Gran Cavern Machu Picchu: The Hidden Temple Of The Inca Citadel

1.- DISCOVERY AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

There is no doubt that the discovery of the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu or popularly known as the Moon Temple is considered one of the most mysterious places that exist inside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu which reveals many secrets about the culture and how important its role was in terms of religious and spiritual practices. The Gran Cavern Machu Picchu is part of the extensive system of sacred caves that exist around the vast territory that was once the place where the vast Inca culture developed.

The Gran Cavern Machu Picchu is located at the eastern end of the mountain Huayna Picchu, being one of the mountains surrounding the Inca citadel, thanks to this strategic location is directly associated with astrology and specifically with the interpretation of the signals produced by the moon, of course also worshiped other deities such as the earth or the sun. Thanks to a social study of the Andean culture, it is known that the Moon temple was directly associated with the worship of the moon and this had a link with life and fertility, which also highlights the connection between the sky and the earth that was interpreted as part of the Andean cosmovision. Inside the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu you can find complex structures with open spaces and separate enclosures connected by passages and chambers where characteristics of places where astronomical and spiritual rituals were performed for religious purposes, another possible interpretation about the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu is that it functioned as a center of initiation for the Andean priests as well as for some people belonging to the high society of the Inca culture.

2.- Historical Documentation of the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu

The history behind the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu went unnoticed for many centuries, in fact in 1911 when the American explorer Hiram Bingham scientifically discovered the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu did not get to know this place, only in the second stage of archaeological research began to give importance to the passages and connection systems between enclosures which allowed the explorers could get to find the structures that today are known as the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu. Of course, during this first stage, access was restricted for a long time due to the difficult access at that time, making it extremely difficult to explore without the proper equipment. In the year 1960 two archaeologists ventured to conduct more detailed studies in the Inca city of Machu Picchu, John Rowe and Antonio Olave were who investigated identified the set of caves that were in this place and determined the direct relationship it had with the cult of the moon, after a while elements were found in the place that gave to understand that activities related to the interpretation of phases of the moon were performed in addition to the observation of stars for agricultural prediction.

3.- Importance for the Inca culture

The group of sacred caves found in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and its surroundings have a great historical importance because in the Andean cosmovision it is known that many of the rituals and ceremonies were performed inside them with the intention of having a much closer connection with mother earth, which established a closer bond with the spiritual world. Specifically for the Inca culture, the duration of the pupil was essential within the religious life as her presence had a meaning of cosmic balance, while the main god who was the sun was associated with the masculine part and fertility, the moon was represented as the feminine part and the menstrual cycle, together they were interpreted as a harmonious cycle between harvest and daily life. Another rare interpretation but very related to the Andean cosmovision is that the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu had a transitional context, that is to say that it was a place of spiritual birth, where the connection with the divine world began as a sacred place.

4.- Archaeological findings

During the various archaeological explorations carried out inside the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu, several objects have been found that belong directly to offerings or elements of religious ceremonies. Among the main elements found are animal remains and ceramics, which suggests that it was also a place of sacrifices and offerings directly to the moon. Small sculptures and details of reliefs have also been found on the walls of the cave with zoomorphic forms establishing the link that exists with the Andean deities and the cosmos.

However, one of the main findings that completely fascinated archaeologists investigating the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu was a rock sculpture representing the head of a snake, related to the Andean cosmogony is known that this is a symbol of the cycle of life, death and rebirth, this sculpture gives certainty that the Moon temple was intended for the practice of rituals of transcendence where symbolically death and resurrection were understood as important elements of the spiritual connection through ceremonies and rituals.

5.- ACCESS AND EXPLORATION

We know you are excited to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu however you should know that its excess is not direct as it happens with the Inca city of Machu Picchu, in fact to get to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu you must make a hike that is considered a challenge for many travelers however it allows you to enjoy a unique experience and establish a magical connection with the Andean landscape.

The hike that allows you to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu has the characteristic of being demanding and challenging at the same time since the geography that makes up the environment as well as the path is narrow and steep, this begins in the sector known as the sacred rock where you can also find the checkpoint for those looking to enjoy an extra experience after visiting the city of the Inca. This checkpoint is the one used for those who ascend the Huayna Picchu mountain and for those who wish to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu. As travelers go deeper into the trail they see how the panorama changes and get a unique natural landscape with dense vegetation and a lot of flora such as orchids and native trees.

You must take into account that the visit to the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu requires a great physical demand and is not an easy hike, the trail has the particularity of being in the category of demanding difficulty as it contains an irregular terrain and gradual ascent, although it is not as steep as the path that reaches the top of the mountain Huayna Picchu still remains a challenge for passionate hikers, on the way you can find certain parts of his life pronounced and rocky terrain that can require skill to maintain balance.

Due to changes that occurred during 2024, the visit to the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu is currently regulated by a special entrance ticket that belongs to circuit 3 – Gran Cavern and is only available to visit during the high season that occurs between June 1st and October 15th. This is mainly for safety reasons, since during the rainy season the trail can be slippery and dangerous. Currently there are two schedules in which you can visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu, the first at 07:00 am and the second at 08:00 am with 100 spaces in each schedule.

6.- Recommendations for the visit to the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu

Venturing to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu requires more than just being in good physical condition, you must also have adequate equipment to make the experience unforgettable.

• Hiking shoes are very important in this experience because the sole with good grip will prevent you from having an accident or slipping on the rocky terrain.
• Comfortable and light clothing is also recommended but you should make sure that it can adequately protect you against the cold and there is always a chance of rain.
• Bring enough snacks and water rations for the way there and back. We recommend snacks such as energy bars and sweets to help you recover energy.
• Sun protection is extremely important in this activity, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a cap will help protect you at all times.
• Personal items such as cell phone, camera and other devices will help you capture the best moments and the most impressive landscapes from this place.

7.- SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

“Although there is no age restriction, there is a recommendation that for this type of activities and destinations such as the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu, only those 12 years of age and older should have access. If the group trips contain underage children, they must sign a responsibility document at the control point.”

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8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

• How difficult is the hike to Gran Cavern from Machu Picchu?

It contains a moderate and demanding difficulty because the trail contains rocky and steep parts which makes it challenging even for the most experienced hikers, to that must be added that it runs a total of 5 km so it is always advisable to be in good physical condition.

• Do you need a special permit to visit Gran Cavern?

Yes, since 2024 the mode of income is modified and to visit the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu is required to have the entrance ticket with the circuit 3 – Gran Cavern, there are two schedules available with 100 spaces in each one for each day.

• What is the connection between Gran Caverna and the Temple of the Moon?

In both cases are characterized by having an important role in the ceremonial and spiritual activities that are part of the Andean cosmovision, in addition to the cavern in general was a space of worship especially in the lunar cycle.

• Can you visit Gran Caverna and Machu Picchu in the same day?

Yes, circuit 3 – Gran Cavern allows you to enjoy a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (lower area) and then continue with the visit to the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu, this activity usually lasts three hours in total (round trip).

There are multiple options that will complement your trip to Machu Picchu this 2025 in a unique way, however getting to know the Gran Cavern Machu Picchu will be one of the alternatives that will make your trip unforgettable. Auri Peru can help you design a personalized experience so that even this trek can be organized in a safe way, contact us and design with us a new adventure..

“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”