When talking about the top 5 locations in the world that are best for hiking, you cannot miss the Inca Trail. The Inca trail stands as one of the most famous hiking sites amongst travelers seeking an incredible experience on an ancient pilgrimage route.  

We know the Inca trail for its beautiful landscape, cultural significance, Steep mountain passes, green cloud forest, peaks, and architectural brilliance. Without a doubt, the Inca trail is worth paying a visit to. Although there are many routes to get to the incredible and ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Inca trail remains the most classic of them all – this is why it is called “the classic Inca trail”. The trail is a 4-day, 3-night hike into Machu Picchu through the popular Sun Gate (or the Inti Punku).  

Due to the popularity of the Inca trail amongst tourists, the place sees a lot of trekkers every year. This has also allowed for strict regulations to govern the Inca Trail. Anyone wishing to trek the trail must observe every regulation – that is, after obtaining a permit and guide.  

Availability and permits  

As earlier established, there are schemes and stringent regulations laid down by the Peruvian government to help reduce any negative impact on the ancient city and the trail. They introduced one of such schemes in 2001 when the government installed a daily quota system that allows only some persons to trek the trail per day. This scheme has not changed, and it is still in effect even to date. The daily allocation is 500 permits, and the government releases all the permits in January of every year. The 500 permits are inclusive of the hikers/tourists, the guides, and the porters. Furthermore, the permits are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis; this means you need to book for a permit months before your hike.  

Another scheme the government introduced was that a registered guide must follow all Inca Trail Hikers. This implied that only authorized tour companies could get hold of an Inca Trail Permit and Availability and Machu Picchu. This also means that you must go through a registered tour operator to get your permit. One thing you must note is that they link all permits directly with the tourist or hiker’s passport – this means you cannot exchange or purchase a last-minute cancellation permit.  

If you are looking to get hiking on the Inca trail, it is great advice to book six months before to ensure you can get a permit to travel the trail. Furthermore, if you are booking with a tour company, be sure to give them all the correct information to avoid any error and you disallowing onto the trail.  

Inca Trail permit 2023/2023 

The availability of the Inca trail permit is released in January of every New Year. The Inca Trail will be closed in February by the Ministry of Culture due to maintenance. The 2020/2021 permit for the Inca trail will be re-enacted from March of 2021. This doesn’t mean that Machu Picchu is closed; the ancient city is opened all through the year. This means that you can take alternative routes to get to Machu Picchu.  

Below is some key information you should take note of concerning the Inca trail permit and availability: 

• Inca Trail permits can only be gotten via travel or tour agency authorized by the Peruvian government.  
• Every February of each year is the maintenance of the trail. Therefore the trail is closed in February, and neither the 4-day Inca trail nor the 2-day Inca trail is available.  
• Tour Leaders Peru processes the Inca trail permit just like any other agency.  
• The Inca trail has only 500 permits per day, which include tourists, guides, and porters.  
• No one can transfer their permits to you. All permits are directly linked to the tourist’s passport.  

How can I get the Permits for the Inca Trail? 

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture releases all permits for the Inca trail around the 5th of October every year. The date for the sale of the permit might vary by some days or weeks as determined by the Peruvian government and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. To gain entrance to the Inca trail, you must reserve your tickets (permits) 6 months beforehand. If you are looking to get entrance to the Inca trail around May to July, then you need to obtain your permit 7 to 8 months beforehand.  

How Much Does it cost to hike to Machu Picchu?

The price for the Inca trail permits varies for different tour operators and providers. Although most company prices fall within a certain price range. Here is a breakdown of the pricing for the Inca trail permit.  

• Adults – $680 (inclusive of the permit, guide, and porter) 
• University Students – $650 (inclusive of the permit, guide, and porter) 
• Children under 18 years of age – $650  

If you need extra equipment, an extra porter, or extra service, then you might have to pay an additional fee – specify this during your booking process.  

FAQ’S

Tour Leaders Peru is a leading Peruvian travel and adventure operator that is regulated by Consumer Protection in Peru and Licensed travel sellers in the State of California. Known for Bilingual guides, affordable prices, and top-notch services, Tour Leaders Peru is dedicated to giving you a travel experience like no other.  We offer Inca Trail Permit and Availability and Machu Picchu you only need to get in contact with us at (408) 898 8724 United Estates.