The Gran Cavern / Temple Of The Moon In Machu Picchu

Where Is The Temple Of The Moon Located?

The Temple of the Moon is situated close to the Urubamba River and on the slopes of Huayna Picchu mountain. It can be accessed while exploring Machu Picchu on the same day, and given its close proximity it makes sense to explore both within the same day for ease.

In terms of how to get to this sacred site, most travelers will first fly into Cusco – which has frequent daily flights from Lima and other major destinations in Peru such as Arequipa and Puerto Maldonado. From here you’ll then need to make your way to Aguas Calientes – from which it’s a 30 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu and the path to the Temple of the Moon.

Why Is It Called Gran Cavern?

The Temple of the Moon is built within a cavern, earning it the nickname The Great Cavern. Carved out by the infamous Inca civilization, inside we can find all kinds of altars and ceremonial artifacts – all of which held extremely high important to these groups who often visited for ritual and other practices.

Details Of The Walk To The Temple Of The Moon

• Name: The Great Cave or Temple of the Moon.
• Height: around 2,430 meters (7,970 feet).
• Hiking distance: 5 km( 3,10 mi)
• Walking Time: 3 hours roughly (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate – difficult.
• Ticket: Circuit 3 – Gran Cavern Route.
• Visitors per day: 200 tourists per day.

How To Plan Your Machu Picchu / Temple Of The Moon Visit

It’s important to know that not all Machu Picchu tickets include the Temple of the Moon, and that it can only be seen within certain ticket types. At this current moment this site is only viewable on the Circuit 03 Ticket, which you’ll need to buy in advance of your visit.

Given there are only 200 tickets offered each day, it’s important to try and book this as far as possible in advance to guarantee your entry. This is even more important during the popular high season (between late May and September), when crowds are at their very highest for Cusco and Machu Picchu.

When arriving with your Machu Picchu day tour, you’ll head up to these ruins with an experienced guide, first visiting key sites like the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Rock. You’ll then head along the Royalty Route (Circuit 3 ticket holders only) until you reach the Temple of the Moon.

Things To Know About The Temple Of The Moon

• The cavern path was previously considered a segment of Huayna Picchu Mountain. However, as of June 1st, 2024, it has been designated as an independent route separate from Huayna Picchu.
• It’s crucial to hike carefully. Since the trail isn’t very busy, plants may have grown over it, and safety signs could be damaged. Take your time and hike cautiously.
• If you’re heading towards the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon, you’re more likely to spot birds there. This is because it’s a less busy path.
• If you’re traveling with kids, keep a close eye on them. Remember, tourists over 12 years old are not allowed to enter

The Gran Cavern Schedules 

Before reserving your Gran Cavern tickets, it is essential to determine the time you plan to visit this remarkable location.

First Shift (7:00 am – 8:00 am)

The first shift is ideal for those who spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes and choose to hike to the temple on their own the following day, or for those who wish to take a guided tour of the Citadel after hiking to the Temple of the Moon. However, there is a drawback: after completing the three-hour round-trip trek, you will likely feel fatigued, and then you will need to continue with your guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, which lasts approximately two to three hours.

Second Shift (9:00 am – 10:00 am)

The second shift is beneficial for those arriving at Machu Picchu from various treks, including the 2-day Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Huchuy Qosqo, Quarry Trail, Lares Trek, Inca Jungle Trek, or by train. This schedule allows visitors to begin a guided tour at the Citadel of Machu Picchu at 6 am, continuing until 8 am, followed by a hike to the Moon Temple after the tour concludes.

Entry Ticket To The Gran Cavern

200 tickets are offered each day for exploring the Grand Cavern.

Entry Type: Circuit 03 (Machu Picchu Royalty) – Grand Cavern Route

These tickets grant access to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3, also known as the Royalty Route. The experience commences with tours of the Temple of the Sun, Inca residences, and the Sacred Rock. Participants then embark on a hike to the grand cavern, totaling about three hours round trip. Upon returning from the grand cavern, the circuit concludes with visits to the Water Mirror, the Temple of the Condor, and the guardhouse.

The Grand Cavern Ticket Price

• Adult: 200 Peruvian soles($55 US Dollars)
• Students: 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars)

Which Are The Best Hiking Times (7 am or 9am?)

There are advantages and disadvantages to both times. The benefit of the 7:00 am hike is that the cooler temperatures will make the trail more pleasant and increase the likelihood of seeing wildlife. Conversely, those who hike at 9:00 am will face significantly higher temperatures, necessitating more frequent breaks and a greater need for water to reach the Temple of the Moon.

What To See In The Gran Cavern

Endemic Flora

On the path to the Grand Cavern, there are over 300 plants. Here are a few examples. Like Machu Picchu, the Grand Cavern is in a rainforest with a warm, humid climate. That’s why you’ll see lovely orchids there. You’ll also spot Bromeliads growing on many trees and bushes. As you hike towards the grand cavern, you’ll come across ferns carpeting the ground, clinging to stone walls, and towering over some large trees.

Special Fauna

You may observe Viscachas perched atop the rocks, various jungle birds, lizards, and hummingbirds. With luck, you might catch sight of the cock of the rock – which is a bright orange-feathered bird and is the National Bird of Peru – as well as the iconic Spectacled bears.

How To Buy Grand Cavern Ticket

There are 3 ways to buy the Grand Cavern tickets:

Purchase Online

You can find Joinnus’ official website at https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/. For a detailed guide on purchasing tickets step by step, click here. Keep in mind that the website may experience occasional downtime, which could make buying your Grand Cavern ticket online challenging this way.

Book Your Ticket With A Travel Company

The most convenient, secure, and optimal method to purchase a ticket for the grand cavern is by using a licensed travel agency that handles ticket purchases on your behalf. Simply send them a payment along with a copy of your Passport and the intended date of your visit. AB Expeditions comes highly recommended for this service. You can contact them via WhatsApp at +51958131850 to facilitate your purchase of the Huayna Picchu ticket.

Book Your Tickets When You Arrive In Cusco

We will leave those Official Offices in Cusco:

Visit the ‘Direccion Regional de Cultura’ office located at Street Garcilaso s/n, Cusco. It is conveniently close to the Plaza de Armas (main square), just 2 blocks away. Alternatively, you can go to Maruri Street 324, which is also a short distance from the main square of Cusco City.

The office is open Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 19:00 and is closed on Sundays and holidays. It’s worth noting that during peak season, obtaining permits may be more challenging due to high demand.

Book Your Machu Picchu Day Tour With AB Expeditions Now

Visiting Machu Picchu by yourself is certainly possible, however there are many advantages of choosing to head to this sacred site with us here at AB Expeditions.

One of the leading tour providers in the Cusco region, we have decades of experience exploring Machu Picchu, and all of our expert guides are also locals here from the region. This means that you will be having professionals show you around and teach you interesting facts and stories that you otherwise wouldn’t hear when going alone or with another company. 

During our Overnight Machu Picchu Tour you’ll benefit from having all private transport included, as well as getting to choose which train you would like to board to and from Aguas Calientes (such as the Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory). As well as your hotel stay and early entrance to Machu Picchu, we’ll also include your buses to and from the site to maximise your time here.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Temple Of The Moon

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Temple of the Moon, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Who Made The Temple Of The Moon?

The Temple of the Moon at Machu Picchu was constructed by the Inca civilization, a pre-Columbian society in South America known for their advanced architectural and engineering skills. Located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu served as a royal estate and religious site, featuring impressive stone structures like the Temple of the Moon, built with precision-cut stones fitted together without mortar. This temple, dedicated to Inca religious practices, exemplifies their mastery in constructing sacred spaces aligned with astronomical phenomena and the natural landscape

How Do I Get To The Temple Of The Moon?

To reach the Moon Temple, start by entering Machu Picchu and hiking for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the Sacred Rock, where there is a checkpoint. Upon presenting your ticket, continue along a path that initially moves along flat terrain, then descends before ascending again. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where the trail splits towards Huayna Picchu and the Moon Temple. A ranger will verify your ticket and direct you towards the left side leading to the Moon Temple – where the trail proceeds one-way until you arrive at the Moon Temple.

What Is The Temple Of The Moon?

Also known as the Gran Cavern, the Temple of the Moon is one of Machu Picchu’s most important archaeological discoveries. Reflecting both engineering excellence and a strong spiritual resemblance for the Inca who themselves carved inside it, here we can see many altars, beautiful stonemasonry and a mysterious atmosphere inside the cavern.

Can You Go To The Temple Of The Moon Right Now?

Yes – the Temple of the Moon is open at Machu Picchu and hasn’t been closed. However, to access the site, it’s important to know that you must have purchased the Circuit 03 Ticket which permits entry to this particular site. There’s only 200 daily entries here, so be sure to try and book your tickets well in advance to guarantee your visit here when heading to Machu Picchu!

Overview Of The Temple Of The Moon

And that’s all for this guide on planning your visit to the Temple of the Moon.

One of the most incredible sites that you can see within Machu Picchu, the Temple of the Moon is quickly becoming a popular site for tourists to try and visit. And given there are only 200 daily entrances (and more competition for these tickets during peak months), it’s vital to book your spot as soon as possible if this is a must for you.

Book your Machu Picchu Overnight Tour Now with us here at AB Expeditions, where we will secure a Circuit 3 ticket for you to explore this mysterious ancient cavern. As well as being able to visit the Temple of the Moon and the rest of Machu Picchu, we’ll also include private transport, trains to and from Aguas Calientes, as well as your hotel stay for the night.