Temple of the Moon: Your guide to Machu Picchu’s hidden gem

Unlike the open-air temples of Machu Picchu that bask in sunlight, this one hides in shadow, making it feel secretive and intimate. The stonework blends seamlessly with the cave’s natural contours. Archaeologists believe this chamber may have been reserved for the most important rituals—possibly even the preparation of mummies or offerings to the gods. Standing here, with smooth carved walls brushing your fingertips and the faint smell of damp earth in the air, you’ll understand why this space is often described as otherworldly.

Platforms rise like stone tables, carved directly into the cave, possibly to hold sacred idols, offerings of food, or even animal sacrifices. Niches line the walls, precise and symmetrical, and may have once held gold objects, textiles, or effigies lit by the flicker of torches during moonlit ceremonies. The craftsmanship is astonishing—the stones are polished so cleanly you’d think they were molded rather than carved. It’s this perfection, achieved without modern tools, that leaves visitors shaking their heads in awe.

The journey to the Temple of the Moon is half the experience. Trails snake along the rugged sides of Huayna Picchu, narrow and demanding, but rewarding you with sweeping panoramas of the Urubamba River valley below. Lush jungle vegetation frames the path, orchids peeking out like little bursts of color against the greenery. Now and then, you catch glimpses of Machu Picchu itself from unusual angles, reminding you how far you’ve climbed and how close you are to touching the sky. By the time you arrive at the cave, sweaty and exhilarated, you’ll understand why the Incas chose such a dramatic location for their rituals. The setting itself feels like an offering to the gods.