Off To Peru - Read This

The Inka Porter Project, a voluntary organisation which supports porters working on the Inca Trail, is urging anyone planning a visit to the classic route to take some basic steps to ensure that they're not contributing to the plight of local porters.

As we found when we trekked the Inca Trail a few years ago, porters are often woefully under equipped with very basic clothing, sandals made from old car tyres and carrying colossal loads. They lack medical back-up and are often underfed. To top it all, many are paid under $5 per day.

The IPP is working to improve conditions and pay for the porters, but needs your help. It's urging anyone visiting the area to follow a set of guidelines. If you're booking in your own country, you should check that the tour company you book with and its local operator follows the IPP's guidelines on porter safety.

If you're planning on buying a trek once you arrive in Cusco, the organisation advises that any firm offering a package priced at under $265 for the four-day walk is unlikely to conform to IPP guidelines and should be avoided.

Additionally you should note that trekking firms are now required to register the names of both porters and trekkers one month in advance, so if you're planning on trekking the trail, it's crucial that you arrange things in advance - if you simply turn up in Cuzco, you may well be diappointed.

The IPPG also has suggestions to help you act as a responsible trekker while on the trail itself.

• 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.

You can find specific sets of guidelines on the Inka Porter Project web site, the organisation works closely with the International Porter Protection Group.