The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the most amazing treks in the world, for its exquisite natural beauty and different ecological niches ranging from the Mountains to tropical forests. The Incas created a vast network of roads that go throughout the Andes from Argentina to Colombia and from the coast to the Amazon rainforest.This inca trail was built approximately 620 years ago , to connect their capital city of Cusco to the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu. The 4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a branch, which goes from the Andes to the Jungle.
Today tourists start their hike from KM 82 piscakucho, which is located in the end of the Sacred Valley very close of Ollantaytambo, in the way to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. This challenging hike offers trekkers incredible views of ,several inca temples, amazing cloud forest, and sacred mountains the total distance is 45 km /26 miles.
It is becoming more and more difficult to get permits. In 2024, almost all of the permits were sold out for the high demand weeks of April, May, June and July of 2024 within the 1st day of going on sale. By the end of March 2024, the permits were almost completely sold out until mid September.
This year, permits for 2025 are going on sale the 1st of October 2024. It will probably be more difficult for the 2025 season to get permits. The demand is going up! BOOK NOW to secure your 4 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits.
Access to the Inca Trail is extremely regulated by the Peruvian government. Entrance to the trail is restricted by a permit process and only 500 permits are issued per day. Everybody entering the trail, trekkers and trekking staff, needs a permit so they sell out quickly. A typical day on the trail consists of approximately 200 trekking tourists and 300 trekking staff made up of guides, chef’s and porters.
The Inca Trail Permit System was created by the Peruvian government to help prevent serious overcrowding, overuse, and erosion on the historic Inca Trail. A limited number of total permits are available each day to hike the Inca Trail. Permits are required for all hikers – including porters, guides, and trekking customers. The Inca Trail is the classic trail created in the 15th century by the Incas to get to Machu Picchu. The 51-55 mile trail enters Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate. The tightly controlled number of daily hiking permits is why it’s essential to book your Inca Trail Trek early, as permits sell out 3 to 6 months in advance, for popular May through August trekking dates. Inca Trail Expeditions has a 99% success rate at helping customers get the permit dates they want, with advance planning.
For the 2025, we are pleased to report that the number of available daily permits to hike the Inca Trail is back up to the pre-pandemic full amount.
The Details on Inca Trail Permit Government Regulations for 2025 Season:
If you don’t get a permit for your preferred date, the good news is that you have a few other options (alternative treks to Machu Picchu)
First, when booking with Inca Trail Expeditions, you not only choose your first preferred date, but we also ask for your two alternative dates right up front. This gives you the best shot of getting a permit on the very first time we submit your request in the permit system. Be sure to have three possible dates for hiking the Inca Trail in mind when you start your booking process.
Your other option is to do one of many Alternative Treks. Alternative Treks are literally “alternative” hiking trips to hiking on the actual classic Inca Trail. They take many other incredibly scenic trails through the Andes mountains, and you still get to go to Machu Picchu! Alternative Treks end at the town before Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – and you will take a bus up to Machu Picchu the next morning. You can’t go wrong with any of these amazing trek choices:
Each of these treks still highlights the lush and historic beauty of the ancient paths of the Incas in the Andes. They don’t require a permit because you are not traveling on the specific trail known as the classic Inca Trail. Huge plus, you’ll avoid the more crowded Inca Trail!
If you really only want to hike the Inca Trail and can’t get your 2025 preferred dates, then you can plan ahead for 2026 and get to be first in line. The Peruvian government releases permits on a rolling basis, typically in the fall prior to the year you want to trek (for example, permits for 2025 were released in October of 2024). Mark it on your calendar, and prioritize booking your trip as soon as you can for a better second chance.
