Planning to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Secure your Inca Trail permits well in advance through a licensed tour operator from Cusco. Join us on the Inca Trail hike and discover ancient secrets, enjoy breathtaking views, and make lasting memories. Are you ready for an unforgettable journey?
Classic Inca Trail Permits Availability to Machu Picchu
Permits to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are limited and usually sell out months in advance. There is a daily limit of 500 permits, including those for tourists, guides, and support staff. It is essential to book your Inca Trail permits well in advance to secure a spot, especially during the high season (April to September).
Real time availability cannot be checked online, as all website pages must update the availability manually. While you can view Machu Picchu ticket availability on the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura), you will need to contact a licensed tour operator to verify Inca Trail availability.
Inca Trail Permits 2024
The Inca Trail permits for the 2024 season are now open for booking, and some dates are selling out quickly. If you're planning to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this 2024, you need to secure the permits soon in order to get your preferred date.
The permits are available as follows:
- January 2024 - Open
- March 2024 - Open
- April 2024 - Open (Selling out fast)
- May 2024 - Open (Selling out fast)
- June 2024 - Open
- July to December 2024 - Open
It is important to mention that the Inca Trail is closed every year in February for maintenance and preservation work.
Book your Inca Trail 2024 now to secure your preferred date
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.
You can check for available dates below. After booking the 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 Hike, allowing hikers to experience a part of the famous trek and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Permits are required, as the number of trekkers is limited to protect the environment and preserve the site's cultural heritage.
A maximum of 250 permits are issued daily for the Short Inca Trail, including 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 (April to September). However, the Short Inca Trail permits sell out slower than the Classic Inca Trail.
Secure your permit for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Embrace a captivating journey through history and natural beauty, leading to the iconic ancient city. Act fast to ensure your spot on this unforgettable adventure!
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, including Wiñaywayna, Inti Punku, and 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 same route as 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. Along the way, you'll pass by ancient ruins, glaciers, and mountains. 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 combines 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 Expedition 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 are released on the first days of October of the previous year. Some dates sell out really quickly, which means you will need to book an Inca Trail tour in advance and secure your dates. For example, if you plan to hike the Inca trail next year, you need to book before October and choose your preferred date.
How many Inca Trail permits are available per day?
500 permits are available per day for the long Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, including tourists, guides, and support staff like porters and cooks. Around 180 to 200 travelers will be able to hike every day; the rest are 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 of renewal.
Why the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
- The Inca Trail is one of the best hikes in the world.
- Visit ancient Sacred Inca sites.
- Arrive to 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 a 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 be hiking this fantastic trek to Machu Picchu daily. For this reason, booking your tour early will ensure that you have a spot on the trail. You can even benefit from 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 pack clothes, sleeping bags, extra shoes, and all the equipment you will need for the 4 days of the Inca Trail. A personal porter will carry your duffle bags on the trail, but you will only have access to your items when you get to each campsite at the end of the day.
The duffle bags must weigh a maximum of 7 kg (15 lb) per person.
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 online
- Buyers protection program
- Easy international payments
- Multiple funding options
- Easy record-keeping
Using PayPal to book the Classic Inca Trail can offer a secure, convenient, and efficient payment experience. However, it's essential to research and choose a reputable tour operator that accepts PayPal to ensure a smooth booking process and a memorable trekking experience.
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