Access to the Inca Trail is controlled through a government permit system operated by the Peruvian authorities. Permit numbers are strictly limited in order to reduce environmental damage and manage visitor numbers along the trail. As a result, permits frequently sell out months in advance, particularly during the main trekking season between May and September.
Permits are issued for a specific departure date and include entry to both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Independent trekking on the Inca Trail is not permitted and all visitors must travel with a licensed tour operator and authorised guide. Trekking companies purchase permits directly through the government booking system on behalf of their clients.
The total daily permit allocation includes tourists, guides, cooks and porters, meaning the actual number of tourist permits available each day is significantly lower than many visitors expect. Availability can become extremely limited during peak months and around major holiday periods.
The Inca Trail normally closes throughout February each year for maintenance and conservation work. During this period permits are not issued and the trail remains inaccessible to tourists.
When booking the Inca Trail, passport details must exactly match the passport used during the trek. Changes after booking are often difficult or impossible, and incorrect information can invalidate a permit. Travellers renewing passports before their trip should check current regulations carefully with their tour operator.
Most trekking companies require a deposit at the time of booking due to the non-refundable nature of permits. Once permits have been issued, changes to departure dates are generally not possible.
Travellers planning to hike the Inca Trail should normally book several months in advance, particularly for departures between May and August. Last-minute permits occasionally become available through cancellations, although these are unpredictable and should not be relied upon.