The Ministry of Culture Cusco has announced a significant change for future bookings of the Inca Trail 4-Day and 2-Day tours. The Inca Trail permit will no longer include the entrance fee to Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, you will need to purchase an additional ticket to access Machu Picchu separately.
Changes in Inca Trail Rules for 2025
For many years, the Inca Trail permit included the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, allowing all trekkers to finish their hike at the citadel. Typically, hikers would exit the site and re-enter to explore Machu Picchu through the classic circuit. However, in 2023, new regulations required trekkers to visit Machu Picchu only through Circuit 3 after completing the Inca Trail 4-Day or 2-Day trek.
Starting in 2025, the rules have changed again. Now, travelers cannot visit Machu Picchu without purchasing an additional entrance ticket. This new policy affects all trekkers, making it essential to secure separate tickets in advance to explore Machu Picchu after completing the Inca Trail.
How Does the Inca Trail Without Machu Picchu Affect Travelers?
If you book your Inca Trail tour, you will now need to secure an extra ticket for Machu Picchu. This change may particularly affect travelers during the high tourist season when Machu Picchu tickets often sell out in advance. For those making last-minute reservations, availability of Machu Picchu tickets will need to be checked separately. If tickets are sold out, travelers may not be able to visit Machu Picchu after completing the trail.
Additionally, under this new regulation, once you arrive at Machu Picchu’s checkpoint without a valid ticket, you will need to leave without exploring the site or taking photographs. This policy could significantly impact the experience for many adventurers.
What Are Tour Operators Doing?
Tour operators and travel associations are meeting with the Ministry of Culture to seek solutions, as this decision negatively affects every Inca Trail booking for 2025. However, the Ministry of Culture’s management has not yet shown willingness to revise the policy.
Tour operators are concerned about potential complaints from travelers who booked the Inca Trail expecting to visit Machu Picchu. The lack of clear communication could lead to disappointment and confusion among tourists.
Future Cost Increases
In addition to the separate entrance fee, the cost of the Inca Trail is expected to rise. The SERNANP (Peruvian government institution) are considering additional charges for both Machu Picchu entrance and Inca Trail permits. By 2026, these combined costs are projected to increase by approximately 30%, making the trek more expensive for future travelers.