In order to better manage and protect this wonderful treasure, the National Institute of Culture (INC) and Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Management Unit (UGM) have instituted new restrictions to hiking the Inca Trail. The new restrictions limit the number of hikers on the trail, which is great news for conservation along the trail. Unfortunately, the restrictions are implemented through a new reservation system that makes confirming last minute Inca Trail tours more difficult than ever. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary: an area protected by the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA Machu Picchu) being the maximum number of 500 visitors per day permitted. Consequently, all reservations should be placed with a minimum of 45 days in advance prior to the date of travel. Every visitor must obey the park regulations which forbid us to litter, cut or damage trees, take or damage stones of the ruins or the trail, collect plants, kill animals, light fire or camp in the Inca ruins. You will only be able to camp in authorised sites.
The only valid document granting the right to use the Inca Trails Network - the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Network RED or SHM - is the ticket issued by the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Management Unit (UGM). This ticket is personal and non transferable, and includes the right to enter Machu Picchu. Under no circumstances will payment for use of the RED be accepted at registry and entry control points of the RED. The reimbursement of payment for the right to use the RED is not possible under any circumstance.
Reservations will be made in the Offices of the Departmental Headquarters of the National Institute of Culture in the City of Cusco, on receiving confirmation with corresponding reservation code. Reservations will be subject to the daily capacity emitted by the UGM (500 people, including guides, porters, helpers and around 150 tourists), therefore we recommend you reserve your place with as much notice as possible. To maintain the reservation the Tour Operator must cancel the 100% of amount for the tour and provide full names, passport numbers, ages, nationalities and passport photocopies of all those going on the trip to the relevant authorities. The traveller must send this information and documentation to us from his or her home country. Failure to confirm reservations will result in their cancellation, and no reimbursement of fees will be made in this case.
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