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The classic Inca Trail is the one trek to Machu Picchu that needs a government permit — and they're strictly limited, non-transferable and sell out months in advance. Here's exactly how they work, and what to do if they're gone.
Why permits are limited
To protect the trail, the government caps the number of people on it each day — and that cap includes guides, cooks and porters, so the spots for actual trekkers are far fewer than the headline number. Once a day is full, no more permits are issued, period.
When to book
Permits are released for the whole year and disappear fastest for the peak dry-season months. As a rule of thumb:
- May–September: book 4–6 months ahead
- Rest of the year: 2–4 months ahead
- February: the trail closes every year for maintenance
Permits are tied to your passport name and can't be changed or resold later. Book with your real passport details — a typo can cost you the permit.
The rules
Only licensed operators can buy Inca Trail permits and run the trek — you can't do it independently. You'll need to send your passport details early so we can secure the spots the moment they're needed.
No permits left? The 2-day option
If the 4-day trail is sold out, the 2-day Inca Trail (from Km 104) walks the beautiful final stretch past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, finishing at Machu Picchu — with its own, more available permit.
| 4-day Inca Trail | 2-day Inca Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Nights camping | 3 | 0 (hotel in town) |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Moderate |
| Permit demand | Sells out first | More available |
Plan this trip with a local specialist
Tell us your dates and what you have in mind — a specialist from our Cusco team builds a trip to match your plans and budget, and answers every question. No obligation.