treks
Inca Trail Permits: How They Work and When to Book
How Inca Trail permits work: daily limits, the February closure, who can sell them, what you need to book, and how far ahead to reserve for 2026 and 2027.
Every hiker on the Inca Trail needs a personal permit, issued by Peru’s Ministry of Culture and sold only through licensed tour operators. About 500 permits are issued per day, a number that includes guides, cooks and porters, so far fewer are left for hikers. The trail closes every February, and for May to August permits usually sell out 6–8 months ahead.
How permits work
- Personal: each permit carries your full name, passport number, nationality and age. Names cannot be changed; a renewed passport number can be updated.
- Non-refundable and non-transferable: once issued, a permit cannot be moved to another date or person.
- Only through licensed operators: you cannot buy an Inca Trail permit on your own; it is always sold as part of a tour. Since May 2026, the permit price includes a S/ 11 conservation fee.
- Machu Picchu entry included: hikers enter through the Sun Gate (Circuit 1) and get a guided tour on Circuit 3 (route 3B).
- Reduced prices: for hikers under 18 and university students under 25 with a valid physical student ID showing a photo and an expiry date.
How far ahead to book
| Travel month | Book ahead |
|---|---|
| May to August | 6–8 months |
| April, September to November | About 4 months |
| December, January, March | About 2 months |
| February | Closed for maintenance |
Permits for the following year usually go on sale at the end of December, so you can already request your 2027 dates and we will book them as soon as sales open.
Permit types
| Trek | Permit | Machu Picchu entry |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail (4 or 5 days, from Km 82) | Inca Trail permit | Sun Gate (Circuit 1) and a guided tour on route 3B |
| Short Inca Trail (2 days, from Km 104) | Short Inca Trail permit, separate allocation | Guided tour on route 3B on Day 2 |
| One Day Inca Trail (from Km 104) | Short Inca Trail permit | Circuit 1 (route 1C) the same day |
| Salkantay or Lares + Short Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail permit for the last day | Route 3B |
On the trail: the rules that come with your permit
- You must hike with a licensed operator and an official guide; independent hiking is not allowed.
- Your passport is checked at the Km 82 or Km 104 checkpoint and again at the end. Bring the same passport used for the permit.
- Camping is only allowed at authorized campsites.
- Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed; bring a reusable bottle.
- Porters’ loads are weighed at the checkpoint to protect them from overloading.
- Leave no trace: carry out all rubbish and stay on the path.
Timeline to book a permit
- Choose your date and trek, and check availability with us.
- Send your passport details and pay the 50% deposit.
- We request the permit in your name the same day.
- You receive the confirmation with your permit details as soon as the permit is issued.
- Pay the balance one month after the deposit, or before departure if you travel sooner.
What we need to book your permit
Your full name and passport details exactly as in your passport, nationality, date of birth and, for students, a photo of your student ID. With a 50% deposit we request your permit right away, and we confirm only once it is issued in your name.
Combining your permit with Huayna Picchu
You can add a Huayna Picchu ticket for the morning you arrive at Machu Picchu (+US$ 75), if your legs still allow it. Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible on the same day as an Inca Trail arrival, because of its entry times. With an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you can also add a second visit the next day.
If your date is sold out
- Choose another date that still has permits.
- Take the Short Inca Trail (2 days), which has its own permits and also enters through the Sun Gate.
- Hike Salkantay or Lares, which need no permit, or combine one of them with the Short Inca Trail.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu entry, porters, meals and an Expedition return train are included.
Inca Trail · permit required
Short Inca Trail
Hike the last stretch of the Inca Trail, enter through the Sun Gate and sleep in Aguas Calientes. Permit, train, hotel and Machu Picchu ticket included.
Andean trek
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail
Combine the Salkantay Pass with the last section of the Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Permits and tickets included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is there a waiting list?
No. Cancelled permits do not go back on sale.
Can I change my name on the permit?
No. Check every detail before you send it.
Do short treks need a permit?
Yes. The 1-day and 2-day Inca Trail need a permit too, from a separate allocation.