To preserve the Inca Trail and its surroundings, Peruvian authorities limit the number of trekking permits to 500 per day, a number that includes hikers, guides, porters and other support staff. Because it is the most iconic route of the treks and adventure in Peru, these spaces usually sell out several months in advance. Therefore, it is strictly necessary to book well in advance to secure a spot, especially if you wish to travel in the high season of the Peruvian highlands, between June and August.
We recommend booking your Inca Trail permit at least four to six months in advance to avoid problems. It is vital to understand that permit availability changes quickly and cannot be confirmed until it is formally processed with the Ministry of Culture (once your passport details are received and the deposit is paid).
Once authorized by government entities, it is not possible to make changes to the date, name, or passport number on your permit. This strictness ensures order and the conservation of the route, making Peruvian Highland trek an organized and safe experience for all visitors.
To book an entry for the Inca Trail with Inca Trail Machu, it is mandatory to provide us with the accurate details of your current passport. The government system does not allow any reservation or pre-reservation without this information, as your Inca Trail permit is permanently linked to your full name and document number.
If you decide to renew your passport after booking, or if you plan to travel with a different document than the one initially registered, it is strictly necessary to bring both physical passports (the old one and the new one) on the day of the hike. Otherwise, the authorities at the kilometer 82 checkpoint will deny your entry. Additionally, for any trek through the Peruvian highlands, it is an international rule that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the moment you enter the country.
Having your documents in order is the first step to ensure the success of your treks and adventure in Peru, avoiding delays or last-minute cancellations at the official checkpoints.
When booking your tour you will pay your 50% deposit. We will send a confirmation invoice, which means your booking has been accepted and a contract exists.
If we are unable to confirm a tour we will refund your deposit in full. more information about the Inca Trail Booking 2026.
The Inca Trail is closed once a year (in February) for maintainence and during this time we can offer you other tours to Machu Picchu. There are alternative treks the Inca Trailavailable where you can have a similar experience, which are usually not as difficult and follow the Urubamba River before ending as usual at the sungate at Machu Picchu.
Please note that all routes to Machu Picchu are subject to local regulations and prices for permits and transportation may change without notice. Although we will aim to deal with any changes ourselves, it may be inevitable to increase our prices accordingly even after you have booked or whilst on your tour.
The best season is during the dry season which starts in April and ends in September. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inca Trail tours and also Salkantay trek or Sacred valley to Machu Picchu that are other incredible tours located in the Andes near Cusco.
The months of June, July, and August are considered the peak season, with a higher number of visitors. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, you may consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or September when the weather is still favorable, and the trails are relatively quieter.
It's important to note that the Inca Trail is closed annually in February for maintenance, so it's advisable to plan your visit during the months when the trail is open.
Peru offers fascinating experiences that reveal natural landscapes, historical monuments, and living cultures, captivating those who seek adventure and discovery in every corner of its territory. Get to know the most outstanding tours:
Top Inca Trail tours
Other trips in Peru
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
