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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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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    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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    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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