The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hiking route to reach Machu Picchu, with a standard duration of 4 days and 3 nights. This specific section of the vast network of Inca roads (Qhapaq Ñan) was built hundreds of years ago and, due to its inmenso historical and cultural value, is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Its worldwide popularity makes it the most requested trek in South America.
Precisely to preserve this invaluable route from wear and tear, the Peruvian authorities implemented a strict system of regulations. The main measure is the limitation of entry to a total capacity of 500 daily permits. It is fundamental to understand that this capacity is not just for travelers; it includes all the mandatory support staff (guides, cooks, and porters), which reduces the real availability to approximately 200 spots for tourists per day.
Given this strict limitation, it is crucial to secure the permit as far in advance as possible. Check the official permit availability and begin your reservation process with Tierras Vivas to guarantee your spot.
How to check Inca Trail availability?
Checking the availability for the Camino Inca 2026 is the first and most crucial step to plan your trip. Access is strictly limited to 500 daily permits (a number that includes guides, cooks, and porters), so the spots usually sell out many months in advance.
Unlike a flight or a hotel, the availability cannot be seen on a public portal. The official system of the Ministry of Culture is only accessible to authorized travel agencies.
Therefore, the correct process is:
- Define your dates: Be clear about the exact day or a range of dates on which you would like to start the trek.
- Contact an authorized agency: You must write or call your chosen tour operator for them to check for you.
- Request the check in real time: The agency will enter the official system and will confirm instantly if there are spots left for the date you requested.
Once the agency confirms to you that there are spots, act fast! To complete the reservation and secure your permit, you will need to have your original passport on hand and make the corresponding payment.
How to book the Inca Trail tour?
The only way to obtain your Inca Trail permit is through an Authorized Inca Trail Travel Agency. Each Company has a reservation form in which you must fill out all the required data. You must provide the agency with the same data as the passport with which you will come to Peru.
What does an Inca Trail tour include?
The Classic Inca Trail tour (4 days) includes the following:
Entrance to the Inca Trail.
- Transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Inca Trail.
- Bilingual tour guide service.
- Porter service.
- Cook service (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners).
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag not included).
- Machu Picchu entrance only.
- Return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
- Return by train to Ollantaytambo.
- Return by minivan to Cusco.
- In addition, the tourist can request the following extra services:
→ Entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain.
→ 1 extra porter.
→ 1 sleeping bag.
→ Vegetarian meal option at no extra cost.
Inca Trail Discounts
The Inca Trail offers discounts for tourists who are university students as well as minors.
University students must be pursuing undergraduate studies and be under 25 years old at the time of the hike. The discount applies only to students with a valid university ID (not an ISIC card).
Children (under 11 years old) also have access to a special discount. Parents must make the reservation by sending the child's passport or ID.
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
A general rule to follow is to book permits for the Inca Trail at least six to eight months in advance to ensure availability of trails for hiking on the Classic Inca Trail route.
What to do if there is no availability for the Inca Trail?
Finding the Classic Inca Trail permits sold out for a specific date is a definitive situation; no agency will be able to get a spot. Since the only option is to look for another date, which is not always possible for the traveler, there are excellent alternatives to get to Machu Picchu.
These alternatives are divided into other trekking routes or the direct travel route by train.
Alternative Trekking Routes
If your main goal is to do a multi-day hike, these are the most recommended options:
- Salkantay Trek: It is the most popular alternative. This 5 day route is known for its impressive high mountain landscapes, passing by the Salkantay mountain and the Humantay lagoon before descending to the jungle brow.
- Lares Trek: This trek focuses more on cultural immersion. The 4-day route crosses Andean valleys and allows you to visit remote local communities, offering a different perspective of life in the highlands before connecting with the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Inca Jungle: This is a 4-day adventure option that combines different activities. It includes mountain bike descents, jungle hikes, and, optionally, rafting or zip-lining, before arriving at Aguas Calientes.
- Short Inca Trail (2 Days): This route uses a different permit system and sometimes has availability when the classic route is already sold out. It is an excellent option if you still want to experience the final section of the trail and enter through the Sun Gate.
Direct Trip by Train
If you prefer the fastest and most comfortable route, or if your main interest is only the citadel, the best option is the trip by train. The services depart from Ollantaytambo (or Cusco) and take you directly to the town of Aguas Calientes, from where you will take a bus to ascend to Machu Picchu.
It is fundamental to remember that, regardless of the alternative you choose (trekking or train), the entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu must be reserved separately and well in advance, as it also has limited availability.
Questions and answers about Inca Trail availability
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Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
Yes. Due to constant rain, the maintenance staff does conservation work on the Inca Trail route. That is why reservations cannot be made throughout February. -
Why is it so difficult to find availability?
The Inca Trail has a historical value that is preserved by the Peruvian authorities. For this reason, only 500 people are allowed to enter per day (200 tourists and the rest are support staff). The goal is to maintain this tourist attraction for posterity. -
Is there an official website to buy spaces on the Inca Trail?
No. Availability for the Inca Trail can only be obtained through an authorized travel agency. The agencies also offer a complete tour that includes admission to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and more. -
Is it difficult to find availability for the Short Inca Trail?
No. The short version of the Inca Trail (2 days) allows entry to 250 tourists per day. Finding availability is not as difficult compared to the classic version (4 days). It is recommended to book online 2 or 3 weeks in advance. -
Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?
No. The Ministry of Culture of Peru has established that the Inca Trail can only be done through an authorized tourism agency. No tourist can enter the Inca Trail without the authorization of an agency. -
Can children do the Inca Trail?
It depends. Children over 8 years old or who already have satisfactory experience in similar hikes can do the Inca Trail. However, it is not recommended for children under 8 years old who do not have previous similar experience.
