Official Inca Trail Permits & Availability 2024 On- line
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular hikes in the world. Access is limited by the Peruvian government in order to maintain the integrity of the trail. It’s very important that you plan ahead and book your Inca Trail tour a few months in advance, this is important if you are planning to go in the dry season. Read through this information so you are aware of the Official Inca Trail permits & availability online.
There are a total of 500 trekking permits allocated each day for the Inca Trail; these permits are not just for the trekkers but, also the cooks, porters, and guides. Please consider that it’s not just you and your party who need the permits but, all of the staff that will be accompanying you on the journey.
When to go?
The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season which starts in April and goes through the end of October. Remember if you chose to book your tour in this time it is very busy and availability sells out fast, it’s extremely important that you book your tour at least six months in advance to ensure you get a permit!
Things to Consider
- If there are no permits available for one tour agency all are sold out
- The permits are ONLY required for the first day on the trail
- In February – The 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 day Inca trail tours are unavailable as the trail is Closed for Maintenance
1
Check Inca Trail availability
Your tour operator will check Inca Trail availability with the Peruvian government.
2
Confirm dates with sales
Confirm which dates you will be hiking the Inca trail with your tour operators sales team via email, phone, or chat.
3
Finalize early
Permits will sell out months in advance so book early! You can book your tour now!
4 Day Classic Inca Trail Availability
Please look through our calendar for Inca Trail availabilities regarding the 4 day Inca Trail trek.
Keep in mind permits for the Inca Trail can ONLY be bought through a licensed tour operator.
A total of 500 permits are available per day for the Inca Trail. All tourists and support staff including, cooks, guides, and porters require permits. Permits can sell out fast especially during the dry season. Make sure you book your tour as early as possible. We recommend at least 6 months in advance if you are going in the dry season.
***IMPORTANT
The Inca Trail is closed during February for maintenance. During this time government workers and responsible companies like Inca Trail Hikes Peru take the time to restore trails, repair bridges, and maintain facilities such as campsites and toilets.
Easiest Way To Get An Inca Trail Permit
- Chose a tour operator such as Inca Trail Hikes Peru! Check their website for availability then contact them via email, phone, or chat.
- Send personal information of all party members to your Inca Trail tour operator. Permits cannot be purchased without this information
- There will be a non-refundable deposit of $211 for all Inca Trail tours
- Confirm with your operator that they have purchased the permits
- Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
*** Its recommended to book your tour at least 6 months in advance for the dry season and 4-6 months in advance during the rainy season.
Important Note: The information used to book your tour must match that of your passport. Please ensure the names provided are accurate and are full names. Make sure to bring the same passport you used to enter the country with you to the Inca Trail.
***VERY IMPORTANT: If there is an error in the information provided or it does not match your passport you will not be allowed to start the Inca trail and you will not be entitled to a refund. Additionally, in case there is no availability for your date there is no wait list.
Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding Inca Trail availability and permits:
- Every February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and repairs
- There are 500 permits total per day for the Inca Trail. This includes tourists, guides, cooks, and porters
- Book in advance permits sell out quickly, especially during the dry season
- You can only hike the Inca Trail with a licensed tour operator like Inca Trail Hikes Peru
- If there is a cancelation for any reason permits are non-refundable
If There Is No Availability For The 4 day Inca Trail
There are many different ways to get to Machu Picchu including various alternative treks. See below for other options to the Inca Trail.
- Inca trail 2 day option: The 2 day Inca Trail is a great alterative to the classic 4 day trail. If you do not have the time, energy or if there is no availability this is a great option. The trail is 12km (7.5m) total and the trek offers the most famous parts of the Inca Trail. Please note the hike is concentrated into one day but, you will get the chance to see Machu Picchu in the afternoon the first day and the second day. The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu may be perfect for you!
- Salkantay Trek 4/5 day option: Largely considered the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek being less popular than the classic Inca Trail is usually available. Many hikers report this trek being just as beautiful.
- Lares Trek: This trek offers the most cultural emersion and is one of the least busy trails to Machu Picchu. You will pass through remote villages that will give you a unique perspective into the Andean culture. Enjoy the views of the landscape with llamas, alpacas, and other fauna, amazing mountains and glacier views
- Inca Quarry: Yet another alternative trek the Inca Quarry Trail allows hikers to explore the quarries the Incan used to build the ruins of Ollantaytambo. This is the newest trail to Machu Picchu and for this reason one of the least busy alternatives. Enjoy beautiful pristine natural landscapes in addition to Incan archeological sites.
- Huchuy Qosqo: This trek takes you through remote Andean villages natural mountain landscapes and multiple Incan sites. First you hike to the isolated Huchuy Qosqo Inca city, this will provide you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Andean culture. Then you will explore the Incan agricultural center of Moray, then the salt mines, and Ollantaytambo, finally arriving at Machu Picchu. More information here!