• 4-day Inca Trail: the total daily capacity is 500 permits. This number includes hikers plus guides, porters, cooks, and other support staff.
• 2-day Inca Trail: the total daily capacity is 250 permits, including hikers and staff.

It’s important to understand that these numbers refers to the overall Inca Trail capacity, not just hikers. This system is designed to regulate visitor flow, protect the archaeological site, and minimize environmental impact.

Access to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail:

• The Inca Trail permit includes a Machu Picchu entrance ticket; however, it does not provide access to all circuits within the citadel.
• When purchasing a 2-day or 4-day Inca Trail permit, the system automatically generates a Machu Picchu entrance ticket under Circuit 3-B (Designed Royalty).
• The Circuit 3-B entrance is permanently linked to the Inca Trail permit. This ticket cannot be separated, changed, or modified, as both the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance are booked and paid simultaneously.
• Hikers will arrive to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and enjoy the classic panoramic view on day 1 of the short Inca Trail or day 4 of the classic Inca Trail.
• The Circuit 3-B ticket included allows access to the lower part of Machu Picchu but does not include the upper terraces or the full classic route.
• If visitors wish to explore additional areas, such as the panoramic upper terraces (Circuit 1) or the Classic Circuit (Circuit 2), an additional Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be purchased separately, subject to availability.

📅 Booking permits:

• Permit sales open annually in October or November of the year before the trekking season (e.g., for 2026 treks, permits became available in late 2025).
• The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance and trail conservation work; permits are not available in February.
• For high-demand months (May–September), permits often sell out 6–8 months (or more) in advance — booking early is essential.
• Shoulder and low seasons may have availability closer to travel dates, but planning ahead is still strongly advised.

✔️ Key Notes

• Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and linked to passport data.
• Permits are sold only through authorized operators — hikers cannot buy them independently.
• With the new Machu Picchu circuit system in place, ensure you also book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket if you want to explore the citadel after the trek.