Inca Trail Hiking Guide 2025 | Llapango Travel

Book your permit early — seriously

The single most important thing to know about the Inca Trail: the Peruvian government issues only 500 permits per day, including guides and porters, which leaves roughly 200-250 for trekkers. For May through September (dry season, and the most popular window), permits routinely sell out 5 to 6 months in advance. If you have fixed travel dates, book as soon as they’re confirmed.

When to go

• May–September (dry season): Best weather, clearest views, busiest trail and highest prices.
• October–November / March–April (shoulder season): Good weather odds, fewer crowds, easier permits.
• December–February (wet season): Frequent rain, and the trail closes entirely every February for maintenance.

What to pack

A comfortable daypack, broken-in hiking boots, layers for temperature swings of 20°C+ in a single day, a warm sleeping bag (rated to at least -5°C for high camp), sun protection, and a headlamp. Porters carry your main duffel (weight-limited, usually 7kg), so keep your daypack to just what you need during walking hours.

Training tips

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 6-8 hours a day with elevation gain. Start cardio training 6-8 weeks out, and if possible do a few practice hikes with a loaded pack. Arriving in Cusco 1-2 days early to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m) makes a real difference on the trail’s toughest day — the climb to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m.