For many people, hiking the Inca Trail through the Sun Gate and visiting Machu Picchu is on their bucket list. This 12km (Short Inca Trail) or 45km/26 mile (4 days Inca Trail) trail that leads to one of the 7 World Wonders is one of the most popular hikes in the world and best way to visit and enjoy Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail hike is spectacular no matter which route you take. Each day that passes you will have the privilege to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet and roam around amazing ruins. It is a unique adventure indeed!
However hiking the Inca Trail involves a lot of planning and prepping. In order to enter this historic route, you must have a GOVERNMENT ISSUED PERMIT obtained by a licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator – like SAM Travel, Orange Nation or Spider Travel Peru. The government will only release 250 permits to start the Short Inca Trail each day and everyone needs a permit including our crew, thus tickets sell out fast. It is imperative to book these treks 1 to 2 months in advance, especially during the high season from April to November. Please check below to verify if your dates are available before booking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
*** Note: If you are interested in the 4 days Inca Trail the government only releases 500 permits each day and EVERYONE needs a permit – even our crew – so tickets sell fast very fast. It is imperative to book these treks 5-6 months in advance or more.
How to Book Your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
1
Make sure permits are still available
Check the calendar below to make sure the government still has permits on your preferred start date.
2
Check Our Availability
Make sure you have talked with your tour operator about the availability of a group on your preferred date to trek.
3
Book Now
Remember that the tour operator will need the following details: Full name, Passport Number, Date of Birth, Nationality, Gender
CLICK EACH MONTH TO CHECK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AVAILABILITY & PERMITS
WHAT TO DO IF THE 1 or 2 DAY INCA TRAIL TOMACHU PICCHU IS SOLD OUT FOR YOUR DESIRED DATES?
If permits are sold out for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchul on your preferred date,” Don’t Get Stressed Out,” you have so many options that will still allow you to tour to Machu Picchu. Alternative treks and tours that are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail.
ALTERNATIVE TREK OPTIONS:
- Tour to Machu Picchu by Expedition or Vistadome Train
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
Important Note: To buy the Inca Trail trek permit, we use the names and passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking application (they must to complete and accurate)
You must bring the same passport with you to Cusco and take it with you on the Inca Trail.
Very Important Note: If the name or number on your passport does not match the name and number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Availability has been updated on June 2022
See the most updated information about Machu Picchu Circuits.