Inca Trail Permits 2025-2026

Permits for the Inca Trail 2026 are expected to be released in October 2025. You can reserve your spot in advance with a deposit, and we’ll handle the booking once they’re available. Contact us if you'd like to be notified!

Each day, only 500 Inca Trail permits are issued. Out of these, just 180 to 200 are for travelers; the rest are assigned to porters, chefs, and tour guides. Because the number of spots for hikers is limited, it’s important to book in advance to secure your place on this historic trail.

If you plan to hike during high season (April to October), we recommend booking your permit at least 6 months in advance, as spots tend to sell out quickly. For the low season (November to March), it's best to book at least 3 months ahead to secure your place.

If you are ready to book your Inca Trail permits with us, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit our booking page and click on any of the BOOK NOW buttons.
2. Choose the start date of the tour.
3. Select the number of participants that will be joining the adventure.
4. Fill in the requested information, such as name, passport number, date of birth, nationality and gender. Be very careful when entering this information, as tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable in case of errors in names or passport numbers.
5. Wait for the final manual confirmation from our team.

With these steps, you will be ready to live an unforgettable experience on the Inca Trail.

In order to reserve a permit, you only need your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity before its expiration date. The information you must provide is:

• Name and last name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Sex and gender

Please note that the information provided must match exactly the information in your passport, as the permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Unfortunately the answer is no. Once the Inca Trail permit reservation is made with the information provided, it is not possible to change the date or cancel the reservation. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and do not allow modifications of any kind. Therefore, we recommend that you make sure of the dates before confirming the reservation.

The Inca Trail is a very popular trek, and the permits sell out quickly, as it is considered “one of the treks you must do at least once in your life”. However, if permits are no longer available, we offer you other options that you cannot miss: 

• Short Inca Trail: A short version of the Classic Trail that will take you through archaeological sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and culminating in Machu Picchu.
• Salkantay Trek: One of the most challenging Inca Trail routes in Peru, it takes you through high mountain snowy landscapes until you reach Machu Picchu.
• Lares Trek: A route that combines nature and culture, passing through traditional Andean communities.
• Inka Jungle: An option that mixes adventure, biking, trekking and rafting, ending in Machu Picchu.
• Choquequirao: A less crowded trek, but equally exciting, it is considered “Machu Picchu's sister”.

Of course it is! If you need equipment for your trip, you can rent it with us. We offer a variety of equipment for you to enjoy your trekking most comfortably:

• Sleeping bag: US$25
• Inflatable mattress: US$20
• Trekking poles: US$20

You can reserve the equipment in advance to make sure everything is ready for the day of your adventure.

No, you can not do the Inca Trail on your own. Since it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014, the Inca Trail is subject to strict regulations. It is for this reason that, in order to do this trek, it is mandatory to book through an authorized tourism agency, which will manage the permits, guides, porters and comply with all the conservation and safety requirements of the trek.

The Inca Trail is considered one of the most popular routes in South America. In terms of difficulty it is categorized between Moderate to Challenging, obtaining a 4 on a scale of 5. It has this category due to the irregular terrain and the altitude where it develops. It should be noted that the Inca Trail route is not the most difficult in the city of Cusco (the most difficult is Salkantay) but it is not the easiest either.

To do the Inca Trail, you do not need to be an expert in trekking, but you should be in good physical condition. During the Inca Trail, you will walk through steep and uneven terrain, in addition to the altitude, which can be a bit challenging. To prepare yourself, it is recommendable to do previous treks in mountainous terrain, practice hiking and endurance and balance exercises, such as walking long distances and climbing stairs.

To avoid altitude sickness during the trek to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco 1 to 3 days before the trek so that your body can acclimatize to the altitude of the Andes. Avoid consuming alcohol and heavy meals before the trek to facilitate your adaptation. During the trek, it is essential to keep drinking water frequently and chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, which are traditional natural remedies. It is also advisable to walk at a moderate pace. If at any time during the tour you experience shortness of breath, tiredness or headache, let your guide know immediately.

We recommend that you contact our sales staff to specify the type of disability and the level of support you need. For certain disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments, we can adapt the tour with specialized guides to provide a safe and personalized experience. However, it is important that you consult with your doctor before joining the trek to ensure that it is a good option for you, considering the physical demands of the Inca Trail.

These are the distances depending on the route you take:

• 4-Day Inca Trail: approximately 26 miles (43km)
• 2-Day Inca Trail: approximately 8 miles (13km)

The food during the Inca Trail is buffet style, and our chefs are in charge of preparing dishes with fresh products to offer the best of Peruvian gastronomy. Throughout the trip, you will enjoy full breakfasts with options such as scrambled eggs, omelets, fruit salads, quinoa porridge and fresh juices. For lunch and dinner, you will taste dishes such as beef, chicken, fish, pasta salads, quinoa soups, and others accompanied by appetizers and desserts. Additionally, you will have afternoon tea with hot beverages such as chocolate, coffee and teas. Don't forget to specify your dietary preference when booking your Inca Trail permit with an agency (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free).

The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day and 3-night trek, while the Short Inca Trail only lasts 2 days. During the Classic Inca Trail, you will visit several archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and Machu Picchu. In the short Inca Trail you will only visit the sites of Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu entering through the Sun Gate, this being a more compact route.

The difference between these trails lies basically in the level of comfort and services offered. The Luxury Inca Trail is a way to reach Machu Picchu in style, meaning that during this trek you will enjoy high-quality equipment (personalized service, additional porters, delicious gourmet food, high-end tents). In addition, all the equipment used is top quality, providing greater comfort during the trek. On the other hand, the Classic Inca Trail offers a more standard service, with basic comforts and without the additional luxuries that characterize the luxury experience.

The Inca Trail is closed every year during the month of February for maintenance and conservation work. During this time, access is restricted to ensure the preservation of the trail. If you plan to visit Peru in February, we recommend other routes of the same spectacular trekking that will also take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, or the Inka Jungle.

Absolutely, it is worth it!The Classic Inca Trail allows you to walk the same routes that the ancient Incas traveled, reliving the history of one of the most powerful empires in South America. During the trek, you will pass by different archaeological sites, enjoy the flora and fauna of the Andes and learn more about the Inca's past at every step.

At TreXperience, we specialize in trekking experiences from Cusco and are committed to offering top-quality service every step of the way. We provide fair prices, high-end equipment, and tasty meals prepared by our professional chefs. You'll also have the support of a personal porter to carry part of your gear, and at the end of your journey, you'll return on scenic trains like the Vistadome or the 360°, adding the perfect touch to your adventure. With us, your booking is in expert hands, focused on giving you a well-organized, meaningful, and memorable experience.

The agency with which you booked your Inca Trail permit will provide you with a Duffel, where you can pack a total of 7 kilos (15 pounds) of your travel items. This bag will be carried by a porter during the trek, allowing you to take only the essentials in your personal backpack, while the porter will carry the rest of your items (sleeping bag, trekking clothes, layers for cold weather, rain poncho, light footwear, personal hygiene items, etc.), ensuring that you enjoy the trek in greater comfort.

• February: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
• Inca Trail Permits include access to Machu Picchu only through Circuit 1.
• Permits are personal and non-transferable.
• Once issued, dates and names cannot be changed.
• Passports must match permit details; renew your passport early if needed.

Need help choosing the right date or checking Inc Trail availability? 

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