If you are considering making the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you must take into account that in order to carry out it is mandatory and necessary to get a Inca Trail permits granted by the Peruvian government (Ministry of Culture).
As we have already mentioned in previous posts, since 2004 due to a government regulation aimed at improving the conservation and cleanliness of the Inca trail, the number of visits has been limited to 500 people per day.
Within this limited number of daily places are included the Inca Trail permits for tourists, as well as the different operators who work on the road such as porters, cooks and guides.
As a result of this mandatory rule it is very convenient and advisable that if you are planning a trip to walk the Inca Trail – regardless of whether it is high season or low season – try to make your reservation several months in advance, since sometimes, especially in high season, there are usually no vacancies until 5 months after the date of your appointment.
Permits are sold by a strict reservation order until the authorized places are exhausted. If the number of one-day visits are exhausted, you must select another date. If the Inca trail permits are exhausted for a particular date, no travel agency or operator of the Inca Trail may offer a place for that day. Permits can only be booked and purchased with the traveler’s name and passport number.
Another very important aspect that travelers must take into account is that once the reservation is made and confirmed, there is no possibility to make date changes.
We have already indicated that when managing the permits to carry out the Inca Trail there is no waiting list system. The places are booked on a first come, first served basis. They are personal and non-transferable, and in case any visitor wishes to cancel, their place will remain unavailable. Please keep in mind this detail at the time of not passing on potential problems to other visitors who are interested in booking on the same dates.
Finally, we would like to remind you that when planning your trip to the Inca Trail, as we have also mentioned in another post «Inca trail to Machu Picchu«, it is important to take into account that due to maintenance, the road remains closed throughout the month of February.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you.