It has been announced that permits to trek Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2018 are being released four months early on 1 October 2017.
Peru’s Ministry of Culture issue 500 permits a day for the four-day hike with 200 being issued to tourists and the other 300 reserved for cooks, porters and guides.
The early release of the permits comes shortly after Peru’s official tourism body introduced a new system in July, aimed at regulating the flow of visitors to the site and preserving the authenticity of this national treasure.
Colin Stewart, chairman of LATA comments on the early release of permits to trek Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
“LATA brings together a number of Peruvian tour operators who organise tours to Machu Picchu and also has a wealth of experience working with Peru’s official tourism body, PromPeru.
Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most important tourist sites, attracting millions of visitors every year. The growing popularity of the archaeological site has resulted in Peru’s official tourism body implementing a number of measures such as the early release of Inca Trail permits in order to improve visitor experience of this national treasure.
It is anticipated that the early release of permits will help regulate the number of permits sold and will give a fairer opportunity for those wanting to purchase a permit in the peak months which traditionally sell out within minutes.
It is expected that 2018 will see a record number of tourists travelling to Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail. We urge any travellers wanting to experience the Inca Trail to purchase their permits as soon as they go on sale on 1 October 2017.
Permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu may be purchased on the official Machu Picchu website (www.machupicchu.gob.pe), or via a UK or Peru-based tour operator or agent.
The Ministry of Culture for Peru has confirmed that the cost of the permits has been slightly altered for 2018 and will be published on the Ministry of Culture for Cusco’s website next week (www.cutura.gob.pre/es/ddc/cusco) once they have been finalised.”
