Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Availability & Permits
For many people, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, arriving through the iconic Sun Gate is on their bucket list. Whether you prefer the 12km (Short Inca Trail) or 45km/26 mile (4 day Inca Trail) trail, both are incredibly popular hikes and offer a spectacular experience for their challengers.
However, just because you want to do the Inca Trail, doesn’t mean that it comes easily. There is a lot of planning and preperation necessary to take on a challenge like this. You need a government issued permit, and you must travel with a licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator – like SAM Travel, Orange Nation or Spider Travel Peru. It is not possible to do the Inca Trail alone.
There are only 250 permits for the Short Inca Trail released each day. Everyone in your party is required to have a permit, be it guides, porters, chefs, etc. Because of this, tickets tend to sell out quickly. You will need to book your tickets well in advance to secure yourself a place. This rings particularly true in the high season (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 day Inca Trail, be aware that the government only releases 500 permits each day and like the short Inca Trail, EVERYONE needs a permit – even our crew – so tickets sell out very fast. It is imperative to book this trek 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 trekking date.
3
Book Now
Remember that the tour operator will need the following details: Full name, Passport Number, Date of Birth, Nationality, & Gender.
WHAT TO DO IF THE 1 or 2 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IS SOLD OUT FOR YOUR PREFERRED DATES?
If permits are sold out for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchul on your preferred date and there are no alternative dates that work for you, don’t stress too much. There are plenty of alternative treks that will take you to Machu Picchu 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 permit, we use the names and passport numbers that are sent to us with the booking form. 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.
See the most updated information about Machu Picchu Circuits.
