Inca Trail Permit Information and Availability - Updated April 22, 2010

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Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail have reopened as of April 1, and are operating normally. Please note that the train back from Machu Picchu is still affected by January's flooding, but Peru Rail is offering combined train/bus service back to Cusco. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail were not affected by the flooding, and both are in great shape.

Who Needs a Permit?

In order to trek any portion of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, you will need a permit issued by the Government of Peru. There are only 500 permits available for any trek departure date. Of these, about 300 are allocated to guides, porters, and cooks; this leaves 200 available for travelers. The permit is issued for the day you start your trek, and is valid for your entire trek. Due to the popularity of the trek, these permits sell out extremely quickly (4 or more months in advance), especially in the busiest months of June, July, August, and September.

How Are Inca Trail Permits Issued?

Inca Trail permits must be purchased in person in Cusco, and are issued on a first come-first served basis. When a permit is issued a passenger's passport number must be attached to the permit, so that only that person can use the permit, and a non-refundable permit fee must be paid. The permit is not transferable to another passenger, and the permit fee is non-refundable.

Trekkers cannot buy these permits independently because they must travel with an official trek operator (non-guided trips are no longer allowed). Thus, travelers need to book their Inca Trail trek with a provider several weeks, if not months, in advance!

It's worth noting that you only need a permit for your trek departure date. Dates with fewer than 100 permits remaining often sell out within a day.

Treks That Don't Require Permits

Inca Trail Permits sold out on your dates? Don't despair, there are a number of fantastic treks on non-permitted Inca Trails that offer solitude, Andean scenery, culture, and Inca and pre-Inca ruins that don't require Inca Trail permits, and are available all summer long. Some of these treks end at or near Machu Picchu, and all can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu, so don't postpone your Peru trip just because Inca Trail permits are sold out. Local trekking guides and well-traveled trekkers often feel these other trails are actually more interesting than the famous "Inca Trail." Check out these treks here:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/categories/Inca_Trail_Non_Permitted_Treks_350/index.html

Permit Availability (As of April 22, 2010)

Permit Availability

Permits are sold out until August 14, so it won't be possible to get a trip before that date. Permit availability is limited through August, but is pretty good for September through the end of the year.

To learn more about the Inca Trail, view our Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions here: Inca Trail FAQ's