The Inca Trail is one of the top 5 treks in the world. This is why travelers are eager to go on this hike any time of the year.
Years ago, the Inca Trail was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, uncovering the Piso Valley section of the classic Inca Trail. This discovery prompted travelers from all over to plan visits to this ancient path. Until 2003, hikers could traverse the Inca Trail without regulations, leading to irresponsible travel practices. In 2003, the UGM (Unidad de Gestión Machu Picchu) implemented new regulations for the Inca Trail, including limits on the number of permits available for enter to the Inca route.
The Peruvian government has restricted the Inca Trail availability in order to protect the Inca route. 500 people are now allowed on the trail per day, this includes about 200 tourists and the rest is the guides, trekking chefs and porters.
Since only 500 trek permits are issued per day for the Inca Trail tours 2026 (trek permits are also required for the porters and cooks) it is important to try to booking inca trail in advance. There is no clear rule as to how far ahead be enough to guarantee you an Inca Trail ticket since this depends on demand.
If you want to hike the Inca Trail, we recommend taking a flight from the capital of Peru, Lima. Upon arrival in Cusco, it's very important to take a break for acclimatization. Then, hike on a four-day trek along a path through forests and dense fog, traversing millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, all while enjoying majestic views.
Check the Inca Trail availability 2026
The first step to check the Inca Trail 2026 availability is to define a start date. This decision is fundamental, since once a permit is issued in your name, it is non-refundable and non-transferable. It is not possible to change the date or transfer the permit to another person under any circumstances.
The official availability can only be verified in real time through an authorized travel agency, as they are the only ones with access to the government's reservation system. At Tierras Vivas, we facilitate this process by providing precise information about the Inca Trail 2026 availability in real time. Our team of advisors will provide you with the most up-to-date data on availability and entrance fees to Machu Picchu, and will guide you in the online reservation process.
It is important to act in advance, as the permits for the Classic 4 Day Trail usually sell out months in advance. In case you do not find availability for your dates, our team can also advise you on the best alternatives, such as other treks with great scenic value or the visit to Machu Picchu by train.
News: Opening of Tickets for Inca Trail 2026
This is the most important announcement for travelers who plan to hike the Inca Trail during the 2026 season. The Ministry of Culture enables the sale of all permits for the following year during the month of October 2025. This is the official moment when availability opens for the 12 months of the 2026 season.
The relevance of this opening lies in the extreme demand for the route. Permits for the high season (May to September) sell out with notable speed, often in a matter of hours or days after the system opens. Therefore, the October 2025 period is the most critical opportunity to secure a spot.
It is recommended that all travelers interested in securing their preferred dates contact an authorized agency, such as Tierras Vivas, immediately. It is essential to have complete passport information and travel dates (main and alternative) ready so that the agency can manage the reservation the moment the system is enabled. Quick action is the only method to guarantee a permit.
Learn in detail about the reservations at: INCA TRAIL PERMITS 2026
How to book Inca Trail 2026?
- If you want to book the Inca Trail this 2026, we recommend check the spots available with Tierras Vivas tour operator.
- Once confirmed your date available for the Inca Trail. Fill out your personal information and choose the type of service, as well as the number of traveler who will go on the trip.
- There you will find the additional service, you can choose the extra activity such as Huayna Picchu tickets or you can upgrade your train tickets
- Read and accept our service policies that you will use top ay the 50% of total cost and finally click on Registration.
- Once sent your information, our sales department will send you an email with the link payment.
Reserve with months in advance
Whether you are doing the Inca Trail in 2026, it is recommended to reserve/secure permits as soon as possible. It is important not to wait! – BOOK NOW to avoid disappointments!
The Inca Trail is CLOSED every year in FEBRUARY for maintenance, allowing conservation projects, and because of the rain, so both the Short 2-Day and the Classic 4 Day aren’t available anytime this month.
Cancelled tickets are not transferable No travel agency or tour operator will be able to offer you a space for the Inca Trail, unless there are available permits shown on the calendar for the date you want to start the trek. Also it is important to say that NO matter how many clients cancel their Inca Trail reservations, NOBODY else can use these spaces. Trek dates and previously selected routes aren’t transferable in any case either.
About the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This trail is a part of the Inca Trail 4 days and you will visit the following Inca sites:
- Challacancha
- Wiñaywayna
- Intipata
- Intipunko (Sungate)
How to book Short Inca Trail?
Here some information you should take into account to book your Short Inca Trail:
- The month of February is the rainy season, so the Ministry closes the Inca Trail, either the 4 Day route or the Short Inca trail.
- The spaces found are for any route, either Short Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.
- Availability is managed exclusively by the Ministry of Culture. Only they can administer and authorize access to the Inca Trail.
- The availability we show you is the same for any other agency, because this information is directly from the Ministry of Culture.
- The number of Short Inca Trail Permit is very variable. Agencies usually reserve up to 30 spaces, do not be surprised if at one time the available spaces are sold out.
- The Short Inca Trail is enabled only for 300 spaces per day, which includes spaces for staff.
We strongly recommend that:
- The Inca Trail of 2 days is an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days, but now that the tickets for this have been sold out, it is now the most requested in the months of APRIL to SEPTEMBER, so we recommend that you book your Short Inca Trail Permit early.
- The availability of Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu) is also very limited and easily runs out in the months of APRIL to AUGUST, then, if you want to make tours that include this destination, we recommend that you make reservations well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inca Trail 2026
How can I book the Inca Trail Online?
Tierras Vivas is Tour Operator and our trip is 100% guaranteed departure,This meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested information at the moment of the booking. The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for
Once booked the inca trail, is it possible to cancel? - Inca Trail Policy
Before your book, it is very important you know the Inca Trail policy.
What is the best Alternative trek to the Inca Trail?
If it is fully booked. If not, no worries as you can still hike one of so called Alternative Treks!
When the Inca Trail is fully booked, it means no travel agency can booked it. This is because the booking system of the Inca Trail is managed by the Ministry of Culture of Peru! You can do the follow Inca Trail alternatives treks during your Machu Picchu Vacation:
- Salkantay Trek
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with camping
- Inca Quarry Trail
When is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
The best season is to do it in 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.
- If you would like to hike in December, January, March: 3-5 weeks in advance (Low Season)
- If you would like to hike in April, October, November: 4-5 weeks in advance (Low Season)
- If you would like to hike in May, September: 6-8 months in advance (High Season)
- If you would like to hike in June, July, and August: 3-4 months in advance (High Season)
Why is this price for the Inca Trail tours? |
|
Tierras Vivas Tour Operator |
Others Tour Operator |
| All-inclusive camping equipment (Sleeping bag, An air mattress, A pair of hiking poles and others). | Not Included: You need to pay extra or rent by yourself. A sleeping bag (U$ 25), an air mattress (U$ 25), A pair of hiking poles (U$ 20), and others or you should bring it. |
| Our tents are of the brand Eureka and designated for 4 seasons, These are 4-person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use them! | Usually, the others tour operator will provide basic tents and it is only for two people capacity |
| Personal Super Porters: Our porter will carry your personal belongings during the Inca Trail (7 kg) | Not Included: You will carry your personal belongings and if you want a extra porters, you will pay U$ 90 dollars for half porter and U$ 180 a porter. |
| Sustainable operator: Not plastic in the Inca Trail, natural food without chemicals, vegetable "farm to the pot", all personal equipment for our porters like backpacks, jackets, t-shirts, pants, caps and others, and also our porters have a health and life insurance | The other tour operators do not provide insurance for their porters |
| Tierras Vivas donates 5% of the cost to the foundation Responsible People and every year we reforest in the local communities native trees. | |
| Our porters have a remuneration according the Peruvian goverment. Visit the New porters law´s | |
