Plan Ahead the Inca Trail

Booking the Inca Trail in Advance - Never underestimate the importance of advanced Inca Trail reservations. Only 500 Inca Trail permits are issued for any given day, with about

200 of those going to tourists and the rest going to guides, porters, and other trekking staff. If you think that sounds limited, you’d be right.
While alternative treks provide opportunities for last-minute hikes to Machu Picchu, trekking along the classic Inca Trail -- be it for two days, four days or more -- requires an advanced reservation.
If you arrive in Cusco hoping to find space on the trail, there’s a very good chance you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Inca Trail Reservations
Ideally, you should try to book the Inca Trail about six months in advance, especially if you want to go during high season (June, July, and August). During these months, trail permits can sell out four or five months in advance.
The months surrounding high season can also sell out ahead of time. If you want to hike the Inca Trail in April, May, September, October or November, try to book at least three or four months in advance.