THE INCA TRAIL · PERMITS & PLANNING
Inca Trail availability. Your journey starts here.
Check Inca Trail permit availability, choose your preferred departure and let our local team help you take the next step towards Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu, Peru · Inkayni Peru Tours
01 / FIND YOUR DEPARTURE
Find your date on the trail.
Select a date to request a permit check. The numbers belong to the shared Inca Trail quota, not to seats in an Inkayni group.
Checking permit availability…
Availability is updated once or twice daily by Inkayni Peru Tours. Counts may change before your booking is confirmed. Please reconfirm with our team.
Looking at a different year or the Short Inca Trail? Ask our team to check the right permit for your route.
02 / FROM DATE TO DEPARTURE
Your permit, in three simple steps.
Inkayni Peru Tours is an authorized Inca Trail operator. Our local team coordinates your permit and trek with you.
- 01
Check your dates
Explore the shared permit calendar and choose your preferred departure. If possible, include two alternative dates.
- 02
Reconfirm with our local team
Tell us your route, service and number of travelers. Our advisors check the permit availability for your plans.
- 03
Book and receive confirmation
Provide the required traveler details through the booking process, review the service policies and complete the applicable payment. Your reservation confirmation arrives by email.
EXPLORE THE TRAIL
Follow the route to Machu Picchu.
Explore the Classic Inca Trail map and watch the journey before you go.
The Classic Inca Trail. Four unforgettable days.
Walk in the footsteps of the Incas along a 44-kilometer trail that brings together mountain scenery, archaeological sites and the arrival at Machu Picchu. Choose a shared adventure or your own private service.
4 days / 3 nights · Camping · Machu Picchu
03 / CHOOSE YOUR JOURNEY
More ways to walk the Inca Trail.
Find the itinerary that fits your time and travel style. Each tour page has its own inclusions, prices and booking options.
A little flexibility goes a long way.
Permits are limited and popular dates can sell quickly. Plan ahead and have alternatives ready.
Book well ahead
For the busy May–July season, we recommend planning 6–8 months ahead. For October–December, aim for 3–5 months. Availability still needs to be confirmed.
Keep two dates in reserve
Two alternative departure dates give our team more options if your first choice is unavailable. A date request is not a permit guarantee.
Wait for your confirmation
Once your permit is secured, we will send your reservation details by email. Wait for this confirmation before purchasing flights.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. PERSONAL ATTENTION.
The people behind your journey.
Expert local guides, thoughtful camp support and small groups are at the heart of the Inkayni experience. Check the inclusions of your chosen itinerary.
Expert Guides
Incredible destinations with passionate professionals! Live the most complete experience accompanied by our expert local guides who share knowledge and passion to create an extraordinary trek that will remain etched in your memory forever.
Safety
On your side, step by step! At Inkayni Perú Tours, we know that there is nothing better than travelling without worries. So, that is the reason we have the implements, processes and staff constantly trained to deal with any unforeseen event.
The Best Food
The best trekking route deserves the highest quality food! We are happy to be able to delight the most demanding palates since we have the most skilled and most experienced chefs, who create delicious and nutritious dishes.
Best And Complete Equipment
Quality camping equipment, spacious tents shared by two travelers, comfortable mattresses and inflatable pillows help you rest along the trail. Confirm the equipment included in your chosen trek.
Light Trekking
Less weight, better experience! We have a staff of highly trained porters who will take care of carrying all the equipment you need for the Inca Trail (6 kg per traveller) in a totally safe and responsible way.
Private Portable Toilets
Quality and privacy everywhere! Forget about using the public restrooms on the Inca Trail. Our package includes modern and comfortable private portable toilets, which will be available at our resting places.
Ecological Tours
Travel with respect for the trail and its communities. Our team follows leave-no-trace practices and works to reduce the environmental impact of each journey.
Door-To-Door Service
Exclusive trip from start to finish! With our fully certified and updated transportation machines and team, you can guarantee your safety while travelling to the Inca Trail or any other excursion.
Small Groups
Enjoy a closer experience! Whether you choose a private or group service, we guarantee you’ll receive genuine attention with our small group trips.
04 / BEFORE YOU BOOK
Inca Trail questions, answered.
Permits, preparation and the journey itself. Find the essentials here, or talk to our team about your plans.
No matching questions. Try another word or contact our team.
How to book Inca Trail hike, what information do we need to make your booking?
To book, our team needs your full name as it appears on your passport, passport information, date of birth, gender, nationality and email address. Provide these through the booking process, not through this initial availability request.
The original booking information specifies a 40% deposit and payment by Visa, PayPal or bank deposit. Confirm the applicable terms for your chosen service with our team before paying. Wait for your permit confirmation before buying flights.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in the world and the most important in South America. It is an outstanding trail, on which you will hike a part of the famous Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail, crossing different ecosystems, unique landscapes and beautiful archaeological centres until you reach the impressive complex of Machu Picchu.
Currently, there are different versions of the Inca Trail, 2, 4 and 5 days. Choose the one that perfectly suits you and embark on this remarkable adventure that will change your life.
Where is the Inca Trail Hike?
The Inca Trail circuit to Machu Picchu is located to the northwest, approximately 60 km from the city of Cusco, exactly at Km 82 of the railway line, which is located between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Best time to hike Inca Trail Perú?
The best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which normally begins in April and ends in the first weeks of October. During this time of year, you can enjoy landscapes free of fog and rain, making hiking the Inca Trail easier.
How long is the Inca Trail in Perú?
The Inca Trail distance is approximately 44 km (26.6 miles), which you will cover during the 4 or 5 days of the tour, depending on your choice. If you choose the 2-day Short Inca Trail, you will walk an average of 15 km (8 miles).
How hard is the Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail 4 or 5 days presents challenging difficulty, crossing different terrains, altitudes and weather. Usually, the second day is considered the most challenging, as we ascend to an altitude of more than 4,200 m/13,820 ft.
Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to hike the Inca Trail on your own. According to the official regulations of the Inca Trail since 2001, all travellers must be accompanied by a professional and certified guide which is controlled by the tour operator.
How high is the Inca Trail hike?
The highest point of the Inca Trail is 4,215 m./13,829 ft., belonging to the Warmi Wañusca Pass, which we will reach on the second day of our trek.
Where does the Inca Trail start and end?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts at km 82 in Piscacucho and ends at the spectacular archaeological site of Machu Picchu at dawn on the fourth day. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco to close this unique experience.
Do you need hiking boots for Inca Trail?
Definitely yes. The Inca Trail is challenging, and it would be better to use comfortable trekking shoes. These shoes should have specific characteristics such as waterproof, breathability, lightweight, shock protection, a non-slip sole and optimal cushioning.
How much to tip on Inca Trail hike?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is an invaluable contribution and recognition for all our staff (guides, cooks and porters) who make sure your Inca Trail experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Remember that we work with local people, whose main economic source is tourism.
How to prepare for hiking the Inca Trail?
The main recommendation is to do physical activities such as swimming, running and hiking that strengthen your cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems. It is also ideal to practice mountaineering for 1 day to more and familiarize yourself with the natural environment and outdoors.
It is highly recommended that you go hand in hand with your doctor’s indications, who will verify your medical condition prior to this trek.
Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
Yes, the Peruvian government has set aside February for maintenance due to the fact that the Inca Trail is visited by thousands of people every year. They clean and maintain the Inca Trail in February. This guarantees its conservation for years.
What to pack for the Inca Trail hike?
ESSENTIALS: Original physical passport, ISIC card (students), extra money (soles), a water bottle, personal medication, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, mosquito repellent and personal care items.
CLOTHING: Waterproof and windbreaker jacket, fleece jacket, hiking boots, light shoes or trekking sandals, trekking socks, trekking pants (detachable), thermal pants and rain poncho.
EQUIPMENT: Trekking poles (rent with us), sleeping bag (rent with us), duffle bag (we provide), medium trekking backpack.
RECOMMENDED: Camera, charger and portable battery, healthy snacks, towel, wet wipes and flashlight.
What size daypack for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
If you are going to hike the Inca Trail for 4 or 5 days, it is recommended to carry a backpack of 35 to 40 liters (men) and 25 to 30 liters (women), to have clothes, accessories and food on hand during the trek.
If you do the Short Inca Trail, you are going to need to carry a backpack of 25 to 30 liters.
What to do in Cusco before the Inca Trail?
It is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days before the Inca Trail. On those days, it is possible to participate in full-day treks or tours to acclimatize to high altitudes. Here are some recommendations.
- City Tour Cusco – Half Day
- Sacred Valley + Chinchero – Full Day
- Sacred Valley Vip – Full Day
Your dates. Your pace. Our local expertise.
Tell us when you would like to travel. We will help you check the options and plan the journey.