The classic Inca Trail (4 days) and the short version (2 days) are among the most sought-after treks in the world. That fame comes at a price: the Peruvian government limits access to only 500 people per day, including guides and porters.
If your dream is to walk the Inca path, planning is the most important part of the trip. This is the Tari Tours guide to securing your permit before it sells out.
1. The golden rule: when to book?
Demand is far higher than supply. If you wait too long, you’ll almost certainly miss out.
- Classic Inca Trail (4 days). Plan to book 6 to 8 months in advance. Example: to hike in July (high season), permits usually sell out between January and February.
- Short Inca Trail (2 days). It’s less in demand than the classic route, but permits sell out too, because it also lets you reach Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
2. Why do permits sell out so fast?
Permits aren’t sold to individuals: only government-authorized travel agencies can buy them. Sales are first come, first served, and open on specific dates each year.
A brake on mass tourism. The limit of 500 people per day was set to preserve the Inca path, which makes the experience exclusive and valuable.
3. The details needed to buy your permit
When the agency applies for your permit, it will need your exact details. Any mistake can make the permit invalid at the checkpoint:
- Scanned copy of your passport. Your name, passport number and date of birth must match the travel document you’ll use exactly.
- Fixed dates. The permit is tied to the start date of the trek. Once it’s bought, the date can’t be changed.
Book with the passport you’ll actually travel with: you’ll have to show it at the trail checkpoint.
4. Inca Trail vs. Salkantay: plan B
If the Inca Trail is fully booked, all is not lost.
The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative, with more availability. It doesn’t require Inca Trail permits and also offers high-mountain scenery and access to Machu Picchu. It’s a first-rate plan B.
Don’t leave your Inca dream to chance
The only way to secure your spot on the most famous trail in the world is to book with an experienced agency as far in advance as possible.
Want to secure your spot on the Inca Trail?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We check permit availability for your date and, if it’s sold out, arrange the Salkantay Trek as an alternative.