The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic treks. To protect its natural and cultural heritage, the Peruvian government controls access through a strict permit system. Only a limited number of people are allowed to start the trek each day.
That’s why it’s crucial to check Inca Trail availability Online and book in advance, especially during high season (May to September).
Permits are issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and linked to your name, passport, and chosen date.
Once issued, permits cannot be changed, transferred, or refunded.
Only licensed tour operators like Terra Quechua Peru can reserve permits.
You cannot enter the Inca Trail without an official permit, even for the 2-day version.
The full trekking experience through the Andes. Hike ancient paths, explore archaeological sites, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
We recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance, as this is the most in-demand route.
A shorter, more accessible option for those with limited time. It includes a scenic train ride, a rewarding day hike from km 104, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Perfect for families, seniors, or casual hikers.
Make sure your passport is valid and legible.
Plan early and have flexible travel dates if possible.
Book only with authorized tour operators—avoid unofficial resellers.
If your preferred date is not available, consider great alternatives like the Salkantay Trek or Ausangate Trek.
The Inca Trail permits for 2026 will officially open in October 2025, but spots sell out extremely fast. The best way to secure your place is to pre-book now so that our team can grab your permit the moment they are released.
Go to our Inca Trail 2026 Calendar
Select your preferred trek date directly on our booking platform.
Choose the Number of Participants
Indicate how many travelers will join your adventure.
Select Your Tour Type
Pick between a Group Tour (join other trekkers) or a Private Tour (custom experience).
Enter Passport Details
Carefully fill in each traveler’s passport information.
⚠️ Important: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable if names or numbers are incorrect.
Provide Contact Information
Enter a valid cell phone number for at least one participant.
Confirm Your Payment
Decide whether to:
Pay the full tour amount, or
Pay a $200 deposit per person to secure your booking.
Add Your Payment Details
Complete your reservation with a Debit or Credit Card.
Receive Final Confirmation
Our team will manually confirm your Inca Trail booking. Once we secure your official 2026 permit, your spot is 100% guaranteed.
The Inca Trail permits for 2026 will be released on October 1, 2025. Only 500 permits are available per day—this includes not only trekkers but also guides, porters, and cooks. That means the number of actual visitor spots is much smaller and demand is extremely high.
👉 To secure your preferred date, especially during the peak season (May–August), we recommend booking 6–9 months in advance. This is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail thanks to clear skies and stunning views.
Walking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is more than just a trek—it’s a journey through history, adventure, and breathtaking nature. This 26-mile trail in the Peruvian Andes follows the same route the Incas used over 500 years ago to reach the Sacred City of Machu Picchu.
Historic Path – Hike on original Inca stone steps, following the ancient pilgrimage route.
Stunning Landscapes – Cross high Andean passes, lush cloud forests, and hidden valleys.
Rich Culture – Explore archaeological sites along the way, each with its own story.
The Grand Finale – Arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise, where you’ll witness your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu bathed in morning light.
While the trek is physically demanding at times, the reward is beyond measure. Reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is much more than a hike—it’s an unforgettable journey filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Here are the experiences that make this trek truly unique:
Sun Gate Arrival (Inti Punku)
End your adventure in the most magical way: by reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise. From here, you’ll witness your first glimpse of Machu Picchu as it emerges in the golden morning light—an unforgettable moment for every traveler.
Conquer Dead Woman’s Pass
Challenge yourself by crossing the highest point of the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (13,829 ft / 4,215 m). It’s a demanding climb, but the sense of achievement and the panoramic views at the top make it absolutely worth it.
Walk the Ancient Inca Paths
Step onto the very stone trails built by the Incas centuries ago. As you hike, you’ll be retracing the footsteps of the Inca messengers and pilgrims who once connected the vast empire.
Immerse in Stunning Natural Beauty
Experience the diversity of the Andean landscapes: rugged mountains, lush cloud forests, and tranquil valleys, each offering breathtaking views along the way.
Discover Hidden Inca Sites
Explore remarkable archaeological treasures like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca, where ancient ruins blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness.
Cultural and Spiritual Connection
The Inca Trail is not only an adventure but also a sacred journey. Many hikers describe a deep spiritual connection as they walk this ancient path toward one of the world’s greatest wonders.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we offer a variety of Inca Trail tour options for 2026, ranging from the classic 4-day trek to shorter or extended itineraries lasting 2 to 7 days. Whether you want the full immersive journey or a shorter adventure, all our tours are carefully designed to give you the best possible hiking experience.
⚠️ Important: All Inca Trail tours use the same official permit system. Since spaces are limited and sell out quickly, early booking is highly recommended.
✨ Don’t wait too long—secure your 2026 Inca Trail permit with Tunqui Expeditions today and make your dream trek to Machu Picchu a reality!
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not just about nature—it’s also a living museum of Inca archaeology. Along the 26-mile route, you’ll encounter stone stairways, ceremonial sites, and ancient resting points once used by Inca messengers and pilgrims. These ruins, still holding much of their original structure, make the journey a true walk through history long before reaching Machu Picchu.
Here are the main archaeological sites you’ll see on the Inca Trail 2026:
One of the first major sites on the trail, Patallacta is a terraced valley settlement along the Cusichaca River. Its stone houses and wide farming terraces reveal what daily life looked like in the highlands.
Perched on a mountain slope before the second pass, Runkurakay is a small, round outpost believed to be a rest stop for Inca messengers traveling across the Andes. Its circular structure and serene setting make it especially unique.
Dramatically built on a cliffside, Sayacmarca features narrow stone alleys, terraces, and ceremonial areas. From here, the trail feels like it’s suspended between the mountains and the cloud forest.
Often called the “Town in the Clouds,” Phuyupatamarca sits high on a ridge, frequently wrapped in mist. This site includes ritual baths, agricultural terraces, and long staircases descending down the mountainside.
Close to the last campsite, Wiñay Wayna is one of the most beautiful ruins on the trail. With its steep terraces, flowing water channels, and vibrant orchids, it creates a magical atmosphere before your final push to Machu Picchu.
The grand finale of the Inca Trail. Arrive at Inti Punku at dawn to witness your first view of Machu Picchu as the sun slowly illuminates the citadel. This moment is the ultimate reward for completing the trek.
If you’re short on time and want a quick answer: the best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the shoulder seasons—April to May and September to November. These months strike the perfect balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful trail conditions.
🌧️ Rainy Season (November – April)
☀️ Dry Season (May – October)
🌿 Shoulder Seasons (April – May & September – November)
✨ Pro Tip: No matter when you plan to hike, book your Inca Trail permit at least 6–9 months in advance, especially for peak months (May–August). Permits are limited and sell out quickly.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we believe the heart of every Inca Trail journey lies in the incredible work of our porters. These men and women are the true heroes of the trail, carrying camping equipment, food supplies, and other essentials to ensure you have the best trekking experience possible.
Tunqui Expeditions is proud to be nationally recognized for our ethical treatment of porters. We provide fair wages, proper working conditions, and the support they need, including our “Porter House,” which serves as a safe shelter and resting place for our invaluable collaborators.
All of our porters receive fair pay in line with national labor standards. While tipping is optional, it is a common and highly appreciated gesture on the Inca Trail. Tips are a way for trekkers to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication that porters bring to every step of the journey.
✨ At Tunqui Expeditions, we don’t just see porters as support staff—they are essential members of our team and a fundamental part of your Inca Trail 2026 experience.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. To preserve its cultural and natural treasures, all hikers must follow the official rules established by the Peruvian government.
⚠️ Important: Violating any of these rules may result in fines, removal from the trail, or intervention by police or park rangers.
✨ By respecting these regulations, you help protect one of the world’s most precious cultural and natural treasures, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Planning to hike the Inca Trail in 2026? Here are the most common questions travelers ask about permits, availability, and preparation—answered clearly so you can plan with confidence.
No. The Inca Trail is a protected route, and it’s forbidden to hike independently. You must book with a licensed tour operator authorized by the Peruvian government.
Yes. Every trekker needs an official permit issued by the Ministry of Culture in Peru. Permits are limited and non-transferable.
Permits for the Inca Trail 2026 will be released on October 1, 2025. Spaces sell out quickly, especially for peak months (May–August).
Only 500 permits per day are issued. This number includes trekkers, guides, cooks, and porters, so the actual number of visitor spots is significantly lower.
We recommend booking 6–9 months in advance, especially if you plan to hike during the dry season (May–October). For June and July, booking nearly a year in advance is safest.
Permits can only be obtained through an authorized tour operator. Once you book your trek with a company like Tunqui Expeditions, they will secure your permit on your behalf when sales open.
You will need:
No. Once purchased, permits are non-changeable and non-refundable. If you cannot attend, you’ll need to book a new trek for another date.
If permits are gone, you can still experience alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or the Inca Jungle Trail. These do not require permits and also offer incredible scenery and cultural experiences.
The Inca Trail is unique because it is the only trekking route that ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), giving hikers their first magical view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. It also combines archaeological sites, diverse ecosystems, and rich Inca history along the way.
Yes—but preparation is key. The trek is physically demanding due to altitude, long hiking days, and steep ascents, but beginners who train in advance and pace themselves can complete it successfully.
For many, the most challenging section is Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek. It’s tough but not dangerous if taken slowly and with proper acclimatization. The reward—spectacular views and a sense of achievement—is unforgettable.
If you need more details about the Inca Trail 2026, check out our full [Inca Trail Travel Guide] or contact Tunqui Expeditions. We’ll be happy to help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
