The Temple of The Moon
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by James Bustamante
The Temple of the Moon, located halfway down Huayna Picchu, in the Machu Picchu complex has always been considered one of the more mysterious temples within the Incan city.
To access the temple of the moon, travelers will have to climb Huayna Picchu at least halfway before heading to the Incan structure. Most historians don’t believe the Moon temple is related to the moon goddess Mama Quilla of the Inca religion, though.
Where is The Temple of The Moon?
This ancient Inca temple is located halfway down the Huayna Picchu mountain. You can find The Moon Temple halfway down the Inca structure, within a naturally occurring cave on the side of the famous peak.
The Inca temple is a whopping 9,000 feet (2,720 meters) above sea level. To reach Huayna Picchu and the temple of the moon, you will first need to head north from the city of Machu Picchu. Remember that to enter the Huayna Picchu section, you will need an additional permit that must be reserved beforehand.
Traveler’s Tips: If you want to ensure your entrance to Huayna Picchu, book your permit at least 30 days prior to travel. If you wait any longer, you may not find a permit and will not be allowed into the mountain.
The Name Temple of The Moon
The Temple of the Moon is a cave-like structure carved into the mountainside, believed to have had religious significance for the ancient Incas. It features niches and carved stones, thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes. The exact function and significance of the site are still subjects of study and speculation among archaeologists.
The cave where the temple is located is called “The Great Cavern”. This name was actually given to it by the explorer Hiram Bingham during his original excursions through the area.
The name “temple of the moon” came much later and was thought up of by settlers and not the Inca. The temple of the Moon was carved out right into the granite in great detail inside this cave. So to sum it up, this Inca construction has two names, it is also referred to as “the great cavern”.
Purpose For The Temple of The Moon
There is plenty of speculation and several ideas about what precisely the temple of the moon was used for. However, the greater consensus is that it was a place of great religious importance to the Incas.
What differentiates this temple from the rest you can see during the Machu Picchu tour is that the temple of the moon rests within a cave on one of the most essential peaks surrounding Machu Picchu. The Incas had a particular admiration for caves; they believed that caves could connect them to Ukhu Pacha, or the “world of the dead.”
Once you enter the temple of the moon, you realize there is a flat surface; archaeologists believe this could have been used for offerings or sacrifices. Researchers have yet to fully confirm or at least come to a complete consensus on the temple’s purpose.
Getting To The Temple of The Moon
We will commence our itinerary with a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu. Subsequently, our route extends northward from the city until we arrive at the entrance to Huayna Picchu, a prominent mountain easily recognizable by its imposing stature. First, you must have your Machu Picchu hiking permit booked and the additional pass required to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain.
Upon passing through the entrance gates, our ascent will commence along the renowned ‘Stairs of Death of Huayna Picchu.’ Despite its ominous moniker, it is important to note that this designation stems from the steep incline of the ascent rather than any actual danger.
Eventually, our journey leads us to a narrow path leading to the Temple of the Moon. This pathway becomes apparent during the descent; therefore, there is no necessity to search for it during the ascent. It is advisable to remain focused on the ascent at this juncture.
Exploring this revered landmark of Machu Picchu typically requires approximately one hour, allowing ample time for a thorough visitation without the need for haste.
Additional Information
The hike up to the temple of the moon is pretty nice. The views surrounding the location are like something out of a storybook. There are a few things to remember before you go to the temple.
This hike is part of the Huayna Picchu climb so understand that this will be a moderate to difficult hike before even attempting it.
If you climb up to Huayna Picchu and also want to see the temple of the moon on the way down, make you begin the descent no later than 11:30 am.
This brings us to the next point if you want to see this Inca temple make sure you follow the signs. If you come down all the way down you will not be allowed back up the mountain unless you purchase another permit which will not be available.
Permits will have to be purchased at least 30 days in advance but if possible try to do it even earlier.
Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed into the Huayna Picchu hike. Remember this is a moderate to difficult climb with limited space.
Conclusion
The temple of the moon is a great place to visit while on the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu hike. If you came all the way to Peru to visit Machu Picchu you should plan to see as much as possible during your time here.
To ensure your permits please contact our advisers so they can put your Machu Picchu travel package together for you.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_the_Moon_(Peru)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Temple of The Moon
Why is it called the Temple of The Moon?
The name came up throughout the years but it was not the Inca that named it
Is the Temple of the Moon related to the Inca goddess of the Moon?
No. The temple of the moon bears no relation to the Inca Moon goddess Mama Quilla.
Does the temple of the moon have more than one name?
Yes. The temple of the moon is also referred to as the “Great Cavern”. This name was given to this temple by Hiram Bingham.
Will I need a Huayna Picchu permit to see the temple of the moon?
Yes. In order to access the temple of the moon, you will first need to enter Huayna Picchu.
Do I need to climb Huayna Picchu before visiting the temple of the moon?
Yes, you will need to reach the top of the mountain before being able to access the path that takes you to the temple of the moon.
What was the temple of the moon used for?
There are several theories but it seems to have been used for offerings and sacrifices. The Inca believed that caves and caverns had a connection to the world of the dead, also known as “Ukhu Pacha” in the native Quechua tongue.
