The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is among the world's most sought-after hiking experiences, yet it is also one of the most restricted. Given the high demand for permits, especially during peak season, it is essential to plan ahead and understand the booking process to ensure access to your desired trek. Here is all the information you need to book the Inca Trail 2026, straight from local experts in Cusco.

When Are Inca Trail Permits Released?

The Peruvian government issues permits on a yearly basis, typically in October, that cover the subsequent year. Permits are limited to 500 people per day (including hikers, guides, and porters), making them highly competitive.

Here’s the insider detail:

Release Schedule: Each day in the release week is assigned to a specific month.

✔️ Monday: Permits for March

✔️Tuesday: Permits for April

✔️ Wednesday: Permits for May

✔️ Thursday: Permits for June

✔️ Friday: Permits for July
(Dates can vary slightly, but this is the usual order.)

Why It Matters: If you want to hike during the peak months (April, May, June), permits can sell out within hours of being released. Booking with a local operator ensures your request is submitted the moment sales open.

Why Peak Months Sell Out Quickly

The Inca Trail is considered one of the world's most iconic trekking routes, and demand for permits significantly exceeds supply, especially during peak hiking months such as April, May, and June. These months coincide with Peru's dry season, when the skies are clear, the trails are firm, and the views of the Andes are at their most spectacular. The timing is optimal for photography and for avoiding the heavy rains that typically occur in January and February.

The government will release permits in October for the following year, and each month's allocation will be made available on a specific day. For instance, permits for April might be available on a Monday, May on a Tuesday, and June on a Wednesday. Experienced hikers, local tour operators, and international agencies are ready at their computers the moment the system opens. Due to the high demand for these tours, which includes guides, porters, and trekkers, entire months often sell out within hours, and sometimes even minutes.

If you are planning to hike during a peak month, it is essential to book well in advance through a reputable local tour operator. Local operators are familiar with the precise release dates, prepare all necessary documents in advance, and act promptly to secure your spot before availability is exhausted. If this short booking window is not taken into consideration, there is a risk of missing the opportunity to reserve your trek, which could result in the need to settle for an alternative date.

Why Passport Information Is Critical

When booking your Inca Trail permit, please ensure that your passport information is completely accurate. This includes:

✅ Please provide your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your passport.

✅ Passport number:

✅ Date of birth

✅ Nationality

Please note: Once a permit has been issued, changes to the name or nationality are not permitted. The only exception is updating your passport number if you renew your passport before your trip, but even this must be done at least 24 hours before your hike starts.

Permits Are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable

Once your Inca Trail permit is purchased, it cannot be refunded, resold, or transferred to another person under any circumstances. This regulation, strictly enforced by the Peruvian government, aims to preserve the trail, manage visitor numbers, and ensure equitable access for all trekkers. The permit is issued in the name of the bearer and linked to their passport details,  including full name, nationality, and passport number,  which are verified at every checkpoint along the trail.

Therefore, it is imperative that accurate passport information be provided at the time of booking. Even a minor spelling error has the potential to cause complications, and once a permit is confirmed, changes are not permitted. The only exception to this is if you renew your passport before your trek; in that case, your tour operator can update your passport number up to 24 hours before your hike begins.

These strict policies mean that if your travel plans change or you need to cancel, the permit cost is non-refundable, even if the tour operator wishes to help. For this reason, reputable local operators always recommend booking only when you are certain of your dates and keeping your passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Which Tours Require the Special Inca Trail Permit?

The Peruvian government exercises strict oversight of access to the Inca Trail network to ensure the preservation of its archaeological sites and the integrity of its environment. Any trek that uses any section of the classic Inca stone pathway inside the protected area requires a special Inca Trail permit. These include:

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days – The full, legendary trek from Km 82 to Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail, which is available for a two-day excursion, commences at Kilometer 104 and encompasses the renowned Sun Gate arrival on the first day.

Private or Luxury Inca Trail Treks – These treks share the same routes as the above options, but with upgraded services.

There are other routes to Machu Picchu that do not require this permit, such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Jungle Trail. However, it is still necessary to have Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

If your goal is to follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the original route, it is essential to obtain this permit well in advance.

Why Book with a Local Tour Operator

By choosing Qoricancha Expeditions, a licensed Cusco-based operator, you can be confident that you are making a choice that offers multiple advantages:

✔️ Immediate Access: Our team will submit your permit request the moment sales open, maximizing your chances of securing your preferred date.

✔️ Local Knowledge: We know the precise release schedule, the intricacies of the government system, and proven strategies to avoid booking delays.

✔️ Personalized Service: We offer a range of services, from small-group tours to private treks, to ensure a customized experience that aligns with your pace and interests.

✔️ On-the-Ground Support: Our guides are deeply knowledgeable about the Inca Trail, including its history, points of interest, and lesser-known aspects.

By booking with Qoricancha Expeditions, you are not only supporting the community, but also ensuring your participation in one of the world's most exceptional experiences.

Final Tips for Booking the Inca Trail 2026

It is advisable to choose your travel month with ample lead time, ideally by August or September 2025, to ensure readiness before the release of permits in October.

Please ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended travel date and that the information provided for the permit match the details of your passport.

Your Inca Trail 2026 Awaits

Each stage of the Inca Trail represents centuries of history, stunning natural beauty, and the exhilaration of reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise. However, it is essential to note that securing your permit in a timely manner is a prerequisite for these activities. Due to the high demand for peak months, it is essential to book well in advance. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it is crucial to plan with a trusted local operator to ensure the best possible experience.

Secure your place now, provide your passport details, and allow our seasoned team to manage the logistics. All that is required is to begin the countdown to your journey along the same path once traversed by the Incas.

Please be prepared to make your booking immediately when permits are released, as peak months tend to sell out in hours.

Collaborate with a licensed and experienced local tour operator who is familiar with the system, ensures your reservation, and manages all logistical aspects.