Everything about the rules on the Inca Trail
In Cusco, there are several multi-day hiking routes to Machu Picchu. However, for many, the best of all is the 4-day Inca Trail. The reason? It follows the paths built by the Incas (Qhapaq Ñan) to reach the wonder of the world from the high ground. No other route allows access through this area, called Intipunku (Sun Gate). From there, the first view of Machu Picchu is simply breathtaking. Learn about the rules and restrictions for undertaking this famous hike.
- Why put rules on the Inca Trail?
- Can everyone hike the Inca Trail?
- Who travels the route? What are their duties?
- Tourism agencies and their duties towards visitors
- Campsites and routes
- How long can I stay on the Inca Trail?
- Prohibitions for tourists
- More information
Why put rules on the Inca Trail?
The use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been regulated by representative entities of the Peruvian State such as DIRCETUR, Ministry of Culture and SERNANP.
The main objective of the regulations is to promote and contribute to the conservation of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Machu Picchu, regulating the tourist use of the Inca Trail, helping to reduce the impacts caused by visitors to the Inca Trail and ensuring the safety of the hiker.
Can everyone hike the Inca Trail?
Anyone can hike the Inca Trail as long as they obtain the appropriate permit through an authorized tourism agency.
For safety and conservation reasons of the Inca Trail, this hiking route remains closed to the public throughout the month of February.
In cases of emergencies such as natural disasters or others, the Inca Trail will also remain closed to protect the safety of visitors.
Who travels the route? What are their duties?
A total of 500 people hike the Inca Trail each day. They are divided as follows:
- Visitors – These are the tourists, who enter in numbers of 200 people each day, and are subdivided into groups of 16 visitors maximum.
- Guides – Official tour guides are responsible for leading each group of tourists. If the group is large (maximum of 16 tourists), two guides may be assigned.
- Support Staff – To ensure a smooth trek for tourists, support staff such as cooks, porters, and others are necessary. Approximately 300 support staff and guides are admitted each day.
There is an alternative route to the classic 4-day Inca Trail. It’s the 2-day Inca Trail, which covers only the final kilometers of the original route. Only 250 people are allowed to hike this shorter section. However, because it’s not very popular, availability can be secured just a few weeks in advance.
Tourism agencies and their duties towards visitors
Travel agencies offering the Inca Trail must be authorized and accredited by DIRCETUR and the Machu Picchu technical management. They must comply with all the necessary requirements to operate.
Tourism agencies are responsible for obtaining permits for the Inca Trail from the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
Tourism agencies are also responsible for hiring support staff (guides, cooks and porters) and registering them with the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
Tourism agencies must fulfill certain duties towards visitors, such as:
- Carpas.
- Mattress.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank.
- Propane gas stoves.
- Portable radio communication equipment.
- Plastic camping nets.
- Solid waste containers.
- Tents for group use.
- Rain ponchos for porters. To go on a tour in January or March, you only need to book 3 or 4 months in advance.
Campsites and routes
The campsites (areas where the night will be spent) and the routes (starting point of the route) are assigned by the Ministry of Culture of Peru at the time of purchase of the permits by the tourism agencies.
The campsites designated for the Inca Trail are:
- First night: Ayapata camp.
- Second night: Choquicocha camp.
- Third night: Wiñayhuayna or Phuyupatamarca camp.
The routes available to begin the Inca Trail are as follows:
- Route 1: From kilometer 82 (3 nights).
- Route 2: From kilometer 88 (3 nights).
- Route 3: From kilometer 82 through Piscacucho (3 nights).
How long can I stay on the Inca Trail?
Each tourist can stay on the Inca Trail for a maximum of 3 days and 3 nights. Tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the time limits set by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture are respected.
To enter each of the designated campsites, tourists must carry their original and valid personal documents. This allows the rangers to record their entries and exits at the various checkpoints. Park rangers are responsible for monitoring the campsites and the established time limits along the Inca Trail.
Park rangers will maintain a constant presence along the Inca Trail. They will ensure that no hikes take place between 7:00 PM and 5:30 AM, and that these regulations are followed. It should be noted that the park rangers have the support of the national police.
Prohibitions for tourists
During the Inca Trail, it is forbidden to carry the following:
- Firearms.
- Knives.
- Wildlife hunting implements such as nets, cages or traps.
- Kerosene, gasoline, or other items that could cause fires.
- Drugs or alcoholic beverages.
- Domestic animals.
- Picks or shovels.
- Sound equipment (or any electronic item that disturbs the peace of the road).
- Walking sticks with metal tips (only walking sticks with rubber tips are allowed).
- Any type of transport such as bicycles.
- Drones or professional filming equipment.
More information
The Inca Trail is a historical area protected by the Peruvian government. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to damage the Inca walls or structures along the trail. Anyone who violates this rule may face legal action.
The final day of the Inca Trail ends at the Inca city of Machu Picchu. There are rules to follow there as well. For example, it is forbidden to: backtrack during the hike, damage the site’s structures, use selfie sticks, use umbrellas, and other similar activities.
Finally, it should be clarified that non-compliance with this regulation will be sanctioned by Sernamp and the Ministry of Culture of Peru, according to the matter within their competence.
To hike the Inca Trail, you must book a tour with a travel agency (check availability). Due to the high demand for this trek, it’s best to book your tour 6 or 7 months in advance.