Official 2026 permits

Inca Trail Availability 2026

The Inca Trail is one of the world's most iconic trekking routes, combining natural beauty, Inca archaeology and a unique cultural experience. High demand and strict regulations make availability essential when planning this journey.

Daily permits

500

daily permits including travelers, guides and porters

Advance booking

6 months

months in advance recommended for booking

Annual closure

February

closed for route maintenance

Live permit availability

Availability calendar

Check available spaces for authorized Inca Trail routes. Availability is loaded from the ticketing system.

Why is Inca Trail availability limited?

Peruvian Government regulations

To protect the route and the environment, the government limits daily permits to 500 people, including guides, porters and travelers. This limit is strictly supervised by Peru's Ministry of Culture.

High and low season

  • High season (May to September): spaces sell out quickly because of ideal weather conditions.
  • Low season (October to April): demand is lower, but February is fully closed for maintenance.

Advance booking requirements

Permits often sell out 6 months in advance, especially for the most popular months. To book, we need:

  • Valid original passport or identity document
  • Phone number
  • International travel insurance
Inca Trail

Inca Trail tours

These experiences belong to the Inca Trail category and can be reserved according to official permit availability.

Private Full-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Tour premium por el Camino Inca corto con llegada por Inti Punku El Camino Inca Full Day Privado a Machu Picchu es una experiencia diseñada para viajeros que desean vivir la esencia del Camino Inca en una sola jornada, con un servicio más exclusivo, organizado y personalizado. A diferencia de los tours convencionales, esta experiencia privada permite recorrer el tramo corto del Camino Inca con mayor comodidad, a un ritmo más adecuado y con atención directa del guía durante todo el recorrido. Es una opción ideal para parejas, familias o viajeros que valoran la privacidad, el buen servicio y una logística bien cuidada. El tour inicia en Cusco y combina transporte privado, tren hacia el Km 104, caminata por el Camino Inca corto, visita al complejo arqueológico de Wiñay Wayna, llegada a Machu Picchu por Inti Punku y recorrido guiado en la ciudadela. Todo está organizado para que pueda disfrutar la experiencia sin preocupaciones.

Service Type
Group service
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Duration
1 Day
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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers who wish to experience the magic of the Inca Trail with limited time. This fascinating adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo and a train journey to Kilometer 104 (2,250 masl), the starting point of this extraordinary route. Along the way, you will first visit the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2,270 masl), a perfect introduction to Inca architecture. Afterwards, you will ascend to the majestic Wiñayhuayna (2,650 masl), considered one of the greatest jewels of the Inca Trail due to its impressive terraces and structures. Without a doubt, the most anticipated moment is the arrival at Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (2,780 masl), from where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 masl). To end the day, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,050 masl), where you can rest at your hotel and prepare for the full exploration of Machu Picchu the following day.

Type Service
Group
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
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4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the classic trekking route for travelers who want to experience Peru in its most authentic and memorable way. This journey follows ancient Inca paths through high Andean landscapes, cloud forest, archaeological sites and mountain passes before arriving at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate, Inti Punku. Starting near the Sacred Valley, this guided trek is ideal for travelers from the USA, Canada, the UK and other English-speaking countries who are looking for a well-organized Inca Trail tour from Cusco with official permits, expert guidance, camping support and a meaningful arrival at one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Unlike arriving by train or bus, the Classic Inca Trail allows you to reach Machu Picchu on foot, following the same historical route used by the Incas centuries ago. It is a rewarding experience for active travelers who value history, nature, comfort in logistics and a deeper connection with the destination.

Service type
Group tour
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail 4 Days offers an extraordinary combination of breathtaking landscapes and authentic encounters with traditional Andean cultures. This unique route blends the best of the Lares Trek and the 2-day Short Inca Trail, allowing you to experience both the cultural richness of the Lares Valley and the iconic archaeological sites of the Inca Trail. During the Short Inca Trail section, you will visit the important archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna as you make your way toward Machu Picchu. The journey culminates at the majestic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of the legendary Machu Picchu citadel.

Service type
Group tour
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days

Discover the ultimate adventure on the Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 days / 5 nights, a unique route that combines the very best of trekking in Peru: the majesty of the Salkantay Snow Mountain, the magic of Humantay Lake, and the mysticism of the classic Inca Trail. End your journey by arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise. Reach altitudes of up to 5,200 meters above sea level and experience breathtaking landscapes that shift from high Andean plains to lush cloud forest. Includes a professional bilingual guide, top-quality camping equipment, all meals throughout the trek, and permits for the Inca Trail + Machu Picchu entrance. Difficulty level: challenging; ideal for travelers seeking adventure trekking in Peru, untouched nature, and ancient Andean culture.

Service Type
Group Service
Difficulty
High
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
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Reservation Payment

Reservation payment is essential to secure your place on the Inca Trail. These are the general conditions:

Initial deposit

  • An advance payment of US$200.00 per person is required to confirm the reservation.
  • The deposit guarantees permit issuance, managed directly by the authorized agency.

Payment conditions

The deposit is non-refundable because permits are issued in real time and assigned to a specific name. The remaining balance must be paid at least 5 days before departure and can be paid in cash. Card payments include an additional 6% bank commission.

Accepted payment methods

  • Bank transfers
  • Credit or debit card payments, subject to additional fees
  • Digital payment platforms such as PayPal and payment links

Reservation confirmation

Once payment is received, the agency issues the official permit in the Ministry of Culture system and sends an email confirmation with permit and itinerary details.