Porter service on the Inca Trail is very essential “no porters, no Inca Trail”. That is why for the 4 day Classic Inca Trail using porters is mandatory. Will be impossible hikers can carry all the equipment and food supplies for the entire trip. Sometimes you see donkeys at the beginning part of the trail. That is the way locals transport goods to the village of Huayllabamba. But for the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu porter service is not mandatory. Except for elder aged people or with any physical limitations in order to help them to carry their personal items.
The porter regulations for the classic Inca Trail are very strict. to avoid the exploitation of the porters from the travel companies. They are not allowed in carrying more than 20kgs eachone, including the personal gear. There are check point places are every day along the trail. For hikers hiring the service of an extra porter for the Inca Trail hike. we advise you to book it advance in order to include the additional porter on the list of Inca Trail hikers. To secure porters entrance fee to the park.
Inca Trail porters usually carry all the equipment (tents, table, chairs and kitchen utensils) and food supplies from the travel company. But if you book for the service of an extra porter you can give to him 14kgs of weigh maximum. Which he will take a long the trail, all the way to Aguas Calientes town. People not using the service of extra porter have to carry their sleeping bag, pad and all the personal items in a back-pack.
