The impressive Inca road network initially stretched 60,000 kilometres, connecting the territories of present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. 39,000 kilometres of it have been preserved to this day. The Inca road to Machu Picchu is one of the greatest engineering feats ever, constructed entirely by hand despite the absence of knowledge of the wheel or iron. Ironically, however, it may also have hastened the invasion process, as the Spaniards could quickly reach all corners of the empire.
Nevertheless, there is nothing like the satisfaction of reaching Machu Picchu on foot! This is why the Inca Trail has become so popular in recent years. Every year, thousands of people are drawn to Cusco by the energy of the Andes, but few of them get to experience the magic of feeling this energy while travelling along one of the world's most amazing paths, the 500-year-old Inca Trail!
It has long been a popular destination for trekkers wishing to follow in the footsteps of Hiram Bingham and take the original route to Machu Picchu. The earliest version of the trail followed the Vilcanota River and was known as the 'Piso Valle' section of the Inca Trail. Along this lower route, trekkers could explore many forgotten Inca ruins and archaeological sites.
Over time, however, the trail was modified to climb into the mountains, passing through high points such as Warmiwañusca and Sayacmarca. This new version of the trail revealed additional Inca sites, including Pacaymayu, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna, before reaching Machu Picchu via the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). You will also walk on original Inca paths and through ancient tunnels along the way.
This route is the most popular because it offers the most comprehensive experience: over the course of four days, you will hike through stunning natural landscapes and explore mysterious Inca sites, accompanied by an Inca Trail guide, a trekking chef and porters.
It is the most iconic and enigmatic route to Machu Picchu. It is unique, combining breathtaking scenery with the history and culture of the Inca civilisation. Strict regulations help to preserve this historic trail, ensuring that it is protected for future generations.
Places on the Inca Trail are limited each year, so it is very important to book well in advance.
Many trekkers ask which route to choose – the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail. Surprisingly, there are other lesser-known routes, such as the Salkantay to Inca Trail, which begins at Soraypampa and passes by Humantay Lake. This is one of the longest and most adventurous hikes to Machu Picchu.
In both cases, the method of obtaining a permit is the same.
The Short Inca Trail is ideal for travelers with limited time. During this 2-day trek, you'll visit the stunning sites of Wiñaywayna and Intipata, then enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This route is perfect for those who want a taste of the Inca Trail without a long hike. Getting a permit is easier, as you only need to include a guide. However, if you choose the camping option, you'll also need to include a trekking chef and porters. Camping is typically done at Puente Ruinas. There are only 150 permits available per day, which includes trekkers, guides, porters, and cooks.
The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail is the most popular trek to Machu Picchu and is highly sought after by trekkers worldwide. Only 500 permits are available each day, and they sell out quickly. This quota includes not only hikers but also guides, chefs, and porters. The 4-day permits are also shared with the 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day Salkantay-Inca Trail routes, which makes them even more limited. Booking months in advance is essential.
It depends on how much vacation time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. There are many trails that lead to Machu Picchu, but only one Inca Trail. Whether you choose the short or classic version, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Discover the diversity of the Inca Trail with its five unique versions
The Salkantay to Inca Trail involves the best experience hike to Machu Picchu.
This tour is a most complete hike to the lost city of the Incas. From the first to the third day, you will hike to Humantay Lake, observe the sacred mountain of Salkantay, and discover the most beautiful scenic trail without a lot of trekkers. Continue the hike to connect with the Classic Inca Trail. We will start from Huayllabamba and hike to Machu Picchu for 4 days.
Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Trip type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
Total distance: 67 km/42 miles.
Good for: Those who enjoy hiking and are at least moderately physically fit.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Requirements: Permit.
Salkantay to Inca Trail Boow Now!
This Inca Trail 4 days is the most popular hike in Peru and the top hike to Machu Picchu. Usually, we recommend you book this trip in advance, there is limited availability.
Apart from the fact that the Inca Trail is a popular route to Machu Picchu. This Machu Picchu hike is the most requested trail among all trekkers. The Inca Trail is known for the changing weather from desert to jungle. Also there you will appreciate the flora and fauna of the trail and the Inca ruins. The most important Inca sites are Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna. Arrive at Machu Picchu through to sun gate or Intipunku
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Trip type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
Total distance: 43 km/26 miles.
Good for: Those who enjoy hiking and are at least moderately physically fit.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Requirements: Permit.
The 3 day Inca Trail Intrepid is a short version of the Classic Inca Trail. Inca Trail Machu created this alternative hike for all travelers who have no time to visit Peru.
The Inca Trail challenge is the best trek option for you! This trail involves 3-day hiking to Machu Picchu for the Classic Inca Trail. This is a challenging trail, yet it's the best alternative to arrive at Machu Picchu in a short time, enter by the Sun gate (Intipunku), and be dazzled by the lost city of the Incas. Book this hike and accept the challenge!
Inca Trail Machu will provide all camping equipment for you such as a sleeping bag, hiking poles, air mattress, and others. Don't worry, you don't need to rent extra equipment, also we will provide personal porters for your personal belongings
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
Trip type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
Total distance: 43 km/26 miles.
Good for: Those who enjoy hiking and are at least moderately physically fit.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Requirements: Permit.
Duration: 2 Days/ 1 Night
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture.
Total distance: 12 km/7.46 miles.
Good for: Moderately fit.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Requirements: Permit.
There are two ways to hike the 2 day Inca Trail: the most popular option is the Short Inca Trail, and the other is the 2-Day Inca Trail camping. Choose the best hiking option for your trek to Machu Picchu.
RELATED: WHERE DOES THE INCA TRAIL START?
A Cusco's office of the Ministry of Culture and Sernanp are responsible for issuing permits for the Inca Trail.
If you have inquired about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you surely have read that there are 500 permits available every day. However, this is a bit far from the truth. Explain it better; only 200 hikers and 300 supporting staff (e.g. porters, guides, and cooks) can enter the track per day!
4-day Inca Trail permits must be booked at least 3 or 4 months beforehand. However, if you plan to visit it during May, June, or July; make your Inca Trail reservation 5 or 6 months in advance.
Short Inca Trail permits are not that hard to get. Despite this, it is advised to make booking weeks beforehand. In the months of May, June or July; try to book a month in advance.
READ MORE: INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY
To secure a permit for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is advisable to book several months in advance. The recommended lead time for early booking is 5-6 months, anticipating high demand for the Inca Trail in 2026. The release of permits for 2026 is scheduled for early October 2025, with a key consideration being that 80% of permits are expected to be sold by the end of the year!
The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February, so plan your trip during the open season, which runs from March to January. The high season is from May to September, and the number of permits is limited. Make sure to book well in advance if you plan to hike during these months.
To purchase an Inca Trail permit, you must provide your full name, passport number (current), gender, and date of birth. All information provided in the Inca Trail booking Peru must be accurate. Any mistake in the passport number or name could prevent you from entering the Inca Trail! If you change your passport after booking the Inca Trail, you must bring both passports, old and new!
One can see permits available on the "Ministry of Culture" website, as well as on many other websites. However, it is best to check with a travel agency certified to operate the Inca Trail on Machu Picchu, as the number of permits available may vary between the time you check availability and seek a travel agency. If you wish to enter Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail. Contact us: email info@incatrailmachu.com or WhatsApp +51 997 434 941
As you can see, the main problem is not "how to get a permit for the Inca Trail", but rather "when to book it"; because if you do not book your tickets in advance, you will have to reach Machu Picchu by train.
The only way to do the 4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is to hire the services of a travel agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Booking is only possible via the Internet. These agencies organize and offer their services in various qualities. For this reason, prices vary from agency to agency.
The price usually includes entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, transport by bus, train (standard class), meals, professional guides, trekking chef, Super porters (to carry equipment) and camping equipment.
Also Its included better tents, and other equipment, better train transport or an extra porter, you don´t have to pay an additional price.
Do you like to visit Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail in Peru? Additional costs are approximately USD 80 per person.
Are four days of walking on the Inca Trail too much? The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a choice for people with a lack of time. This route starts the walk from the middle of the classic route. Prices vary from travel agency to travel agency.
The price commonly includes permits of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets, meals, train roud trip to Machu Picchu, transport by bus and professional tour guide.
If you want to have more experience in your adventure hike to machu Picchu. We recommend you Inca Trail camping tour. Our short Inca Trail package includes a professional tour guide, trekking chef, porters, and other essential services. Contact us to make your booking for the Inca Trail!
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain is not included. You can request it by paying an extra amount of money.
It is not possible to enter the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu unless it is through an authorized tour operator. We have many years of experience in operating the Inca Trail. If you want to book a place, contact us.
If you want to make the booking with us. we will require the following information:
First Name:
Last Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Date of birthday:
Important Note: You can fill out all information in our booking form, which you find on our website or our staff will send you an email with this link booking.
We will need you to send us a copy of your passport to complete the details from your passport in the Inca trail booking system and obtain a permit to enter the trail. Permits are non-transferable and do not allow you to change the date! Before you can start the Inca Trail, your passport will be verified with your booking details so that no mistakes can be made!
You must bring the passport with which you made your reservation. If you have changed your passport after booking, you must bring both passports with you. Contact us and confirm the date you want to travel on the Inca Trail. Also, let us know in case you want an Inca Trail as part of a package when visiting Cusco.
If there is a discrepancy between your passport and your Inca Trail permit, you will not be allowed to start the trek; so there must be no errors in the booking process! Once we confirm your permit, it is not possible to revoke, change or transfer the Inca Trail permit to someone else!
Booking a permit for the Inca Trail is easy and secure. You should only seek availability through an authorized travel agent. Payment should be made through a secure payment gateway (see a lock in front of the website in the search bar) using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
Find an Authorized Agency Online
There are several agencies on the Internet that deal with Inca Trail permits. Choose the one that looks most reliable. Its website must have an Internet security system (the lock) that protects your personal information. All these agencies must be licensed by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Find Available Spaces
After selecting a travel agency, go to the "accessibility" section on its website. Please note that the reservation should be made approximately 6 months in advance. Find the day and month in which you want to take the Inca Trail. If you have found availability, click on "Inca Trail Book".
Fill-in Your Data and Special Requirements
To buy permits for the Inca Trail, you must provide, among other things, personal data such as names, identity card number (passport), e-mail. In addition, you must indicate some special requirements such as Porter, vegetarian meals, hiking poles, etc.
Make a payment
Payment is made by various methods. Currently, PayPal is the most used because it accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Some agencies require advance payment and then complete the transaction after the client arrives in Peru. Eventually, you get a permit to perform the Inca Trail!
There are many hikes that can be a great alternative if you have not booked a permit to walk on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Salkantay Trail Peru and Lares are some of them. The next, Ausangate Trek does not end directly at Machu Picchu but offers you the opportunity to see it and visit the holiest and highest mountain in the Cusco region - Ausantate (or Apu Ausangate). However, if the Inca citadel is your main destination, you can also book Machu Picchu tickets beforehand.
The main season on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is from May to September and coincides with a holiday season in the Western Hemisphere. These months probably offer the best trekking conditions with a dry and sunny climate. However, as we said before, you should book a permit for it many months in advance.
April, October and November are also great months to perform the Inca Trail. There are fewer tourists, although it is likely that it rains at least one day during the trek. It is also easier to find available permits, although you still need to book them months beforehand.
The rainy season lasts from January to March, and if you decide to come during this time, expect rain. However, it is perfectly safe to walk with equipment - waterproof and adequate. Again, it is much easier to get a permit to travel on the Inca Trail at this time of year.
The Inca Trail closes the month of February every year because it is the rainiest month, and is used for maintenance to protect the trails. During this month, however, all alternative routes to Machu Picchu are open!
Children accustomed to trekking can perform the Inca Trail, although we personally believe that in order to enjoy such a route, they should be at least 12 years old. However, we witnessed smaller children who completed the trail! If you want to make an Inca Trail as a family, contact us and discuss the physical condition of your children in more detail.
RELATED INFORMATION: TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR INCA TRAIL
It is recommended that you have a good level of fitness, but you do not have to be a fan of the exercise. If you are not in shape, it would be good to start with regular walking (uphill) a few months before this adventure.
Altitude is one of the biggest challenges of trekking in Peru; the highest step of the Inca Trail is at 4,125 metres at the Dead Woman's Pass. To help you acclimatize and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, we advise the following:
Hiking the Inca Trail is considered one of the best trek in the world, and if you want to enjoy it, do not look at it as a race. "Go at your own pace", enjoy the views, take photos and catch your breath. Even the most comfortable trekkers reach camping areas before nightfall.
Please note: A guide always goes with the last person in the group and instructs the fastest hikers to know where there are stops and meeting points on the route!
Due to the high demand, it is possible to book the trail only online and in advance. However, once you are in Cusco, Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu are possible!
No, unfortunately, once your reservation is confirmed, we can not change your trekking date or reimburse your permit! Therefore, you should be really sure of the dates when you book the trail.
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
