Meet Our Amazing Inca Trail Porters

Trekking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a dream for many adventurers around the world. However, few people realize that behind every successful journey lies the dedication, strength, and resilience of our Inca Trail porters. They are from remote areas deep within the Andes, are the backbone of our company, making it possible for trekkers to complete this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Our porters are more than just workers; they are the heart of our company. Without them, the incredible journey along the Inca Trail would not be possible. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspire us every day, and we remain committed to ensuring that they receive the recognition, respect, and support they truly deserve. Here are the things that we do for our porters:

inca trail porters

 Proper Equipment For Hiking

Our porters receive all their hiking gear for free from our company. We provide moisture-wicking long and short sleeve shirts, trekking pants, a warm rain jacket, a warm jumper, a sun hat, a wool hat, belts, and a flashlight. For our female porters, we also provide skirts, dresses, warm hats, sun hats, and trekking shoes. Many of our female porters prefer to wear their traditional clothes, so we offer them the option of wearing their traditional dresses while working.

our inca trail porters hiking over the classic inca trail

Prompt and Reliable Payment

In addition to paying fair wages, we are committed to ensuring that porters are compensated promptly. We pay our porters immediately upon the completion of their duties in Ollantaytambo, without delays or complications. Timely payment is a fundamental part of our respect for their time and labor. It provides financial stability and affirms our commitment to ethical business practices.

Paying Above Market Standards

We recognize that porters are essential to the smooth operation of our tours, and we take pride in the fact that we offer one of the most competitive wages in the region. While many companies in the industry may offer salaries that are barely sufficient to meet basic needs, we are proud to say that we pay our porters well above the standard market rate. This is not a mere boast, but a reflection of our deep understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of their work.

By offering fair wages, we aim to create a positive working environment that empowers our porters and enhances their quality of life. We believe that by valuing their labor in this way, we not only foster a sense of mutual respect but also contribute to the broader well-being of the local community. It is important to us that our porters feel that their work is valued and compensated in a manner that reflects its true worth.

our inca trail porters posing for picture in wiñaywayna ruins

Nutritious Meals For Our Porters

We give healthy and nutritious food to our porters on the trail because we know they work very hard. They carry heavy loads and walk long distances, so they need good food to stay strong and healthy. By providing them with proper meals, we make sure they have enough energy to do their job well. We also care about their well-being and want to support them in every way we can.

Tents And Sleeping Bags For Our Porters

We are different because we give special benefits to porters. They get comfortable tents and warm sleeping bags to stay safe and warm on cold mountain nights. Our company cares about the well-being of porters and treats them with fairness and respect. We also appreciate and value all Peruvian people, making sure everyone is treated equally.

Commitment to the Well-Being of Our Porters

Recognizing the challenging nature of their work, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our porters. Our company ensures that they are equipped with high-quality trekking gear, including durable footwear, warm clothing, and appropriate carrying equipment. Additionally, we provide nutritious meals to sustain their energy levels throughout the trek.

Health and safety are our top priorities. We regularly monitor the health of our porters and offer medical assistance when needed. Beyond physical well-being, we also support their families, understanding that their hard work is often motivated by the desire to provide a better future for their loved ones.

Supporting Retired Porters

We firmly believe that our responsibility to our porters does not end when their trekking days are over. Many porters dedicate years of their lives to this demanding work, and when they reach an age where they can no longer continue, we provide assistance to help them transition into a new chapter of their lives. Whether through financial support or alternative job opportunities, we ensure that our retired porters are not left behind.

Our portes Carry 20 Kilograms

Our Inca Trail porters carry no more than 20 kilograms, in strict accordance with current Peruvian law. This regulation ensures the fair treatment and well-being of the porters, promoting ethical and responsible tourism practices along the trail.

our inca trail porter weighing his backpack

Empowering Women Porters

Traditionally, the role of an Inca Trail porter has been filled by men. However, we are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for women who aspire to take on this role. By providing equal opportunities and necessary training, we are proud to support the increasing number of female porters who demonstrate the same strength, endurance, and dedication as their male counterparts.

our inca trail female porters

Mario

head porter

Mario is a wonderful chef that have in our company. Hiking the Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo Mountain, and 7 lakes of Augangate, you will see him always smiling

Raul

head porter

We are proud to have Martin in our AB Expeditions team. He is passionate cooking torreja de Quinoa which is one of our peruvian food. 

melquiades

head porter

Pedro is amazing chef that works for us since 7 years ago. You will see him on Inca Trail 4 days and Salkantay trek 5 days. He will teach you Ceviche de Trucha

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