Important Inca Trail changes for travelers to Peru!

The Original Change From the Ministry of Culture

On the 3rd of March 2025, the Ministry of Culture originally announced these changes for Inca Trail trekkers. According to the new regulation, hikers who complete any of the Inca Trail routes will now only be permitted to enter Circuit 1, which covers the upper section of Machu Picchu. This circuit allows for a panoramic view and photographic opportunity, but does not include access to the main archaeological site.

This means that hikers will no longer be able to enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu along Circuit 3, which is the lower part of the ruins. This sudden change created considerable unrest with Inca trail operators and travel agencies. Inca Trail packages are usually sold well in advance. When the announcement was made, all Machu Picchu entry tickets for March, April, and several dates in May had already been sold to travelers. Clients were told that they would be able to re-enter Machu Picchu for their full guided tour. However, after these new rules, Inca Trail trekkers were not allowed to fully visit the site after completing the trail. Thankfully, the Ministry of Culture upheld the original rules for people who purchased their Inca trail before 27th of May. This was after many Inca Trail operators opposed these drastic changes. Now, people who have already purchased their Inca Trail trek will still be able to re-enter and have their tour along circuit 3. 

 

KM 82- The Beginning of The Inca Trail 

 

What’s New for Travelers?

•    The new Inca Trail permits now include access to Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) of Machu Picchu. Previously, trekkers arriving at Machu Picchu were allocated circuit 3, thus allowing for a more comprehensive visit to the Inca archaeological site.

•    Re-entry to Machu Picchu is no longer allowed with new permits.  This change applies only to new bookings made from the 27th of May 2025 onwards.

•    Tickets purchased before the 27th of May 2025 remain unchanged. You will still be able to re-enter through Route 3-B, as originally planned. Circuit 1 (Panoramic) offers spectacular upper views of the citadel, ideal for that iconic photo you've been dreaming of.

 

The Poscard Picture of Machu Picchu!

 

What About Booking the Inca Trail Permits after the 27th of May 2025?

 

Inca Trail Permit rules for the rest of 2025 and 2026 remain uncertain. It is currently stated that hikers will only be able to visit the upper section (Circuit 1) and will be required to purchase an additional entrance ticket to access the classic route 2 circuit, or the lower section of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3).

 

Llama at Machu Picchu!

 

Why These Changes?

These measures are part of an initiative to preserve the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The ancient trails and archaeological treasures we admire today need careful protection to ensure they last for generations to come.

The Peruvian government is acting in line with sustainability policies to maintain the balance between visitor experience and cultural preservation.

 

The Sun Gate

 

These changes are across the entire Inca Trail network. This includes the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail. We will keep you informed of any updates to the new regulations. There is still uncertainty about access to the bathrooms and the luggage drop-off/storage for Inca Trail trekkers, as well as access to Huayna Picchu after the trek, among other issues. As a responsible and transparent Inca Trail Operator, Valencia Travel will keep you informed of any future changes made by the Ministry of Culture. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are iconic destinations in Peru. We want to offer the best experience possible to our clients, whose dream is to hike the magnificent Inca Trail. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate more details as soon as that information becomes available. See more information about hiking the magnificent Inca Trail to Machu Picchu here!

 

The Panoramic Route  at Machu Picchu