Inca Trail Permits 2026: Requirements and Key Dates

Over the last decades, Peru has become one of the most popular travel destinations. There are many great sights and treks throughout the country, but the Inca Trail remains the most popular.

The Inca Trail is considered among the 5 best hiking trails in the world! In total, it extends for 43 kilometres which are hiked in 4 days and 3 nights following an ancient network of paths made by the Incas hundreds of years ago! It leads through mountain passages and cloud forests, to the edge of the Amazon jungle where Machu Picchu is located. In addition to exuberant landscapes, the hike allows you to see Inca and pre-Inca sites that can not be accessed otherwise, just by walking. In the end, you get to Inti Punku, the gateway to the sacred city of the Incas - Machu Picchu, where people entered 550 years ago.

Machu Picchu was built during the 15th century and has had more than 150 structures, among which are some of the most amazing in the world. Its guided route is a unique experience that will remain in your heart forever. 

Regulations and Distribution of Inca Trail Permits

To understand the availability, it is important to know the context. In the early 2000s, the Inca Trail faced serious problems of overcrowding in the camps and pollution on the trail due to a lack of regulation. To protect its fragile ecosystem and valuable archaeological sites, the Peruvian government implemented a strict control system that is still in effect today.

The pillar of this system is the daily limit of 500 permits for the Classic Inca Trail route. It is essential to clarify that this quota is exclusive to the Inca Trail network and is not shared with alternative treks like the Salkantay, which operate independently and do not require these permits.

The distribution of these 500 daily permits is as follows:

• Support Staff (Approx. 300 spots): Most of the permits are assigned to the essential staff for the operation: professional guides, cooks, and porters.
• Travelers / Hikers (Approx. 200 spots): This leaves an actual quota of approximately 200 available spaces each day for travelers from all over the world.

Additionally, these regulations established that every agency that operates the route must have an official license, which is evaluated and renewed annually. Likewise, regulations were introduced to guarantee the well-being of the porters, such as strict weight limits and fair working conditions. These measures ensure that the trek is a sustainable, safe, and responsible experience for both visitors and local staff.

Inca Trail Permits 2026

The sale of permits for the entire 2026 season (January to December) will begin at the end of October 2025. The exact release date can vary slightly each year. For this reason, it is essential to be in contact with an authorized travel agency like Tierras Vivas, to act at the precise moment the reservation system opens.

• About the availability of permits for 2026

  If you are wondering, How do you check the availability of permits for 2026? You should know that the only way to check the availability of spaces in real time is through the systems managed by authorized tour operators. These agencies have direct access to the government's reservation platform. During the sale of permits, the real availability can change in a matter of minutes between the moment you check it and the moment you contact an agency. Therefore, the most important factor is not how to get the permit, but when the reservation is made.
  
  

• Can you do the Inca Trail 2026 on your own?

  No, it is not possible. Since 2001, a government regulation states that every traveler must do the Inca Trail through an officially licensed tour operator. These agencies are the only ones authorized to buy the permits and they must be certified by SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and the Ministry of Culture. This measure was implemented to protect the fragile ecosystem and the archaeological sites, ensuring that each group has professional guides, the proper equipment, and complies with conservation rules.
  
  

• How far in advance should I book a permit?

  The entrance tickets (permits) for the Inca Trail must be booked at least 5 or 6 months in advance. However, if you plan to visit during May, June, or July, you will need to get your ticket 7 or 8 months in advance. On the other hand, the tickets for the Short Inca Trail 2 day are not difficult to get; however, it is recommended to book them at least weeks in advance. In the months of May, June, or julio, it is a good idea to book one month in advance.
  
  

  Overview of When to Book Month after Month:

  > January, March – April: The rainy season takes place in these months so the Inca Trail is not crowded as usual. If you want to book for these months, you should make so 1-2 months in advance.
  > May – June: This is the high tourist season for the Inca Trail. Usually, its spots sold out in hours or so. If you are planning on traveling between these months, we advise you to book as soon as spots are available!
  > July – August: The dry season. Tourist tents to travel in this season the most owing to a holiday season of the Northern hemisphere and sunny weather in Peru. In case, you prefer to hike the trail in these months, make a booking 5 months in advance!
  > September – December: In September and October, you can still enjoy the dry season, but November and December are rainy. People, who have not had a chance to take a holiday in previous months, travel during this time. We recommend booking it 4 to 3 months beforehand.
  
  Note: It is important to remember that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu closes completely during the entire month of February each year. This measure is taken by the Ministry of Culture to carry out maintenance, conservation, and cleaning work on the trail, allowing the ecosystem to recover. Therefore, there will be no permits available for any date in February 2026.

Information about permit availability:

• The only way to do the Inca Trail is to hire the services of a travel agency/tour operator authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. 
• The Inca Trail is CLOSED every year in FEBRUARY for due to maintenance and heavy rains. For this reason, neither the Short Inca Trail 2 Days or the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days are available during the month.
• We process the Inca Trail Permits Availability in the same as any other agency.
• The number of spots varies greatly. Agencies usually book up to 30 spots at a time, so do not be surprised if the Inca Trail permit availability is sold out immediately. There is no way to get a spot if permits are exhausted. No travel agency or tour operator can offer you a spot for the Inca Trail!
• This is given by the fact that the Inca Trail permits availability is exclusively managed by the Ministry of Culture. The only entity having control of  the access to the Inca Trail.
• The 4 day Inca Trail has only 500 permits enabled per day which includes personnel.
• The Short Inca Trail has only 250 permits enabled per day which includes personnel.
• Canceled tickets are not transferable. It is also important to say that it does NOT matter how many customers cancel their Inca Trail booking, NO ONE else can use these spots!

Inca Trail Regulations 2026

• Regulations 2026 for Inca Trail permits to establish that permission to enter the Inca Inca Trail Network to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu must be documented and paid (in total) at least 48 hours before its starting date.
• Users of the Inca Trail must identify themselves with their original documents and register their entry in the corresponding security checkpoints of the Ministry of Culture.
• During the walk, you will need to use the double mask and alcohol.
• After to visit Machu Picchu. It is very important to enter to double mask.
• After having entered (visible on security verification), the user will not be able to extend his stay over the amount of time indicated on the entry ticket within the established route, excepting from special proven cases.
• Tour operator, guides and support staff are required to collect organic and inorganic solid waste generated during their stay on the Inca Trail and to remove it from the Sanctuary. For protection and maintenance reasons, there might be periods of restriction and termination of use of the Inca Trail Network. Stakeholders will be notified by a 30-day notice.
• Exceptionally, in situations of risk due to unforeseeable circumstances or force majeure, closure or restriction may be used without prior notice.
• It is forbidden to use the Inca Trail Network from 7:00 pm to 5:30 am, except in exceptional cases.

Elements Not Allowed on the Inca Trail Network:

• Firearms or compressed air weapons, bows and arrows, hunting and fishing instruments, axes, machetes, knives, spikes, shovels or other tools.
• Any type of trap to capture wildlife specimens.
• Fossil fuels such as kerosene, diesel oil, gasoline.
• Stimulants, psychotropic substances, narcotics, or illegal drugs are not allowed by national legislation.
• Sound systems or other noise generators.
• Domestic animals and exotic species.
• Poles with metal tips that do not have rubber protectors or wooden sticks made of native species.
• Bottles, plastic containers and disposable cups.
• Through rubbish.
• Cutting or damaging trees.
• Breaking, or ruining the ruins or the path.
• Kicking/destroying plants, killing animals.
• Camping with open fires or camping within Inca remains (camping is only allowed at authorized areas).

How to Book the Inca Trail Permits?

• It is not possible to enter the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu unless it is through an authorized travel agency. We have many years of experience in operating this fantastic Inca road to Machu Picchu! If you want to book a place, please contact us.
• To obtain an Inca Trail permit, you will need complete details of your passport. Permits are non-transferable and do not allow changes to the date. Before you are allowed to enter the Inca Trail, your passport will be verified with the details in your booking so that no error can occur.
• You must bring the passport with which you made your reservation. If you have changed your passport after booking, you must bring both passports with you. Contact us and confirm the date when you want to travel on the Inca Trail, or if you want this trek to be part of your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
• If the details in your passport and permit do not match, you will not be allowed to start the trek! Therefore, please make sure during the booking process that you did not make a mistake. Once we confirm your permit, you cannot revoke, change or transfer the Inca Trail permit to anybody else! 

Process of Buying Permits for the Inca Trail: Step by Step

Booking a permit for the Inca Trail is a process that requires planning and following the official channels. The correct procedure is detailed below.

1. Select an Authorized Travel Agency
   The first and most important step is to choose an officially licensed travel agency to operate the Inca Trail. Only these companies are authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru to buy permits. Research agencies with good reviews, check that their website is secure, and that they provide clear and accurate information.
2. Check Date Availability
   Once the agency is selected, you must check the availability of spots for your desired dates. Agencies usually have calendars on their websites that show availability. It is essential to remember that for the high season (May to September), reservations must be made 6 to 8 months in advance, as the spots sell out very quickly.
3. Provide the Required Personal Information
   For the agency to buy the permit in your name, you will need to provide the exact information from your travel document. Each permit is linked to a specific passport and is non-transferable. The required information is:
   > Full name (as it appears on your passport)
   > Passport number
   > Nationality
   > Date of birth
   > Gender
   It is crucial that this information is correct, as any discrepancy can prevent you from entering the trail. At this step, you should also request additional services such as extra porters, trekking pole rentals, or communicate dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian).
4. Make the Payment to Confirm the Reservation
   To secure the permit purchase, agencies request an initial payment, which is usually a percentage of the total tour cost. This payment is made through secure methods like online platforms that accept credit or debit cards. Once the agency receives the payment and your information, it will proceed to buy the permit. The remaining balance is usually paid upon arrival in Cusco, before starting the trek. After the purchase, the agency will send you a final confirmation of your reservation.

How Much Is the Inca Trail permit?

4 Day Classic Inca Trail Permit Price

Tour Operator, which offer the Inca Trail Tours 2026, organize and provide their services in different qualities. For this reason, the cost of Inca Trail permit varies from agency to agency.

Classic Inca Trail Permit Prices

What do the prices of the Inca Trail tour include?

It is essential to understand that, due to new regulations, the entry permit for the Inca Trail and the entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu are now two separate items. However, a standard and complete tour package organized by an authorized agency will manage the purchase of both and will generally include the following:

• Permits and Entrances: The mandatory entry permit for the Inca Trail route and the entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Complete Support Team: The services of a professional guide, a trekking cook, and the necessary porters to transport the common equipment.
• Complete Transportation: Ground transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trail (Km 82), the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and the final transportation back to Cusco.
• Food and Camping Equipment: All meals during the trek (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners) and basic camping equipment, such as sleeping tents and a dining tent.

Additional Costs and Optional Services to Consider

There are certain items that are not included in the base price of a tour and should be considered as additional costs. These optional services allow for customizing the experience according to the needs of each traveler:

• Personal Trekking Equipment: Items such as sleeping bags, air mattresses, or trekking poles are not usually included, but they can be rented from the agency for an extra cost.
• Additional Porter: If you do not want to carry your personal belongings (clothes, toiletries, etc.), you can hire the services of an extra porter to carry your backpack.
• Entrance to Additional Mountains (Huayna Picchu): Due to the new circuits and tight schedules, adding the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain after completing the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is no longer a viable option. This is an alternative that should be considered only for the Inca Trail 2 days or if you plan to spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu the next day.

Inca Trail Tours 2026

• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• Machu Picchu 3 Day Hike
• Inca Trail 4 days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days
• Inca Trail Cheap 4 Days
• Salkantay to Inca Trail 6 Days
• Salkantay Trek to Inca Trail 7 Days 
• Condor Sight Salkantay Inca Trail 7 Days

Tours to Complement Your Inca Trail

• Palccoyo Mountain Tour, full day
• Inti Raymi 2026, a full day tour

What Are the Alternatives if the Inca Trail Is Fully Booked?

If there is no longer spot available for the Inca Trail on the desired day, you can still trek to Machu Picchu! Just check the below popular options:

• Lares Trek Peru, 4 days
• Inca Jungle Trek, 4 days
• Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu, 2 days
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail, 4 days
• Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu, 6 days
• Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, 9 days
• Ausangate Peru Hike, 7 days