Inca Trail Permits 2027: When They Go On Sale and How to Book
Inca Trail permits for 2027 are expected to go on sale in October or November 2026. Peru’s Ministry of Culture releases them month by month over a few days, and only licensed tour operators can buy them. There are about 200 hiker places per day, so May to August dates usually sell out within days of release. To get one, book with a licensed operator such as Happy Gringo Tours and send your passport details and deposit before the release. We then buy your permit the moment your month opens.
Inca Trail permits 2027 at a glance
| Expected release | October–November 2026, month by month (exact dates announced shortly before) |
|---|---|
| Daily limit | 500 people, of whom about 200 are hikers (the rest are guides, porters and cooks) |
| Who can buy | Only licensed Inca Trail operators. You cannot buy a permit yourself or hike without a guide. |
| Peak months | May to August. The best dates can go within 24–48 hours of release. |
| Closed | All of February, for maintenance |
| Tied to | Your full name and passport number. Non-transferable and non-refundable. |
When do Inca Trail permits for 2027 go on sale?
The Ministry of Culture opens the next year’s permits in the autumn, usually in October or November. Permits for 2026 were released month by month in late 2025. Operators report slightly different dates, but all agree it happened over a few days, one batch of months at a time, starting at 8 or 9 a.m. Peru time.
The exact dates are only announced a short time before sales open, so nobody can promise you a release day in advance. The practical answer is to get your booking in before the release. When your month opens, we buy your permit within minutes, using the details you have already sent us.
We will update this page with the official 2027 release dates as soon as they are announced.
How many Inca Trail permits are there per day?
The Inca Trail allows 500 people per day. That number includes the guides, porters and cooks who support each group, which leaves roughly 200 places for hikers. Every trekking company in Cusco draws from the same quota, which is why popular dates disappear so fast.
How fast do Inca Trail permits sell out?
It depends on the month. After the 2026 release, operators reported the most popular dates, especially in May and June, gone within 24–48 hours, and August and September gone within days. Here is how far ahead we recommend booking for 2027:
| When you want to hike | Demand | Book by |
|---|---|---|
| May – August | Very high | Before the release (October 2026) |
| April, September – November | High | 4–6 months ahead |
| January, March, December | Moderate (rainy season) | 2–3 months ahead |
| February | Trail closed | – |
The 2-day Short Inca Trail also has limited permits, but it usually has availability for longer. Booking 2–4 months ahead works for most dates outside the peak.
How to book your Inca Trail permit with Happy Gringo Tours
- Choose your trek. Pick the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days, or a private Inca Trail.
- Send a main date and a backup date. If your first date sells out in the first minutes, we use your backup straight away instead of losing time asking.
- Send your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport: full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and gender.
- Pay the deposit to hold your place. For the Inca Trail it is US$220 per person, or US$270 with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Get your confirmation. Once your permit is bought, we send a receipt with your confirmed departure date within 48 hours.
Ready to hold your 2027 date? Send us your dates or message us on WhatsApp at +51 918 885 164.
Your permit is tied to your passport
Every Inca Trail permit is issued in one person’s name and passport number. At the trail checkpoint (Km 82 for the Classic Inca Trail, Km 104 for the Short Inca Trail), park staff compare the permit with your original passport, so:
- Your name must match your passport exactly, including middle names and the order of surnames. A permit cannot be reissued in a different name.
- Bring the original passport you booked with. A photocopy or a photo on your phone is not accepted.
- If you renew your passport after booking, tell us straight away. The passport number can be updated with the authorities for a small fee. If it isn’t updated, you may be refused entry.
- Permits can’t be transferred. If you can’t travel, a friend can’t take your place.
- Student discount: send a copy of your valid ISIC card when you book, and carry the physical card on the trek.
Can you change the date or cancel an Inca Trail permit?
No. Once issued, a permit can’t be moved to another date and isn’t refunded. Changing your date means buying a new permit for the new date, if one is still available. Check your flights and plans before you book, and consider travel insurance that covers cancellation.
The Inca Trail is closed in February
The trail closes for the whole of February every year for maintenance and conservation, at the height of the rainy season. Machu Picchu itself stays open. If you are travelling in February, you can reach it by train on a Machu Picchu day trip or 2-day tour, or hike an alternative route such as Salkantay.
Which Inca Trail permit do you need?
| Trek | Days | Sleep | Best for | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 | Camping | The full experience: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna, and sunrise at the Sun Gate | US$849 |
| Short Inca Trail | 2 | Hotel in Aguas Calientes | Limited time, families, or anyone who prefers not to camp | US$555 |
| Private Inca Trail | 4 | Camping | Couples and groups who want their own guide and pace | Ask us |
What if Inca Trail permits are not available?
Several beautiful treks to Machu Picchu need no Inca Trail permit and have space much closer to your date:
- Salkantay Trek 5 Days: high mountain passes and glaciers, ending by train at Machu Picchu.
- Lares Trek 4 Days: quieter trails through Andean weaving villages.
- Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days: biking, hiking and hot springs on the way to Machu Picchu.
Not sure which suits you? Tell us your dates and fitness level and we’ll suggest the best option.
Inca Trail permits 2027: frequently asked questions
Can I buy an Inca Trail permit myself?
No. Permits are sold only to licensed tour operators, and every hiker must walk with a licensed guide. The price of the trek includes the prmit.
Can I book a 2027 Inca Trail before the permits are released?
Yes, and for May to August you should. We take your details and deposit now and buy your permit on release day, using your backup date if the first one sells out.
What happens if I renew my passport after booking?
Send us the new passport number right away. We update it with the authorities for a small fee. Your name can’t change, and you must carry the passport whose number is on the permit.
Is the Inca Trail open in February 2027?
No. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open, and you can visit by train or on an alternative trek.
Do I need a separate permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The 2-day Short Inca Trail uses its own permits, which are also limited and tied to your passport. They usually sell out later than the 4-day permits.
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail for 2027?
For May to August, book before the release in October 2026. To travel in April and September to November, book 4–6 months ahead. For the rainy season, book 2–3 months ahead.