Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Ticket Reservation

The renowned Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a world-famous trekking route, which is why ticket reservation should be made at least six months in advance.

To fulfill your dream of trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, consider ticket availability for your travel date and the group you will be traveling with.

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a stone pathway that winds through the valleys and mountains of the Andes. This route features many Inca constructions such as observation towers on mountain peaks, small villages, agricultural terraces, and other archaeological sites, all built with lithic materials (stone).

Built over five hundred years ago by the extinct Inca civilization, the Inca Trail is just a part of a vast network of paths that spread across Peruvian territory. Extending into areas of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, and northward into Ecuador. These routes facilitated connections between key imperial regions.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is located in the Andes mountains, rising from 2,040 m to 4,200 m in elevation. Spanning over 40 km from the starting point to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

How to book a ticket for the Inca Trail?

Since the route was built by the Incas centuries ago and is considered a World Heritage site, authorities have limited daily access to 200 tourists to preserve it properly.

Breaking away from daily work routines and city pressures is important for your health. Ensure an unforgettable experience on the Inca Trail by booking your entry ticket now to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Since 2001, booking a ticket for the Inca Trail has only been possible through authorized travel agencies or tour operators. Note that out of the daily limit of entries, three hundred are for logistical staff and two hundred for tourists.

Travel agencies or tour operators book tickets online through the website of Peru's Ministry of Culture (INC). These agencies require traveler documentation, such as a National Identity Document (DNI) or a passport for foreign nationals.

Inca Trail Tours with CuscoPeru

You can make your reservation ticket for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with CuscoPeru, we offer various options for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences:

Differences Between the 2-Day and 4-Day Versions

Choosing which tour to take can be challenging. Below, we present a comparative chart to help simplify this decision:

Inca Trail Restrictions

• The maximum number of tourists in each group depends on the price of the tour. More economical options may include up to 16 people, whereas more expensive ones limit groups to 8 people.
• It is crucial to acclimatize in Cusco before starting the trek, as you will ascend to 4,200 meters above sea level during the early days of the hike.
• If our agency has no available tickets, it is unlikely that other agencies will have them either, as ticket availability is controlled by the INC.
• To preserve the Inca Trail network and ensure the safety of tourists, it is prohibited to travel on the Inca Trail between 6:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
• According to INC regulations, confirmed reservations cannot be altered, and non-attendance on the scheduled date will result in the total loss of the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Inca Trail

How far in advance do I need to book the Inca Trail?

It is advisable to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (either the 2-day or 4-day version) at least four months in advance to secure your desired travel date. As only 500 people per day (including guides, porters, and cooks) are allowed, spots can fill up quickly.

During peak season (May through September), booking at least six months in advance is recommended.

What type of footwear should I wear?

When selecting your footwear for the journey, avoid new, barely worn, or overly stiff shoes as they may cause injuries and discomfort while walking.

Is the Inca Trail open all year round?

The Inca Trail is temporarily closed during February for maintenance, thereby preventing visitor access.

Is there an age limit?

While there is no set age limit for trekking the Inca Trail, it is recommended that children be at least twelve years old to participate.