About the porters

There are approximately 6000 porters working on the Inca Trail. Most are from Quechua and Aymara highland communities, where resources can be scarce and poverty is abundant. Working on the Inca Trail may be dangerous and poorly paid, but it is a way to get one's family through hard times. Tens of thousands of tourists per year pay several hundred US dollars a piece for the trek, but the porters earn only a few dollars for the arduous work.

How to help

Choose trekking operator carefully, as many will exaggerate or outright lie about incentives helping porters' communities. Donating clothes and trekking gear helps, and if you pass through remote communities in your travels, medicines for the schools and a football or two are always appreciated. If you notice that some porters in your group carry excessive weight, you can report this to officials at Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes. 

  Advice to visitors

Keep in mind that the trek is best booked six months in advance, as only 200 visitors are allowed in per day. The trail is closed in Februari for cleanup, and is often fully booked other months. There are several alternatives, such as the stunning Salcantay trek which takes you through jungles, highlands and hot springs.