Duration
Half-Day
Package Type
Adventure
Activity Level
Moderate
Travel specialist
The Temple of the Moon, or Salumpunku, is a mystical and mysterious Inca archaeological site on the outskirts of Cusco. The temple is located on a big hill with two caves inside it, into which the temple was built. Inside the caves are altars, which on certain nights are illuminated by moonlight flooding through openings in the caves. Carvings are also found inside the caves, including a snake, a puma and what some people have theorized is a vagina.
Our half-day tour takes you to this wonderful temple on horseback -- and what better way to visit such a fascinating place? The Temple of the Moon receives far fewer visitors than other sites near Cusco, such as Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo and Tambomachay, meaning we can make the ride there, and explore the temple, without the crowds of tourists found at other sites. We’ll also ride to Chacan Mountain, where we’ll have incredible views of Cusco and the surrounding area.
Our adventure begins at around 9 a.m. when we’ll pick you up from your hotel. We’ll then drive a short distance to the ranch where we’ll meet our wonderful horses. After some brief instructions from your bilingual guide (Spanish/English), we’ll set off, passing through wonderful Andean scenery.
We’ll ride up to the Temple of the Moon, leaving the horses just outside the site as they are not allowed in. Your guide will then take you on a tour...