If you are planning to walk the most famous 24 mile hike in South America, we recommend that you book your Inca trail trekking adventure as soon as you can, or you could risk missing out on your chosen departure date. All Inca trail tours which require a permit already include this cost in the trip price.

Issuing permits is a way to limit the daily numbers of people walking popular routes. This means the trails are quieter for everyone to enjoy and most importantly, helps to preserve the route and historic sites for future generations.

Although 500 Inca Trail permits are available each day, around 300 of those are allocated to porters and guides, so in reality there are really only 200 permits a day for hikers.

The Peruvian Ministry for Culture continues to enforce very strict permit rules, when booking it is essential that you provide your full passport information; permits are given on a first-come-first-serve basis, they are non-transferrable and there is no waiting list!

There are literally thousands of kilometres of Inca trails to be found throughout Peru. Permits are only required to walk the most famous ‘Inca Trail’ , the classic 4 day journey from ‘Km 82’ (so called as it is 82km along the railway line from Cusco to Aguas Calientes), over the Huarmiwanusca Pass (4,200m) and entering Machu Picchu via Inti Punku, The Sun Gate. This particular Inca Trail is so iconic that back in the late 90s in up to 1600 people could be found on the trail in just one day. There were at this time no regulations, no restricted campsites and no fixed latrines. The sheer volume of visitors was beginning to take its toll and the areas UNESCO World Heritage status was under threat.

In 2002, to ensure the route was protected, and its glory restored, permits were introduced to limit the number of people allowed on the trail each day to just 500, including porters and guides. Further to this the trail is closed each February to allow for maintenance work and conservation projects to take place.

Permits are given on a first-come-first-serve basis and can often sell out as soon as they are released.

Only approved Inca Trail operators are allowed to purchase permits. KE Adventure Travel is an approved operator and we have been running Inca Trail holidays for over 25 years, our expert guides and trusted partners will ensure you have the best possible experience. Permits are included in the cost of all our Inca Trail holidays, book a package with KE and we will make all the arrangements for you. In order to secure your permit we will need your full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality at the time of booking. Your permit will be purchased once your place on the trip is confirmed and the minimum group number met. Note that if you book early, we will not be able to confirm your permit until your selected dates are open for registration. The permit is non-refundable and the trekking dates can’t be transferred after you have confirmed your booking.

Permits cannot be obtained without valid passport information. If your passport is due for renewal you can still submit your current passport details, if you subsequently have to change or renew your passport before travelling you MUST provide a copy of both passports in advance of travelling and to carry a copy of your previous passport with you, so be sure to keep hold of it and make sure you make KE aware of the change.

Permits for May through to September can sell out immediately, for this reason we recommend that you book your trek at least 6-8months in advance of your preferred dates of travel.

If you want to be sure of securing a permit for your preferred dates of travel, we would advise that you book before the permits even come on sale, and we will try to purchase your trek permit as soon as they are released.

If you want to trek in peak season (May-Sept) that means booking NOW!