Inca Trail - Trek Regulations

Inca Trail Regulations (4 day Classic Trek)

1. Number of persons permitted on the trail

2. Independent Trekking

3. Maximum Group Size

4. Entrance Fees (trek permits)

5. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Regulations

6. Water bottles & walking sticks

7. Making a Reservation

8. Licensed Tour Operators

9. Inca Trail Closure (February)

1. Number of persons permitted on the trail

The number of persons on the trail has been limited to 500 persons. This figure includes trekkers, guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters. Of this 500 persons it is estimated that only about 220 persons are actual trekkers.

2. Independent Trekking

Contrary to popular belief it is still possible to undertake the Inca trail without the services of a tour operator. If you have a small group under 8 persons you can hire just the services of a guide. The guide must be professionally qualified and will accept responsibility for the group. The guide will also purchase the Inca Trail trek permits in advance for the group. However if you hire a guide you will have to carry all your own equipment such as tents etc and you will have to cook for yourselves since you are not allowed to hire additional trekking staff such as cooks and porters. The guide must comply with all Inca trail regulations including carrying first aid equipment and emergency oxygen. In reality making a such a contract with a guide is difficult since tour operators are not interested in hiring out their guides and the majority of the best guides are contracted to work for the tour operators. 

3. Maximum Group Size

The maximum group size is 16 persons. Groups of more than 10 persons require a guide and an assistant guide.

4. Entrance Fees (trek permits)

The adult Inca Trail entrance fee is US$50. This fee includes entry to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Students under the age of 26 years old in possession of a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) receive a US$25 discount. Youths under 16 years old also receive a US$25 discount. Children under the age of 12 years old are not charged an entrance fee.

5. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Regulations

6. Water bottles & walking sticks

7. Making a Reservation

8. Licensed Tour Operators

9. Inca Trail Closure (February)