2027 Inca Trail Availability & Permits

It is essential to book the Inca Trail in advance because permits are limited to 500 people per day. Approximately 300 permits are allocated to trekking staff—including guides, porters, and chefs—leaving only 200 permits available for hikers.
Permits sell out quickly, so we strongly recommend booking 3–5 months in advance. For the best availability, especially during the high season, you may reserve up to one year ahead.

Yes. The 4-Day/3-Night Inca Trail is suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
You do not need to be an expert, but you should enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and camping. A reasonable level of fitness and preparation for mountain hiking are recommended.

Yes. If you are renewing your passport or have not yet received your new one, you can book using your current passport number or another valid form of identification.
Once you receive your new passport, email us the updated details, and we will update your permit with the Peruvian government.

Permits for the following year are normally released during the first week of October.
If you plan to hike the Inca Trail in 2027, we recommend booking with Alpaca Expeditions before permits are released. This allows our team to secure your permit and the best available campsites as soon as reservations open.

The Classic Inca Trail covers approximately 45 km (26 miles).
The trek begins at KM 82, along the railway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, and finishes at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level.

You will spend three nights camping along the trail.
We provide comfortable tents, sleeping pads, and pillows. Sleeping bags and inflatable sleeping pads are also available to rent if needed.

Alpaca Expeditions specializes in small-group tours to provide a more personalized experience.
Our groups typically include 10–16 hikers and two English-speaking guides. One guide leads the group, while the second remains toward the back to ensure that no traveler hikes alone.

Absolutely. If your children enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and camping, the Inca Trail can be a wonderful family adventure.
Our guides and trekking team will work to make your experience safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Each year, we successfully secure permits for approximately 99% of our clients’ requested dates.
However, thousands of tour operators compete for permits when they are released, so availability can never be guaranteed. Our experienced booking team will work hard to secure your preferred departure date.

Booking with Alpaca Expeditions is simple:

1. Complete the online booking form on our website.
2. Pay a deposit of $200 per person.
3. Receive your booking confirmation from our team.

Once your reservation is confirmed, we will take care of the permit process. The remaining balance can be paid at our Cusco office before your trek begins.

Like any hike in the Andes, the Short Inca Trail includes uphill and downhill sections. However, it is achievable for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.
The trail features beautiful mountain scenery, cloud forests, orchids, archaeological sites, and spectacular views before reaching the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
It is an excellent option for families, older travelers, or anyone who does not have enough time to complete the 4-day trek.

The Short Inca Trail covers approximately 15 km (9 miles).
Along the route, you will visit fascinating Inca archaeological sites before reaching the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, where you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

Yes. We strongly recommend booking well in advance because permits are limited to 250 people per day, including hikers and trekking staff.
Due to the trail’s popularity, permits often sell out several months ahead of time.

We recommend arriving in Cusco 2–3 days before your trek to give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude.
If you can only arrive one day before, stay well hydrated, eat light meals, rest, and avoid strenuous activities during your first day.

Alpaca Expeditions is one of the leading local tour operators for the Inca Trail.
We are recognized for our exceptional guides, high-quality camping equipment, delicious meals, and outstanding customer service.
Most importantly, we are a 100% locally owned company committed to supporting our porters, their families, and local communities through meaningful social projects.

Absolutely.
Every February, while the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, our chefs and guides receive additional training to prepare meals for travelers with dietary restrictions and food allergies.
We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and other dietary requirements. Please provide complete details when booking so our team can prepare appropriately.

No. Your trek includes the services of a porter who can carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal gear.
The evening before your trek, your guide will provide a duffel bag for your clothing, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. During the hike, you will only need to carry a small daypack with your daily essentials.

Yes. Our guides speak excellent English and are professionally trained in tourism.
They are knowledgeable about Inca history, archaeology, flora, fauna, and Andean culture, making your trek both educational and enjoyable.

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous trekking routes.
Like any trek in the Andes, it can be physically challenging due to steep climbs, downhill sections, stone steps, and high altitude. However, most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness can successfully complete the 45-kilometer route over four days.
Along the way, you will experience breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and remarkable Inca archaeological sites.

The Short Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike.
Although it includes some uphill sections, its shorter distance makes it accessible to most travelers. With the support of our experienced guides, you can enjoy mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, archaeological sites, and one of the most rewarding approaches to Machu Picchu.

Choose a reliable, locally owned tour operator based in Cusco.
At Alpaca Expeditions, our entire team is dedicated to creating unforgettable adventures through exceptional service, experienced guides, high-quality trekking logistics, and a genuine commitment to local communities.
We look forward to helping you experience the adventure of a lifetime on the Inca Trail.

Alternative treks are hiking routes to Machu Picchu other than the traditional Inca Trail. Popular alternatives include the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate Trek, and Choquequirao Trek.
These routes offer unforgettable experiences through the Andes, with breathtaking landscapes, traditional communities, mountain lakes, and unique cultural encounters.
The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail. During the journey, travelers stay in unique accommodations such as glass cabins, Sky Domes, and Hobbit-style houses while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery.

All alternative treks finish with a visit to Machu Picchu, which requires an entrance ticket. Since tickets are limited, booking your trip well in advance is highly recommended.
Machu Picchu tickets are divided into three main circuits: Circuit 1, Circuit 2, and Circuit 3.
Circuit 2 is generally the most complete and popular route. Booking early gives us the best opportunity to secure the best available entrance circuit for your visit.

Absolutely.
Whether you are hiking or traveling by train, you will still need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Circuit 2 is one of the most complete routes and usually sells out first. If you are planning to travel in 2027, booking early allows us to add your reservation to our priority list and secure the best available circuit when tickets are released.

The included circuit depends on ticket availability at the time your reservation is confirmed.
When you book early, we will do our best to secure Circuit 2. If Circuit 2 is no longer available, we will reserve the best available option in Circuit 3 or Circuit 1.
Booking early gives you the best chance of visiting Machu Picchu through the most complete available circuit.

Circuit 2 is generally considered the best option because it offers one of the most complete visits to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Circuit 3 is our second recommendation when Circuit 2 is unavailable.
The earlier you reserve your trip, the better your chances of securing your preferred circuit.

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail.
Along the route, you will visit incredible places such as Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, and spectacular Andean landscapes.
The trek covers approximately 70 km or 43 miles over four days of hiking. On the fifth day, you will visit Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

The Lares Trek is generally easier than both the Classic Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.
The route passes through traditional Andean communities where you can learn about local traditions, ancient Inca culture, weaving techniques, religion, and everyday life.
Along the trail, you may also see llamas, alpacas, guinea pigs, mountain lagoons, and spectacular Andean scenery.
The trek covers approximately 30 km or 19 miles.

Absolutely.
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu in 2027, you can reserve your trek or train tour now.
Booking early allows us to add your reservation to our priority list and secure the best available Machu Picchu circuit when tickets are released.
Circuit 2 is one of the most complete routes and provides access to many of the classic views of the Machu Picchu Citadel.

Our Salkantay Trek includes unique and comfortable accommodations throughout the journey.

Night 1: Glass Cabins

Comfortable beds are provided, although you will still use your sleeping bag.

Night 2: Glass Sky Domes

Comfortable beds and panoramic mountain views.

Night 3: Hobbit-Style Houses

Unique accommodations with comfortable beds.

Night 4: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

A comfortable stay at the Alpaca Expeditions Hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.

During the Lares and Ausangate Treks, you will spend two nights camping in high-quality trekking tents.
You will need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Each tent normally accommodates two travelers, so couples and travel companions will share a tent. Solo travelers may request a private tent for an additional fee.

Your final night will normally be spent in Aguas Calientes.

On the last day, you will take an early bus to Machu Picchu before beginning your guided tour.

Available entrance times may include:

• 6:00 AM
• 7:00–8:00 AM
• 9:00–10:00 AM

Your exact entrance time will depend on ticket availability. Booking early gives us the best opportunity to secure an early entry.

Yes.
You can reserve your trip using your current passport or another accepted identification document.
Once you receive your new passport, email us the updated details so we can update your reservation before your trip.
Always bring the passport associated with your final reservation when entering Machu Picchu.

Absolutely.

Our chefs are highly trained and experienced in preparing meals for travelers with food allergies, dietary restrictions, and other special requirements.

We can accommodate:

• Vegetarian diets
• Vegan diets
• Gluten-free diets
• Food allergies
• Other dietary requirements

Please provide complete details about your dietary needs when booking so our team can prepare appropriately.

Yes.

Our alternative treks include a duffle bag with a maximum weight allowance of approximately 7 kg or 15 lbs. The duffle bag is transported by our horses.

We recommend packing approximately:

• 4 kg or 9 lbs of clothing and personal belongings
• 3 kg or 6 lbs for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad

This allows you to carry only your daypack while hiking.

Proper preparation will help you feel more comfortable and enjoy your trek.

We recommend the following:

• Arrive in Cusco at least one or two days before your trek to acclimatize.
• Avoid strenuous or high-adrenaline activities during your first days in Cusco.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Eat light, well-cooked meals.
• Avoid greasy, heavy, or unfamiliar foods.
• Get enough sleep and rest before your trek begins.

Many travelers experience stomach discomfort after eating heavy meals before their hike, so eating light can make a significant difference.

Most importantly, do not worry too much about altitude sickness. Our experienced guides are trained and prepared to assist you throughout your adventure.

Our entire team is dedicated to creating a safe, memorable, and once-in-a-lifetime experience for every traveler.