The Ministry of Culture recently announced the rescheduling of the advance sales calendar for the Inca Trail 2026. This measure is adopted in compliance with the Regulation for the Sustainable Tourist Use of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, with the aim of guaranteeing better organization for agencies, operators, and travelers from around the world.
The opening of reservations marks a key moment, since permits to hike the Inca Trail are limited and in high demand. Therefore, it is recommended to be attentive to the official dates to secure a spot in this unique experience to Machu Picchu. The reservation system will be reactivated on October 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., allowing tour operators to manage permits for the 2026 season.
Official schedule for advance reservations
| Opening month | Date | Hours |
| January 2026 | October 27, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. |
| March 2026 | October 28, 2025 | |
| April 2026 | October 29, 2025 | |
| Mayo 2026 | October 30, 2025 | |
| June 2026 | October 31, 2025 | |
| July 2026 | November 3, 2025 | |
| August to December 2026 | November 4, 2025 |
Why is it important to book the Inca Trail in advance?
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world and has a strict limit of 500 daily permits, which include not only the travelers, but also the guides, cooks, and porters who are part of each expedition. For example, a small group of two hikers may require the assistance of a guide, a cook, and up to five porters, which significantly reduces the number of spots available for new visitors.
Booking in advance not only guarantees your entry, but also the possibility of choosing a responsible and sustainable tour operator. Agencies committed to the well-being of the porters and environmental care hire more staff to avoid work overload and respect weight limits (maximum 20 kg per porter). Therefore, anticipating your reservation allows you to compare options, secure an ethical service, and enjoy the Inca Trail with total peace of mind.
High Season on the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail high season coincides with the months of April to August, a period that covers the dry season in Cusco. During these months, the weather is more stable, the paths are in better condition, and the views of Machu Picchu are especially stunning under clear skies. However, demand also increases considerably, and permits can sell out in a matter of days once the reservation system opens.
Therefore, if you plan to do this trek in high season, it is recommended to book at least six months in advance. Furthermore, this time of year is ideal for those who want to combine the trekking with other tours in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, or the Rainbow Mountain, making the most of their visit.
New changes for the Inca Trail permit 2026
Starting from the 2026 season, the Ministry of Culture of Peru has implemented an important modification to the regulations of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From now on, the Inca Trail permit will no longer include entry to Machu Picchu, but will only grant access to the panoramic viewpoints from where the citadel can be seen.
This means that travelers who wish to enter the archaeological site must purchase an additional ticket independently. This measure seeks to improve the management of tourist flow within the Historical Sanctuary and guarantee its long-term conservation. However, it also implies that, if tickets to Machu Picchu sell out, visitors might only observe it from the designated viewpoints, without accessing the interior of the Inca ruins directly.
Therefore, it will be more important than ever to plan the trip with time, coordinating both the Inca Trail permit and the purchase of the Machu Picchu entry ticket to avoid setbacks.
Recommendations for your visit to the Inca Trail 2026
Given the new permit system, it is recommended to book the Inca Trail 2026 as far in advance as possible. Remember that both tickets, the Inca Trail one and the Machu Picchu one, will be managed separately, so good organization is key to fully enjoying this unique experience.
If you travel with an authorized agency, verify that they handle both procedures or advise you on how to carry them out. This way, you can experience the Inca Trail 2026 without complications, enjoying both the trek and the entrance to the majestic Machu Picchu Sanctuary.