Inca Trail Permits: How and When to Book

Every year we receive inquiries from travelers who discover too late that the Inca Trail is fully booked for their dates. Here is how the permit system works – and how to make sure you get a spot.

How the permit system works

• The Peruvian Ministry of Culture limits access to the Inca Trail to protect it. The daily quota of around 500 permits includes guides, cooks and porters, so only a part of it is available for trekkers.
• Permits can only be purchased by licensed tour operators – you cannot buy them yourself or hike the trail independently.
• Each permit is personal: it is issued with your name and passport number and cannot be transferred or changed to another person or date.
• Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October, month by month.

When should you book?

• May to September: 6 to 8 months in advance – the most popular dates sell out first.
• April and October: at least 4 months in advance.
• November, December, January and March: at least 3 months in advance.
• February: the trail is closed for maintenance.

The Short Inca Trail (Km 104) has its own, smaller quota and can also sell out in high season.

How booking with Incatrekkers works

1. You send us your inquiry with your preferred dates.
2. We check permit availability in real time and confirm your trek.
3. You pay a deposit of 30% and send us a copy of your passport – your booking is then binding and we purchase your permit.
4. The balance is paid in full via payment link no later than 30 days before the trip (for bookings made less than 30 days before, the full price is due immediately). Details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Please send us your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport – the same passport must be shown at the checkpoint.

What if your date is sold out?

Don't give up on Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek with llamas or the Inca Quarry Trek need no Inca Trail permit and end at Machu Picchu as well. Read our comparisons Classic Inca Trail vs. Salkantay and Classic Inca Trail vs. Lares or have a look at our alternative treks.