The short answer
- Daily limit
- 500 people, about 200 of them hikers
- 2027 permits on sale
- Not yet announced; expected Oct or Nov 2026
- Book June to August
- As soon as permits open
- Closed
- Every February
What's changed recentlyShow
- Sep 2026Ministerial Resolution 000333-2026-MC: operators must now pay for permits within about 15 minutes instead of holding them for 3 hours, register every hiker's full name up front, and permits cannot be transferred or rescheduled except for proven force majeure.
- Sep 2026The ministry released Inca Trail places that had been held without payment, and began action against the operators involved.
- Late Sep 2026No release date had been announced for 2027 permits.
You cannot hike the Classic Inca Trail on your own. Peru's Ministry of Culture sells a fixed number of permits for each day, only licensed tour operators can buy them, and each permit carries the hiker's name and passport number. Once a day sells out, the only way on is if the ministry releases unpaid places.
So the real question is not whether to go, but how early to book. The answer depends on the month.
How the permit system works
- 500 a day: The Classic 4 day trail from Km 82 allows 500 people a day, including guides, cooks and porters, so only about 200 places go to hikers. The 2 day Short Inca Trail from Km 104 has its own limit of 250.
- Operators only: You book a trek with a licensed operator, and they buy your permit with your passport details. Your permit includes entry to Machu Picchu.
- Named and final: Since September 2026 permits must be paid for within minutes, cannot be transferred to another person and cannot be moved to another date. Only a passport number typo can be corrected, in exceptional cases.
- Closed in February: The trail closes for maintenance every February, and no permits are sold for that month.
When do permits go on sale?
Permits for the next year usually go on sale in October or November, released over several days, one month at a time. The ministry announces the date only shortly before, so operators open waiting lists and book the moment sales start.
| Permits for | On sale |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 to 19 October 2022 |
| 2024 | 9 to 18 October 2023 |
| 2025 | From 4 November 2024 |
| 2026 | 17 to 25 November 2025 |
| 2027 | Not announced as of late September 2026 |
Release dates as reported by licensed operators.
Tip: Book with an operator before sales open. Most take a deposit and your passport details in advance and buy your permit as soon as your month is released.
How early each month sells out
| Start month | Book this far ahead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | 4 to 5 months | Popular dry season start |
| June to August | As soon as permits open, 6 months or more | Sells out first, especially mid June to mid August |
| September and October | 3 to 5 months | Excellent weather; books up steadily |
| April and November | 2 to 4 months | Shoulder season |
| December, January and March | 1 to 3 months | Wet season; some late availability |
| February | Closed | Hike Salkantay or Lares instead |
Typical patterns reported by operators in recent years. Group size matters: one or two places are easier to find than six.
If permits have sold out
Missing out on the Classic trail is common, and the alternatives are excellent. Compare them side by side in our trek comparison.
- Short Inca Trail (2 days): Still needs a permit, but they last longer. You walk the final section via Wiñay Wayna and through the Sun Gate.
- Salkantay (4 to 5 days): No permit, bigger mountains and a higher pass at about 4,600 m.
- Lares (3 to 4 days): No permit, weaving villages and hot springs, then the train to Machu Picchu.
- Check for released places: Unpaid places are sometimes released close to the date, as happened in September 2026. Ask your operator to watch for them.
The 2 day Short Inca Trail
If you cannot spare four days, or the Classic trail is full, the Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104 and walks 6 to 7 hours past the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate. You sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and tour Machu Picchu the next morning. It still needs a permit, but they sell out later.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I buy an Inca Trail permit myself?
No. Only licensed tour operators can buy permits, and you must hike with a licensed guide.
When do 2027 Inca Trail permits go on sale?
The date had not been announced by late September 2026. In recent years sales opened in October or November. Book with an operator now and they will buy your permit as soon as sales open.
Can I change the date of my Inca Trail permit?
No. Under the September 2026 rules, permits cannot be rescheduled or transferred except for proven force majeure, so choose your dates carefully and buy travel insurance.
How much does the Inca Trail cost?
Most good operators charge US$750 to US$1,400 for the 4 day trek, including the permit, Machu Picchu entry, camping, meals, porters and the train back. Very cheap treks usually cut corners on porter welfare and food.
Sources we checked
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