Inca Trail 2026: everything you need to know about tickets and rules
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can only be accessed with an official entry permit. For 2026, the number of permits is again limited to 500 per day, with only a portion available for travelers. The rest are reserved for guides and porters. These permits usually sell out months in advance, so booking 6–9 months ahead is crucial. Sales for the Inca Trail 2026 start in October 2025!
What is an Inca Trail permit or entry ticket?
A permit or entry ticket is official authorization to hike the Inca Trail. Without this ticket, you are not allowed to walk the Trail. This applies to both the 2-day and 4-day Inca Trail. Tickets are personalized and linked to your name, making them non-transferable.
How many Inca Trail permits are available in 2026?
| Daily total | Tourists | Guides & Porters |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | ~200–250 | ~250–300 |
Why are there only a limited number of Inca Trail tickets each year?
The Inca Trail paths are ancient, made of large stones and cobblestones leading up to Machu Picchu. To preserve these paths and protect the surrounding natural environment, the Peruvian government has set a maximum of 500 hikers per day—including guides and porters who carry your gear. This leaves only 200–250 permits per day for tourists.
Note: The Inca Trail is closed for one month in February for major maintenance—think of it as a big “annual service.” Considering the increasing number of tourists visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu each year, it’s clear why Inca Trail permits are so difficult to secure.
Only certified companies can book the Inca Trail
Can you, as a Dutch traveler, book the Inca Trail directly on the official website?
No, unfortunately! To purchase Inca Trail tickets, you must be a certified travel operator based in Cusco. Every year, the government checks that travel companies meet certain requirements to be allowed to offer Inca Trail trips. Once a company receives certification, they can try to secure tickets for travelers starting on the official sale date. The tricky part: companies can only buy tickets in the traveler’s name, meaning it’s not possible to stockpile tickets for later resale.
This is why the principle is: “first come, first served” and “when it’s gone, it’s really gone”. Most Dutch travel agencies therefore partner with a Peruvian operator who books the tickets on their behalf.
When does ticket sales for the 2026 Inca Trail start?
Sales for the 2026 Inca Trail start at the end of October 2025. If you already plan to travel to Peru in 2026, you need to act quickly and book your preferred date through a travel agency. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a ticket, especially for the busy months of May, June, July, August, and September. We recommend booking at least six months in advance.
Cost of an Inca Trail ticket in 2026
- 4-day Inca Trail: €665 per person, including transport, accommodations, entry to the Trail and Machu Picchu, and most meals (exceptions: breakfast Day 1 and lunch Day 4).
- Discounts: children under 18 and students with a valid student ID get €30 off per person.
Rules and restrictions
- Non-transferable: ticket name = person hiking.
- Official passport required at entry.
- Maximum 500 hikers per day; no exceptions.
- Closed every February for maintenance.
How to book the Inca Trail via Machu Picchu Travel
- Fill in the request form and indicate your preferred date.
- We check ticket availability for that date.
- Send us your passport details.
- Receive a booking confirmation with payment instructions.
- After the deposit is paid, we secure your tickets!
Alternatives if the Inca Trail is sold out
If your preferred date is unavailable, be flexible and try another date. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry! Besides the classic 4-day and shortened 2-day Inca Trail, there are other equally beautiful routes:
- Inca Jungle Trail and Lares Trail follow Inca paths with fewer crowds.
- Salkantay Trail offers a breathtaking, sporty challenge.
The advantage: fewer travelers around you, more peace, and protected natural areas. While these alternative Trails don’t end directly at Machu Picchu, a visit to the Inca citadel can always be included. You never have to miss Machu Picchu!
FAQ Inca Trail 2026
How many tickets are available per day?
500 daily; about 200–250 for travelers, the rest for guides and porters.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular months (May–August): 6–9 months ahead. Other months: 3–4 months.
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
No, it has been mandatory since 2001 to hike with a certified guide and organization.
What does a ticket cost in 2026?
4-day Inca Trail: €665 per person; 2-day Inca Trail: €479 per person. Includes guides, porters, meals, and camping gear.
Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-transferable. Early cancellations may get a partial refund—check travel conditions.
Which months are most popular?
May, June, July, and August are the busiest; tickets sell out quickly.
Is the Inca Trail always open?
No, closed every February for maintenance.
