When Does The Inca Trail Open?
A big hurdle for travelers wanting to hike the Inca Trail is finding the best time to do it.
Not only do you need to plan your trip in advance (since spaces are limited), you’ll also want to consider the varying seasons and how they offer different experiences.
In this guide we’ll explore when the Inca Trail is open, as well as if and why it can be closed at certain times of the year. We’ll also answer any other questions you may have in our FAQ section.
When Does The Inca Trail Open?
Quick Answer: Officially the Inca Trail is open for visitors between the months of March and January.
This means that it’s open in both the dry season (May until October) as well as the wet season (November until April), so it’s worth learning more about these periods and how your experience will differ in each.
You may be wondering why the Inca Trail is closed in February. The reason is so that restoration efforts of the path and ruins can take place, keeping it safe for future hikers (this is also to keep in accordance with Peruvian Tourism Regulations). The other reason is because stormy weather and landslides are also more frequent in February, so the overall decision was made to close it for repairs during the most dangerous month.
Inca Trail Opening Times FAQ
Using our extensive hiking experience along the Inca Trail, we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about the opening times of the Inca Trail.
Why Is The Inca Trail Closed In February?
Although the amount of visitors on the Inca Trail is just a fraction compared to what Machu Picchu records each year, there are still a lot of people hiking along here. The decision was made to close it in February so the trail could be restored, and also as bad weather is also more frequent throughout this month.
Will The Inca Trail Be Closing Permanently?
The great news is that the Inca Trail won’t be closed for tourism, or have there ever been any official talks to do so. Whilst strikes and other actions of civil unrest have caused sites like Machu Picchu to temporarily close, these have never affected the Inca Trail, so you can be sure it will remain open as per its regular schedule for the foreseeable future.
Is The Inca Trail Open To The Public?
Yes – as of right now, the Inca Trail is open to the public and follows the same annual pattern. Of course it’s only accessible with a hiking permit (which you’ll receive when booking your Inca Trail tour), where you’ll need to pass a control center to enter the route.
When Does The Inca Trail Open?
And that’s all for this guide on when the Inca Trail opens.
This fantastic route takes us through memorable scenery, around crumbling ruins and also makes it possible to see local wildlife. The great news is that the Inca Trail is open for tourism the majority of the year, and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Interested in hiking the Inca Trail soon? Be sure to read our Ultimate Inca Trail Guide to learn the best routes, and how you can make your dream trip here a reality.