how to get an inca trail permit & book your trek
CuscoHow to Get an Inca Trail Permit & Book Your Trek
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most sought-after hiking experiences, and also one of the most carefully protected. Because of its cultural significance and fragile ecosystems, entry to the trail is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government. That means every traveler must secure a permit through an authorized operator before setting foot on the path. If you’ve dreamed of walking through centuries of Inca history toward the Sun Gate, planning ahead is essential. This guide explains how the permit system works, how to book your trek the right way, and why choosing a certified local company makes all the difference.
Why You Need a Permit
Unlike most trekking routes in Peru, the Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect its delicate environment and archaeological sites, the Ministry of Culture has limited the number of people allowed to hike each day to 500 total permits, which include travelers, guides, and porters.
This quota keeps the trail clean, safe, and sustainable, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same landscapes and silence that define the Inca Trail today. It also means that demand far exceeds availability during high season, so early booking isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.
Permits are not sold directly to travelers. They must be purchased through a licensed tour operator, who handles the reservation process on your behalf. In the past, irregularities in ticket distribution led the authorities to implement a much stricter and fully centralized system. Today, every permit is issued under the traveler’s full name and passport number at the moment of purchase, ensuring transparency and preventing resale or unauthorized transfers. Once issued, permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, as each is officially registered to the individual who will use it.
When to Book
Timing is everything when it comes to securing an Inca Trail permit.
The system typically opens for the new season in October or November of the previous year, and spots for the most popular months, May through September, often sell out six to eight months in advance.
If you’re planning to hike during the dry season, it’s wise to confirm your spot as early as possible. Those traveling in the shoulder months (March–April and October–December) will usually find more availability, along with fewer crowds on the trail.
The trail closes every February for annual maintenance and conservation work. This pause gives the land time to recover and ensures that the infrastructure, steps, drainage systems, and campsites remains in good condition.
To help you decide when to travel, check the related section:
Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail
How the Permit System Works
Once you confirm your travel dates with an authorized operator, they submit your details directly to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture’s online system. This platform tracks and controls the total number of available permits per day. Each booking requires:
- Your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Your passport number and nationality
- Your date of birth and gender
- The preferred start date of your trek
Once submitted, the system immediately allocates your space if spots are available. The operator then purchases the permit in your name. From that moment, your permit is officially linked to your passport.
If your passport is close to expiration or you plan to renew it before your trip, you can still book your permit using your current passport details. Once you receive your new passport, your operator can update the information in the system before departure.
If a passport update is made, you should travel with both the old and new passports for verification purposes.
It’s important to understand that permits are limited per day, not per operator. Even the most experienced companies receive allocations only through this centralized system. Once the daily limit is reached, no more permits can be issued, no matter who you book with.
Choosing the Right Operator
Since permits can only be secured through licensed companies, selecting the right operator is an essential part of your planning process.
All official Inca Trail operators must be authorized annually by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. However, operational standards, group sizes, equipment quality, and labor practices can vary between companies.
One important industry reference in Peru is APTAE (Asociación Peruana de Turismo de Aventura, Ecoturismo y Turismo Especializado). Members of APTAE commit to responsible tourism principles, fair labor practices, environmental stewardship, and compliance with national regulations.
When evaluating an operator, consider:
- Registration and license validity
- Staff welfare and porter working conditions
- Group size policies
- Sustainability commitments
- Transparency in what is included in the price
Pricing differences often reflect variations in service level, logistics, equipment quality, and staff compensation. Since operating costs on the Inca Trail are largely regulated, unusually low prices should be carefully reviewed to ensure that standards are being maintained.
Choosing a reputable and transparent company helps ensure a safe, responsible, and well-organized experience.
Step-by-Step:
Booking Your Inca Trail Trek
- Choose your dates and itinerary.
- Decide which Inca Trail experience suits you best: the classic 4–5-day route or the shorter 2-day option. Each follows the official trail but offers different pacing and overnight arrangements. If traditional permits are sold out, If traditional permits are sold out, your operator may suggest alternative trekking routes that align with your travel style and availability. Each company manages its own portfolio of alternative experiences.
- See more in Inca Trail Alternatives
- Select a licensed operator.
- Check that the company is registered with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and holds a valid Inca Trail license for the current year. Reputable operators are transparent about their registration, sustainability policies, and porter welfare standards. You may also look for membership in recognized industry associations such as APTAE (Asociación Peruana de Turismo de Aventura, Ecoturismo y Turismo Especializado), whose members commit to responsible tourism and fair labor practices.
- Submit your passport details.
- Your operator will need your exact passport information to reserve your permit. Double-check spelling, dates, and numbers to avoid issues later.
- Pay your deposit.
- Once your information is submitted, your spot will be held only after the payment is processed. Because permits are non-refundable and issued immediately, deposits are usually non-transferable.
- Receive confirmation: If you are booking within the current season and permits are available, confirmation is typically issued shortly after the purchase is successfully completed in the Ministry of Culture system. However, if you are reserving months in advance for the following year, deposits may be collected before the official government platform opens. The permit system generally becomes active in January, and only at that moment can permits be formally purchased and confirmed. Because the purchase process operates in real time and is subject to daily availability, it is possible for spaces to sell out quickly while transactions are being processed. Your operator will notify you as soon as the permit has been officially secured. Permit availability is not guaranteed until the transaction is completed in the official government system.
- Prepare for the trek.
- While waiting for your departure, your operator should provide packing lists, acclimatization tips, and logistical details like meeting points, pre-departure briefings, and transportation. (You can find more preparation advice in the Inca Trail Guide and related sections of this series.)
Permit Availability & Updates
Permit availability fluctuates depending on the season and booking patterns.
During quieter months, it’s sometimes possible to find spots just weeks before departure. But in high season, permits often disappear almost immediately after release.
To avoid missing out, it’s best to:
- Register early — at least 6–8 months ahead if you plan to hike between May and September.
- Stay flexible with your dates — your operator can help you identify available start days.
- Consider alternative treks like Ancascocha or Salkantay if all Inca Trail permits are sold out. These routes reach Machu Picchu through different valleys and passes, offering equally spectacular experiences with less crowding.
Operators like Explorandes continuously monitor the government platform and can provide up-to-date availability or secure spots as soon as the system opens.
Understanding the Cost
The cost of your Inca Trail trek includes far more than the permit fee itself. When booking with a reputable operator, you’re paying for a complete logistical operation that covers transportation, guides, porters, cooks, meals, equipment, and environmental compliance.
Permit fees are established by the Ministry of Culture and vary depending on nationality and age (discounts are available for Peruvian and Andean Community citizens, as well as students). The overall trek price reflects additional services and safety standards that ensure a comfortable and responsible experience from start to finish.
Remember: lower prices can sometimes indicate shortcuts, underpaid staff, non-compliance with park regulations, or inadequate waste management. Choosing a certified, responsible operator ensures your journey supports ethical tourism practices and helps preserve the trail.
If Permits Are Sold Out
If your preferred dates are no longer available, don’t give up. Peru offers several alternative routes that reach Machu Picchu through different regions of the Andes.
Treks like the Ancascocha Trail and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu combine breathtaking scenery with fewer crowds and greater flexibility, often without the same permit restrictions. Many travelers who experience these routes say they’re equally transformative, if not more so, because of the solitude and authenticity they offer.
Your operator can help you compare these options and choose the one that best fits your schedule and expectations.
Explore Inca Trail Alternatives
Final Checklist Before You Go
- Book through a licensed operator — never independently.
- Confirm your passport details match your permit.
- Keep a copy of your permit confirmation for your records.
- Attend your operator’s pre-departure briefing to review logistics and packing.
- Respect the rules of the trail — leave no waste, follow guide instructions, and treat archaeological sites with care.
Once everything is confirmed, all that’s left is anticipation. Your permit isn’t just a ticket — it’s your gateway into a world of history, nature, and connection.
Reserve Your Inca Trail Permit Now
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins long before you take your first step. It begins here — with preparation, respect, and the excitement of knowing that soon, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Incas.
