Inca Trail 2027: When Permits Go on Sale and How to Secure Your Spot
Inca Trail 2027: When Permits Go on Sale and How to Secure Your Spot
Updated: October 26, 2026
If you dream of reaching Machu Picchu on foot along the Inca Trail in 2027, the key date isn't your travel day, but the day the Ministry of Culture opens permit sales. Spots are few and dry-season dates sell out very fast. Here's what we know today.
Are 2027 permits on sale yet?
Not yet. As of October 26, 2026, Peru's Ministry of Culture has not announced the sales date for 2027 Inca Trail permits.
For reference: 2026 permits went on sale on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., the same day as Machu Picchu tickets. There's no guarantee 2027 will follow the same calendar, but it shows the opening comes with little notice. We're also watching for 2027 Machu Picchu tickets.
How permits work
- Limited daily spots, and that number includes guides, cooks and porters. There are far fewer spots for travelers than it seems.
- Permits are only sold through authorized agencies. You can't hike the classic Inca Trail independently or buy the permit yourself.
- The permit is issued in the traveler's name with their passport, and can't be moved to another date or transferred.
- Passport details are required at booking. If you'll renew your passport before the trip, let your agency know.
February: the Inca Trail closes
Every year the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance and because of the rains. Machu Picchu stays open, but the trek doesn't. If you're traveling in February, see the alternatives in Machu Picchu in February.
Which dates sell out first
- May to August: dry season, clear skies, the most requested.
- Easter and long holiday weekends.
- September and October: still good weather and fewer people than July, but they fill up too.
March, April and November usually have more availability, with a bit more rain. We compare the months in the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
How to secure your spot
- Choose your date early and have a backup.
- Book with an agency before sales open. That way you're in the first round of purchases the day permits are released.
- Have passport details ready for every traveler.
- Book your flights after your permit is confirmed, not before.
If you can't get a permit
All is not lost. There are other ways to reach Machu Picchu on foot:
- Salkantay Trek: 4 to 5 days past a snowcapped mountain, with no Inca Trail permit needed. See our Salkantay guide.
- Short 2-day Inca Trail: it has separate spots and ends at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu by train: in 2 days 1 night, with time to see the citadel without rushing.
To see what the trek is like day by day, read Inca Trail step by step.
Frequently asked questions
When do 2027 Inca Trail permits go on sale?
There's no official date yet. 2026 permits went on sale on November 17, 2025, so it's worth watching from November 2026.
Can I buy an Inca Trail permit myself?
No. The classic Inca Trail can only be done with an authorized agency, which buys the permit in your name.
Is the Inca Trail open in February?
No. It closes all of February for maintenance. Machu Picchu can still be visited that month.
How far ahead should I book the Inca Trail?
For May to August, ideally before sales open, meaning several months ahead. In lower-demand months there may be spots closer to the date.
