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*** On May 27, 2025, the Ministry of Culture announced a significant regulatory change that affects all visitors completing any of the Inca Trail routes. This includes the 1-day, 2-day, 4-day, 5-day, and 7-day Inca Trail hikes. According to the new policy, hikers who complete any of these Inca Trail options will now be granted access only to Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu.
Circuit #1; encompasses the upper section of the archaeological site, offering panoramic views and the opportunity to take the iconic postcard photo. However, it does not include access to the main archaeological complex located in the lower section, which is typically part of the traditional guided tour through Circuit 3, so, NOW, The Inca Trail hikers will need to BUY an extra ticket to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the world. Welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every year. Due to its popularity and need for preservation, the Peruvian government closely monitors and regulates its use. Therefore, it is mandatory to obtain a permit before embarking on this trail. There are various factors that determine the availability of permits.
Act quickly — spots sell out fast!
Orange Nation Peru has Guaranteed and Flexible Departure Dates, we only need a minimum of 2 trekkers and a maximum of 8 for all of our listed tours.
Permits: All visitors who wish to hike the Inca Trail must have a permit. These permits are limited, and it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (May to September).
How to obtain a permit: Permits for the Inca Trail can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator. You cannot obtain a permit directly from the Peruvian government. Tour operators will purchase permits on your behalf, and you must provide your passport information when booking.
IMPORTANT
If your date is sold out it is sold out for all travel agencies, there are not more permits!
We need Inca Trail availability ONLY for the starting date of your trek!
******The maximum number of Inca Trail permits is 500. Support staff is included within the five hundred, meaning that about 200 pemits are allocated for tourists and about 300 for cooks, porters and guides each day. Inca trail permit availability shown herein is directly provided by the Peruvian Government.
Peak season: The peak season for the Inca Trail is from May to October.
Off-peak season: The off-peak season for the Inca Trail is from October to April. Permits are easier to obtain. However, this is Peru´s rainy season, so the weather is unpredictable. On the other hand, this is the perfect time to book, if the rain doesn´t bother you much and you would like to trek and visit the citadel with fewer crowds.
The Classic Inca Trail permits for the entire year of 2026 will be released during the first week of October 2025. A total of 500 permits will be available, with 200 allocated for tourists and 300 reserved for staff, including guides, cooks, and porters. Historically, May is the first month to sell out, followed by April and June. SO, it is essential to secure your permit well in advance to ensure availability.
Price: You can book at the 2025 rate, allowing you to save money. Each year, the cost of Inca Trail permits and porter salaries increases, leading to an adjustment in our package prices. Booking now ensures you secure the current rate before any future price increases.
Campsites (Most Important): When you book in advance, you will secure a good campsite because those who book early occupy the best spots. For example, the last campsite on the third night, Wiñay Wayna, often reaches full capacity. If it is fully booked, the next available campsite is Phuyupatamarca, which is approximately seven hours away from Machu Picchu. As a result, those who book late are assigned to Phuyupatamarca, meaning they will arrive at Machu Picchu around 11 AM—already exhausted after a long hike. This can diminish the experience, as fatigue may prevent you from fully enjoying Machu Picchu.
Once we purchase the Inca Trail permits, they become non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit you paid to secure the permits will be forfeited. This is in accordance with Peruvian law regarding the Inca Trail.
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
Couples
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2025
Family
We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
Written June 26, 2025
