TORONTO — There’s no time to waste when planning a trek along Peru’s famous Inca Trail, with 2018 permits being made available this week.

G Adventures is urging clients to book now to secure their space on the Inca Trail for travel next year. The Peruvian government will only award permits for bookings with complete traveller details. There is a limit of 500 permits/people per day on the Inca Trail, including porters and cooks, and the tour operator cannot promise permits for tentative trekkers.

Permits for January, March, April and May are now available (the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February). Permits for June 1-15 hikes are available starting from Oct. 12, for June 16-30 hikes from Oct. 13, July hikes from Oct. 16, and the rest of the year from Oct. 17.

Emily Mikus, South America Product Manager, says “the sooner the better to confirm those bookings” for those who have their heart set on hiking the trail next year. “If travellers book now, we can 100% guarantee their permit, as we will purchase their permit one day after they book. The Peruvian government has opened up permits earlier this year, so that means travellers need to book sooner, too.”

In 2017, G Adventures secured close to 8,000 permits on behalf of its customers around the world. It has since collaborated with the local government to strengthen the new timed entry procedures that were implemented to better protect the integrity of Machu Picchu.

G Adventures offers 29 different itineraries that include four-day hikes up and down the Inca Trail. Guided tours start at $1,349 per person for a seven-day ‘The Inca Trail’ tour.