Beginning with the new year January 1, 2016, came the news that the Peruvian office of The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) was launching a new route for hikers to Machu Picchu.  It is called "Route 5."  And is labeled a "new route and a whole new experience."  It further states that 250 people per day can buy permits (from a licensed operator).

Which is kinda true, except for one thing.  What's being called  the new "route 5" trail is the same easy 1-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu that people have been hiking for years. Known as "route 5" only to operators, no camping and no porter service is needed.  You take the train from the Sacred Valley, which stops at KM 104.  From KM 104, you cross the river, stop at the control post to checkin, and begin the 12 KM hike up out of the canyon, through Winay Wayna ruins, over Intipunku (Sungate) and descend into Machu Picchu. 

So what's up with the new route? What's the hype about a new alternative trail to Machu Picchu?  Well, here's the scoop.

What it amounts to, is that SERNANP is launching a new permit booking system, NOT a new trail.  Until December 31, 2015 all permits for both 4-day and 2-day hikes were managed in the same reservation system.  Five hunderd permits per day were issued to guides, porters and hikers, who could select either the 4-day or 2-day hike. 

But permits always sell out, sometimes many months in advance.  It's not unusual to reserve a hike 6 months before your trip.  And the demand for permits is growing each year.  The permit office releases all permits in early January on the same date.  The first few days is madness with operators staff standing in long lines, website crashing and ultimately leaving money on the table when permits sell out. 

With the new system implemented on January 1, permits for the 2-day hike will be managed separately from the 4-day hike. And.  Another 250 permits are being added just for the 2-day Inca Trail hike.  A sell out of all 500 permits for the 4-day hike will not affect the availability of permits for the 2-day hike. The permits for 2 days cover 1 day for the hike and a 2nd day to visit Machu Picchu ruins. 

Long-term plans include developing and opening new trails inside Machu Picchu National Park over the next several years.  But these new paths have nothing to do with the permits for the 2-day Inca Trail hike on route 5..

More permits means more happy campers to enjoy the trail.  And of course more revenue.  The Peruvian government is in the unique position of trying to attract attention and increase traffic to this amazing Inca wonder while simultaneously reducing the impact of having more visitors.  What a problem to have!