The government has sanctioned a small portion of the thousands of miles of Inca Trail preserved for this hike. This popular classic route is 26 miles and takes 4-days. You can do this same route at a slower pace for a 5-day trek. For those wanting to make it more challenging, there is a 7-day trek that combines the Salkantay pass with the Inca Trail. There is also s short 2-day version, that has one day of hiking and one day at Machu Picchu. No matter which route you choose, you will need a PERMIT to do the trek.
The PERMIT Process!
In order to hike the Inca Trail you need a PERMIT, which can only be purchased by an INCA TRAIL TOUR OPERATOR, like Alpaca Expeditions. We purchase this permit on your behalf once you make your booking. We need your full details and deposit in order for us to secure your.
The Ministry of Culture of Peru controls all permits. They have now separated the permits for the 4, 5 and 7 day treks from the shorter 2 day trek. For the longer treks, there are 500 permits per day and EVERYONE needs a permit, including crew, so permits sell out very fast. You only need a permit for your start date of the trek (for the 7 day trek this would be for day 4). The government shares how many permits are still available in real time, which we share on our Inca Trail availability page.
When you book your tour with us, we will request your details:
- Full name as written in your passport
- Passport Number,
- Dates of Birth,
- Nationality and
- Gender.
Our office will use these details, along with your requested Trek START Date to book the permit. Once booked, we can not change any of these details other than your passport number (if you get a new passport we will need copies of the old and new passport page to change the number on the permit).
When you enter the Inca Trail, the park rangers will check the permit with your passport and they must match. If they do not, they will not allow entry onto the trail. If any of these details change, for example your last name, you will need to bring the passport you used to book the trip with you to enter the trail - it does not need to be valid...just match. Remember to bring your valid passport to enter the country.
IMPORTANT
- We can not change Dates of the Trek or Names on the Permit once booked.
- You can not transfer your permit to someone else if you no longer can go and you can not swap start dates if the date booked no longer works.
- We would need to book a new permit in both of these cases...as long as permits are available.
- We can not book a permit without your details or DEPOSIT.
INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY
Check the Calendar
Make sure the government still has permits available for your start date (Permits are for your START date)
Check with US
Confirm with our SALES team that we have availability on your START date.
INCA TRAIL PERMIT AVAILABILITY
( For 4, 5, and 7 Day Inca Trail Treks Only)
Check the Calendar
Quickly see if your preferred dates are available for Inca Trail Permits for the 4, 5, & 7-day Inca Trail tours.
Hiking the Inca Trail requires a GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PERMIT obtained by a licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator—like Alpaca Expeditions.
The government will only release 500 permits to start the Inca Trail each day, and EVERYONE needs a permit (even professional crew!), so tickets sell fast. It is imperative to book these treks 5-6 months in advance.
Why Book your Inca Trail Trek with Alpaca Expeditions...?
#1 Inca Trail Trek Provider in Peru
100% LOCAL COMPANY - LOCAL STAFF, LOCAL OWNER AND LOCAL OPERATOR
HIKE BRIEFING
DUFFLE BAGS , BACKCOVERS, PONCHOS, & PERSONAL PORTER
HOTEL TO HOTEL SERVICE
AMAZING MEALS
WELL PAID STAFF
PORTER WELFARE
EQUALITY FOR ALL
EQUIPMENT
PORTABLE PRIVATE TOILETS
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
OXYGEN TANK
BEST STAFF
