Official Availability of the Machu Picchu Trail

We recommend that you make your reservation as quickly as possible online for 2021 and 2022

We expand the information provided by the Ministry of Culture about the opening of the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail from July 15, 2021. Permits are so limited every year… we recommend that you book now!

We have been informed by the government that the permits to enter the Inca Trail for departures in 2022 will go on sale on October 11, 2021. (Last year the trek permits for some dates in April, May and June were sold out in few hours so you should book much earlier this year). Please try to book before the end of October if possible to avoid disappointment. (Permits are so limited each year… we recommend you book 9-7 months in advance)

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be closed in February by order of the Ministry of Culture, since maintenance, conservation and cleaning will be carried out. The entrance to the Inca Trail will be enabled again from March 1.

In this section you can check the availability of this walk arranged by the Ministry of Culture. Here are some facts to keep in mind:

The month of February is the rainy season, so the Ministry closes the Inka Trail.
The availability that we use is the same as that of any other agency, since this information is provided directly by the Ministry of Culture.
The number of spaces is highly variable. Agencies usually reserve up to 30 spaces, so don’t be surprised if you run out of available spaces.
The spaces shown are for either of the two routes, either the Short Inca Trail 2 days or the Classic Inka Trail 4 days.
Availability is managed exclusively by the Ministry of Culture. Only they can manage and authorize access to the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail is enabled only for 500 spaces per day, within which the spaces of the staff (porters and guides) are included.
Have you heard? Inca Trail permits for the 2022 season will go on sale on October 11!

What You Should Know About the Most Coveted Trek Permits
Do you plan to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu next year? Permits for the Inca Trail will go on sale starting October 11, so it’s a good idea to book your Inca Trail trek now to ensure you don’t miss out in 2022.
Forget about last-minute reservations on the Inca Trail during peak season, as there are only 500 permits available per day, for trekkers and equipment, which sell out quickly. The 2022 Inca Trail hiking season runs from March through December, but last season, permits for the most popular dates of May, June, and August sold out in a matter of days (in some cases, hours).

The main thing you should know about the Inca Trail permits is that their supply is very scarce and the demand is very high every year. Here is a quick guide to everything you need to know about obtaining Inca Trail permits:

Why do I need a permit to walk the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular adventure travel experiences in the world. To help protect the trail from becoming too popular, a permit system was introduced to limit the number of people on the trail to 500 a day. The “500 people a day” includes not only hikers, but also cooks, porters and guides. Therefore, you must book your trip on the Inca Trail well in advance.

Where can I get a permit for the Inca Trail?

Only approved tour operators, such as Valencia Travel, can obtain a permit for the Inca Trail. As part of our all-inclusive trip prices, the cost of the permit is already included in the cost of the trip.

What months are the most difficult to obtain a permit?

The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is between May and August, and permits for May and June sell out in a matter of days, sometimes hours, once they go on sale. So, if you want to do the classic 4-day trek or join a section of the legendary trail to Machu Picchu, be sure to book well in advance to get a permit for your desired travel dates.

When should I book my trip on the Inca Trail?

At least 6-8 months in advance. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting a permit. Valencia Travel has many years of experience offering high quality and fully supported walking tours in Peru. Don’t leave your Inca Trail trek to chance, join us on one of the best short treks in the world.

Can I hike to Machu Picchu without a permit?

If you want to avoid the popular path and discover routes less traveled, there are other options that wind through lush valleys, alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks before arriving at the impressive views of Machu Picchu. Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes travelers on a wilder route; or take more varied trails, off the beaten path, that take you to other spectacular Inca ruin sites, such as Choquequirao.

Some additional Tips for the Inca Trail

We have prepared our tips for a safe and successful trek on the Inca Trail. Although this is a hike that most hikers can comfortably complete, you should make sure that you are putting in the correct training and preparations. If you sign up for one of our trips, we will send you a complete dossier with all the information you need. Read some reviews of our trips. If you are still deciding if you want to make the trek, then here are 20 reasons why you should choose us for your Inca Trail trek.

Take hiking or mountain shoes. A shoe with good grip, good support for the sole of the foot and very comfortable is essential.
Acclimatization and getting used to the altitude is necessary. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, and the Inca Trail reaches 4,200 meters above sea level. Many people pay the consequences of not acclimatizing sooner. How to do it? Stay in Cusco for at least 3 days before doing the Inca Trail.
Carry clothes in plastic bags inside your backpack. Especially if you go in the rainy season, that will prevent you from getting cold or getting sick with wet clothes. Waterproof clothing is perfect.
Walk at your own pace and carry a stick (walking stick). This element has been the great ally of hikers for thousands of years, providing momentum on the ascents and balance on the descents. Do the route without pause, but without hurry with the help of a trekking pole, it is not a race, so you do not have to arrive first.

We highly recommend the classic 5-day itinerary. With the new restrictions in the city of Machu Picchu, the entrance to the city is limited to only two hours. The 5-day itinerary gives you more time on the road to experience each site along the way. This itinerary also gives you two visits to the city of Machu Picchu. We entered through the famous Puerta del Sol in the late afternoon of the fourth day. This itinerary sleeps in the best places along the way with less people around you. You can spend more time in Winyawayna, before having a beautiful lunch and then walking to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Map

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Tours in Machupicchu is a Peruvian travel company based in Cusco with many years of experience and vast knowledge of tourism in Peru, especially in southern Peru.