Inca Trail In 2026: Everything You Need To Know

Are You Planning To Hike The Inca Trail In 2026?

The Inca Trail permits for the entire year of 2026 will be released during the first week of October 2025. A total of 500 permits will be available, with 200 allocated for tourists and 300 reserved for staff, including guides, cooks, and porters. Historically, May is the first month to sell out, followed by April and June. Therefore, if you plan to hike the Inca Trail in 2026, it is essential to secure your permit well in advance to ensure availability.

We understand that deciding on the Inca Trail a year in advance can be challenging, so we will provide you with the pros and cons of booking your Inca Trail permit.

Things To Know About Inca Trail In 2026

People who will hike all Inca Trail options in 2026 will follow two circuits to visit Machu Picchu: Circuit 1, which takes hikers to the upper part of Machu Picchu, and Circuit 3, which leads to the lower part of Machu Picchu.

Pros Of Booking Your Inca Trail In Advance

Price: You can book at the 2025 rate, allowing you to save money. Each year, the cost of Inca Trail permits and porter salaries increases, leading to an adjustment in our package prices. Booking now ensures you secure the current rate before any future price increases.
Campsites: When you book in advance, you will secure a good campsite because those who book early occupy the best spots. For example, the last campsite on the third night, Wiñay Wayna, often reaches full capacity. If it is fully booked, the next available campsite is Phuyupatamarca, which is approximately seven hours away from Machu Picchu. As a result, those who book late are assigned to Phuyupatamarca, meaning they will arrive at Machu Picchu around 11 AM—already exhausted after a long hike. This can diminish the experience, as fatigue may prevent you from fully enjoying Machu Picchu.

Cons Of Booking Your Inca Trail In Advance

Once we purchase the Inca Trail permits, they become non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit you paid to secure the permits will be forfeited. This is in accordance with Peruvian law regarding the Inca Trail. There are, of course, exceptional circumstances under which a refund may be issued, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inca Trail Availability For 2026

January 2026: Available every day.
February 2026: Closed for maintenance.
March 2026: Available every day.
April 2026: Available every day.
May 2026: Available every day.
June 2026: Available every day.
July 2026: Available every day.
August 2026: Available every day.
September 2026: Available every day.
October 2026: Available every day.
November 2026: Available every day
December 2026: Available every day.

Frequent Asked Questions

When Is The Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail In 2026?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from April to October, as this period marks the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, offering clear blue skies and favorable trekking conditions. During these months, the chances of rain are significantly lower, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer hiking experience. In contrast, the rainy season occurs from December to March, bringing heavy rainfall that can make the trail muddy and more challenging to navigate. However, each month presents unique weather conditions that may influence your experience on the trail. To help you make an informed decision, below you will find a detailed blog discussing the weather patterns of each month, allowing you to choose the best time for your trek based on your preferences and expectations.

Inca Trail Itinerary For 2026

Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Our AB team will pick you up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco or after 6:00 a.m. from Ollantaytambo/Urubamba. After breakfast in Ollantaytambo, we’ll drive to km 82 (Piscakucho) to begin the 4-day Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You’ll meet our team before passing the checkpoint.

The trek starts with a 3-hour hike to Llactapata ruins, followed by a 1-hour hike to Hatunchaca for a freshly prepared lunch. Afterward, a 4-hour hike leads to Ayapata campsite, where your tents, hot tea, and a restful evening await.

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha

You will wake up early with hot tea or coca tea. The second day is the most challenging, with a 4-hour hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m), the highest point of the Inca Trail. At the summit, we will admire the stunning landscape and participate in an offering to the Apus. Then, we descend for 2 hours to Pacaymayu Valley for lunch.

Afterward, we hike 1.5 hours to Runqurakay Pass (4000m), exploring the Runqurakay ruins before descending to Sayacmarca ruins. Finally, we reach our second campsite, Chaquicocha (3600m), where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset and a clear view of the Milky Way before dinner.

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna

Today is a more relaxing day with just 5 hours of hiking to the last campsite. The trail starts with 2 hours of Peruvian flat terrain, followed by a descent. Along the way, you’ll pass through various ecosystems and enjoy panoramic views of the Salkantay glacier. You’ll explore two Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka and Intipata, before reaching the campsite around 12:30 p.m. After lunch, you can shower and rest. At 4 p.m., a short hike leads to the Wiñaywayna ruins for a guided tour and photos. The day ends with dinner, a farewell to the porters, and an early rest for the next day.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today, we start early for the final stretch of the Inca Trail, passing the checkpoint at 5:30 a.m. and hiking 1 hour 20 minutes to the Sun Gate for a stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu. A 45-minute descent brings us to the citadel, where our guide leads a 2-hour tour. Afterward, we take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board a train at 14:55 or 15:20. Our team will meet you at the station for your return to Cusco by 7:00 p.m. If hiking Huayna Picchu, you’ll proceed independently, with guidance on lunch and train details.