Inca Trail 2027: permits, when and how to buy them

Planning the Inca Trail for 2027? Permits sell out fast, so it pays to know how they work before sales open. This guide explains who can buy them, how payment works today on TuBoleto and what alternatives exist if you can't get a spot. Important: as of 18 October 2026 no announced date for 2027 permit sales has been found in the official sources consulted. Facts checked against official sources on 18 October 2026 (list at the end).

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What is known (and not) about 2027 sales

• 2027 sale date: not confirmed. As of 18 October 2026 there is no official announcement with a date in the sources consulted (the Ministry of Culture on gob.pe, machupicchu.gob.pe and TuBoleto). Any date you see elsewhere is an estimate.
• Official capacity: the Inca Trail Network stays at 750 visitors per day, and the new sales system does not change it (Ministry of Culture, 22/09/2026).
• Permits are sold for specific dates in the year; ask your agency which dates and routes are available when sales open.

How permits are bought today

• Only through authorised travel agencies: on the Inca Trail Network agencies take part in the purchase and the daily quotas are paid in advance through them (R.M. 334-2026-MC, art. 15-B.2; Ministry of Culture, 22/09/2026). You can't buy on your own.
• Guide required: the Inca Trail is only done with an authorised agency and an official tour guide (Inca Trail Network regulation, R.M. 069-2017-MC). This differs from the Machu Picchu citadel, where a guide is only recommended.
• Platform: TuBoleto (tuboleto.cultura.pe). Since 22 September 2026 direct sale with confirmed payment applies: the agency has a maximum of 15 minutes to pay and, if unpaid, the slot is released. The previous three-hour hold no longer exists. This stage is a trial ("marcha blanca") until 22 October 2026 and the window could be adjusted.
• Tickets are tied to confirmed payment and the visitor's identification, so the permit is personal. For the Machu Picchu ticket the general rule is no change of date or holder (R.M. 334-2026-MC, art. 15.4); ask your agency for the exact permit conditions.
• Those finishing the Inca Trail enter the citadel via route 3-B, with a dedicated daily quota paid through the agency (R.M. 334-2026-MC, art. 15-B).

How to prepare and watch for the opening

1. Pick approximate dates and a backup set of dates (flexibility improves your chances).
2. Choose an authorised agency and ask how it will notify you when sales open; check that it issues the permit on TuBoleto in your name.
3. Have your exact passport details ready (name and number as on the original document).
4. Follow official sources: Ministry of Culture news on gob.pe, machupicchu.gob.pe and tuboleto.cultura.pe.
5. Be wary of anyone selling "guaranteed permits" outside official channels: issuing tickets outside authorised platforms is prohibited.

Before paying for non-refundable flights or lodging, wait until your permit is confirmed.

What is and isn't covered here

• The permit gives access to the Inca Trail Network route and to the citadel via route 3-B. What each agency includes (porters, meals, gear, return train) is defined by each operator: compare before booking. No official rate has been verified here; don't treat blog prices as official.
• Preparing for the altitude and gear: Altitude sickness and Trekking gear rental.
• General trek and route details: Inca Trail permits and booking.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do
• Trekking gear rental and shops in Cusco: what to rent, what to bring and tips
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version

Alternatives if there is no space

1. Short Inca Trail (2 days).
2. Salkantay Trek: it doesn't replace the citadel ticket, which is bought separately on TuBoleto (see Machu Picchu tickets).
3. Lares Trek and Choquequirao.
4. Compare them all in Best trek to Machu Picchu.
5. If citadel tickets are sold out: Machu Picchu sold out: plan B.

• Short Inca Trail (2 days): the route from km 104, permits and what to expect
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it
• Machu Picchu tickets: how to buy them on the official site and not miss out
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, communities and comparison
• Choquequirao trek: Machu Picchu's remote "sister" (route, difficulty and tips)
• Which trek to Machu Picchu? Inca Trail vs Salkantay vs Inca Jungle vs Lares
• Machu Picchu sold out: what to do and plan B

Official sources

Sources consulted on 18 October 2026.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).