INCA TRAIL 2026: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BOOK

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, so availability is limited and it sells out months in advance. Therefore, it is important to book your ticket well in advance. Availability on the Inca Trail for 2026 depends on various factors, including the number of people in your group, the time of year, and the number of tickets per day, which are regulated by government agencies.

Availability for the Inca Trail in 2026 opens in October, with 500 tickets available per day. This includes not only travelers, but also travel equipment such as porters, guides, and cooks, so it is essential to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in advance. We recommend booking your ticket at least 4 months in advance so you don’t miss out on this incredible hike along the Inca trails, full of mystique and nature.

We would like to point out that the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season (May to October), when it receives the most visitors, so it is important to book your ticket in advance.

Don’t wait until next year to experience and be part of this Inca Trail trekking adventure. Here is the sales schedule for next year.

The entities that govern the Inca Trail do not allow changes to dates, cancellations, or refunds. The only change allowed is a passport change, but only once, so it is extremely important that your details are correct. It is also important to know that once we have purchased the tickets, they do not allow name changes or permit transfers, as entry to the Inca Trail is strictly personal.
Once the tickets are obtained in your name, they are non-transferable; that is why it is essential that you bring the personal document you used to make your reservation on the Inca Trail to show at the checkpoints.

If you want to do this trek, we recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance (April, May, June, and July) due to high demand. It is essential that you make this reservation through a licensed operator, such as Sakura Expedition, the official operator of the Inca Trail.

The number of entries per day is 500 people, of which 200 are tourists and the rest are visitor support staff (cooks, porters, guides, etc.).

You need to book in advance because there is a daily limit on the number of visitors. By booking in advance, you can guarantee your tickets and guide, as well as plan your trip without any rush.

The requirements for booking your tickets are:

Can I book the Inca Trail ticket on my own?
There is no way to book it yourself, as logistics are required for this hike. That is why the government has implemented strict controls and stipulated that all visitors must obtain permission through a travel agency (not all of which are authorized to operate this route).

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
The ideal season for the Inca Trail is from May to October, during the dry season in the Andes.

How long does the Inca Trail take?
The Classic Inca Trail takes 4 days and 3 nights, though there are other options for travelers with limited time, such as the Short Inca Trail (2 days) or the Full Day Inca Trail.

What is the level of difficulty?
The Inca Trail hike features steep sections and is moderate to challenging. We recommend acclimatizing beforehand in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.

Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes, due to high demand and tickets selling out quickly.