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Official Inca Trail Permits & Availability 2024 On- line

The famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular hikes in the word. Consequently, access is limited by the Peruvian government in order to maintain a sense of adventure and the integrity of the trail. It’s very important that you plan ahead and book your Inca Trail tour a few months in advance especially if you are planning to go in the dry season, the most busy time of year. Read through this blog so you are up to date on the official Inca Trail permits & availability online.

There are a total of 500 trekking permits allocated each day for the Inca Trail; these permits are not just for tourists but, also the cooks, porters, and guides. There is no official time you should book in advance for the Inca trail but, the earlier the better. Please consider that it’s not just you and your party who need the permits but, all of the staff that will be accompanying you on the journey.

The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season which starts in April and goes through the end of October. Remember if you chose to book your tour for this time it will be very busy and availability will go fast, it’s extremely important that you book your tour at least six months in advance to ensure you get a permit!

Things to Consider

  • If there are no permits available for one tour agency all are sold out
  • The permits are ONLY required for the first day on the trail
  • In February – The 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 day Inca trail tours are closed for maintenance

1

Check Inca Trail availability

Your tour operator will check Inca Trail availability with the Peruvian government.

2

Confirm dates with sales

Confirm which dates you will be hiking the Inca trail with your tour operators sales team via email, phone, or chat.

3

Finalize early

Permits will sell out months in advance so book early! You can book your tour now!

4 Day Classic Inca Trail Availability

Please look through our calendar for Inca Trail availabilities regarding the 4 day Inca Trail trek.

Keep in mind permits for the Inca Trail can ONLY be bought through a licensed tour operator.

A total of 500 permits are available per day for the Inca Trail. All tourists and support staff including, cooks, guides, and porters require permits. Permits can sell out fast especially during the dry season. Make sure you book your tour as early as possible. We recommend at least 6 months in advance if you are going in the dry season.

***IMPORTANT

The Inca Trail is closed during February for maintenance. During this time government workers and responsible companies like Orange Nation take the time to restore trails, repair bridges, and clean facilities such as campsites and toilets.

4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU - Incatrailhikeperu

4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with the #1 rated on TRIPADVISOR, Information, Itinerary, prices, May, June, Operator, Guides

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5 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU - Incatrailhikeperu

5 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

5 Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu; Hike the Inca Trail in 5 days at slow pace, with fantastic porter and English speaking guide, Best deals 2018 Cusco

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Short Inca Trail to machu picchu 2 days - Incatrailhikeperu

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days is the best short trek to Machu Picchu, which ges through the Sun Gate. Local Agency & Tour Operator

2 days / 1 nights Up to 8
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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day - Incatrailhikeperu

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY

Hike the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from the KM 104 to the Sun Gate & visit Machu Picchu righ away, whole in 1 day with expert guides.

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Easiest Way To Get An Inca Trail Permit

  • Chose a tour operator such as Orange Nation! Check their website for availability then contact them via email, phone, or chat.
  • Send personal information of all party members to your Inca Trail tour operator. Permits cannot be purchased without this information
  • There will be a non-refundable deposit of $211 for all Inca Trail tours
  • Confirm with your operator that they have purchased the permits
  • Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!

*** Its recommended to book your tour at least 6 months in advance for the dry season and 4-6 months in advance during the rainy season.

Important Note: The information used to book your tour must match that of your passport. Please ensure the names provided are accurate and are full names. Make sure to bring the same passport you used to enter the country with you to the Inca Trail.

***VERY IMPORTANT: If there is an error in the information provided or it does not match your passport you will not be allowed to start the Inca trail and you will not be entitled to a refund. Additionally, in case there is no availability for your date there is no wait list.

Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding Inca Trail availability and permits:

  • Every February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and repairs
  • There are 500 permits total per day for the Inca Trail. This includes tourists, guides, cooks, and porters
  • Book in advance permits sell out quickly, especially during the dry season
  • You can only hike the Inca Trail with a licensed tour operator like Orange Nation Peru
  • If there is a cancelation for any reason permits are non-refundable

If There Is No Availability For The 4 day Inca Trail

There are many different ways to get to Machu Picchu including various alternative treks. Se below for other options to the Inca Trail.

  • Inca trail 2 day option: The 2 day Inca Trail is a great alterative to the classic 4 day trail. If you do not have the time energy or if there is no availability this is a great option. The trail is 12km (7.5m) total and the trek offers the most famous parts of the Inca Trail. Please note the hike is concentrated into one day but, you will get the chance to see Machu Picchu in the afternoon the first day and in the evening the second day. The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu may be perfect for you!
  • Salkantay Trek 4/5 day option: Largely considered the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek being less popular than the classic Inca Trail is usually available. Many hikers report this trek being just as beautiful.
  • Lares Trek: This trek offers the most cultural emersion and is one of the least busy trails to Machu Picchu. You will pass through remote villages that will give you a unique perspective into the Andean culture. Enjoy the views of the landscape with llamas, alpacas, and other fauna, amazing mountains and glacier views
  • Inca Quarry: Yet another alternative trek the Inca Quarry Trail allows hikers to explore the quarries the Incan used to build the ruins of Ollantaytambo. This is the newest trail to Machu Picchu and for this reason one of the least busy alternatives. Enjoy beautiful pristine natural landscapes in addition to Incan archeological sites.
  • Huchuy Qosqo: This trek takes you through remote Andean villages natural mountain landscapes and multiple Incan sites. First you hike to the isolated Huchuy Qosqo Inca city, this will provide you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Andean culture. Then you will explore the Incan agricultural center of Moray, then the salt mines, and Ollantaytambo, finally arriving at Machu Picchu. More information here!

Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions

The most famous and highly trafficked trail in the country, the Inca trail offers a few different variations, the classic 4 day hike and the shorter 2 day hike to name a couple. You will follow the same path the Inca took on their pilgrimage to the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu.

The classic Inca Trail starts at Kilometer 82, taking you through various different landscapes and micro climates. From high mountain passes to the lush Andean Cloud Forest its an amazing adventure, finally ending with the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu.

In order to book a Inca Trail permit you must go through a licensed Inca Trail tour operator. Make sure you pick the best operator for you such as Orange Nation! After you have chosen your tour operator pick your dates and availability. Next, pay the non-refundable deposit and provide your operator with you and your parties personal information including a copy of your passport. Now you are all done, and should receive a confirmation email from your tour operator!

When booking your Inca Trail it’s very important to choose the right operator for you. It’s best to choose a local tour operator with a valid Inca Trail license and support the local community. If you are not sure who to choose take a look at our best rated tour operators.

Since 2002 a guide and permit are both required to hike the Inca Trail. Additionally, the amount of people allowed on the trail has been limited by the Peruvian government. This decision was made to preserve the Inca Trail for generations to come.

Obtaining permits from the Inca trail can only be done through a licensed operator. Please be aware, you cannot get a permit through the Peruvian government or by any other means. Once you provide your personal information and a copy of your passport, your tour operator will buy the permits for you.

It depends on a few factors but, mostly it comes down to which tour operator you choose. There are many different packages and guides. Some guides are bilingual and have extensive knowledge of the hike, its landscapes, and the cultural heritage of the region. Porters are provided and will carry a maximum of 7kg for you. Chefs will cook luxury meals on your behalf, and high quality camping equipment will be provided.