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Inca Trail Hike Availability 2025 – 2026

Written by Sam Corporations February 13, 2023

Inca Trail Trek Availability - Sam Corporations

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular treks in the world, availability is limited. If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is important to book your trip in advance. The availability of the Inca Trail is affected by a number of factors, including the time of year, the number of people in your group, and the number of spaces regulated by the Peruvian Government.

Only 500 trekking permits are issued per day for Inca Trail treks in 2024; Inca Trail permits are also required for your travel team such as porters, cooks, and guides; therefore, booking the Inca Trail in advance is essential.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is the dry season, which runs from May to September. It is also the busiest time of the year, so it is important to book your trip as far in advance as possible.

Inca Trail Availability 2024 On line

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2024 permits will be released this October 10th, 2024, and some dates will be sold out very fast, Book your Inca Trail tour in advance to choose your preferred dates.

Permits for the 2025 Inca Trail will be released starting October 10th.

  • Monday 10 Oct: January 2024.
  • Tuesday 11 Oct: March 2024
  • Wednesday 12 Oct: April 2024
  • Thursday 13 Oct: May 1 – 15
  • Friday 14 Oct: May 16 – 31
  • Monday 17 Oct: Jun 1 – 30
  • Tuesday 18 Oct: July
  • Wednesday 19 Oct: August onwards

Check the Inca Trail Permit & Availability 2024

The first step to check the Inca Trail Permits 2025 is to decide when you want to start the hike to Machu Picchu, because once you booked you can´t change the date or cancel your permits.

SAM Corporations has created “Chat with us” a user-friendly access to the information about Inca Trail permits & availability for 2025 in real time. A representative will give you the information by WhatsApp or you can talk to us and ask about the Inca Trail 2025.

Below you will find the dates that are still available for the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail.

  • January 2025: Available all month.
  • February 2025: Closed for maintenance (Every year).
  • March 2025: Available all month.
  • April 2025: Available all month
  • May 2025: Available all month
  • June 2024: Available all month.
  • July 2024: Available all month.
  • August 2024: Available all month.
  • September – December 2025: Available all months.

The Inca Trail Availability is updated regularly. Book below your Inca Trail permits with the best and direct Local tour operator based in Cusco; SAM Corp

Inca Trail Map

If you’re planning on hiking the Inca Trail, it’s important to have a good map. There are plenty of resources available online and in stores, but we’ve found that the best way to get a feel for the trail is to use an Inca Trail hikers map.

This map was created by an SAM Corpotations hiker who has completed the trail and provides detailed information on the different sections of the trail. It also includes recommendations on where to stop along the way and what to see on the Inca Trail.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu MAP
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu MAP

Passport Requirements

Please know that if you are booking with a passport that is set to expire within 06 months of your planned entry date to Peru, you will be required to renew your passport before coming to Peru. Peruvian authorities will not grant you entry to the country otherwise.

If you are booking your trek with us, please know you will be able to book with us to secure your Inca Trail permits and tickets to Machu Picchu. However, you will be required to renew your passport and update your passport details with us prior to your trip to Peru. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of your reserved permits, and tickets to Machu Picchu.

Characteristics of the University Card to access the Student Discount for the Inca Trail

The university card is the necessary document to reserve an entrance to Machu Picchu. This document must be valid at the moment of entering Machu Picchu.

The university card must meet the following requirements:

  • Be of PVC material.
  • Feature the name of the university.
  • Possess the student’s readable names and surnames.
  • Have the student’s photo
  • Have the expiration date still valid at the time of entering Machu Picchu.
Characteristics of the university card to access the student discount for the Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights

The Classic Inca Trail is a very popular hiking trail that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is 4 days long and takes hikes through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The trail is relatively challenging, but the rewards are more than worth it. Hikers will see amazing views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and ruins of ancient Inca settlements.

See the detailed itinerary here!

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night with hotel

The Short Inca Trail is the perfect way to experience Machu Picchu for those short on time. It is a shorter version of the Classic Inca Trail, which only takes 2 days and 1 night. The trail starts at km 104 from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. From there, it ascends to Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate, and Finally Machu Picchu.

See the detailed itinerary here!

Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 days / 5 nights

The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail are 2 of the most popular hiking trails to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trek is the most scenic, longest, and most challenging route. While the Inca Trail is a more historical, mystical, and epic hike. The Salkantay and Inca Trail will combine these 2 iconic hikes to Machu Picchu, allowing you to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where you can get that famous first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

What is the best Alternative trek to the Inca Trail?

If the Inca Trail fully booked, don’t worry as you can still hike one of the Alternative Treks!

When the Inca Trail is fully booked, it means no travel agency can book it. This is because the booking system of the Inca Trail is managed by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. You can do the follow Inca Trail alternatives treks during your Machu Picchu Vacation:

  • Salkantay Trek
  • 3 Day Inca Trail Trek
  • Ancascocha Trek
  • Lares Trek
  • Vilcabamba Trek
  • Ausangate Trek

If you have an adventurous soul and enjoy trekking in Peru, you cannot miss this wonderful route.

Even if you’re just beginning to dream of your trip to Peru, contact us and talk with our local experts!

Machu Picchu with SAM Corporations
Machu Picchu with SAM Corporations

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu details

  • Distance: 43 km/27 miles.
  • Duration: The classic one takes 4 Days & 3 Nights, The relaxed & enhanced way in 5 days / 4 nights (you see Machu Picchu twice).
  • Departures: Any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people, we have small group of up to 8 people, average 3-4ppl… Big groups can be organized by request.
  • When to book: 5+ months ahead/ or even a year ahead.
  • Altitude: 2,400m/7,872ft to 4,215m/13,825ft.
  • Adventure Rating: Moderate to Challenging – Depends on your fitness.
  • Solitude Rating: Famous, tourist trail, kind of crowded (some campsites may still be uncrowded).
  • Available/open months to hike: From March to January.
  • Best time to go: From May through August
  • Terrain: Dirt, rock, stone steps, multiple high passes.
  • Acclimatization: 2 – 3 days acclimatization in Cusco
  • Customizable: Yes! Just let us know, custom, add-ons all available.
  • Price: From USD 697 per person
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Sam Corporations

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

Local Peruvian Company

Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.

Service Quality

The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide

Responsible travel

We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children

Small Personalized Groups

Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans

100% Customised Itinerary

Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.

Community and Environment

We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment

  • 100% Locally owned and operated.
  • Best Tour guides & trip leaders.
  • Quality-Touch & Personalized service
  • Highest quality, name brand equipment.
  • All Inclusive Tours with no hidden fees.
  • Sustainable Prctice and responsible travel.
  • Safety conscious with first aid training annually.
  • Unique Tours & Trekking routes
  • Customized Tours & Packages forFair and kind travel.
  • Personalized Attention with the Most Dedicated Team
  • Giving back to our local communities
Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

Quality

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

100% Customised itinerary

Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.

Easy communication

Simplified ease of communication, text us on WhatsApp, email or call us.

Professional and experienced

Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.

Local peruvian company

100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability

Small personalized groups

Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience

Memorable trips

Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.