Your Essential Guide to Inca Trail Permits for 2025

As the popularity of the Inca Trail continues to grow, planning your trek in advance is crucial, especially for 2025. Securing the right permits is a key step to ensure you can experience this breathtaking journey through the Andes Mountains and arrive at the iconic Machu Picchu.

Understanding Inca Trail Permits

Inca Trail permits are required for all trekkers wishing to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government limits the number of permits issued daily to preserve the trail and minimize environmental impact. Typically, only 500 permits are available each day, and this number includes both hikers and support staff.

Why Book Early?

1. Limited Availability: Permits for the Inca Trail tend to sell out quickly, especially for peak seasons (April to September). Booking early increases your chances of securing your spot.

2. Plan Your Itinerary: Having your permit confirmed allows you to finalize your travel plans, including accommodations and transportation.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Stress: With your permits in hand, you can focus on preparing for the trek rather than worrying about availability.

How to Obtain Inca Trail Permits for 2025

1. Choose a Licensed Tour Operator

The only way to obtain an Inca Trail permit is through a licensed tour operator. Research and choose one that fits your budget and expectations. Ensure they are officially registered with the Peruvian government.

2. Book Early

For 2025, it is advisable to start the booking process as soon as possible. Many operators begin accepting reservations up to a year in advance.

3. Provide Necessary Information

When booking, you'll need to provide personal details, including your passport information. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

4. Payment

Most operators require a deposit to secure your permit. Be aware of their cancellation policies and any additional fees.

Tips for a Successful Trek

• Prepare Physically: The Inca Trail is a challenging hike. Consider training with regular walks and endurance exercises to get in shape.

• Pack Wisely: Lightweight gear is essential. Don't forget to bring essentials such as a good pair of hiking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and layers for changing weather conditions.

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: During your trek, keep hydrated and eat well to maintain your energy levels.

Conclusion

Planning your Inca Trail adventure for 2025 requires careful preparation, especially regarding permits. By booking early with a reputable tour operator, you can secure your spot on this unforgettable journey. Embrace the adventure, and soon you’ll be trekking through stunning landscapes, immersed in the rich history of the Inca civilization, and finally standing at the gates of Machu Picchu.

Start planning now, and make your 2025 Inca Trail trek an experience of a lifetime!

Announcement: Inca Trail Permit Sales Begin November 4th, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that permits for the Inca Trail for the 2025 trekking season will go on sale starting November 4th, 2024! This is your chance to secure a spot on one of the most iconic hikes in the world, leading you to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu.

Given the limited availability of permits, we encourage all interested trekkers to prepare early. Details on pricing, group sizes, and booking procedures will be available on our website.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Inca Trail. Mark your calendars for November 4th, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Opening date	Reservation month	Opening hours
November 4th:	January 2025	9:00am
November 5th:	March 2025	9:00am
November 6th:	April 2025	9:00am
November 7th:	May 2025 (1st to 15th)	9:00am
November 8th:	May 2025 (16th to 31st)	9:00am
November 11th:	June 2025	9:00am
November 12th:	July 2025	9:00am
November 13th:	August 2025	9:00am
November 14th:	September 2025	9:00am
November 15th:	October 2025	9:00am
November 18th:	November 2025	9:00am
November 19th:	December 2025	9:00am

For more information, please contact:

info@salkantaytrek.org

+51 970 506 205

Best regards from Cusco,

Inka Trail Expeditions Perú

Entry times to the citadel of Machu Picchu

Entry time to Machu Picchu (*)	Tolerance period in months of regular visitor demand (**)	Tolerance period during months of highest visitor demand (from June 1 to October 15 and December 30 and 31) (**)
06.00 am	Until 06:30am	Until 06:45am
07.00 am	Until 07:30am	Until 07:45am
08.00 am	Until 08:30am	Until 08:45am
09.00 am	Until 09:30am	Until 09:45am
10.00 am	Until 10:30am	Until 10:45am
11.00 am	Until 11:30am	Until 11:45am
12.00 pm	Until 12:30pm	Until 12:45pm
01.00 pm	Until 01:30pm	Until 01:45pm
02.00 pm	Until 02:30pm	Until 02:45pm
03.00 pm	Until 03:30pm	Until 03:45pm

(*) Check-in time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machu Picchu

(**) There is no tolerance period for entry to the mountain controls of Machu Picchu, Huaynapicchu and Huchuypicchu

NEW CIRCUITS IN MACHUPICCHU

The most important legacy of the Inca Civilization, the citadel of Machupicchu is an Inca work with architecture and engineering in perfect harmony, which is why it has 4 different circuits to choose from and explore the llaqta (citadel).

The entrance to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, has new circuits for all those visitors who want to know the wonder of the world, through the 4 different routes of tourist visit to the Llaqta de Machupicchu and according to the ticket you purchased, you will be able to know Machu Picchu by one of these circuits.

You must take into account these 3 types of tickets so that you can choose the option that you prefer the most and tour the Inca citadel in one of these famous circuits.

If you have the Llaqta de Machupicchu ticket, this allows you to choose any of the 4 established circuits, the Huayna Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu ticket allows you to visit only circuit 4, and the ticket that includes the Machu Picchu mountain allows you to visit only the circuit 3 with this distribution for the entrance to the llaqta, any visitor can get to know the Inca citadel.

Circuit 1 allows visitors to visit the upper and lower part of the archaeological site, this circuit allows us to observe constructions such as: Dry ditch, Temple of the Sun viewpoint, Granite Chaos, Set of water mirrors and Pisonay Square.

Circuit 2 is similar to Circuit 1, but this route allows visitors to observe more things than the previous one, apart from what is mentioned, you can also visit the Plaza de los Templos, La Roca Sagrada, the Twelve Openings, the eastern Qolcas, the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Condor.

Circuit 3 allows you to climb the mountain of Machu Picchu, when you go down you have the possibility of taking the classic photograph in Machupicchu. The attractions that you can observe with this circuit are: the Qolcas, the Agricultural zone, the water channel. the dry moat, the Temple of the Sun complex, the Casa del Inka complex, the water fountains, the reflecting pools and the pisonay square.

Circuit 4 starts the tour from the lower part and you can see the same attractions as circuit 3 with the difference that you also visit the Sacred Rock, The Twelve Vanos, the Temple of the Condor and the Eastern Qolcas.

The most recommended circuit and the ticket that sells out easily is the route of the Machu Picchu entrance circuit with Huayna Picchu, which includes an adventure that runs through the top of the mountain as well as the route through the Inca citadel.

The hours for entering Machupicchu are divided with the purpose of having more visits in an orderly manner, such as the one detailed below:

The entrance to Machupicchu alone, starts at 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., while the Machupicchu with Mountain schedule has 2 hours that start at 6:00 a.m. entrance to Machupicchu and then 8:00 a.m. entrance to Mountain and the other entrance to Machupicchu at 7:00 a.m. and entrance to the mountain at 8:00 a.m.

The income for Machupicchu with Huchuy Picchu has 8 hours that start at 6:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm. The entrance to Machupicchu with Huayna Picchu has 4 schedules that start apart from 6:00 am and ends at 11:00 am.

It is recommended to purchase your entrance tickets in advance because they are limited, these 4 circuits that allow national and foreign visitors to know and appreciate one of the wonders of the world through these routes will make you have a wonderful experience.

It's time to Travel

Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu Full day - offer valid until Feb 28th 2023

 “With Expedition Train Service : USD $ 219.00 per person. The Adventure Starts in the Journey

“With Panorámic Vistadome Train (one  way): USD $ 269.00 per person "A journey for your senses"

One day visit to one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

The beautiful Machu Picchu Inca citadel was built in the fifteenth century by Inca Pachacutec, this impressive archaeological monument was considered a Royal hacienda destined to the cult of the Gods and a challenge to the ruling skills builders.

This trek is often known as "the twenty one day to Machu Picchu Tours"

ITINERARY

EVERY DAY from 5:00 am. to 10:30 pm.

05:00 am Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to train station of Ollantaytambo

07:00 am Tourist Train to Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes)

11:00 am Tour Machu Picchu Inca City

03:00 pm Lunch on Aguas Calientes

05:00 pm Hot spring on Aguas Calientes (optional)

06:45 pm Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

08:45 pm Transfer from train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco

More info:

info@salkantaytrek.org

+51 970 506 205

https://wa.me/51970506205

https://www.salkantaytrek.org/tours/machu-picchu-1-day

Reopening of Machu Picchu from February 15th 2023

The Ministry of Culture, through the Decentralised Directorate of Culture of Cusco, communicates to the public opinion to inform the following:

The reopening of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has been arranged, starting on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, under the same conditions, schedules and circuits established, after having assumed the commitment jointly with the institutions that make up the Unit of Management of Machu Picchu (UGM), municipal authorities of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and leaders of social organisations, to guarantee the security of the monuments, and transportation services, so that visitors can enjoy of the visit experience.

More info:

info@salkantaytrek.org

+51 970 506 205

https://wa.me/51970506205