Every year thousands of people are attracted to the City of Cusco by the energy of the Andes Mountains, but only a few can experience the magic of feeling this energy, traveling one of the most amazing walks in the world, an Inca Trail of 500 years of antiquity. The Inca Trail is a center of beauty, mysticism, spirituality, challenge, and history, built by the legendary Inca civilization. Unlike other walks in Peru and the world, the Inca Trail is a protected area. We are experts in trips to Machu Picchu so we will indicate the way to obtain the permits for the Inca Trail.
Adventurers from all over the world have been put on alert, because the spaces available to enter Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail, will be put on sale in October, 3 months before next year. The Inca Trail reservations are sold out months before. Normally we recommend reserving Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 8 months before. However, the availability was released months before, making the people who want to reserve a space on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for any time in 2026, must reserve the permits as soon as possible.
The number of visitors who are allowed to enter the trails of the Inca Trail each day is limited to 500. However, keep in mind that this figure includes people who are part of the trekking support teams, which usually amounts to 300. This means that only 200 people end up entering Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, every day.
About the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail Peru is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and the most emblematic of Peru. It is an ancient system of trails built by the Incas, which connects different archaeological sites until it reaches the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. With an approximate length of 43 kilometers, the route crosses Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and valleys, offering impressive views and Inca constructions along the way.
Along the trail, travelers discover archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, Runkurakay and Phuyupatamarca, which show the knowledge of the Inca Empire before culminating at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the most spectacular entrance to Machu Picchu. Today, the Inca Trail can only be done with authorized agencies, which ensures both the preservation of the trail and the safety of visitors, making it one of the most authentic and memorable experiences in South America.
FAQs about Machu Picchu Reservations
Who controls the Inca Trail reservations?
The Regional Office of Culture of Cusco, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture of Peru, is the institution in charge of regulating and issuing the official permits to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. With the goal of preserving this important historical heritage and ensuring the safety of visitors, a maximum limit of 500 daily permits has been established.
Of this total, only 200 slots are for tourists, while the other 300 are for the essential support staff for the trek, such as authorized guides, porters, and cooks. This measure seeks to control the environmental and cultural impact on the trail and the archaeological sites found along the route.
How can I book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The purchase of permits for the Inca Trail can only be done through travel agencies authorized by the Ministry of Culture, since tourists do not have direct access to the reservation system. These agencies are responsible for acquiring the tickets on behalf of travelers, as well as organizing the complete tour with certified guides, porters, and the necessary logistics for the journey.
Due to its high demand and limited slots, it is recommended to book several months in advance (between 4 and 6 months before the trip) to secure a place on the route. By doing so through an official operator, the visitor has the guarantee of complying with all regulations and enjoying a safe and organized experience.
What information is needed to book permits for the Inca Trail?
To secure a Inca Trail reservations, it is essential to provide correct and current personal information. This includes: full name, valid passport number, gender, and date of birth. It is essential that all the information matches exactly with the identity document presented upon entry. An error, even a minimal one, in the passport number or in the spelling of the name can mean the loss of the permit and the inability to access the trail.
In case of renewing or changing your passport after making the reservation (which is usually done up to 6 months in advance), the traveler must carry both the old and new passport at the time of the trip. This way, they can validate their permit information and avoid problems at official checkpoints.
How to check for available entries to the Inca Trail?
The availability of Inca Trail permits can be checked directly on the official platform of the Ministry of Culture of Peru. However, since spots tend to sell out quickly and the data can change in a matter of hours, it is recommended that the authorized agency with which you book your tour be in charge of confirming the real availability and securing your spot. These agencies have direct access to the system and can manage the purchase immediately.
Given the high demand, it is advisable to book several months in advance. Otherwise, you run the risk of the spots being already sold out and having to opt for other alternatives, such as entering Machu Picchu by train or alternative trekking routes to the Inca Trail.
Important: The real challenge is not how to book, but when to do it. The
classic Inca Trail route is one of the most requested and its permits tend to sell out very quickly. Therefore, plan in advance and secure your place to live one of the most unforgettable experiences of
tourism in Peru.
Why book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu now?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most demanded routes and its permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day. For this reason, spots usually sell out quickly, especially during high season (from May to September).
To guarantee your spot, it is recommended to book at least 8 months in advance. Also, the Ministry of Culture of Peru usually enables reservations many months in advance, which encourages travelers from all over the world to secure their ticket as soon as possible. If you are thinking of traveling in 2026, it is best to plan now, avoiding last-minute surprises and ensuring your access to this unique experience.
Classic Inca Trail or Short Inca Trail?
Both options offer the opportunity to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), but they differ in duration and level of difficulty.
- Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights): It is the complete route, ideal for those who want to experience the Andean landscapes, the cloud forest, and discover multiple archaeological remains before reaching the Inca Citadel. It is demanding, with high mountain passes that exceed 4,200 m.s.n.m., but the reward is incomparable.
- Short Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night): Designed for those who want to live the Inca Trail experience without doing the complete route. It avoids the hardest and longest sections, but keeps the excitement of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot. It is perfect for families, travelers with limited time or those who prefer a less demanding trek.
In both cases, the ticket booking process is the same and must be done with the same anticipation, as the spots for these modalities sell out quickly.
Machu Picchu Reservations
Although you can purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in person in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, or any major city with a Banco de Nacíon, it is strongly advised that you purchase your ticket in advance in high season (June to September), as tickets may be out of stock. If your schedule is tight or you're traveling in peak season, it's wise to book ahead. To do this, here is how to buy your Machu Picchu entrance tickets online in advance!
Online, we can read that many travelers had problems buying tickets on the Machu Picchu government website. It seems that the site only accepts Visa cards. While buying your ticket yourself is the cheapest approach, a hassle-free (albeit more expensive) alternative is to buy it from a reseller. This allows for instant confirmation and is more user-friendly than if you run into issues on the government site. You can also consider a guided tour from Aguas Calientes, which includes your bus and entrance ticket.
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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.
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