Peru's Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time since March 2020, with limited capacity
After nearly 16 months, Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time today through licensed operators at 50 percent reduced capacity for the remainder of the year starting July 15, according to Intrepid Travel.
Today marks the first opportunity for hikers to resume booking guided tours to explore the infamous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu since the Peruvian government closed its borders last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers can only reserve a permit through authorized travel companies and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The number of hikers allowed on the trail has been cut in half from 500 to 250 until at least the end of 2021 and includes tourists, porters and guides, which means travelers will be limited to 100-120 per day.
In addition to the reduced capacity to accommodate for social distancing, other pandemic-related modifications include smaller walking groups, temperature screenings, enhanced cleaning protocols for tents and equipment, social distancing between tents and trekkers and mask-wearing policies.
Related: 7 best ways to get to Peru on points and miles
"This is the lowest capacity Inca Trail has ever seen," said the Intrepid spokeswoman, who also noted they operated 3,000 trekkers annually before the pandemic as the world's largest small-group adventure travel company. As a result, various tour operators, including Intrepid, SAM Travel Peru and Adios Adventure Travel, are encouraging travelers vying for a permit to book as early as six to seven months in advance.
"Book early and consider booking through a certified local tour guide," the spokeswoman said.
Rules for the 2022 season for the trail have not yet been released.
Although Peru is a year-round destination, April to October is considered to be the best time to visit given that it's the country's dry season, with June and July being the most popular among hikers. The trail is closed yearly in February for maintenance.
While there is no minimum age for hiking Inca, most travel companies recommend children be at least 10-years-old and able to handle a "moderate trek" surpassing 10,000 feet. Highlights include WinayhuaynaInti Punku, also known as Sun Gate, Llactapata Dead Woman's Pass and of course Machu Picchu, one of the world's top tourist destinations. For those looking to skip straight to Machu Picchu, you can book directly through the Peruvian government, with the similar caveat of booking ahead and being flexible due to capacity limitations and social distancing measures.
On June 22, it was reported that Peru is now responsible for the world's highest known COVID-19 death toll based on population, as the government severely underestimated its official Covid-19 death toll, with actual numbers at nearly three times their official count. As previously reported by TPG, Peru instituted regional risk metrics of High, Very High and Extreme, based on COVID-19 risk and Lima remains listed as Very High. On June 21, the Arequipa Region went under strict lockdown for 15 days and the U.S. government is advising U.S. citizens to review their travel plans accordingly.
Related: Peru waives quarantine requirements — here's what you need to know
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.