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Intrepid Travel Inca Trail Policy

effective may 19, 2005

In an effort to preserve and protect the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian governing bodies have taken drastic measures in the past two years to limit the amount of people hiking the trail. As of March 2004, no more than 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed on the Inca Trail and this number is strictly adhered to. In addition to this, the Inca Trail is closed during the month of February for it's cleaning and maintenance. This closure affects all trips in which the Inca Trail portion of the tour starts on or after the 01st of February to and including the 28th of February.

As Sustainable Tourism is constantly at the forefront of our business philosophy, Intrepid Travel is happy to work within the framework of these regulations in order to properly protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Our company policies regarding the Inca Trail are put in place in order to guarantee an excellent passenger experience and also as a way to directly address these issues and make sure that this information is clear and understood.

The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing and it is important to be aware of the issues detailed in this document before bookings and embarking on your adventure to Peru.

current inca trail regulations

As stated above, no more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82. This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations can not be held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance (particularly if you are planning to travel between the months of May - August). To purchase the permits Intrepid requires with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. For passengers holding 2 passports, details must be provided from the passport you will be travelling on. Any attempts at modifications result in the loss of the permit and all money paid.

booking policies

  • In order to confirm a booking, we require a deposit and the following passenger information:
    • Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport)
    • Date of birth
    • Passport number
    • Nationality
    • Date of passport expiry & place of issue

Upon receiving confirmation for a booking including the Inca Trail, Intrepid will attempt to purchase the respective Inca Trail permit.

  • In the unlikely event that we are unable to secure permits, the following options will be offered:
    • Hike the Lares Trek (view the itinerary) through the Sacred Valley, a fascinating and challenging 4-day, 3-night trip ending in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This trek takes in much of the Inca's most sacred and important countryside and many monuments. All transportation, accommodation, guide services etc. will be included.
    • If Lares trek was also unavailable you will then spend two nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu on day 4.
    • Cancel or change the trip without penalty

Please note that as Inca Trail permits are non refundable and non transferable, any date change to confirmed trip which includes the Inca Trail will incur cancellation penalties.

If the Inca Trail portion of your chosen trip falls in February the Lares Trek will be hiked instead (view the itinerary of the Lares Trek.)

If changes to the current government policy affect our ability to provide access to the advertised itinerary including the Inca Trail, we will endeavour to provide clients with the best options and customer service available. Please also see clause 17 in our terms and conditions concerning our responsibilities.

Thank you for your understanding.