Availability Inca Trail 2024

Have you heard? Inca Trail permits for the 2023 season will go on sale on October 11th!

What You Should Know About the Most Coveted Hiking Permits Are you planning to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu next year? Inca Trail permits go on sale starting October 11, so it's a good idea to book your Inca Trail trek now to make sure you don't miss out in 2023. Forget about last-minute Inca Trail reservations during peak season, as there are only 500 permits available per day for hikers and equipment, and they sell out quickly. The 2023 Inca Trail hiking season runs from March through December, but last season, permits for the most popular dates of May, June, and August sold out in a matter of days (in some cases, hours). The main thing you need to know about Inca Trail permits is that they are in very short supply and demand is very high every year. Here's a quick guide to everything you need to know about obtaining Inca Trail permits:

Why do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is one of the world's most popular adventure travel experiences. To help protect the trail from over-popularity, a permit system was introduced to limit the number of people on the trail to 500 per day. The "500 people per day" includes not only hikers but also cooks, porters, and guides. Therefore, you should book your Inca Trail trip well in advance.

Where can I get a permit for the Inca Trail?

Only approved tour operators, such as Valencia Travel, can obtain a permit for the Inca Trail. As part of our all-inclusive travel prices, the cost of the permit is already included in the trip price.

Which months are the most difficult to obtain a permit?

The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is between May and August, and permits for May and June sell out within days, sometimes hours, once they go on sale. So, whether you want to do the classic 4-day trek or join a section of the legendary trail to Machu Picchu, be sure to book well in advance to get a permit for your desired travel dates.

When should I book my Inca Trail trip?

Book at least 6-8 months in advance. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a permit. Valencia Travel has many years of experience offering high-quality, fully supported hiking trips in Peru. Don't leave your Inca Trail trek to chance; join us on one of the best short treks in the world.

Can I hike to Machu Picchu without a permit?

If you want to avoid the popular trail and discover less-traveled routes, there are other options that wind through lush valleys, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks before reaching the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes travelers on a more rugged route, or explore more varied trails away from the crowds that lead to other spectacular Inca ruin sites, such as Choquequirao.

Some additional tips for the Inca Trail

We've put together our tips for a safe and successful Inca Trail hike. Although this is a trek that most hikers can comfortably complete, you should ensure you're getting the right training and preparations. If you sign up for one of our trips, we'll send you a complete dossier with all the information you need. Read some reviews of our trips. If you're still deciding whether to take the trip, here are 20 reasons why you should choose us for your Inca Trail trek.

• Wear hiking or mountain shoes. Shoes with good grip, good support for the sole of the foot, and comfort are essential.
• Acclimatizing and getting used to the altitude is essential. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, and the Inca Trail reaches 4,200 meters above sea level. Many people suffer the consequences of not acclimatizing beforehand. How to do it? Stay in Cusco for at least three days before hiking the Inca Trail.
• Carry your clothes in plastic bags inside your backpack. Especially if you're traveling during the rainy season, this will prevent you from getting cold or sick in wet clothing. Waterproof clothing is perfect.
• Walk at your own pace and carry a walking stick. This tool has been a great ally of hikers for millennia, providing momentum on the climbs and balance on the descents. Take the hike slowly, but without rushing, with the help of a trekking pole. It's not a race, so you don't have to finish first.

We highly recommend the classic 5-day itinerary. With the new restrictions in Machu Picchu, entry into the city is limited to just two hours. The 5-day itinerary gives you more time on the trail to experience each site along the way. This itinerary also includes two visits to the city of Machu Picchu. We enter through the famous Sun Gate in the late afternoon of the fourth day. This itinerary sleeps in the best spots along the trail with fewer people around. You can spend more time in Winyawayna before having a beautiful lunch and then hiking to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Map