The Inca Trail is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after treks globally, and consequently, its availability is limited. To ensure a successful hike along the Inca Trail, it is imperative to make reservations well in advance. The availability of the Inca Trail is influenced by various factors, including the time of year, the size of your group, and the number of spaces regulated by the Peruvian government.
In 2025, only 500 trekking permits will be issued daily for Inca Trail treks. Additionally, Inca Trail permits are mandatory for all members of your travel team, including porters, cooks, and guides. Therefore, it is crucial to book your Inca Trail adventure in advance. Due to the multiple requirements that must be met, there is no fixed timeline for booking and securing an Inca Trail to Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
The optimal time to embark on the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which spans from May to September. However, this period is also the busiest time of the year, making it essential to reserve your trip as early as possible.
Booking policies for the Inca Trail, Peru can vary slightly depending on the tour operator you choose, but there are some common policies and guidelines that most operators adhere to. It's essential to book your Inca Trail trek well in advance, as there are limited permits available, and they can sell out quickly, especially during the high tourist season. Here are some typical booking policies:
Book Online your Inca Trail ASAP with Inca Trail tour operator. There are two types of companies that will try and sell you an Inca trail package: registered tour operators and middle men, otherwise known as endosars. The registered tour operators are a small quantity that run, sell, and operate their own Inca Trail Tours.
All operators will ask you for a deposit which is generally NON-REFUNDABLE. It is non-refundable simply because the MINISTERIO DE CULTURA does not give back the agencies any money when a passenger cancels or changes a date. The operator then has to re-apply for a new permit if passengers change dates. Inca Trail Tour Operators have different Payment methods.
There is no such thing as a WAITLIST/CANCELLATION LIST. If any agency/operator tells you that they can do this, they are simply not telling the truth and are operating illegally! Its as simple as if a passenger cancels their space is not given to anybody else - period!
Apart from the deposit, you will be required to give your current passport details of all the persons travelling with you on the Inca Trail. You will need to give the follow personal details:
If this information is not supplied no agency can take out permits for you/others. The important part of this information is that you give the same passport details that you will be travelling with to Peru. There are various check points on the trail and they will check the agency documentation against your passport; if its does not match you will not be allowed entrance! If you are renewing your passport, you need to keep 2 photocopies of your old passport that you are going to hand in for renewal and you can apply with this information as long as you bring the photocopies with you or if you are able to keep your old passport, then travel with your old & new passport.
There are two Machu Picchu circuits included in the Inca Trail 2025 permit:
At the end of the Inca Trail, you'll arrive early in the morning at Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Then you'll descend to the Guardian House (part of the Panoramic Circuits), a perfect spot to take the best panoramic photo of the Inca citadel.
This circuit allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel. It offers excellent vantage points for stunning photos before continuing with the guided tour of Circuit 3.
If you would like to explore more of Machu Picchu, we highly recommend purchasing an additional ticket for Circuit 2 - Machu Picchu (Route A or B). This circuit offers a more comprehensive visit and lasts approximately three hours. It's very important to request this additional ticket at the time of booking your Inca Trail permit.
.
The Inca Trail in Peru is a world-renowned trekking route that leads to the ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu. To protect the trail, the environment, and the experience of visitors, there are specific rules and regulations that trekkers must adhere to. These rules help ensure the preservation of the trail and the safety of hikers. While regulations may change over time, as of my last update in October 2025, here are some common rules for the Inca Trail:
It's essential to stay updated with the most current regulations and guidelines for the Inca Trail, as they may change over time. Your inca trail tour operator and guide should provide you with the specific rules and expectations for your trek. Respecting these rules not only ensures the protection of the trail and its surroundings but also enhances the experience for all visitors and helps preserve this iconic trek for future generations.
Please refer to the calendar link here to ascertain availability, following which you may proceed by clicking on the "book now" button. Kindly furnish your personal details and specify the type of service required, along with the number of passengers accompanying you on your journey. Additionally, you may opt to include supplementary services such as Huayna Picchu tickets, Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, and the option to upgrade your train tickets.
The regulation of the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu has been undertaken by authoritative bodies of the Peruvian State, including GERCETUR, the Ministry of Culture, and SERNANP.
The primary aim of this regulation is to foster and facilitate the preservation of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Machu Picchu, by regulating the tourist usage of the Inca Trail, mitigating the adverse effects of visitors on the trail, and ensuring the safety of hikers.
In its entirety, the Inca Trail is traversed by a total of 500 individuals on a daily basis. These individuals are categorized as follows:
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.
