Inca Trail Hiking Tours

Every day, thousands of travelers search for available permits to hike the world-famous Inca Trail. However, access is strictly limited to 500 permits per day. Approximately 200 are allocated to tourists, while the remaining 300 go to essential field staff, including licensed local guides, cooks, and porters.

Because demand far exceeds capacity, dates sell out quickly. Once daily permits are sold out, no tour operator can issue additional spots. Furthermore, permits are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable; once confirmed with your name and passport number, you cannot change the travel date or personal details.

As an authorized local operator in Cusco, we manage the entire permit acquisition process for you. Below is everything you need to know about securing your Inca Trail permit for 2027 and 2028.

Why Book Your Inca Trail Permit Early?

To secure your preferred departure date, we strongly recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture releases Inca Trail permits several months before the operating season starts. Because permits for peak months (May through August) sell out almost immediately upon release, early planning is essential.

How Are Inca Trail Permits Managed?

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture strictly regulates all access to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Private individuals cannot buy permits directly; official regulations mandate that permits must be purchased through a registered, licensed tour operator.

When you book with us, we secure your official permit directly from the government database using your personal information.

What Information Is Required to Book?

To reserve your Inca Trail permit, you must provide accurate personal details matching your official travel documents:

• Full Legal Name (as shown on your passport)
• Passport Number (must be valid at the time of travel)
• Date of Birth
• Nationality and Gender

Important Passport Note: Your permit is tied directly to your passport number. If you renew or change your passport after booking, you must bring both your old physical passport (used during registration) and your new passport on the trail to enter.

Required Travel Documents & Discounts

To enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you must present valid original documentation at the official checkpoints:

International Travelers: Original physical passport valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

• Residents/Citizens of Andean Community Nations (CAN): Valid DNI or passport.
• Peruvian Citizens & Residents: Valid DNI or Foreigner ID (Carnet de Extranjería - CE).

Student & Youth Discount Eligibility

University Students: Must hold a valid, unexpired physical university ID card showing a clear photo, student status, and expiration date.

Minors (Ages 12–17): Eligible for a youth discount by submitting a valid passport or national ID card.

How to Check Real-Time Permit Availability

While permit balances are displayed on the Ministry of Culture’s portal, real-time availability changes rapidly. Hundreds of spaces can sell out within minutes during peak reservation windows.

We recommend contacting our team directly to verify live permit status for your requested 2027 or 2028 dates before finalizing your travel plans.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

If Inca Trail permits are sold out for your preferred travel dates, several alternative trekking routes offer incredible mountain scenery and rich Incan history:

Salkantay Trek: A dramatic high-altitude journey past glacial peaks and tropical cloud forests.

Lares Trek: An immersive cultural experience through traditional Andean weaving villages.

Ausangate & Alternative Routes: Challenging alpine treks for experienced hikers.

Note: While these alternative treks do not enter Machu Picchu directly through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), they all conclude with a full guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Protecting the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail passes through fragile mountain ecosystems within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—home to over 500 orchid species, 600 bird species, and rare wildlife such as the spectacled bear and the Andean cock-of-the-rock.

As a responsible tour operator, we follow strict Leave No Trace principles. We ask all trekkers to support our conservation efforts by staying on designated paths, packing out all waste, and helping preserve this historic sanctuary for future generations.