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Ancient Inca ruins along the Inca Trail in Peru

In order to walk the classic Inca Trail you need to buy a permit. If you want to walk the trail in July and August, then yes you should book well in advance as these are the busiest months, and permits sold out around April this year. The trail is actually closed in February and you might want to think twice about walking the trail from December to March as these can be really wet months in the Andes. Having said that, the first time I trekked the Inca Trail was in January and the weather was great – and I had it almost to myself!

As soon as you know your dates, I’d recommend booking the trail to avoid disappointment. Permits for next year don’t go on sale until January, but we can still put in a request for you and reserve the permit as soon as it becomes available. If there are no permits left when you enquire with your dates, then why not consider the Salkantay trail which takes you to Machu Picchu but through the back door – you don’t need a permit and there are several other advantages including fewer tourists and the possibility to stay in mountain lodges along the way instead of camping. This can also be busy in July and August though.

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  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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