Insider Tips on Securing Tickets for the Classic Inca Trail

The 4-day, Classic Inca Trail to the Machu Picchu citadel is among the highest ranked hikes worldwide. It is really famous for those who enjoy adventure and seek for adrenaline experiences. It combines trekking across the Andean heights, camping, touring archaeological sites and then going down to the Peruvian jungle until the arrival at the ancient stone vacation retreat of Inca nobility.

This is the beautiful part. However, there is something you must be careful about: securing tickets for the time of the year you want to do the trail… as we said, the Classic Inca Trail is very high in demand around the world, and permits sell out very well in advance. Next, we’ll list our insider tips in order for you to be able to book the trip to Cusco, being sure that there will not be any problem with your admission tickets to the greatest hiking adventure in Peru.

Best Insider Tips for Securing Tickets

• Very important on securing tickets for the Classic Inca Trail: you should contact us at least 6 months before the dates you want to do the hike. Because permits get all sold long before people actually arrive for the adventure. Also, remember that every February the Inca Trail is closed, for maintenance works of the circuit. (Regular tours to Machu Picchu remain available). 

• We recommend you do the same if you, after the Classic Inca Trail, also want to go on the amazing climb of the Huayna Picchu mountain, the higher one which is inside the citadel. Or if you want to do any other tour later. 

• When it comes to securing tickets, trust only licensed, certified travel companies like TOUR IN PERU. Since admissions are managed by the Peruvian government, no private travel operator can obtain them without the proper paperwork. Those tickets are not private property, it is the Peruvian state that organizes the allocations.

• Be totally precise with the month and days you want to book! No ticket can be transferred, any date can be changed and any travel agency will refund nothing because these permits are only valid for the original buyer. Don’t ever purchase from someone who may be offering Inca Trail permits directly; they are only bought by licensed, formal tour operators.

• Currently, it is possible for travel agencies to send the admissions to your smartphone, so you can have them in a virtual format and show them at the entrance of the trek. But, always remember, securing tickets and the purchase can only be done by a formal travel agency like TOUR IN PERU. 

• The minimum age for doing the Classic Inca Trail is 7 years old.

• The maximum age is 77 years old.

• Maximum number of people in a group is 15.

• Please check our covid-19 safety protocols for adventure tours and stay in touch with our staff to be updated about possible changes. 

And one final very good insider tip: if you did not succeed, for whatever reason, in securing tickets for the Classic Inca Trail, there are great, equally amazing alternatives: the 5-Day Salkantay Trek, the 4-Day Lares Trek and the Short 2-Day Inca Trail. All of them have much more availability and different itineraries than the Classic, but are challenging, enjoyable, educational and of course, all of them end up at the majestic Machu Picchu site.

Don’t forget, securing tickets for the Classic Inca Trail at least 6 months in advance is mandatory! Talk to our travel professionals and start planning the best vacation of your life!