Short Inca Trail 2 Days Permits & Available 2026
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Short Inca Trail 2 days Permits available 2026
The Short Inca Trail is a trek that offers a unique experience, and permits are limited, often selling out fast. If you’re planning to hike this trail, it’s crucial to book your trip early.
Availability depends on factors like the season, group size, and the number of permits issued by Peru. Each day, only 500 permits are available, covering travelers, guides, porters, and cooks.
Due to this limited availability, securing your permit early is vital. While no exact timeframe ensures a permit, booking ahead improves your chances of getting your desired date.
The best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season from May to September. However, this is also the busiest time, so permits can sell out months ahead.
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Short Inca Trail 2 days Permits available 2026
Here is the current Inca Trail permit availability. Below you can find the status of permits for the 2-Day Inca Trail trek. Dates shown in green indicate available permits, while dates marked in red are already sold out.
Our map of Short inca trail 2 days
Below you will find two maps that illustrate the Short 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The route map shows the complete Inca Trail journey, including the starting and ending points, key archaeological sites, and the bus and train routes used for transportation. The elevation profile map highlights the hiking route with daily distances, estimated hiking times, elevation gain, and the altitudes reached along the trek.
Together, these maps help you better understand the route, distance, and physical challenge of the Inca Trail trek.
Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail Permits
When Inca Trail Permits are released?
Permits for each new season on the Inca Trail are typically issued in October of the previous year. For the 2027 trekking season, this means that permits should be available in October 2026. Because the number of permits is strictly limited and sold by order of arrival through authorized tour companies for the Inca Trail, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. This is especially vital if you intend to walk between May and August, when demand is at its peak.
How many Inca Trail permits are issued?
The Peruvian government only provides 500 permits per day to those who hike the Inca Trail for four days; this means that 200 permits are allotted for travelers, with the remaining permits going to cooks, guides, and porters. Travelers who hike the Inca Trail for five or seven days also use those 500 permits.
Additionally, they provide 250 permits per day for those who hike the Inca Trail for two days. Since most businesses don’t use porters for the Short Inca Trail, most permits are used by tourists. Travelers who hike the one-day Inca Trail and the short Inca Trail with camping also use those 250 permits.
How far in advance should I book my permit for the Inca Trail?
If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail between May and August (dry season), it’s best to book your permit at least 8 months in advance, or even up to a year ahead. These months are the most popular, and permits sell out very quickly.
For those considering the trek in December, January, or March (rainy season), availability is usually better. In many cases, booking about a month in advance is enough, and sometimes permits can still be found just a few days before the hike. However, keep in mind that Christmas and New Year are very busy, and permits may sell out around 2 months in advance.
If you plan to hike in April, September, October, or November (shoulder season), we recommend booking about 4 months ahead. These months are increasingly popular, and if Holy Week falls in April, permits can sell out just as quickly as during the dry season. Reserving early is always the safest way to secure your spot.
Is the Inca Trail permit refundable?
Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because the Peruvian Ministry of Culture does not refund tour operators if a traveler cancels or changes their travel date.
If you decide to change your date, a new permit must be purchased, as permits are issued under each traveler’s name and cannot be reused or transferred to another person.
Is It Possible To Book Inca Trail Permits At The Last Minute?
Yes, it is sometimes possible to find last-minute permits for the 4-Day Inca Trail, but this is not very common. Occasionally, permits become available 2 to 3 days before the trek when travelers who booked earlier arrive in Cusco and decide to cancel due to altitude sickness.
However, this does not happen every day, and availability is never guaranteed. Getting a permit at the last minute often depends on luck. For this reason, we always recommend booking your Inca Trail permit in advance to secure your preferred travel date.
Which Circuit Will I Take To Visit Machu Picchu With The Inca Trail Permits?
With your Inca Trail permit, you will visit Machu Picchu following Circuit 1 and Circuit 3.
Circuit 1 takes you to the upper terraces, where you can enjoy the famous panoramic view and capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 3 then guides you through the lower section of the citadel, where you will explore some of the most important temples and structures of this incredible Inca site.
Can I Book The Inca Trail Permit By Myself?
You cannot book Inca Trail permits on your own. To hike the trail, you must join a guided tour with a licensed tour operator in Peru, who is responsible for securing the permit on your behalf.
In the past, the Inca Trail was not well regulated. Between 1996 and 2001, especially during the busy months of July and August, as many as 1,600 people started the trek each day, including around 1,000 travelers and 600 porters. With no clear rules in place, many hikers camped wherever they wanted, leaving trash behind and even using archaeological areas as bathrooms. This situation caused serious concern and negative publicity, and UNESCO even considered removing Machu Picchu from the World Heritage list.
To protect the trail and its archaeological sites, new regulations were introduced in 2002. These rules limit the number of hikers allowed each day and require all visitors to obtain an official permit through a licensed operator.
Additionally, the Inca Trail is closed every February to allow conservation and maintenance work along the route, so no permits are issued during that month.
Can I Use My 4-Day Inca Trail Permit To Hike The Short Inca Trail 2 Days?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. The 4-Day Inca Trail permit cannot be used for the Short Inca Trail, as each trek requires its own specific permit. If you wish to hike the Short Inca Trail, you will need to purchase a separate permit for that route.
Can I Visit Machu Picchu With My Inca Trail Permits?
Yes, Inca Trail permits include entrance to Machu Picchu.
If a traveler decides to cancel the Inca Trail trek the day before the departure, we can still arrange a visit to Machu Picchu, either as a one-day or two-day trip. However, in this case the visit will be limited to the lower section of Machu Picchu, following Circuit 3.
Is There Student Discount To Buy The Inca Trail tickets?
Yes, students can receive a discount on Inca Trail permits if they have a valid university student ID. The discount is available for students under 25 years old.
To apply for the discount, you will need to send us a copy of your student ID when booking and bring the original card with you on the day of the hike. If you do not bring your student ID, the discount will not be valid and you may not be allowed to hike.
Your student ID must include your full name, a photo, the university name, and a valid expiration date.
Inca Trail permits Cost
The cost of an Inca Trail permit is 292 Peruvian soles per traveler, while the porter permit costs 50 soles. These permits can only be purchased by authorized Inca Trail tour operators, as the Peruvian government does not allow individuals to buy them directly.
What can I do if Inca Trail tickets are already sold out for my desired date?
If Inca Trail permits are sold out, there are several amazing alternative treks to Machu Picchu that offer unforgettable landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
Short Inca Trail (2 Days)
This is a great option for travelers who don’t have the time or prefer not to hike the full Inca Trail. You’ll experience some of the most iconic sections of the trail in a shorter hike, and you’ll also get the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice, making it a fantastic and convenient alternative.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail. It’s easier to book, generally more affordable, and offers spectacular scenery, including towering mountains and diverse landscapes. Many travelers even say the views along the Salkantay route are just as impressive as the Inca Trail.
Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is perfect for those who want to explore less crowded trails and authentic Andean culture. Along the way, you’ll visit remote villages and local schools, while hiking through beautiful valleys with llamas, alpacas, and chinchillas, surrounded by glaciers and mountain lakes.
Inca Quarry Trek
If you’re looking for a quiet alternative without large crowds, the Inca Quarry Trek is an excellent choice. This lesser-known route takes you through stunning landscapes with snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and fascinating archaeological sites.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a short but incredibly rewarding hike. It offers breathtaking mountain views, beautiful lakes, and impressive Inca ruins, while also passing through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is perfect for adventurous hikers looking for a more challenging experience. This route features dramatic alpine scenery, colorful mountains, remote trails, and rich local culture, with far fewer visitors than other treks in Peru.