Looking after our Porters
Our porters are kind, sincere and cheerful people with huge hearts who will greet you at each camp with big smiles, as if you were being welcomed by members of your own family. These are men who come from the highland communities of Cusco, typically above 4,000 meters above sea level (over 13,000 feet), where Quechua is the dominant language.
Our porters are between 18 and 55 years old and come from different high Andean villages. We employ approximately 50 porters from the communities of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Quechua is their main language and agriculture is their main economic activity. Being a porter is an extra job for them
They are the people in charge of making this experience possible. They carry all the equipment, supplies and are also available to help them when needed. These supermen or heroes must leave each camp after our clients leave and also arrive at the next site before our clients to prepare the next meal and set up the camps at each site. Our cooks and porters are the main force behind all our expeditions.
Inkayni works every day to offer the best facilities and optimal working conditions such as:
1. Trek uniforms
Trekking boots, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, belts, as well as the most important element – an appropriate nourishment before and throughout the trek.
2. Adequate load weight
The Peruvian government has created laws that protect and support all porters to improve their working conditions. Unfortunately there are still companies that take advantage of these humble workers, forcing many to carry more than 25 kg without paying them an adequate salary.
Inkayni was created with the goal of creating the necessary changes, making an example of ideal conditions that other agencies can also adopt, as well as the respect that this rigorous work deserves, starting with a salary that honors their impressive physical labor. Our porters will not carry a weight of more than 18 kg and will receive a better salary for their time and service.
We recognize that we are part of the communities that saw us born; that taught us to grow, laugh and learn the wisdom of the Andes, especially the principle of Ayni or sacred reciprocity. We honor our origins and work hard to support our cooks and porters so they can support their respective families. Inkayni takes responsibility for improving the quality of life of our porter family..
3. Sufficient food
It is important that our staff receive nutritious and appropriate meals during all treks to account for the rigorous physical activity.
4. Payment on time
As soon as each trek concludes, our staff is paid on site by a representative of our office so that our porters can return to their communities instead of traveling to our office in Cusco.
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