Mia M.
Google
I had never even heard of the temple of the moon until my third visit to MP. At the Huayna Picchu summit, we noticed a sign that pointed to it and stated it was an alternate route back. (I feel like there's a map of this as well near the main entrance of the hike, but I guess we didn't pay much attention to it...) We decided to do it to get away from the crowds and do a loop back.
Well, it's absolutely gorgeous and totally well worth the extra hike, as you indeed can find the serene, non-touristy feel of the place that most travelers are looking for.
However, make sure you've got plenty of water and perhaps a snack, and that youre giving yourself enough time, if you decide to take the long way back. I went with my fiance at the time, aged 27 and 29, both in very good physical shape, and... let's just say, it wasn't the easiest hike ever. And we hike A LOT. Going down into the grand Canyon or up the Old Rag were probably easier. (Though our perception of the hike's difficulty was affected by the fact that we were psychologically ill-prepared.)
We were a bit stressed out because we had no idea how long it was, had not brought any food, had only 32 oz of water left between us by the time we started the descent, had a pretty late start... and by the time we made it to the temple we had literally come across only one other lone hiker and the sun's rays were getting pretty slanty. I think something about the modest sign for the temple at the summit convinced us that it would be a short detour... but it isn't.
The hike takes you down from the summit and around the back of the mountain, while most visitors turnaround at the summit and return the same way they went up. It loops around pretty far downhill, where you find the temple. The temple itself is not too impressive but still mighty interesting if you enjoy ruins. Much of the trail is authentic Incan stonework as well. The scenery going down and around is breathtaking. A river wraps around the mountain, so you get a really nice, deep view pretty much the entire time. The temple is at a lower altitude than the trail which connects Huayna Picchu to Machu Picchu, so you do have to hike back up on your way out - and this is where we got worried! But, one again, simply incredible views, including angles of Machu Picchu most people have never seen.
So, in conclusion:
1. If you're able, this is a MUST if you're going up Huayna Picchu (which is a must if you're going to MP).
2. But don't be like us, and be prepared. Figure out how long it is and what privisions you'll want. Also, note that you quite possibly will not find help out there or anyway along the path, so make sure you know what you're doing.
But definitely do it. It was by and large the single most inspiring and beautiful hike of my life.
