The country’s Ministry of Culture has traditionally put permits on sale for the popular tourist route in January for travel in the same year, but will next week release all permits for 2018 on Monday, October 2.
Only 500 permit holders are allowed on the route per day - including guides and porters.
As a result of the change, Tucan is anticipating demand being “much higher” and permits selling out faster than ever before.
The company, which has operated in Peru for more than 30 years, is running the launch discount throughout October for its Worldwide Adventures 2018/19 brochure, which will hit shelves from Monday.
Rolf Stanley, Tucan’s Latin America destination manager, said: “Permits for trekking the Inca Trail trek during peak season – typically between May and September – sold out within six weeks of being released to the public last year.
“With availability being released earlier than usual, there is a real risk that many people will be caught out and will be left empty-handed.
“While there are plenty of other alternatives to the Inca trek, for those who feel it is the only way to reach Machu Picchu, it’s important that they book their trip as soon as possible.”
Among its Peruvian itineraries is Tucan’s 19-day Complete Peru tour – a round-trip from Lima.
Leading in from £2,379pp (including the operator’s discount) the trip gives travellers the chance to trek the Inca Trail and features guided tours of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon.
