through the Great Cavern is one of the toughest challenges when visiting Machu Picchu. This little-known building is located at the bottom of Huayna Picchu, on a difficult path of ascents and descents, but surrounded by lush nature. From the entrance point to Huayna Picchu to the Great Cavern is approximately 2.5 kilometers.
The Great Cavern is also known as the Temple of the Moon. It is a stone structure carved inside a cave. These dark formations were considered sacred by the Incas who believed that they connected the earthly world of men (the kai pacha) with the underworld or territory of the dead (the uku pacha).
The hiking route to the Great Cavern is suitable for tourists over 18 years old. It includes narrow sections and borders on frightening chasms. However, no one has lost their life there. On the contrary, for many it is a difficult route but full of nature, beautiful landscapes and a mysterious building little explored by visitors. The route is available only from June 1 to October 15.
The company of a professional tour guide ensures a safe, entertaining and very informative route to the Great Cavern. The guides have extensive knowledge of the route and the best spots to get photos. In addition, they offer a lot of security in case of any emergency. Although a guided tour of the Great Cavern is not mandatory, the company of a professional guide will always be the safest option.
Itinerary:
Included
- Briefing (the briefing if you are staying at a hotel in Aguas Calientes the night before).
- Private tour guide service at the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu (average 5-hour tour).
Not included
- Tourist train to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist bus
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Lunch or breakfast in Aguas Calientes.
- Sanitary services.
- Snacks or phone calls.
- Tips.
Guided tour route map
Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Every year it is awarded as one of the best destinations in South America and the world. It is located in the Cusco region, the capital of the Inca empire in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Machu Picchu is located about 2,430 meters above sea level, in a simply beautiful Andean and tropical geography.
Does the visit to the Temple of the Moon include the route to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain? – Although the Temple of the Moon, also called the Great Cavern, is located on the Huayna Picchu mountain, the tours are on different paths. The summit of Huayna Picchu is at the highest part of the mountain, at 2,693 meters above sea level, while the Great Cavern is at the bottom, deep in the mountain at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level. That is, the route to the Great Cavern does not include the visit to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain. And, vice versa, the visit to Huayna Picchu does not include the tour to the Temple of the Moon. Both are incredible routes, full of beautiful landscapes and abundant nature. Both hikes are allowed only to people over 18 years old. Access to Huayna Picchu is available every day of the year. Meanwhile, the route to the Temple of the Moon is only available from June 1 to October 15.
How to book?
Are you interested in the private tour guide service in the Great Cave of Machu Picchu? Follow these steps to make the reservation.
- The private tour guide service in Huchuy Picchu is booked with the payment form on the website. You only need to fill in the required information, especially the email address.
- Another option is to receive a payment link via email from one of the sales consultants. To make the reservation, it is necessary to register personal information such as names and passport or ID.
- To pay for the private tour guide service you must send 100% of the value of the service. Payment methods are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club or PayPal credit or debit cards. All payment methods are secure because they protect your personal information!
Availability
Check the availability calendar for the ‘Machu Picchu with Great Cavern’ ticket and verify that there are tickets available on the date you wish to visit:
Changes and Cancellations
Changes to the private tour guide service:
- You can change the date or the number of visitors who will receive the private tour guide service by sending a simple request to the email info@machupicchuterra.com. The change can be made up to 3 days before the day of the service. The penalty is 10% of the total value.
Cancellations of the private tour guide service:
- You can cancel your private tour guide service by emailing info@machupicchuterra.com. Cancellations must be requested up to 3 days before the day of the service. The penalty is 25% of the cost of the service.