Temple of the Moon | Machu Picchu’s Secret Cave Temple

Step into the timeless charm of the Temple of the Moon, a secluded marvel tucked away within Machu Picchu’s dramatic landscape. As you explore, you’ll uncover hidden corners of Inca history and spirituality while enjoying breathtaking Andean views. This complete guide invites you to learn about the temple’s rich heritage and practical tips for planning your visit. Whether you’re an avid history buff or a curious traveler, prepare for an enlightening journey where ancient mystery meets modern adventure.

How to access the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon sits on the side of Huayna Picchu, the towering peak often seen in iconic Machu Picchu photos. It’s about an hour’s hike from the summit, tucked into a sheltered cave that feels worlds away from the busy citadel.

Circuit 3C: Entry to the Temple of the Moon isn’t included with every Machu Picchu ticket. You’ll need a specific Circuit 3 Route C ticket to explore it. These tickets are limited daily, so book your spot in advance, especially if you’re traveling in peak season.

Things to know before booking your tickets

Book Circuit 3C to get access to the Temple of the Moon/ Great Cavern.
Only about 400 people per day are allowed on the 3C trail. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so make your booking 2 months ahead of time.
Physical requirements: The hike is strenuous, with steep, narrow steps. Not recommended for those with vertigo, mobility issues, or severe fear of heights.
The Huayna Picchu trail (and Temple of the Moon) has only two entry slots—early morning and late morning.

Book your spot at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Circuit 2-Classic Tickets

Flexible duration

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Machu Picchu Circuit 3-Royalty Tickets

Flexible duration

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Machu Picchu Circuit 1-Panoramic Tickets

Flexible duration

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From Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Ollantaytambo and Chinchero with Lunch

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

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From Cusco: Half-Day Tour to Maras and Moray

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

6 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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From Cusco: Machu Picchu Day Trip

13 hr.

Transfers included

Meals included

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Architectural highlights of the Temple of Moon

Inca stonework and design

The genius of Inca architecture lies in its simplicity and precision, and the Temple of the Moon is a masterclass in both. Instead of constructing grand façades, the Incas worked with the cave, enhancing its natural shape with delicately carved stone surfaces. The walls inside are smoothed to perfection, creating altars and steps that almost look like they grew out of the rock itself. Unlike European cathedrals designed to dominate, this temple feels like a dialogue with nature. The seamless blend of human artistry and natural geology is a hallmark of Inca sacred design.

Sacred alignment with the Moon

The Incas were skilled astronomers, tracking the movements of the stars, the sun, and especially the moon. Scholars believe that the temple’s orientation may have aligned with moonlight at specific times of the year, flooding the cave in silvery beams during sacred rituals. Imagine priests, wrapped in woven cloaks, gathered in the flickering torchlight, as the moon’s glow spilled directly onto the stone altar. Whether for fertility rites, agricultural blessings, or funerary ceremonies, this lunar connection elevated the cave into a truly celestial chamber.

Historical and cultural significance

Archaeological evidence suggests it may have been used for offerings linked to fertility, life cycles, and even death. Some scholars argue that the cave’s underworld-like setting connected it to Ukhu Pacha (the Inca concept of the underworld), making it a liminal space where the living could communicate with ancestors and deities. If the Sun Temple of Machu Picchu represented light, life, and growth, the Temple of the Moon embodied the hidden, the mysterious, and the eternal.

Together, the Sun and Moon temples form a powerful duality that mirrors Inca cosmology. The Sun Temple, open and radiant, reflects masculine energy and the visible world. The Temple of the Moon, shadowed and secretive, embodies feminine energy, fertility, and the unseen. This balance was essential to the Incas’ worldview. By visiting both, you don’t just check off attractions; you step into the Incas’ cosmic philosophy, where harmony between light and dark, male and female, sky and earth, was the foundation of existence.

More about Machu Picchu history

Visitor tips for Temple of the Moon

Bring only essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small flashlight for the cave. Heavy bags aren’t allowed.
Hiking shoes with good grip are a must; trails can be steep, uneven, and slippery.
Carry water, but use a refillable bottle (plastic bottles are restricted at Machu Picchu).
The trail is challenging, with narrow staircases and sheer drops. Take it slow and enjoy the views.
Huayna Picchu reaches over 2,700m (8,900 ft). If you’re prone to altitude sickness, acclimate in Cusco or Aguas Calientes first.
Bring layers. Weather shifts quickly in the Andes—mornings can be chilly, but afternoons warm up fast.
Don’t touch or climb on the stonework inside the temple; it’s sacred and fragile.
The hike down takes time. Leave early enough so you don’t feel rushed before Machu Picchu closes.
Lighting in the cave is dim; adjust your camera settings or use a flashlight for detail shots.
If you’re nervous with heights, consider trekking poles for stability.

Plan your visit to Machu Picchu like a pro

Frequently asked questions about the Temple of the Moon

Where is the Temple of the Moon located within Machu Picchu?

The temple sits on the slopes outside the main citadel, nestled among rocky outcrops and natural caves. Its secluded position provides visitors a quiet, reflective setting that contrasts with the livelier areas of Machu Picchu.

How difficult is the hike to the Temple of the Moon compared to other Machu Picchu trails?

It’s considered moderately difficult. The trail is steeper and narrower than the main citadel paths but less strenuous than Machu Picchu Mountain.

How much time should I budget for the Temple of the Moon visit?

Plan for 3–4 hours total, including the hike up Huayna Picchu, exploring the temple, and returning.

Are restrooms available near the Temple of the Moon?

No, restrooms are only available at the main Machu Picchu entrance. Use them before starting the Huayna Picchu hike.

Is the Temple of the Moon child-friendly?

Not really. The steep drop-offs and rugged terrain make it unsafe for younger children. Teens with hiking experience may enjoy it.