Thousands embark on the classic Inca Trail yearly, typically completing the 43 KM trek in 4 days. The satisfaction of finishing this hike and visiting the spectacular Inca city of Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience.
Here, we will discuss the backbone of your Inca Trail journey: the “Inca Trail Porters.” Mostly from local communities around the vast Inca Trail network, these workers endure the tough conditions to ensure tourists enjoy an unforgettable experience. Nowadays, most hikers are organized by an Authorized tour operator. Independent entry to the Inca Trail is not allowed, only porters. Therefore, all camping equipment (such as personal tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, tables, chairs, stoves, gas bottles, and food) is carried by human porters. The prices for this 4-day trek vary significantly based on the wages of the porters and other staff and the conditions provided by each company.
Who are the Inca Trail Porters?
Inca Trail Porters are much more than just luggage carriers; they are the true unsung heroes of the entire Inca Trail network. Mostly hailing from rural communities around Cusco and its surroundings, these men (and a few women) are heirs to an ancestral tradition dating back to the Inca Empire. They bear the physical weight of supplies and carry a rich cultural heritage. Many speak Quechua as their first language, the same language used by the ancient Incas. Their deep knowledge of the mountains, medicinal plants, and stories surrounding the trail adds an unforgettable historical connection to the hiking experience.
Living and working at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level is no easy task. Porters are accustomed to the harsh weather conditions of the Andes, with its fluctuating temperatures and rugged terrain. This adaptation is not just physical but also mental and emotional, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination, similar to the Sherpas in the Himalayas.
How Much Do Inca Trail Porters Earn, and How Much Weight Do They Carry?
Inca Trail Porters earn a wage that varies depending on the authorized tour agency and the contract conditions, but they generally earn between 70 and 120 soles per day. This wage can increase with tips that tourists typically give at the end of the trek, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
Regarding their weight, regulations stipulate a maximum of 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds). This limit includes the porter’s gear, meaning the load for tourists and supplies is kept around 15 kilograms to ensure the total weight does not exceed 20 kilograms. These regulations protect the porters’ health and safety, ensuring they can perform their work sustainably and safely.
Group Sizes:
- 4 clients + 1 guide + 1 cook + 9 porters
- 5 clients + 1 guide + 1 cook + 10 porters
- 6 clients + 1 guide + 1 cook + 10 porters
- 7 clients + 1 guide + 1 cook + 11 porters
- 8 clients + 1 guide + 1 cook + 11 porters
- 9 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 12 porters
- 10 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 13 porters
- 11 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 14 porters
- 12 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 14 porters
- 13 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 15 porters
- 14 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 16 porters
- 15 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 17 porters
- 16 clients + 1 guide + 1 assistant guide + 1 cook + 17 porters
Our guide ensures the loads are distributed evenly among our porters. Although porters start with the measured weight from our offices, this load decreases along the trail as food is consumed. When clients hire porters to help carry their items, they are added to the previously calculated numbers.
Who Looks After the Welfare of the Inca Trail Porters?
The welfare of the Inca Trail Porters is ensured by a combination of government organizations such as SERNANP, the Ministry of Culture, the Regional Federation of Porters, and various associations of Inca Trail Tour Operators (AATC Cusco, ASSORIC, among others). Peru Top Experience works jointly to ensure that our porters receive fair treatment, decent working conditions, and adequate wages. Government regulations set minimum standards that must be met, such as the maximum weight a porter can carry and the provision of proper equipment for their safety and comfort during the trek.
At Peru Top Experience, we offer training and education programs for them. We understand that their well-being is crucial to the success of our expeditions, so we are committed to providing additional benefits that include supporting their families. These programs ensure that porters have a dignified job and personal and professional development opportunities that improve their quality of life and that of their loved ones.
How Much Should I Tip My Inca Trail Porter?
Tipping the Inca Trail Porters is a common and much-appreciated practice, as it complements their daily income and acknowledges their hard work. The amount of the tip can vary depending on the duration of the hike and the level of service received, but it is generally recommended as follows:
An appropriate tip for each porter for a four-day hike is usually between 20 and 100 soles (approximately 10 to 25 USD). If the service has been exceptional, it is common for tourists to offer a little more. It’s important to remember that the tip is usually given at the end of the hike, during a thank-you ceremony on our last night of camping.
In addition to individual tips for each porter, it’s also customary to consider a tip for the cook and the guide, as they also play crucial roles in the expedition. A group of tourists can collect between 50 and 200 USD in tips for the entire team accompanying them during the hike. This additional gratitude supports the whole travel team and shows how much their effort and dedication are valued.
How Else Can I Reward My Inca Trail Porter?
Tips and gifts are just one way to show appreciation to our porters. If you want to show your appreciation, there is a way you can earn their respect and warmth. Learn a few words in Quechua; they are proud of our language and great culture. After all, it is on the great Inca trail to learn about Inca culture.
- Sutinmi (soot-in-me): My name is…
- Sumaq mihuna (so-mak-mee-hoo-na): Amazing food!
- Allianchu (eye-eee-an-choo): Hi, how are you?
- Allianmi (eye-eee-on-mee): I’m fine, thanks.
- Sulpayki (sool-pay-key): Thanks.
- Tupananchikama (two-pan-an-cheese-kama): Until we meet again (Goodbye)
One recommendation is to ask them for the songs they are singing and join them. If you have brought Coca Leaves, you can share it with all of them.
Delicious Meals Prepared by Our Inca Trail Cooks
One of the most significant highlights of the Inca Trail is the delicious food prepared by the talented chefs accompanying our expeditions. These culinary masters cook to feed and offer a gastronomic experience that delights the senses and revitalizes the body after a long day of hiking. Using fresh and local ingredients, the chefs create dishes that reflect the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine.
From the first breakfast to the last dinner, each meal is an opportunity to enjoy unique and traditional flavors. Breakfasts are complete and energizing, including fresh fruits, local bread, eggs, and hot beverages like coffee and coca tea, essential to combat the effects of altitude. The chefs showcase their talent at lunch and dinner with dishes like quinoa soup, lomo saltado, and the iconic ceviche, always prepared with techniques that ensure freshness and flavor.
Despite logistical limitations, the Inca Trail Cooks surprise all travelers by creating a restaurant-like atmosphere in the middle of the mountains. The variety and quality of the meals are incredible, with menus that include vegetarian options and adaptations for any special dietary needs. The presentation of the dishes is another unmistakable aspect, with attention to detail that makes every meal a celebration of high Peruvian culinary culture.
