How to Book Inca Trail?

How to Book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2026

Booking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not like booking just any tour: the Peruvian government issues a limited number of permits per day, and these sell out months in advance. Therefore, here we explain exactly how the process works, when you should book, and what you need to have ready before taking the first step.

Why does the Inca Trail require an early booking?

The Ministry of Culture of Peru allows a maximum of 500 permits per day for the classic 4 day route (about 200 for tourists and 300 for the support team: guides, cooks, and porters) and 250 daily permits for the short 2 day Inca Trail. Moreover, these spots are not sold directly to the traveler: only an authorized tour agency can buy them in your name, using the exact details of your passport.

This means two important things:

• You cannot "save the spot" and decide later who goes with you: the permit is tied to your name and passport number from the moment of purchase.
• Once the permits for a date are sold out, there is no way to get an extra one for that day, no matter how much you want to pay.

How far in advance should I book?

The necessary advance notice depends on the season in which you want to travel:

Keep in mind that popular dates (long weekends, Easter, or the month of June) can sell out even faster than expected. Therefore, if your travel date is already set (for example, because you bought flights), we recommend checking availability and booking right away.

Step-by-step booking process

1. Choose the route and the date. Decide if you prefer the Classic 4 day Inca Trail (the complete experience, ~43 km) or the Short 2 day Inca Trail (ideal if you have little time or seek a lesser physical challenge).
2. Check real availability of permits. Before confirming anything, at Tierras Vivas we check with you the current availability for your exact date, since it is updated daily.
3. Send the details of each passenger. We need the full name just as it appears on the passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender. An error here can stop you from entering the trail, so it is checked twice before processing the permit.
4. Pay the deposit to secure the spot. Usually, a deposit is asked for (around 50% of the total value) so the operator can buy the permit in your name from the Ministry of Culture. Consequently, this step is what really "secures" your place; before this, the date can sell out.
5. Receive the official confirmation of the permit. Once bought, we send you the confirmation with the details of the issued permit.
6. Pay the remaining balance before the trip. The final payment is generally made before your arrival in Cusco, according to the agency's policy.
7. Final preparation. Finally, you will receive a luggage guide, acclimatization recommendations, and all the logistics details before your trekking.

Documents you need

• Original passport (the same number you used when booking). Photocopies or digital photos are not accepted at the entrance check.
• If you renewed your passport after booking, you must bring both passports (the old one and the new one) on the day of the trekking, and tell your operator in advance to update the record.
• The name and passport number must match exactly with the permit details; any difference can stop you from entering the trail.

What happens if my date is already sold out?

If your ideal date no longer has spots available, you have some options:

• Move the date to the closest days with availability.
• Change the type: for example, choose the 2 day Inca Trail if the 4 day one is full, or the other way around.
• Think about an alternative route to Machu Picchu, like Salkantay or Lares, which do not depend on the same limit of permits and usually have more flexible dates.
• Very rarely, permits are released 2 or 3 days before the date due to cancellations from other travelers (for example, because of altitude sickness). It is not guaranteed, but it is worth asking if your trip is already set.

Do you already know what length you prefer?

Each type has its own process and specific booking details. To help you decide and guide you through every detail, check our complete guides:

1. How to book the 2 day Inca Trail
   Ideal if you have limited time or are looking for a shorter experience to Machu Picchu.
2. How to book the 4 day Inca Trail
   The full classic route, for those looking for the traditional experience through the archaeological sites of the original trail.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I book the Inca Trail without an agency?
  No. Permits can only be bought by authorized tour operators in your name; there is no direct sale to the public.
• Is the deposit refundable?
  Inca Trail permits are, in general, non-refundable and non-transferable once issued, since they are linked to your passport. That is why we recommend getting travel insurance that covers cancellations.
• Do all passengers need a permit, including children?
  Yes, everyone entering the Inca Trail requires their own individual permit, no matter their age.
• What months is the Inca Trail closed?
  It closes for all of February for maintenance and care of the route.

Why book with us?

Backed by real travelers. We have a 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor and more than 830 reviews, based on the experiences of hundreds of travelers who have already hiked the Inca Trail with us. You can read their reviews directly on TripAdvisor before booking.

+186 reviews

+215 reviews

+123 reviews

+245 reviews

+98 reviews

+315 reviews

Committed to the trail we walk. We know the Inca Trail is a limited and fragile resource, which is why we put a part of each booking towards our tree planting program in the Cusco region, helping with 10,000 planted trees. Every traveler who books with us takes an active part in conservation and helps the Cusco communities.ertificate of Excellence as Best Tour Operator by TripAdviso