Australian travel advisors are being reminded to book Inca Trail trips for clients well in advance as the Peruvian government’s access limits allow for around 200 traveller permits per day.
Strict conservation measures mean only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day with that figure including trekkers, guides and porters. In reality, this translates to around 180-220 visitor permits per day, making the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu one of the world’s most tightly controlled trekking experiences.
For Australians planning the trek, booking six to 12 months in advance of the May-September peak is strongly recommended, given it is when demand is highest. June, July and August permits often sell out within hours or days of becoming available. Travellers cannot hike independently and must book through a licensed tour operator, which secures permits, guides, porters and camping arrangements on their behalf.
“For many travellers, walking the Inca Trail isn’t just another hike, it’s a dream they’ve been planning for years,” Intrepid Travel trek manager Maritza Chacacanta said. “Our travellers tell us every day it’s the one experience they’ve always wanted to have, which is why it’s so disappointing when they discover permits have already sold out.
“The reality is there are only around 200 permits available for travellers each day, so planning ahead is essential. We always encourage people to book five to six months in advance, particularly if they’re hoping to travel during the peak season.”
It’s also worth building flexibility into your itinerary. The trail is closed every February for maintenance and conservation, while heavy rainfall can occasionally affect trekking conditions during the wet season. Spending two to three days in Cusco before the hike allows time to acclimatise to the altitude, significantly improving the experience and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Peru is currently Intrepid’s 6th most-booked destination this year for ANZ, with the seven-day Inca Trail Express remaining our most popular Peru trip. As 2027 bookings start to ramp up, now’s a good time to remind travellers that securing an Inca Trail permit takes more planning than many realise.
Intrepid secures permits on travellers’ behalf, but bookings should be made five to six months ahead of departure, particularly for the peak May-September season. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are linked to a traveller’s passport, so it’s important to provide the correct passport details when booking.
“One thing that catches people by surprise is that permits are tied to the passport you book with, so it’s important to have your final passport details ready before your permit is issued,” Chacacanta said.
Those who miss out on permits still have alternatives.
“If the Inca Trail isn’t available, I always remind travellers that they’re not missing out on Peru,” Chacacanta added. “Some of my favourite routes are the Quarry Trail and the Salkantay Trek. They take you through incredible mountain landscapes, offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds and still finish at the unforgettable Machu Picchu.”
