The 4-day and 1-day Inca Trail both lead directly to Machu Picchu.

What you need to know if you want to hike the Inca Trail in 2026.

Inca Trail permits go on sale October 27, 2025

In 2026, the Inca Trail does not automatically include a ticket for Machu Picchu like it has in the past.

how to hike the Inca Trail in 2026 — If you hike the 1-day Inca Trail, you arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon for this soft light.

Tour operators must buy the Machu Picchu ticket separately. (This is new in 2026).

What this means for you:

If you reserve in October, the tour operator will buy your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets at the same time. You are almost guaranteed Circuit 3, which is what has been standard the past few years.

If you reserve later this year or early next year, the tour operator will still buy your Inca Trial and Machu Picchu tickets at the same time. However, you are not guaranteed Circuit 3. If Circuit 3 is sold out and the agency has to buy you a different circuit, you might not get to see as much of Machu Picchu as you would like. You also might have to visit Machu Picchu with a different guide or different group from the ones who were with you on the Inca Trail.

You don’t have to hike the Inca Trail!

You can visit Machu Picchu without hiking at all. Read this blog about taking the train to Machu Picchu and this blog about the other treks you can do if you want to hike a different route.

when to buy the Inca Trail Permit for 2026 — Only Tour Operators Can Buy Tickets!

If you want to hike the Inca Trail, you must go with a licensed tour operator, who will buy the trail permit. They go on sale starting October 27 for January and sales are staggered over the following week. July 2026 permits go on sale November 3, 2025.

Here's a few questions to ask before booking:

· Is the company an Inca Trail operator (they hire the guides and porters) or a tour agency that contracts with an operator? (they will pass you off to another company)

· Can they get you your first choice of date to start the trail?

· Will they add you to a group or is this a private trip?

· What circuit at Machu Picchu can they buy for you? (Check the circuit route maps here)

· Will they add more people to the group later? How many?

There are so many more questions you should ask. Read my BBC and Horizon Guide articles below, and listen to the Zero to Travel podcast for more information.

how to hike the Inca Trail in 2026 new information — If you visit Machu Picchu early in the morning you’ll get this angle of light in your photos.

The reasons behind all this are long and complicated. None of these changes are good for tourists or for Cusqueñian businesses. Stay tuned. I’ll write more when I can.

I’ve already written a lot about the Inca Trail, especially about workers’ rights problems for the porters. If you want to see what else I’ve written, check out the links below.