The trail is scattered with ancient monuments and
Incan sites and is definitely worth the effort.
Since 2001, the Peruvian government has instituted a
quota system on how many travelers can be on the
trail on any given day and the passes now sell out
months in advance during the high season.
Availability can be checked at the Instituto
Nacional de Cultura Cusco website You must book with
a tour operator well in advance of when you wish to
walk the trail, as it is not allowed to organize
your own trip. Don't expect to pick up last-minute
cancellations either, as tour organizers must
register client passport numbers with the
government, and they are strictly checked at control
points on the trail.
The Inca Trail is part of the
Machu Picchu
Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares,
managed by the National Institute of Natural
Resources, INRENA. Every visitor must obey park
regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or
damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins
and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals,
lighting open fires or camping in the archeological
sites (Only authorized campsites can be used).
