Passport and Permit Verification Requirements
Detail the strict rules: Passport must match the permit exactly, what happens if there are errors, and when ID is checked (start of trek, checkpoints).
Changes, Cancellations, and Transfer Policy
Explain the Peruvian government's absolute rule: Permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be changed for dates/names once booked. So before confirming the booking, make sure your flights, hotels and right dates are clear.
Mandatory Guided Tour Requirement
State the regulation that all trekkers must be accompanied by an officially authorized guide and tour operator. No self-guided hikes are permitted. The
Inca Trail 4 Days route is very well regulated by the local authorities and controls are located along the route.
Maximum Daily Trekker and Porter Quota
Reiterate the 500-person daily limit (200 tourists, 300 support staff) and why this makes permits sell out so far in advance. At Vidal Expeditions we recommend to book this tour at least 6 months in advance to secure your spots, specially for the peak season May to September.
Prohibited Items and Equipment on the Trail
List what you cannot bring: Walking poles with metal tips (unless rubber-capped), drones, large backpacks (over a specified size), speakers, Cigarrets, tripods, and single-use plastic bottles.
Designated Campsite and Overnight Rules
Detail the regulation that all overnight stays must occur at designated, authorized campsites controlled by the government, and no free camping is allowed. Everyday our trekking team will pass the controls early in the morning and they will be assigned to the camps according the size of the group, age and speed.
Littering and Environmental Protection Policy
Focus on the 'Leave No Trace' rule, including proper disposal of waste and the penalties for violating environmental regulations. We believe in better world and help to preserve the Inca Trail as our ancestor left us. Please help us with it.
Red More in
Inca Trail FAQs
Inca Trail Closure Month (February Regulation)
State the mandatory annual closure during February for maintenance, and the rule that no trekking is allowed during this period. February is the heavy rain season and the safety is first we don't operate the Inca Trail Trek and Salkantay trek during this period.
Photography and Filming Regulations at Sites
Cover rules regarding professional-grade equipment, flash photography inside ruins, and general visitor etiquette to preserve the archaeological sites. If you have projects to film along the Inca Trail, you need special permission from the local authorities, for more detail write us, we can help with this.
Porter Welfare and Weight Limit Standards
Detail the government's regulations on porter working conditions, mandated weight limits (e.g., 20kg), and proper treatment required by law. At Vidal Expeditions we care well our hiking team, and we provide the best hiking equipment during the hile.
Required Travel Insurance Regulation
Detail the requirement (if applicable by the tour operator or regulation) to have mandatory travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruption to participate in the trek. However, we highly recommend to have your own travel insurance for any circuntance could happend during your journey.
Archaeological Site Etiquette and Access Restrictions
Detail the rules regarding staying on marked paths, not touching or climbing on the Inca stone structures, and restricted access zones within the archaeological sites visited along the trail (e.g., Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca).
Tipping Etiquette and Guidelines
Tipping is a traditional and important way to show appreciation for your support team (porters, cooks, and guides).
As the industry standard, we recommend budgeting approximately $60 - $80 USD per trekker for the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail.
Please Note: These tips are shared communally among the entire crew and are typically presented at a farewell ceremony on the final evening. Please plan to carry small denominations of Peruvian Soles or US Dollars for this purpose.
