Inca Trail 2027: Permits, Availability, Prices, and How to Book

Inca Trail Permits Availability 2027

• January 2027: Available all month.
• February 2027: Closed for maintenance.
• March 2027: Available all month.
• April 2027: Available all month.
• May 2027: Available all month.
• June 2027: Available all month.
• July 2027: Available all month.
• August 2027: Available all month.
• September 2027: Available all month.
• November 2027: available all month.
• December 2027: Available all month.
• January 2028: Available all month.

When should I book my Inca Trail for 2027?

If you are planning to hike the classic Inca Trail (4, 5, or 7 days) during the high season, from May to August, it is advisable to book 6 to 8 months in advance. Permits are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially for popular dates in May, often immediately after they are released. For the Short Inca Trail, you should still book at least 3 months in advance to secure your spot.

If you are considering hiking the Inca Trail (4, 5, or 7 days) during the shoulder season—April, September, October, and November—it is recommended to book 4 to 5 months in advance to secure both permits and preferred campsites. For the Short Inca Trail during these months, booking around 2 months in advance is generally sufficient.

During the rainy season, which includes December, January, and March, permits for the 4, 5, and 7-day Inca Trail do not always sell out far in advance. While some dates may still become fully booked, availability can sometimes remain even close to the departure date. However, if you have a fixed schedule, it is still recommended to book at least 2 months in advance to ensure your permit. For the Short Inca Trail, there is usually availability on most dates, but this is gradually changing. Due to high demand for the best Machu Picchu circuits, some travelers choose the Short Inca Trail as an alternative way to secure entry, so booking in advance is still strongly recommended.

What Company Should I Book My Inca Trail Trek With For 2027?

One of the best companies to book your Inca Trail permits with is AB Expeditions. We are a local, direct Inca Trail tour operator committed to responsible and ethical tourism. Additionally, 10% of our income supports an English school created for the children of Inca Trail porters. We also organize environmental initiatives, including cleaning campaigns and Native tree planting projects.

Inca Trail Package Prices for 2027

Estimated price for the 4-day Inca Trail (Classic Route):

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail remains the most popular option for travelers seeking a full trekking experience. For a group service, prices typically range between $750 and $950 USD per person. This usually includes permits, transportation, meals, camping equipment, porters, and a professional guide.

For those looking for a more personalized experience, private services are available. These generally start at $1,100 USD per person and can increase significantly depending on the level of comfort, group size, and additional services such as upgraded equipment or hotel stays.

It is important to note that prices may rise slightly for 2027, as permit fees, staff wages, and logistics costs tend to increase annually.

Estimated price for the 2-day Inca Trail (Short Inca Trail):

The 2-day Inca Trail is a shorter alternative that still allows visitors to hike part of the original trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Pricing varies depending on the type of service selected.

For a group service, the Short Inca Trail generally ranges from $500 to $750 USD per person. This typically includes transportation by train to the trailhead, a guided hike, meals, and entrance to Machu Picchu.

For private services, prices are higher and depend on customization, train category, and guide-to-client ratio.

Requirements:

You will need a valid original passport for permit verification and checkpoints along the trail. When booking with an agency, you must provide your full name, passport number, gender, nationality, and date of birth. If you plan to renew your passport before 2027, make sure to coordinate the update with your travel agency.

Best Time To Hike Inca Trail In 2027

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from May to September, during the dry season, when conditions are typically at their best. Hikers can expect clear skies, stunning mountain views, and more stable weather, making it ideal for trekking and photography. However, due to the high altitude, temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in June and July. This period is also the most popular, so permits and campsites tend to be in high demand.

That said, the Inca Trail offers a unique experience in every month of the year. Seasonal changes bring different landscapes, from lush green valleys during the rainy season to crisp, dry mountain scenery in the peak months. Crowd levels, trail conditions, and even the type of flora and fauna you encounter can vary greatly depending on when you travel. For those looking to choose the perfect time based on their preferences, we recommend exploring our detailed monthly guides: Inca Trail in January, Inca Trail in February, Inca Trail in March, Inca Trail in April, Inca Trail in May, Inca Trail in June, Inca Trail in July, Inca Trail in August, Inca Trail in September, Inca Trail in October, Inca Trail in November, and Inca Trail in December, where we explain what to expect throughout the year.

Key Tips

Acclimatization: Arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days before the trek to allow your body to adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.