Inca Trail Reservations: organize your experience to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most recognized hiking routes in the world, and securing a spot on it requires a very specific and planned booking process. Unlike other hikes, it is not possible to just show up and join a group. Access is strictly controlled by the government Peru through a system of limited permits. Understanding how this system works is the first and most crucial step for any traveler who wants to do this historic hike.

In this detailed guide on the Inca Trail Reservations process. We will inform you about the official regulations, explain the distribution of daily permits, and detail the necessary steps to secure your reservation correctly and with enough time in advance. This information is essential for planning your trip effectively and avoiding setbacks in your goal of reaching Machu Picchu on foot.

Inca Trail Regulations and the Permit System

To understand the Inca Trail Reservations process, it is essential to know the regulations that govern it. In the early 2000s, the popularity of the route caused overcrowding at the campsites and pollution problems. To protect its fragile ecosystem and valuable archaeological sites, the Peruvian government implemented a strict control system that is still in effect and is the basis of the entire current reservation process.

The most important regulation is the strict limit of 500 daily permits for the Classic Inca Trail route (4 days or more). It is crucial to understand the distribution of this quota:

• Travelers / Hikers: Approximately 200 spots.
• Support Staff: Approximately 300 spots, assigned to the guides, cooks, and porters who are mandatory for the expedition.

This distribution is the reason why the actual availability for travelers is so limited and sells out many months in advance.

It is essential to clarify that the Short Inca Trail (2 days) operates with a completely separate permit system and has its own daily quota. Likewise, it is a common mistake to think that alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek use these permits. The Salkantay Trek and other alternative hikes do not require Inca Trail permits and operate completely independently.

Another key regulation is the requirement to do the hike through an officially licensed travel agency. Only these companies are authorized to purchase permits and must comply with regulations that guarantee the safety of the tourist and the well-being of the porters, such as the weight limits established by law. Each agency must renew its license annually to be able to operate on the route.

Availability and Rules of the Inca Trail Permits

The Inca Trail permit system operates under strict rules that are crucial to understand when planning your reservation.

• Distribution of the 500 Daily Permits As mentioned, there is a limit of 500 permits available each day for the classic route. The distribution is approximately 200 permits for tourists and 300 for support staff (guides, cooks, and porters). The Peruvian government is the only entity that controls and issues these permits through a centralized system.
  
  
• How to Check Availability The most efficient way to check the available spaces is through the real-time calendars that authorized travel agencies offer on their websites. These systems are directly connected to the government's database. If a day appears with 0 spaces, it means it is completely sold out, and no agency will be able to offer a spot for that date.
  
  
• Fundamental Rules of the Permits It is essential to understand that the permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Once a permit is issued, it is linked to a specific name and passport number and cannot be modified. For this reason:
  → There are no "waiting lists" or cancellations that free up spots.
  → Agencies cannot pre-purchase or reserve blocks of permits to sell them later. Each permit is purchased individually with the traveler's data.
  → If the permits are sold out for a date, no agency can get a space. The availability is the same for all authorized operators.

Inca Trail Booking

It is very important to book this trek a good time in advance!!! As there are only 500 permits (Tour Guides, Porters and Cooks including) issued per day for the Inca Trail!!

A general recommendation on how long time in advance to book is:

• If you like to hike in December, January or March: 4-6 weeks in advance
• If you like to hike in April, October or November: 2-3 months in advance
• If you like to hike in May, September: 3-4 months in advance
• If you like to hike in June, July or August: 4-5 months in advance

Booking Permits for the Inca Trail 2026

The sale of permits for the entire 2026 season (from January to December) begins in October 2025. Although the exact opening date of the reservation system can vary, it traditionally happens during the first days of the month. Because the spots for the high season can sell out in a matter of hours, it is crucial to be prepared to act immediately. For this reason, the most important step is to coordinate beforehand with an authorized travel agency, which guarantees that your request will be processed at the exact moment the sale is enabled.

Inca Trail Closure

Each February, the Inca Trail is closed to allow its conservation as well as to give vegetation a chance to recover. This is a suitable month to close it since it is the wettest month of the year too. However, Machu Picchu itself remains open during the month so you can visit it!

Inca Traill Tours to Machu Picchu

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

• Salkantay Trek
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.

When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.