Responsible Trekking

A not-for-profit organisation based in Cusco, IPP campaigns to raise awareness of the plight of Peruvian porters employed on the legendary Inka trail to Machu Picchu. It also represents porters and muleteers that work on alternative routes in the Sacred Valley.

Tens of thousands of holidaymakers take part in the four-day trek to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu every year but few are aware of the reality of the conditions in which up to six thousand porters subsist.

Carrying heavy loads including tents, fuel and provisions for trekkers, sometimes at very high altitude, the porters are often not given adequate shelter, equipment, medical assistance or food by their agencies. Many are paid as little as five US dollars a day for their literally backbreaking efforts.

Traditionally considered to be of low social status and marginalized, the porters come from Quechua-speaking farming communities based in the Sacred Valley.

The Inka Porter Project has issued a set of responsible trekking guidelines for anyone intending to hike the Inka trail.

When booking with a tour operator in a home country, it recommends that people ascertain whether the company follows the International Porter Protection Group's five key recommendations on porter safety. These are that:

• Adequate clothing for protection from bad weather and high altitude should be provided.
  
• Porters should have access to proper shelter and cooking equipment.
  
• Porters should have the same access to medical care as trekkers.
  
• Adequate procedures should be in place for medical evacuation if necessary.
  
• Porters should carry no more than 25kg according to Peruvian law.
  Where a tour operator uses a local agency to run its Inka trail trips, IPP advises asking about the agency's own policy on monitoring porter care.
• As a general rule of thumb when buying the tour direct from a local agency in Cusco, if it costs less than 265 US dollars, it's highly likely that the porters are not well cared for.

• Don't overload your porter. If he carries more than 25kg, not only is it bad for his health but both he and the agency will get a substantial fine.
  
• Report all instances of mistreatment of porters or muleteers. IPP keeps a logbook which is shared with the International Porter Protection Group.
  
• Make sure that sick porters are looked after and are offered first aid treatment if required.
  
• Tip each porter separately rather than via the cook or guide.
  
• Spend time with your porter. Offer them your coca leaves and learn a few words of Quechua.