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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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  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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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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    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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    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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    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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