Temple of the Moon (Peru)
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The Temple of the Moon is an Incan ruin on Huayna Picchu near Machu Picchu, in Peru. The site is made up of stonemasonry and a cave that has been architecturally enhanced. The temple gets its name from the way moonlight radiates inside the cave at night.
In the center of the cave is a throne carved out of rock. Beside the throne are steps that lead deeper into the cave.
It is thought that the caves were used to hold mummies. The trail that leads from the summit of Huayna Picchu to the Temple and the Great Cave is very exposed and can be quite slippery. A few spots have a steel handrail cable (a via ferrata), but a fall in many places would have severe results. The trail that leads off from the main Huayna Picchu trail near the saddle is easier and safer, but still presents hazards. Expect at least a 45 minute walk in each direction from this lower trail, and at least an hour from the summit down the alternate trail to the ruins, plus the 45 minute walk back uphill and to the main trail.
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