Our Inca Trail Porters
Before embarking on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you may have heard about the porters. These workers play a crucial role in your experience, as they are responsible for carrying the heavy gear needed for your journey on their backs. This includes tents, kitchen equipment, food supplies, tables, chairs, utensils, gas canisters, and the dining, kitchen, and sleeping tents, all essential for ensuring you fully enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu.
The Art of Cooking on the Inca Trail
Among the porters, there is one who stands out for having the energy to prepare amazing meals in the middle of the trek, using basic equipment and working under challenging conditions. This cook ensures that you stay energized throughout the expedition.
Where Do the Porters Come From?
Our porters come from the high Andean areas near Cusco. They speak both Quechua and Spanish and possess a deep knowledge of the region and its history. Their work, which is the most important and demanding on the Inca Trail, earns the admiration of visitors. Their efforts are often compared to those of the ancient “chasquis,” the Incan messengers who traveled long distances across the network of trails to deliver messages or goods.
Porter Weight Limits at Inka Trail Backpacker
At Inka Trail Backpacker, we ensure that each of our porters carries a maximum of 15 kilograms of company equipment and 5 kilograms of personal gear. This policy prevents overburdening our workers, ensuring they can perform their duties safely.
Caring for Our Porters
We deeply care about the well-being of our porters. That’s why we provide, at no cost, health insurance, fleece and waterproof jackets, trekking boots, t-shirts, sun hats, beanies, canteens, sleeping bags, insulated sleeping mats, suitable backpacks for carrying gear, and comfortable belts to protect their backs. We always prioritize their health and safety on every expedition.
Our Commitment to Law No. 31624 on Porter Workers
At Inka Trail Backpacker, we are committed to strict compliance with Law No. 31624, which regulates the working conditions of porters along the Inca Trail network. Here is how our company aligns with this legislation:
Formal Employment Relationship: All our porters are formally employed under the private labor regime, ensuring their full protection and recognition of their labor rights.
Compliance with Minimum Age and Load Limits: We strictly adhere to the regulation that sets the minimum age for porters at 18. Additionally, we rigorously follow the load limits: 20 kg for men and 15 kg for women, ensuring their safety and health at work.
Work Hours and Adequate Rest: We ensure that our porters’ workweek does not exceed 48 hours, in accordance with the mandatory rest period of 5 days between expeditions, safeguarding their physical and mental well-being.
Supervised Working Conditions: We provide our porters with all necessary resources for safe performance, including nutritious meals, proper clothing, lumbar belts, and full camping gear to ensure they rest in secure and comfortable conditions.
Fair and Transparent Compensation
At Inka Trail Backpacker, we ensure that all our porters receive fair pay in accordance with Law No. 31624:
- Male Porters: Each male porter earns a minimum of S/138 per day. Over a 4-day expedition, a male porter will earn a total of S/552 soles. Male porters carry a maximum of 20 kg of equipment.
- Female Porters: Female porters earn the same minimum wage of S/138 per day. Over a 4-day expedition, a female porter will earn a total of S/552 soles . Female porters carry a maximum of 15 kg of equipment, respecting the established load limits for their safety.
- Cooks: Porters who work as cooks receive a 30% increase over the base wage. This means a cook earns S/179.40 per day (S/138 + S/41.40). Over a 4-day expedition, the cook will earn a total of S/717.60 soles.
Protection of Fundamental Rights:
We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities, respecting fundamental rights, and prohibiting any form of discrimination in our operations. The hiring of individuals under 18 years old is strictly prohibited.
Workplace Safety and Health:
We have implemented all necessary measures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. Our porters are covered by a complementary risk insurance policy, as required by law, and we continuously evaluate their working conditions.
Formal Registration and Free Access to the Inca Trail Network:
All our porters are properly registered with the National Registry of Porter Workers, guaranteeing their recognition and formal status. Additionally, they have free access to the Inca Trail network when carrying out their duties, in compliance with the Ministry of Culture’s regulations.