Official Inca Trail Availability 2027 – ON LINE

HIKING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN 2027?

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the most amazing treks in the world, for its exquisite natural beauty and different ecological niches ranging from the Mountains to tropical forests. The Incas created a vast network of roads that go throughout the Andes from Argentina to Colombia and from the coast to the Amazon rainforest. The Inca Trail was built approximately 600 years ago , to connect their capital city of Cusco to the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu. The 4  day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu travels from the Andes to the Jungle.

Today tourists start their hike from KM 82 piscakucho, which is located in the end of the Sacred Valley very close of Ollantaytambo, in the way to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. This challenging hike offers trekkers incredible views of ,several inca temples, amazing cloud forest, and sacred mountains the total distance is 45 km /26 miles.

2, 4, 5, & 7 Days Classic Inca Trail Availability

SAM Travel Peru has Guaranteed and Flexible Departure Dates, we only need a minimum of 2 trekkers and a maximum of 8 for all of our listed tours.

• Note: If your date is sold out it is sold out for all travel agencies, there are not more permits!
• We need Inca Trail availability ONLY for the starting date of  your trek!
• NOTE: February 2024 – The 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 days Inca Trail is closed for maintenance
• We can ONLY operate the LARES TREK to Machu Picchu and TOURS to Machu Picchu during February.

***Sam Travel Peru Requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! “You can Choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.”

***If you are a single traveler and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun

FREQUNTLY ASK QUESTION ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL

What is the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail?

It is the original 43-kilometre stone-paved pilgrimage on the Qhapaq Ñan, from KM 82 in the Sacred Valley to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. You cross three high Andean passes, camp three nights on the trail, and walk into Machu Picchu on foot on the fourth morning. No roads, no day-trippers, just original Inca engineering.

Why choose the 4-day over the train or Short Trail?

The train skips the trail completely. The Short Trail only does the final 12km. The Classic gives you the full route and the remote sites you cannot reach any other way: Runkurakay at 3,760m, Sayacmarca at 3,600m, Phuyupatamarca at 3,600m, Intipata at 2,700m and Wiñay Wayna at 2,650m. You also arrive first at the Sun Gate because you camp at Wiñay Wayna, ten minutes from the checkpoint.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. Access is regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and limited to 500 people per day total, including guides and porters. Only about 200 of those are tourist trekkers.

When are permits released?

Permits for the following year are released in the first week of October. For 2026, sales opened on a staggered schedule in early October 2026.

When will 2027 permits be released?

We expect the first week of October 2026. There is no confirmed date yet. We will secure your permit the moment sales open.

How far in advance should I book?

• June, July, August: book 8 to 12 months ahead. These dates sell out within 24 to 72 hours of the October release.
• May and September: book 6 to 8 months ahead. Sell out within 2 to 4 weeks.

April and October: book 4 to 6 months ahead.

• November, December, March: book 3 to 4 months ahead. The trail is closed every February.

Can I book the permit myself?

No. You cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit independently. Every permit must be bought through a licensed operator in Peru.

Is the permit refundable?

No. Permits are personal, non-refundable and non-transferable. If you change dates we must buy a completely new permit, subject to availability.

Can I book with an old passport or if my name will change?

Yes. Send a copy of your current passport to secure the permit. Once you have your new passport, email us copies of both old and new immediately so we can update the details. You must travel with the passport that matches the permit..

What if permits are sold out?

We switch you to Salkantay 5D, Lares, Inca Quarry 4D, Choquequirao or Ausangate. All reach Machu Picchu without an Inca Trail permit.

Difficulty, Altitude & Fitness

How hard is the 4-day trek?

Moderate to challenging. It is not a technical climb, it is sustained stone steps at altitude. Day 2 is the crux: 7 to 8 hours uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass.

What is the highest point and will I get altitude sickness?

Warmiwañusca, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215m / 13,829ft on Day 2. You also cross Runkurakay Pass at 3,950m and Phuyupatamarca at 3,680m. You must spend at least 2 full nights in Cusco (3,400m) before the trek, ideally 3. We carry emergency oxygen, monitor you daily, and set a slow pace. Fitness does not prevent altitude sickness.

What fitness level is required?

You should be comfortable hiking 6 to 8 hours with steep stone steps, carrying a daypack, for four consecutive days. Train with hills and stairs for 6 to 8 weeks before. Minimum recommended age is 12.

How far do we walk each day?

• Day 1: 12km, 6 hours, 2,720m to 3,300m. KM 82 to Ayapata via Llactapata.
• Day 2: 14km, 8 hours, 3,300m to 4,215m to 3,600m. Ayapata to Dead Woman’s Pass to Chaquicocha.
• Day 3: 10km, 5 to 6 hours, 3,600m to 2,650m. Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca to Wiñay Wayna.
• Day 4: 6km, 2 hours hiking plus 2.5 hour tour, 2,650m to 2,430m. Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate to Machu Picchu.

What is the daily schedule?

Day 1: 04:00 pick up Cusco, transfer to KM 82, hike to Ayapata camp. Day 2: 05:30 wake up, summit Dead Woman’s Pass by midday, camp at Chaquicocha. Day 3: visit Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, camp at Wiñay Wayna. Day 4: 03:30 wake up, 05:30 checkpoint opens, reach Sun Gate for sunrise, guided Machu Picchu tour, train to Ollantaytambo, van to Cusco arriving around 19:00.

Why do you camp at Ayapata and Wiñay Wayna?

Ayapata is one hour above Wayllabamba. It shortens your Day 2 summit push and keeps you ahead of the crowds. Wiñay Wayna is ten minutes from the Sun Gate checkpoint, giving you first light at Inti Punku.

What do we see with both circuits?

For 2026 your ticket includes Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 in one continuous route:

• Circuit 1: Guardhouse viewpoint for the classic photo, upper agricultural terraces.
• Circuit 3: Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, Temple of the Condor, Royal residences, ceremonial fountains, Sacred Rock and lower terraces.

How much time do we get inside Machu Picchu?

About 2.5 hours guided tour plus 30 minutes free time on Day 4, after arriving through the Sun Gate.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but you must book 3 to 4 months ahead. Huayna Picchu $75, Machu Picchu Mountain $75, Huchuy Picchu $50. You would climb after your guided tour, before your train.

Where do we sleep?

Three nights camping in 4-season tents, two people per tent, with foam mattress included. Camps: Ayapata (3,300m), Chaquicocha (3,600m), Wiñay Wayna (2,650m). No lodges on the Classic Trail.

Are there toilets and showers?

Basic portable sanitary facilities at each camp provided by our team. There are no hot showers on the trail. You get your first hot shower on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes before the train (not included, but available).

What food is provided?

All meals cooked fresh by our trek chef in a dining tent. Day 1 lunch and dinner through Day 4 breakfast. Hot soups, quinoa, trout, chicken, Andean potatoes, vegetables. Boiled water provided from lunch Day 1. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free accommodated with advance notice.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Yes. We rent 4-season sleeping bags for $25 total. You can also bring your own rated to -10°C.

How much can porters carry?

Porters carry up to 7kg of your personal gear in a duffel we provide. You hike with only a daypack.

When is the best time to go?

Dry season May to September for clearest pass views. June and July are busiest. April and October are excellent shoulder months with green landscapes and fewer people.

What will the weather be like?

Three ecological zones in four days. Puna grassland at the passes can be below freezing with wind. Cloud forest on Day 3 is humid with possible rain year round. Machu Picchu is warm and subtropical. Pack layers: thermal base, fleece, down jacket, rain jacket with hood.

Where is the briefing and pick up?

Pre-trek briefing at 18:00 the night before at our Cusco office on Calle Garcilaso. Pick up Day 1 is 04:00 from your Cusco hotel, 05:30 if staying in Sacred Valley.

Can I leave luggage in Cusco?

Yes. Free secure storage at our office.

What should I pack?

Original passport, broken-in hiking boots, 30-40L daypack, sleeping bag, headlamp, 2-3L water bladder, trekking poles with rubber tips, sun hat, warm hat, gloves, layers, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent.

Can I charge my phone?

No charging on the trail. Bring a power bank. Phones work sporadically at camps.

How big are the groups and who are the guides?

Maximum 12 trekkers, average 5 to 8. All guides are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, wilderness first aid certified, fluent in English, and full-time Cusco staff who lead the Classic Trail weekly.

How much should I tip?

Tipping is customary. For a 4-day trek most groups tip: Guide $40-50 USD total per trekker, Cook $25-30, Porters $60-70 pooled per trekker. We provide envelopes at briefing.

What is included in the price from $787?

Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu Circuit 1 and 3 tickets, all campsites, 3 nights camping equipment, professional guide, cook and porters, all meals on trail, emergency oxygen and first aid, round-trip train Expedition, bus tickets, private transfers, and pre-trek briefing.

How do I book?

• Step 1: Complete the booking form with full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality and gender exactly as in your passport.
• Step 2: Pay $250 USD deposit per person to lock your permit. Balance due in cash at our Cusco office 30 days before, or online with 5.5% fee. We send your official permit confirmation within 24 hours.

WHAT TO DO IF THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL IS SOLD OUT
FOR YOUR DESIRED DATES?

If permits are sold out for the Classic Inca Trail on your preferred date,” don’t get stressed out,” you have so many options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes on the way to MACHU PICCHU. Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail. They are less crowded because we take you OFF the beaten track” in the Andes and we make sure you don’t miss anything on your trek to MACHU PICCHU.

ISIC CARD 

If you make a trek booking at the student price must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit.  If you fail to bring your Original ISIC card on the trek, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek. “You will not be given the opportunity to pay the difference in price!”