Classic Inca Trail Permits Availability to Machu Picchu
Permits to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are limited and are usually sold out months in advance. There is a daily limit of 500 permits, which includes permits for tourists, guides, and support staff. It is essential to book your permit well in advance to secure a spot, especially during the high season (May to September).
It is not possible to check the live availability online; all pages must update the availability manually, and you need to verify with the tour operator if there are permits available; you can view Machu Picchu ticket availability on the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura): However, to verify Inca Trail availability, you need to contact a licensed tour operator.
Inca Trail permits
Inca Trail permits are required for hikers who wish to trek the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. The Peruvian government regulates these permits to preserve the historic trail and control visitor impact on the environment. Here's what you need to know about Inca Trail permits:
- Limited availability: There are only 500 permits available per day, which includes tourists, guides, and support staff like cooks and porters.
- Booking through a licensed tour operator: You cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit individually.
- Booking well in advance: Permits are released in October for the following year and can sell out months in advance.
- Personal information: You need to provide accurate personal information, including your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
- Trail closure in February: The Inca Trail is closed every year in February for maintenance and preservation work.
Inca Trail availability
The Peruvian government issues a limited number of Inca Trail permits each day (500 permits, including tourists, guides, and support staff). This is done to preserve the trail and protect the environment.
See below the available dates every month. After booking an Inca trail tour, you need to wait for manual confirmation from the tour operator.
Short Inca Trail permits to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail is a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail, allowing hikers to experience a part of the famous trek and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Permits are required to hike the Short Inca Trail, as the number of trekkers is limited to protect the environment and preserve the site's cultural heritage.
A limited number of permits are available each day for the Short Inca Trail. The daily limit is usually around 250 permits, which include trekkers, guides, and porters. Due to the limited number of permits, booking your trek as early as possible is crucial. Permits can sell out months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). However, the Short Inca Trail permits sell out slower than the Classic Inca trail permits.
Most popular tours of the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights
The Classic Inca Trail is a popular hiking trail that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is 4 days long and takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The trail is relatively challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Hikers will see amazing views of ancient Inca settlements' mountains, valleys, rivers, and ruins.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night with hotel
The Short Inca Trail is the perfect way to experience Machu Picchu. It is a shorter version of the Classic Inca Trail, which only takes 2 days and 1 night. The trail starts at km 104 from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. From there, it ascends to Wiñaywayna, Sungate, and Machu Picchu.
Throughout the day, you will visit several Inca ruins. On the second day, the trail climbs Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From there, you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night with Camping
The Short Inca Trail with Camping follows the route and the hotel version; the only difference is that you will spend the night in comfortable tents instead of staying in a hotel. This option is a perfect way to experience the Short Inca trail with an authentic camping experience.
Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights
The Luxury Inca Trail is a 4-day trekking adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru. The trail starts in the Sacred Valley and ends at the world-famous Machu Picchu. You'll pass by ancient ruins, glaciers, and mountains along the way. You'll also have the opportunity to stay in luxurious accommodations and enjoy gourmet meals. The Luxury Inca Trail is the perfect way to experience one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition 6 days and 5 nights
The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek 6 Days are 2 of the most popular hiking trails to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trek is the most scenic, longest, and most challenging route. While the Inca Trail is a more historical, mystical, and epic hike. The Salkantay and Inca Trail Expeditions will combine these 2 iconic hikes to Machu Picchu, allowing you to arrive at Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate, where you can get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail Permits Availability FAQs
When are the Inca Trail permits released?
The Classic Inca Trail permits will be released on the first days of October of the previous year, and some dates are sold out very fast, Book your Inca Trail tour in advance to choose your preferred dates. For Instance, if you plan to hike the Inca trail next year, you need to book before October to choose your preferred date.
How many Inca Trail permits are available per day?
There are 500 permits available per day for the long Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which includes tourists, guides, and support staff like porters and cooks. Around 180 to 200 travelers will be able to hike every day; the rest is working staff.
When should I book my Inca Trail permit?
Permits can sell out months in advance, especially during the high season (April to September). It's essential to book your trek as early as possible. Permits are typically released in October for the following year.
Can I purchase an Inca Trail permit individually?
Inca Trail permits can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator like TreXperience, who will arrange your trek and handle the necessary paperwork.
What personal information do I need to provide when booking a permit?
You will need to provide accurate personal information, including:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
This information must match your passport, as permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
What happens if permits are sold out for my desired dates?
If permits are sold out for the classic Inca Trail, you can consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or the Inca Jungle Trek. These treks do not have the same permit limitations and offer unique experiences and routes to the famous citadel.
Is the Inca Trail closed at any time during the year?
Yes, the Inca Trail is closed every year in February for maintenance and preservation work. Alternative treks to Machu Picchu remain available during this time.
Can I change or cancel my Inca Trail permit?
No, Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. It is crucial to ensure that the information you provide when booking your permit is accurate, as changes or cancellations are not allowed. The only information that can be updated is the passport number in case you renew.
Why the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
- The Inca Trail is the best hike in the world.
- Visit the ancient Sacred Inca sites.
- Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Learn about the Incas and their lost cities.
Why book the Inca Trail with TreXperience?
- Book with an authentic local trekking specialist
- The best prices, the best equipment, the best team, and the best food
- Includes a personal porter
- Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°) to return.
Is it possible to add more travelers once the permits are sold out?
A question asked thousand times. Unfortunately, the answer is NO, there is no waiting list for the Inca Trail permits, and even in case of cancellation, the spaces won't be released as they are paid and are nonrefundable. Once the Inca trail is sold, we won't add more travelers on that specific date.
Why do I have to secure early the Inca Trail permits?
Inca Trail permits are the most famous trek in South America and the number 1 in Peru. However, there are only 500 permits available every day, and this number includes guests, porters, chefs, and tour guides. Only around 200 travelers will only be hiking this fantastic trek to Machu Picchu daily.
Book your tour early to secure your preferred date, and get our early bird benefits with great discounts.
Can I change the tour departure date?
Inca Trail permits have a strict policy; most tour operators will not allow you to change the departure dates, and you will lose the deposit. At TreXperience, we constantly work to improve our service and offer great experiences. You can change the departure date with us with no fees up to 72 hours before departure in case of Travel Restrictions or Force Majeure events.
Is personal Porter Included?
During the Inca Trail, you need to travel with a daypack to place all essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, sun protection, passports, money, and other equipment you might need to hike.
The Company will also provide you with a duffle bag to place clothes, sleeping bags, extra shoes, and all the equipment you will carry for the 4 days of the Inca Trail. These duffle bags must be a maximum of 7 kilos per person and maintained by the Ina Trail porters.
The duffle bags are only available at the campsites. Then, if you need something during the day and it is in the duffle bag, you won't access them.
How to book the Inca Trail permits?
- Go to the booking page and click on any BOOK NOW button.
- Choose the number of participants.
- Choose the departure date.
- Fill up all the requested details (Name, Passport Number, DOB. Nationality, Gender)
- Please wait for the final confirmation.
Book the Classic Inca Trail with PayPal
Booking the Classic Inca Trail with PayPal offers several advantages, making it a convenient and secure choice for many travelers. Here are some reasons why using PayPal can be beneficial:
- Secure transactions: PayPal is known for its secure platform, which helps protect your financial information. When you pay with PayPal, your credit card or bank account details are not shared with the tour operator, providing an additional layer of security.
- Buyer protection: PayPal's Buyer Protection program covers eligible transactions, providing some assurance in case there is an issue with your purchase, such as receiving an incorrect itinerary or the tour operator not delivering the services as promised. This protection can give you peace of mind when booking your trek.
- Easy international payments: PayPal facilitates international transactions, making paying for your trek in different currencies easily. This can be particularly useful when booking a tour with an operator based in another country, such as Peru.
- Multiple funding options: PayPal allows you to link multiple payment methods to your account, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. This flexibility lets you choose the most convenient way to fund your trek.
- Speedy transactions: PayPal transactions are generally processed quickly, which can be helpful when securing a limited-availability permit for the Classic Inca Trail. A fast transaction may help you secure your spot on the trek before permits sell out.
- Easy record-keeping: PayPal provides a record of all your transactions, making it simple to keep track of your expenses and payments related to your Inca Trail booking.
Overall, using PayPal to book the Classic Inca Trail can offer a secure, convenient, and efficient payment experience. However, it's essential to research and chooses a reputable tour operator that accepts PayPal to ensure a smooth booking process and a memorable trekking experience.
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