Summary of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Overview of the Inca Trail
- Importance of Advanced Reservations
- How to Make Inca Trail Reservations
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s most famous hiking trails. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. There are over 150 licensed Inca Trail tour operators that lead hikers on this trek. While some visitors may choose to take a bus or train directly to Machu Picchu, many prefer the experience of hiking. Whether you decide to hike independently or alongside a tour operator, securing your trail permit or tour reservation early is highly recommended.
Importance of Advanced Reservations
Never underestimate the significance of advance Inca Trail reservations. Only 500 permits are issued for any given day, with approximately 200 allocated to tourists and the remainder allocated to guides, porters, and other trekking staff. This limited availability makes securing your spot crucial.
While there are alternative treks that allow for last-minute hikes to Machu Picchu, trekking along the classic Inca Trail—whether for two days, four days, or longer—requires an advance reservation. Arriving in Cusco without a reservation may lead to disappointment.
Inca Trail Reservations
Plan to book your Inca Trail experience approximately six months in advance, particularly during the high season of June, July, and August. Permits for these months can sell out four or five months prior, making early planning essential.
The months surrounding the peak season can also fill up quickly. If you wish to hike the Inca Trail in April, May, September, October, or November, aim to secure your reservations at least three to four months ahead of time.
During quieter months, such as December, January, and early March, you may find availability when booking three to five weeks in advance, though this can vary based on when permits become available each year. Note that the Holy Week and Easter period (which varies each year) is a popular time for hiking the Inca Trail. Moreover, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, but Machu Picchu itself remains open.
According to Chaska Tours, one of the recommended Inca Trail tour operators, permits seem to sell out earlier each year. Therefore, booking six months ahead—regardless of the time of the year—is the most effective strategy to avoid disappointment.
Making the Inca Trail Reservation
The official government site is an excellent resource for checking the availability of permits for the dates you want to hike the trail, as well as for booking a tour. Some tour operators and intermediaries also provide calendars displaying availability. When you reserve with a tour agency, they will inform you whether they have permits for your desired trek—most agencies do. In this case, the cost of the permit is typically included in the tour price.
If permits are sold out for a specific date, please note that there is no waiting list available. When making a reservation with a tour agency, they usually request a non-refundable deposit.
