Inca Trail Permits - Everything you need to know
by The Adventure People on 16th October 2018
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Do I need a permit to do The Inca Trail?
Yes, you can only hike The Inca Trail if you have been granted a permit. You don’t have to get this yourself though. Once you make a booking with us, we will obtain the permit for you.Do I need a permit to visit Machu Picchu?
A permit is only needed if you want to get to Machu Picchu via The Inca Trail. There are plenty of alternative routes to get to the ancient ruins like The Lares Trek, Choquequirao, Inca Quarry Trail, and the Salkantay trek. You don’t have to trek at all if you don’t want to. Why not catch the train instead? There are plenty of tours available that so there are other great ways to hike the Andes and see Machu Picchu if Inca Trail permits aren’t available.How much does the permit cost?
The cost of The Inca Trail permit is included in the price of all our Inca Trail tours so it won’t cost you any extra. However, if for any reason your details change such as your passport number, we will need to request a new permit at an additional cost, which will be quoted subject to availability.What details do I need to provide?
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number (of the passport you will be using to travel)
- Passport Expiry Date (must be valid for a least 6 months after the date of travel)
- Can I change my personal details on my permit?
How many Inca Trail permits are available?
There are only 500 permits available each day, which includes porters, guides, and other staff, so this means there are only about 200 permits allocated to tourists. This is a regulation from the Peru government to help conserve and protect the ancient path to Machu Picchu.Is there a waitlist for cancellations?
No matter how many people cancel their tour, The Inca Trail permits are not rereleased.Are Inca Trail permits available all year round?
The Inca Trail is closed every year in February for conservation and maintenance. February is the height of rainy season so the trail is often flooded.When should I book?
Sooner rather than later. With only about 200 Inca Trail Permits allocated to tourists each day, they sell out very quickly. To avoid disappointment, once you know you want to do the trek and you have your dates finalised, it’s best to get it booked. We offer a deposit option on most of our adventures to make it easier for you to secure your tour now and pay later.What if I’m not granted a permit?
- In the unlikely event that we’re unable to secure your permit, we’ll offer you the following options: Hike the Lares Trek route through the Sacred Valley instead.
- Spend two nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, then join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
- Cancel the trip without penalty.
