INTERNAL REGULATION OF THE INKA TRAIL

REGULATIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL 

The Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has become a favorite trek for local, national, and international visitors. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the Regulations for the Sustainable Use of the Inca Trail Network.

IMPORTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL

The main objective of the Regulations for the Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, issued by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) and published in the Official Gazette El Peruano, is to regulate the sustainable tourism use of the Inca Trail Network for the conservation of the Inca Trail Network and the associated cultural and natural heritage of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, as well as to regulate the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the activity.

Regulations for Tourist Use on the Inca Trail

Article 3 of the Regulations for Sustainable Tourist Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To protect and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
2. To promote the sustainable use of the cultural and natural landscape of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in accordance with current legislation on the conservation and development of tourism.
3.  
4. To prevent, mitigate, reduce, and/or control potential impacts on the cultural and natural heritage of the Inca Trail Network, in compliance with applicable regulations.
5.  
6. To foster user commitment to the conservation of the cultural and natural heritage resulting from the use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Disseminate codes of conduct and ethical standards for responsible tourism to contribute to the conservation of the Inca Trail Network by its users.
7. Promote the development, implementation, and proper use of the services and infrastructure of the Inca Trail Network within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
8. Engage the participation of competent entities and stakeholders to improve management and provide adequate tourism services on the Inca Trail Network.
9. Promote and coordinate training for professional and technical staff of competent entities, support personnel, local population, and stakeholders who provide services on the Inca Trail Network.

Well-being for visitors on the Inca Trail. 

In this regard, and for the well-being of local, national, and international visitors to the Inca Trail, regulations clearly state that they may only hike in groups organized by a travel agency. It is also mentioned that tourism agencies must have guides authorized by the UGM (Management Unit of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu).

Article 10 of the Regulations for Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu indicates that, for reasons of safety and ecological recovery of the Inca Trail Network, tourism is prohibited during the month of February each year. However, before proceeding with the closure of the Inca Trail Network, the corresponding entities have the duty to provide 30 calendar days’ notice in order to avoid inconveniencing visitors or tour operators.

NOTE: We recommend making your reservation 5 to 6 months in advance.

As we know, the Inca Trail trek is a route with a high level of difficulty. Therefore, the government of our country emphasizes the proper use of this network in order to reduce the number of hikers and thus avoid damage to the route due to the increasing number of people year after year.

Available Space for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail has become one of the favorite routes for trekking travelers worldwide. It is important to clarify that, according to regulations, there is a specific number of people allowed on the Inca Trail.

Space Usage:

• Tour agencies can enter with 200 people.
• 300 spaces are reserved for visitors, making a total of 500 available spaces.

VIBE JOURNEYS is a Travel Company that offers quality tourism services based on international tourism standards. Our goal is to practice sustainable tourism and promote the responsible use of natural and cultural resources.

Therefore, we can guarantee that all our staff (guides, porters, and cooks) who go on the Inca Trail have the corresponding authorization for trekking on the Inca Trail.

Is user identification required?

According to Article 13 of the Regulations for Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, user identification is mandatory for all users of the Inca Trail Network. Users must present their original identity documents and register their entry at the corresponding control and surveillance posts of SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and DDC-Cusco (Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco) as many times as required according to their respective jurisdictions. Failure to do so will result in denied entry and/or continued presence.

For a smoother process and to enhance the enjoyment of the trek, official tour guides and licensed tourism professionals registered on the SERNANP official list must present their original guide ID card to guarantee the service. SERNANP and DDC-Cusco staff are responsible for consolidating user entry records by completing the «Inca Trail Network Daily Report Form.»

Recommendation for hikers: Hikers must carry their original passport. Students must also carry their International Student Identity Card (ISIC). These personal documents are required for identification at checkpoints along the trail.

Regulations for Tourist Use of the Inca Trail Network:

• Groups must not exceed 16 visitors.
• Porters are not authorized to carry more than 14 kg.
• The trail will be closed during the month of February each year for maintenance.
• All reservations must be made through an authorized travel agency, which is responsible for purchasing entrance tickets. 
• The time spent on the trail network may not exceed the time limit established for each route.
• The restrooms are for public use and are properly signposted; they may not be used for washing utensils or for sleeping.

Learn the Rules of the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is an ancient network of Inca roads stretching over 30,000 kilometers, connecting territories in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best-preserved routes in the entire network, and the Peruvian government protects it through rules and regulations for its preservation and conservation. Therefore, there are rules to follow. This means that only authorized individuals can hike this trail.

Why are there rules for the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is an intangible cultural heritage of the world, recognized by UNESCO. Therefore, there are various regulations governing its use, with the following specific objectives:

• To protect and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Inca road network.
• To promote the sustainable use of the natural and cultural landscape.
• To prevent, mitigate, and/or control potential impacts on the cultural and natural heritage. To encourage users’ commitment to the conservation of the cultural and natural heritage of the Inca Trail network.

What documents do I need to show?

As a foreign tourist, you must bring the following:

• Inca Trail entrance tickets.
• Your valid passport.
• Prohibitions for Tourists.

The following are prohibited on the Inca Trail:

• Firearms.
• Knives.
• Wildlife hunting equipment such as nets, cages, or traps.
• Fuel or items that could cause fires.
• Drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Domestic animals.
• Picks or shovels.
• Sound equipment (or any electronic device that disturbs the tranquility of the trail).
• Walking sticks with metal tips (only walking sticks with rubber tips are permitted).
• Any type of transportation such as bicycles.
• Drones or professional filming equipment. Tourism Agencies and Their Responsibilities to Visitors
• Tourism agencies must fulfill the following agreements with tourists:
• Booking and purchasing entrance tickets to the Inca Trail.
• Booking and purchasing entrance tickets to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

How long can I stay on the Inca Trail?

You can hike the Inca Trail in 4 days and 3 nights (the classic Inca Trail), or in a shorter version of 2 days and 1 night. If you have more time, you can hike the 5-day, 4-night Inca Trail.

How can I obtain these permits?

The only way is to purchase a tour through a travel agency. The tourism agency processes the permits in conjunction with the Ministry. Upon entering each campsite, park rangers will request identification to confirm that all visitors are staying with their respective groups. The Inca Trail refers to two routes: the 4-day Classic Inca Trail and the 2-day Short Inca Trail. Both routes cover part of the Inca Trail network to Machu Picchu, known as the Qhapaq Ñan.

Who can hike the trail?

The total number of people allowed on the Inca Trail is 500 per day, distributed as follows:

Groups cannot exceed 16 members.

Only 200 tourists per day are allowed in groups of 16 members, who must have their respective documents, as well as their Inca Trail entrance tickets.

Tour guides must be accredited to lead hikes on the Inca Trail and must have the necessary permits and training to guide this route.

Support staff, such as assistants, cooks, and others, must also be accredited.

Why choose a tour agency?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular routes in Peru; therefore, the Peruvian government only accredits tour agencies that meet all the permits and requirements for operation. Tourism agencies are responsible for obtaining permits (entrance tickets) for the Inca Trail from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture through their online platform.

Tourism agencies are also responsible for hiring support staff (guides, assistants, cooks, and porters) and registering them with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

Tourism agencies must fulfill certain obligations to visitors, such as providing:

• Tents and sleeping mats.
• First-aid kit.
• Oxygen tank.
• Propane gas stoves.
• Portable two-way radio.
• Plastic netting for camping.
• Waste containers.
• Group tents.
• Rain ponchos for porters during the rainy season.