Planning a trip to Peru wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Machu Picchu. As one of the world’s most recognizable ancient landmarks and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is easily one of the most popular destinations in Peru and a must-see archeological site on thousands of bucket lists across the world.
When planning a trip to Machu Picchu, one of the first questions you’ll tackle is how you plan on making it up the mountain. There are a handful of different hiking routes, a train, tour buses, and day hikes – but the most popular option amongst travellers has quickly become the Inca Trail.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is one of South America’s, and one of the world’s, most famous hiking journeys. The trail consistently finds itself ranking within the top five when it comes to best treks and hikes in the world.
Starting in the Sacred Valley and ending at Machu Picchu, this trail passes through beautiful Andean landscapes, from tropical rainforests to alpine tundra. Complete with ancient cobblestone paths laid by hand to historic ruins, this trek transports travellers back in time to the days of an ancient civilization that survived and thrived in the isolation of the mountain tops.
But before you pack your gear and hit the trail, there’s one vital piece of information that must be considered before you make the trip: your hiking permits.
Hiking the Inca Trail
As popularity for the Inca Trail increased, the Peruvian government was forced to initiate many controls to reduce the human impact upon the trail and to protect the ancient city. Most famously, in 2001, a quota system was introduced that greatly restricted the number of people that would be allowed onto the trail each day. As of 2016, only 500 permits a day are issued to hikers, porters, guides, cooks, etc.
While the system might be frustrating for hikers that want to access the trail, the efforts put in place by the Peruvian government are admirable. Not only are they working to protect an ancient civilization for generations to come, but they’re protecting the wildlife and keeping the trail safe and sustainable for hikers and guides.
Can you do the Inca Trail on your own?
Hiking the Inca Trail solo is no longer possible. You can only walk the trail with an official tour company as part of the Peruvian government’s conservation efforts. So when it’s time to book your tickets, you’ll end up booking through a tour company.
How to get your Inca Trail permits 2019
Because hiking the Inca Trail has become somewhat exclusive, it’s imperative that you plan your trip and reserve your permits by booking a spot on a tour as early as possible. For the most part, tour companies recommend booking a year in advance for high season, or as soon as the upcoming year’s passes become available.
Keep the following points in mind when considering permits for the Inca Trail:
- Permits go on sale at the end of each year for the following year
- Book your trekking tour with a reputable company 5-6 months in advance to ensure you get access to the trail
- May and June are peak season – the best time of year to do the Inca trail is in May or October when it’s warm and dry
The pros of hiking the Inca Trail with a tour company
Booking your Inca Trail hike through a reputable tour company will provide you with many benefits as both a traveller and a hiker:
- First and foremost, they’ll take care of reserving your permit. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a lot easier to sit back and relax knowing the experts have taken care of your reservation. They handle all the details, so all you have to do is show up, ready to hike. Just be aware that they will require a decent deposit upfront, as they need the money to make your booking.
- Tour companies also take great care of their travellers. Hiking the Inca Trail exposes you to quickly changing terrain, unique elements, and very high altitudes. Having someone in your corner to offer assistance, cook for you, and make sure you’re comfortable is a huge asset. If the altitude starts to affect you, having a qualified guide by your side can make things a lot easier.
- The Inca trail is riddled with history and ancient secrets – it would be a lot to try and take in and learn on your own. Thankfully a tour company provides you with expert guides that are well-versed in the history of the trail and Machu Picchu itself. You’ll appreciate their endless knowledge and access to information that you wouldn’t otherwise get.
If you’re thinking of hiking the Inca Trail, you’re in for an immersive experience into Incan culture and history. Just be prepared to plan your trip well in advance and hire a reputable tour company. Take the time to research your options, read reviews, and reach out to operators with your questions. There are dozens of experienced tour companies that will make your trip an experience you’ll want to relive over and over again. Now you need to book your trip!
Are you planning on hiking the Inca Trail in 2019? Tell us about your trip in the comments!
