Inca Trail reservations for 2026 and 2027
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is South America’s best-known hike, and its dry-season dates sell out months ahead.
Machu Picchu was connected with the Inca city of Cusco and the rest of the Inca Empire by trails of excellent design in strict and perfect harmony with the natural Andean environment.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu runs through some of Peru’s finest mountain scenery, crossing the Andes mountain range and sections of the Peruvian jungle and rainforest.
Inca Trail Reservations operates the amazing Inca Trail adventure, it passes several well-preserved Inca ruins and settlements before ending at the “Gate of the Sun” on Machu Picchu Mountain.
Why book the Inca Trail early
If you have decided to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, please keep in mind that the daily number of people accessing the trail is restricted and a government-issued inca trail trekking permit is required. Please check availability of inca trail permits before booking any hiking tour that requires it.
If thinking about a Machu Picchu tour, it is very important to book as early as possible. By doing so, be confident you will be the first in line and most likely get the Machu Picchu hiking permit needed for your awesome Peru adventure.
How to reserve the Inca Trail
- Check permit availability Look up your date on our Inca Trail permits 2027 and availability page. For May to September, book about six months ahead.
- Choose your trek and date Most trekkers pick the 4-day Classic Inca Trail. We take reservations for 2026 and 2027.
- Pay your deposit It is US$250 for treks of up to 7 days. Send your passport details with it: the permit is issued in your name and passport number, so we can’t book without them.
- We request your permit We apply to Peru’s Ministry of Culture as soon as sales open for your date and confirm with you once the permit is issued. If we can’t secure it, your deposit is refunded.
Inca Trail booking rules
- Only licensed operators can book Inca Trail permits. Inca Trail Reservations is authorized by the Ministry of Culture (authorization code for 2026–2027: AUT00092).
- The Classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 people a day, including guides, porters and cooks. About 200 of those places go to trekkers.
- Permits are non-transferable, and the date can’t be changed once a permit is issued. From then on, the deposit is non-refundable.
- The trail closes every February for maintenance.
In order to control access to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Area, inca trail regulations need to be followed by all people hiking to the location; all permits are non-transferable and change of dates are not accepted by the government office in charge. The inka trail is closed throughout February for conservation projects.
Peru is a country of friendly people, beautiful scenery, and a great variety of cultural traditions. Hiking the Inca Trail creates lasting memories and instills a great sense of accomplishment once it is completed. This blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration is a great way to experience Machu Picchu!
No Inca Trail permits left for your date? The Salkantay Trek needs no Inca Trail permit and also ends at Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is the best-known and most popular hike on the South American continent, complemented only by the iconic Inca site of Machu Picchu. Together they have become one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Our fully supported 4-day tour along the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is the best alternative for a small group adventure where you will be sharing your experiences with a variety of like-minded travelers from all over the world. This is perfect for individuals, couples or small groups of friends. We invite you to come and enjoy this truly unique and memorable experience. Spaces are limited each day, please review Inca Trail booking information before making the reservation.
Need help with your Inca Trail reservation?
Please contact us and one of our expert advisors will get in touch as soon as possible. You can always secure a trekking permit in advance for the 4 days trek here.
The Peruvian government regulates maintenance, prices and availability of Inca trail permits and in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, authorizes companies to operate along the Inca roads to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail Reservations is authorized to operate along the Incan Roads, authorization code for 2026–2027: AUT00092.
Trail guides for the treks to Machu Picchu
Route, altitude and difficulty for the Classic Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek, before you book.
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Hard
Trek the legendary 42 km Inca Trail through cloud forests to Machu Picchu. 4 days of ancient stone paths, stunning…
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Challenging
The Salkantay Trek in numbers: about 69 km from Challacancha (74 km from Mollepata), Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, and…
Why book with Inca Trail Reservations
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- Small groups, so your guide knows your name
- Commitment to sustainable travel practices
- Handcrafted itineraries off the beaten path
- 24/7 support throughout your journey
Inca Trail Reservations reviews on TripAdvisor
Curtisimo S
4 Day Inca Trail Trek, April 2025
Inca Trail Reservations delivered a top rate experience for us on our classic, 4 day Inca Trail trek. Maria took care of all of our reservations, including travel transfers to and from the airport and train stations. Our guide on the trail, Manuel, is a seasoned Inca Trail veteran. His knowledge of the trail, and the Incan culture and history that it represents, as well as his passion made our trek awesome. He was a very zen leader, letting each of us find his pace, while still checking in to be sure we were okay. The chef and the porters provided excellent, delicious, hot meals and snacks, and did all of the hard work of setting up and breaking down camp–all with a happy and joyful energy that made us feel like welcome guests. If you are thinking of an Inca Trail experience, I highly recommend that you put yourself in the hands of Inca Trail Reservations!
Originally posted on TripAdvisor:
Trip Highlight: “Top Notch Inca Trail Experience: These guys are amazing”
baybeelayzie
7 Day Machu Picchu, April 2024
Inca Trail was so amazing at planning and executing every part of the yoga retreat that I attended – all of their selections for accommodations, foods, destinations, and transportation were spot on and went so smoothly. We didn’t have to worry about a single thing for our packed 7-day itinerary – and I feel like that kind of service, organization, and knowledge is so rare these days. I also want to give the biggest shout out to our amazing tour guide, Eirton – he was super knowledgeable, incredibly kind and patient, and just a joy to be the one to lead us around the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Looking forward to my next adventure with Inca Trail Reservations!
Originally posted on TripAdvisor:
Trip Highlight: “Perfect Itinerary, Execution, and Tour Guide!”
Stories from our trekkers, in their own words
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lm proud to have completed the trek as a fifty plus woman. The trek was challenging but fun and there was alway something interesting to see around every twist or at the top or bottom of every endless set of stairs. The inca ruins along the way were incredible . The food was was great.…
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This trip was everything I hoped for. The views were spectacular and the trek itself was challenging yet enjoyable. The weather was good to us most days but it can be important in dictating the scenery. The food was of really good quality but I would say snacks are important for extra energy. It is…
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This one in a lifetime experience is one I will never forget, Paul and Hilton were great tour guides. The food was absolutely amazing, better than many restaurants in Cusco. Paul was very informative and I learnt a lot about the Inca Trail and the history behind it, he was very funny and made the…
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Machu Pichu? Can’t be done without a decent trek, sir. And then, the Inca Trail ain’t worth nothing. Or so our guide Eber told us. Good on us we chose his Salkantay Trek, and boy was he right. Throughout four days and nights we saw the vastness of the high Andes, the beauty of the…
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It was Dec. 12th 2012. My alarm buzzed at 5:40 am. I sorted out the 80L backpack, threw a rain jacket on me and headed to the hostel lobby – there waited Victor, the guide and the captain of my 4-day Inca Trail experience. I soon got on a bus with 16 other hikers –…
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I very much enjoyed the Salkantay trek. A great group and great guide :). The uphill on the second day was a killer but one of the most spectacular view !!!. The different scenery we walked through was beautiful and our knowledgeable guide made it all the better by informing us about the flora and…
Inca Trail Insights
Tips, stories, and insights from the trail
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How to Get to Machu Picchu: Every Route from Lima and Cusco (2026)
Every way to reach Machu Picchu in 2026: the train, the treks and the budget Hidroeléctrica route, with…
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Inca Trail Porter Etiquette: Tipping, Weight Limits, and How to Trek Responsibly
What Peru’s porter law requires, how to check that your operator follows it, and how much to tip…
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Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: Which to Book When Permits Sell Out
Compare the Salkantay Trek and the Classic Inca Trail: permits, difficulty, scenery and how each ends at Machu…
More ways to reach Machu Picchu
Other treks to Machu Picchu, a day trip from Cusco, and longer Peru trips built around it.
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Challenging
Salkantay Trek Tour: 5 Days to Machu Picchu
Book the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: guide, cook, horses, camping gear, trail meals, a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, the Machu Picchu ticket and the train back.
Duration
5 Days
Group
12
Max Alt.
4,650 m
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Moderate
Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days
Experience Peru’s authentic Lares Valley Trek through remote Andean villages to Machu Picchu. 7-day cultural immersion with Quechua communities, hot springs & expert guides. Book today!
Duration
7 Days
Group
12
Max Alt.
4,500 m
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Advanced
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 11 Days
Trek Peru’s remote Choquequirao ruins to Machu Picchu. 11-day wilderness adventure through rarely visited Inca sites. Expert guides, full camping support. Book now!
Duration
11 Days
Group
8
Max Alt.
4,000 m
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Easy
Machu Picchu Full Day
Discover Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco via scenic train. Perfect for travelers short on time who want to experience Peru’s #1 UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Duration
1 Day
Group
15
Max Alt.
2,430 m
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Intermediate
Machu Picchu Travel 10 Days
Complete Lima-to-Lima package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu. 10-day adventure with all flights, permits & expert guides. Daily departures!
Duration
10 Days
Group
16
Max Alt.
4,215 m
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Intermediate
Inca Trail Andean Adventure 15 Days
Discover Peru’s highlights: Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu. 15-day adventure with domestic flights, expert guides & permits. Book now!
Duration
15 Days
Group
16
Max Alt.
4,215 m
Inca Trail booking questions
Inca Trail Reservations is a licensed Peru tour operator with offices in Cusco and Arequipa, organizing guided treks and tours to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and destinations across the Andes since 2006.
Yes. Inca Trail Reservations is a licensed Peru tour operator authorized to guide trekkers along government-regulated routes, including the Inca Trail, where permits are issued only through licensed operators.
Inca Trail Reservations has organized guided treks and tours in the Cusco region since 2006.
Our operations base is in Cusco, the gateway city for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, and we also have an office in Arequipa.
Yes. As a licensed operator, Inca Trail Reservations secures Inca Trail permits on behalf of travelers. Permits can only be purchased through an authorized operator, not directly by individuals.
You can book directly through our website or contact our team, who typically respond within 24 hours to confirm availability and next steps.
The deposit is US$250 per person for treks of up to 7 days and US$500 for packages of up to 10 days. If we can’t secure your Inca Trail permit, the deposit is refunded (less any card processing fee). Once the permit is issued in your name, it can’t be changed or transferred and the deposit is non-refundable.
For May to September, book about six months ahead, because permits sell out. The Classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 people a day, including guides, porters and cooks, and the trail closes every February for maintenance.
Send your passport details with your deposit. Each Inca Trail permit is issued in the hiker’s name and passport number, so we can’t book without them, and a permit can’t be moved to another person or date once it is issued.
The Salkantay Trek needs no Inca Trail permit and also ends at Machu Picchu, and our Lares Valley and Choquequirao treks reach Machu Picchu too. Contact us with your dates and we’ll suggest the closest option.
Ready to make your Inca Trail reservation?
Reserve with a deposit: $250 for treks of up to 7 days, $500 for packages of up to 10 days. If we can’t secure your Inca Trail permit, your deposit is refunded (less any card processing fee). Once the permit is issued in your name, it can’t be changed or transferred and the deposit is non-refundable.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Palacio del Inka (Cusco), Tambo del Inka (Ollantaytambo), Inkaterra (Aguas Calientes)
Find a lower price? We’ll match it and give you 5% off.