Inca Trail Permits Availability 2026 & 2027

How many Inca Trail permits are issued?

The Peruvian government only delivers for people who hike Inca Trail 4 days 500 Permits per day (meaning 200 permits are allocated for travelers and the rest for cooks, Guides, and porters). Those 500 permits are also used by travelers who hike Inca Trail 5 days and Inca Trail 7 days.

Also, they deliver for people who hike Inca Trail 2 days 250 permits per day. Most companies don’t use the porter for the Short Inca Trail, therefore the majority of the Permits are used by travelers. Those 250 permits are also used by travelers who hike the short Inca Trail with camping,  and Inca Trail 1 day.

How far in advance should I book my permit for the Inca Trail?

• If you are thinking to hike Inca Trail in May, June, July, and August(Dry season), we highly recommend you book at least 8 months in advance or a year in Advance.
• If you are thinking to hike the Inca Trail in December, January, and March(Rainy season), we recommend you book 1 month in advance. The permits don’t run out like in the dry season, you can even find the permits 3 days in advance. But at Christmas and New year, the permits are sold out 2 months in advance.
• If you are thinking to hike Inca Trail in April, September, October, and November( Shoulder season), we recommend you book 4 months in advance. If the Holy week falls in April, the Inca Trail permits run out like in the dry season. To secure the permits it is better to book in advance.

Is the Inca Trail permit refundable?

The Inca trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person because the Ministry of culture does not give back the travel companies any money when clients change dates or cancel. The agency must purchase a new permit if a client changes dates.

Is It Possible To Book Inca Trail Permits At The Last Minute?

Yes, it is possible to get a last-minute permit for the 4-day Inca Trail. However, these permits usually become available only 2 to 3 days before the trip starts. This happens because some people who book early arrive in Cusco, experience altitude sickness, and cancel their permits, making them available for others. Keep in mind, though, that permits are not available every day, so you need to be very lucky to get one for your preferred date. That’s why we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot for your desired date.

Can I Book My Inca Trail Permit With My Old Passport That Is No Longer Valid?

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Inca trail permits. If you don’t have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you get your new passport. Please email your us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible to change the information on your permit.

I’m Getting Married, And My Last Name Will Change. Can I Still Book The Inca Trail Permits Using My Old Passport?

Yes, you can book your Inca Trail permits with your old passport. However, you will need to send us a picture of your old passport. After you renew your passport, please send us a picture of your new passport as well. This way, we can update your Inca Trail permits with all the new information. Please remember, we need both passports.

Which Circuit Will I Take To Visit Machu Picchu With The Inca Trail Permits?

You will follow Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu with the Inca Trail permits. On Circuit 1, you’ll visit the upper part of Machu Picchu, where you can take the classic picture of the site. On Circuit 3, you’ll explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you’ll see the most important temples.

Can I Book The Inca Trail Permit By Myself?

You cannot book Inca Trail permits on your own. To get a permit, you must join a guided tour with a licensed operator in Peru, who will buy the permit for you. From 1996 to 2001, during the busy months of July and August, up to 1,600 people started the Inca Trail every day, including around 1,000 tourists and 600 porters. There were no rules at that time, and many trekkers camped wherever they wanted, using the ruins as bathrooms and leaving garbage on the trail. This caused bad publicity, and UNESCO even thought about removing the site’s World Heritage status.

In 2002, rules were put in place to protect the Inca Trail. These rules limit the number of visitors and require a permit to hike the trail.

Every February, conservation work is done along the trail, so the Inca Trail is closed during this month, and no permits are given out.

Can I Use My 4-Day Inca Trail Permit To Hike The Short Inca Trail 2 Days?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible. You would need to buy a separate permit for the Short Inca Trail.

Can I Visit Machu Picchu With My Inca Trail Permits?

Yes, your Inca Trail permits include a ticket to visit Machu Picchu. If our customer decides to cancel their Inca Trail trip the day before, we can still arrange a visit to Machu Picchu for them, either as a one-day or two-day trip. However, you will only be able to visit the lower section of Machu Picchu, following the Circuit 03 route.

Is There Student Discount To Buy The Inca Trail tickets?

Yes, you will get a student discount for the Inca Trail permits if you have a valid university card. The discount is available only for students under 25 years old. To get the discount, you need to send us a copy of your card and also bring it with you when you hike the Inca Trail. If you don’t bring your card, you won’t be allowed to hike.

The student card must include your full name, the expiration date, the university’s name, and a photo of you.

Inca Trail permits Cost

We pay for a customer permit 292 Peruvian soles and for the porter permit 50 soles. Only Authorized Inca Trail tour companies are able to buy those Permits. 

What can I do if  Inca Trail tickets are already sold out for my desired date?

If you find out the Inca Trail permits sold out for your desired date, no worries there are many alternative hikes: 

• Inca Trail 2 days: It is an awesome option for those who don’t have time or desire to trek the full length of the Inca Trail. You will enjoy all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed into a 1-day hike. In addition, you are going to see Machu Picchu 2 times.
• Salkantay trek: It is an excellent way to arrive at Machu Picchu. Less well-known than the Classical Inca Trail. The Salkantay hike is easy to book and cheap. And on top of that, many travelers say the Salkantay trek is just as pretty! That’s why many travelers looking for a multi-day hike to Machu Picchu choose the Salkantay trail.
• Lares Trek: It is the best alternative trek of the Inca Trail if you are thinking of exploring lightly trodden trails. This amazing hike will bring you to explore remote villages and schools and hike along with Chinchillas, llamas, and alpacas while you enjoy unparalleled views of the glacier mountains and lakes.
• Inca Quarry Trail trek: If you are looking for an alternative hike to Inca Trail and you don’t like to hike with crowds, the Inca Quarry Trek 4 days is best for you, it is one of the newest treks that offers you beautiful sites such as unparalleled views of snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and archeological sites.
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek: It is one of Peru’s most pretty and rewarding treks. This hike will take you by some of the country’s most amazing landscapes, sweeping mountain views, lakes, Sacred Valley, and Inca Ruins.
• Ausangate trek: It offers superb alpine scenery, a challenging route, very few people, strong cultural components, and amazing countryside that exceeds your expectations.