Inca Trail permit availability will be reflected on our website under individual trip departure dates.
The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing and it is important to be aware of the issues detailed in this document before embarking on your adventure to Peru.
No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82. This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
Bookings made 65 days or more before the Inca Trail portion* of any G Adventures should proceed without any issue if we receive the following pieces of information:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport, see Important Note for further details)
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number (of the passport you will be using to travel, see Important Note for further details)
- Date of Passport Expiry - Must be valid for a least 6 months past the date of travel.
Bookings between 64 and 31 days before the Inca Trail portion of any tour will be taken on a request basis.
Important Note: The passport number and name that is submitted to G Adventures, at time of confirmation, will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit and entrance to Machu Picchu. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the checkpoint at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, changes and corrections can be subject to fees as discrepancies can lead to being denied admission to the Inca Trail.
Please note that these rules and regulations are strictly enforced by the governing bodies of the Inca Trail in Peru and are out of the control of G Adventures, meaning no exceptions can be made.
If you are denied access on the Inca Trail as a result of providing incorrect or invalid information, cost of accommodation and other services during this time will be the responsibility of the individual and not G Adventures.
Should any requests made within 64 days before the Inca Trail portion* of any tour be denied, the following three alternatives will be offered:
In the unlikely event that we are unable to secure permits, the following options will be offered:
- Hike the Lares Trek route through the Sacred Valley, a fascinating and challenging 3-day, 2-night trip ending in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This trek takes in much of the Inca's most sacred and important countryside and many monuments. All transportation, accommodation, guide services etc. will be included.
- Spend two nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
- Cancel or change the trip without penalty
If changes to the current government policy affect our ability to provide access to the advertised itinerary including the Inca Trail, we will endeavor to provide clients with the best options and customer service available. Please also see clause 17 in our terms and conditions concerning our responsibilities.
*When booking any trip involving the Inca Trail, please book as far in advance as possible in order to increase the possibility of securing space on the Trail during the peak periods of the year.
Machu Picchu Entrance Regulations
- The Peruvian government allows visitors to enter Machu Picchu for a maximum of 4 hours (either from 6am – 12pm or 12pm – 16:00pm)
- All visitors are required to be accompanied by a guide — all G Adventures tours visiting Machu Picchu include a guided visit
- Please refer to the Important Note regarding accuracy of information provided at time of booking as this information is used to purchase the entrance to Machu Picchu. Discrepancies may result in fees or denial of entry