Since 2004, the number of trek permits has been limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff) so if you want to do this trek it is VITAL to book well in advance.  For the high season (May to September) it advisable to book at least 3 months in advance to guarantee a place.  Permits are sold on a first come, first served basis, and once all places have been booked, NO trekking operator can offer you a space on the Inca Trail.  There is no system with a waiting list. All spaces are personal and non-transferable and even if someone would cancel, no one else could take that space.

Even in the low season you should book as far in advance as possible. Please also note that the Inca Trail is closed in February of each year for maintenance.

You can buy your Machu Picchu excursion through one of the many agencies around the plaza. They usually include a guided tour of the ruins and transfers in Cusco which are a recommended way of avoiding hassle and also getting the best out of the ruins. However, if you wish to buy your own ticket, you will need to go to the Peru Rail office in Avenida Pachacutec, near the big blue building called the Confraternidad. Although the Machu Picchu trains leave from the San Pedro Railway station, you cannot buy your tickets there.  Please note that when buying train tickets we recommend (especially in the high season) that you should purchase your tickets a minimum of FOUR days in advance as the trains are often very full.  When going to the Peru Rail office, go to the independent travelers queue as the queue for agencies can be quite long.

Most tours include the entry fee to Machu Picchu, but if you decide you just want to buy your train tickets and “go alone” to Machu Picchu, the Adult entry fee is 120.50 soles and the Student price is 60 soles zwith your ISIC card.   Please note that you can ONLY pay with soles (dollars are not accepted).

There is a bus that goes from Aguas Calientes to the ruins; the price is $12 return or $6 one way. You have to pay in dollars. Some people like the climb up, others prefer to take the bus up and walk down.  Others like to walk both ways.

1. The flora and fauna are natural World Heritage and we must not disturb the animals or cut the plants or flowers.
2. Use only the marked paths without leaving them for any reason
3. Camp in marked areas, you cannot camp inside of the archaeological sites or in restricted zones.
4. Rubbish and waste should be carried out in plastic bags and disposed of at the end of your trek.
5. Campfires are dangerous and are not permitted
6. Archaeological sites are intangible and for this reason you should not leave the path.
7. In the case of emergency follow the instructions of the person in charge.