Good news for trekkers around the world! The Inca Trail permits 2026 already has a set date to start booking; October 1st, 2025, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the entity that administers the circuit.
The Inca Trail 2026 permits can now be booked from October 1st, 2025. This was announced by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the administrative entity of the Machu Picchu archaeological park, through its subsidiary, the Cusco Culture Directorate - DDC Cusco. Every year, this government agency authorizes and opens reservations for the Inca Trail for the subsequent year.
Hurry up, there are only a few days left! Only 500 Inca Trail permits are issued per day. These permits are not only used by tourists, but also by travel agency staff, such as tour guides, porters, and even trail cooks. Therefore, visitor spots are limited, with only around 200 tourist spots. Without mentioning that May, June, July, August, and September are the months when spots on the Inca Trail fill up quickly, since these months are the best time to hike the Inca Trail. That means clear skies, warm days, and firm paths.
We present the official table with the opening dates.
| Inca Trail Month Booked | Booking Opening Date | Booking Opening Hour (Peru) |
| January 2026 | October 1st, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| March 2026 | October 2, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| April 2026 | October 3, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| May 2026 | October 6, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| June 2026 | October 7, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| July 2026 | October 9, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
| August - December 2026 | October 10, 2025 | 09:00 am. |
Would you like to book with a trusted agency?
Don’t worry, you can book your spots with TreXperience. You just need to choose your trek date in our calendar, enter your passport details, and make a prepayment. We will send you an email confirming your Inca Trail 2026 permit reservation!
>>Book your permits for the Inca Trail 2026 now!
What to know before booking your Inca Trail 2026 permits?
- Remember that the Inca Trail permits are personal, non-transferable, non-refundable.
- The permits have to be issued by a travel agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
- This same travel agency will provide you with all the logistics involved in trekking along the Inca Trail, including transport, trains, tour guides, tents, porters, cooks, and more. All you have to do is enjoy the experience.
- In other words, you cannot do the Inca Trail on your own or alone.
In addition, the Inca Trail path is always closed in February for maintenance.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a historic route across the Andes that links Inca archaeological sites of Cusco and Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. It's considered one of the best trekking routes in the world according to National Geographic!
Built since 500 years ago, as part of the Qhapaq Ñan, a vast system of roads that connected different regions of Tawantinsuyo, the territory of the Inca Empire. The classic Inca Trail covers about 42 km over four days, with permits that limit daily access, and offers a guided trekking experience that mixes history, scenery and a satisfying challenge.
So now you know, don't say we didn't warn you. Check your dates carefully, make your reservation, and fulfil your dream of reach Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail tour 2026!
>>If you want to know more about the Inca Trail, what to bring, what to wear, how to prepare yourself physically, and much more, we invite you to read our complete guide to the Inca Trail 2026.
>>Source of the news: Cusco Culture Directorate
