▷ INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY 2027

When Should You Book the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail permits are the first step toward planning your trek to Machu Picchu. As one of the most sought-after trekking routes in Peru, the Inca Trail has limited availability, making early booking essential. Without an official permit, you cannot access this historic route, even if you already have flights, hotels, or vacation plans. The Classic Inca Trail has a daily limit of approximately 500 people, but only around 200 spots are for travelers. The remaining spaces are reserved for guides, porters, and cooks.

That's why planning your Inca Trail booking in advance is especially important during the dry season, when demand is highest. Popular dates can sell out several months ahead, so securing your Inca Trail hike permit early gives you more flexibility when organizing your trip.

How far in advance should you book? We recommend making your Inca Trail reservation at least five months before traveling during peak season. However, availability changes throughout the year, so checking dates early is always the best option.

Don't let your preferred date sell out! Check Inca Trail availability and start planning your Machu Picchu adventure with our team.

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Your safety is our top priority

Explore the Inca Trail with confidence

On every trek, our guides carry satellite phones, pulse oximeters, and essential equipment to monitor your well-being throughout the hike. They also receive Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) and emergency response training to support you at every stage of the Inca Trail.

Trekking

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.

Difficulty Moderate

Duration 4 days / 3 nights

Group Size Up to 16 people per group

Location Cusco, Peru

Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco — Wiñay Wayna — Sun Gate — Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate Duration: Full Day Tour

Inca Trail One Day Tour

KM 104 - Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Inca Trail Short 2 Days

KM 104 - Winay Wayna - Sun Gate- Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Private Inca Trail 4 Days

Dead Woman’s Pass - Runcuracay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

Check Inca Trail Availability by Month

Looking for Inca Trail permit availability in 2027? Use our calendar to explore available dates for the Classic 4-Day and Short 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Select your preferred trek and month to check availability. Inca Trail permits are limited, and spaces can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. If you find a date that works for your trip, contact our team to confirm availability and continue with your reservation.

No availabilityPartial availability80%+ available

Choose Your Ideal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Explore with Confidence

There's more than one way to experience the historic Inca Trail. Whether you're planning the Classic 4-Day trek or checking Short Inca Trail availability, we offer different options to match your schedule, travel style, and sense of adventure.

Each itinerary is designed to let you explore the best of this historic route: Andean landscapes, ancient Inca trails, archaeological sites, local culture, and the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu. All our tours include the necessary permits and are carefully organized to provide you with a safe, authentic, and well-planned experience from start to finish.

Combine the Inca Trail with Other Legendary Routes

If you dream of hiking the Inca Trail but also want to discover other iconic routes in Cusco, our combined tours offer the best of both experiences. Explore the Inca Trail alongside Salkantay or other alternative routes to Machu Picchu.

These itineraries are ideal for travelers who want to experience more of the Andes, from mountain landscapes and local communities to archaeological sites and Andean culture. Enjoy two remarkable adventures in one trip, with permits, logistics, and professional guides arranged by our team.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Lares Trek & Inca Trail Trek 5 Days

Lares Hot Springs - Salt Mines of Maras - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Ancascocha & Inca Trail Trek 5 Days

Ancascocha - Huayanay Pass - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 6 Days

Soraypampa - Sky Camp - Humantay Lake - Short Inca Trail - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 7 Days

Soraypampa - Sky Camp - Humantay Lake - Death Woman’s Pass - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu

Why book with Salkantay Trekking?

Salkantay Trekking is a local tour operator based in Cusco, dedicated to creating authentic trekking experiences to Machu Picchu and beyond. Recognized at the World Travel Awards, we combine local expertise, professional organization, and a genuine passion for sharing our Andean heritage.

When you book the Inca Trail with us, you're supported by an experienced team of guides, cooks, porters, and travel specialists who take care of every detail of your adventure.

100% Cusco-based team

We are a local operator, born in Cusco and deeply connected to our culture, history, and mountains.
International Awards

We have been recognized at the World Travel Awards as one of the leading tour operators in Peru and South America.
Inca Trail Specialists

We design authentic experiences on one of the world’s most iconic routes, respecting its history and natural essence.
Safety and Organization

Every stage of the trek is carefully planned to provide you with a safe, seamless, and well-guided experience.
Expert Local Guides

Our guides share the history, culture, and magic of the Inca Trail from an authentic and personal perspective.
Excellent Food Along the Way

Our chefs are trained to provide high-quality meals, even in remote mountain areas.

Inca Trail map and 4-day itinerary explanation

Planning your Inca Trail adventure is easier when you know what to expect along the route. Our detailed map, created using the experience of a traveler who completed the trek with Salkantay Trekking, highlights the main sections, campsites, elevations, and archaeological sites you'll discover on your journey to Machu Picchu.

Day 1

Cusco | Piscacucho (KM 82) - Canabamba - Llactapata - Huayllabamba - Ayapata

Distance Approx. 8.7 miles / 14 km

Elevation 10,827 ft / 3,300 m

Difficulty Moderate day.

Day 2

Ayapata | Dead Woman's Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha

Distance Approx. 9.94 miles / 16 km

Elevation 13,829 ft / 4,215 m

Difficulty Challenging day.

Day 3

Chaquiqocha | Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna

Distance Approx. 5.59 miles / 9 km

Elevation 11,975 ft / 3,650 m

Difficulty Moderate day.

Day 4

Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

Distance Approx. 3.11 miles / 5 km

Elevation 8,924 ft / 2,720 m

Difficulty Moderate day.

Inca Trail Video: Route, Landscapes, and Experience

Discover what it's like to follow one of the most famous trekking routes in Peru. Covering approximately 44 km (27 miles), the Classic Inca Trail takes you through high mountain passes, cloud forests, ancient archaeological sites, and breathtaking Andean landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu.

Over four days, each section reveals a different side of the region's history and natural beauty. More than a hike, it's a journey through the heart of the Andes and an unforgettable way to experience Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail FAQ’s

Planning your Inca Trail adventure? Find answers to the most common questions about permits, availability, booking, and hiking to Machu Picchu.

Do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes. An official Inca Trail permit is required to access the regulated trekking route to Machu Picchu. Permits are limited and must be arranged through an authorized tour operator. We recommend checking availability before making your travel arrangements.

How do I book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

To book the Inca Trail, first check available dates and choose your preferred trekking package. Then, provide the personal and passport information required for your reservation. Our team will guide you through the booking process and arrange your permits once your reservation is confirmed.

How much does an Inca Trail permit cost?

The Inca Trail permit cost depends on the applicable official fees and traveler category. When you book an organized Inca Trail trek with Salkantay Trekking, the required permit is included in the tour price, subject to confirmed availability. Contact our team for the current package rates and inclusions.

Are Short Inca Trail permits different from Classic Inca Trail permits?

Yes. The Short 2-Day and Classic 4-Day Inca Trail follow different itineraries and have separate permit availability. If you're considering the shorter route, check Short Inca Trail availability for your preferred date before booking.

What happens if Inca Trail permits are sold out?

If your preferred date is sold out, you can check alternative departure dates or consider another route. Depending on availability, the Short Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek may be suitable alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu.

How can I check Inca Trail permit availability for 2027?

Use the availability calendar on this page to select your preferred trek and month. You can explore available dates for the Classic 4-Day and Short 2-Day Inca Trail. Contact our team to confirm Inca Trail permit availability before completing your booking.

How far in advance should I make my Inca Trail reservation?

We recommend booking at least five months in advance, especially for travel between May and September. The most popular dates may sell out earlier, so checking Inca Trail availability as soon as you start planning is advisable.

Is the Inca Trail the most popular Machu Picchu hike?

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular Machu Picchu hikes, known for combining mountain scenery, ancient Inca pathways, archaeological sites, and the memorable arrival through the Sun Gate. It's an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience both trekking and Inca history before visiting Machu Picchu.

Are Inca Trail tickets the same as Machu Picchu tickets?

No. Travelers sometimes refer to permits as Inca Trail tickets, but they are different from regular Machu Picchu entrance tickets. An Inca Trail permit authorizes access to the regulated trekking route, while a Machu Picchu entrance ticket provides access to the archaeological site. Our Inca Trail packages include the required arrangements according to the itinerary.

Can I change my Inca Trail booking date after purchasing a permit?

Inca Trail permits are generally non-transferable, and changes to confirmed travel dates are restricted. Make sure your passport details and departure date are correct before completing your Inca Trail booking. Contact our team if you need help reviewing your reservation conditions.

Travel Associations & Certifications