Inca Trail Permits
The Peruvian government limits access to the Inca Trail to 500 people per day, including guides and porters. This means only about 200 tourist spots are available daily. Permits are mandatory, non-transferable, and can only be purchased through a licensed tour operator.
This permit system, managed by the Ministry of Culture (MINCETUR), exists to preserve the trail and its archaeological sites. Without the cap, the trail would be overcrowded. Book ahead.
Check Live Permit Availability
Select a date to check real-time Inca Trail permit availability. Green dates have permits available, amber dates are selling fast, and crossed-out dates are sold out.
Permit Pricing (2026)
| Category | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | $152 USD | Standard rate for all international visitors |
| Foreign Student (ISIC) | $77 USD | Valid ISIC card required. University ID not accepted |
| Peruvian Adult | S/. 64 | DNI required |
| Huayna Picchu Add-on | ~$75 USD | Separate permit, limited to 400/day |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | ~$75 USD | Separate permit, limited to 400/day |
These are government fees collected at the time of booking. The permit fee is included in all our tour package prices, there are no hidden costs.
Permit Availability by Month
June and July permits sell out 6+ months in advance. Wet season months have the most availability.
Booking Timeline
- Peak Season (June–August): Book 4–6 months ahead. June and July can sell out within weeks of release.
- Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October): Book 2–3 months ahead. Good weather with more availability.
- Low Season (November–January, March): Book 1–2 months ahead. Permits rarely sell out, but afternoon rain is common.
- February: The trail is closed for maintenance. No permits issued.
Required Information
To secure your permit, we need the following at the time of booking:
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Passport number (must be valid through your trek dates)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Gender
Important: If you renew your passport between booking and trekking, notify us immediately. The permit is tied to your passport number.
Cancellation & Refunds
Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased from the government. This is a government policy, not ours. Specifically:
- Name changes are not possible under any circumstances
- Date changes are only granted in rare, exceptional cases
- If you cancel your trip, the $152 permit fee cannot be recovered
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation
See our full cancellation policy for package-level refund details.
Permit Alternatives
If the Inca Trail is sold out for your dates, these treks also reach Machu Picchu without requiring an Inca Trail permit:
Salkantay Trek (5 days)
The most popular alternative. Crosses the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,630m with views of the snow-capped Salkantay peak (6,271m). Passes through cloud forest and ends with a train to Aguas Calientes. No permit limits, available year-round.
Lares Trek (4 days)
A cultural trek through remote Quechua communities in the Lares Valley. Hot springs, traditional weaving, and stunning mountain scenery. Less physically demanding than the Inca Trail. Ends with a train to Machu Picchu.
Short Inca Trail (2 days)
Starts at KM 104 (skipping the hardest sections) and hikes to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu. Requires a separate permit (different allocation from the 4-day trek, often available when the Classic trail is sold out). No camping, overnight in Aguas Calientes.