I am going to Peru later in the year to do the Inca Trail and would prefer to do the trek with a local company so my money stays in the community. Do you have any suggestions on who to do this trek with and any other treks in Peru worth considering? Leigh Furner, via email
This is a really great question Leigh, as the Inca Trail is enormously popular among travellers, so it’s really important to consider our impact on the local population.
You can only hike the Inca Trail in an organised group, run by licensed guides. Given that you have to walk the route with a group, it is essential to choose your tour group carefully as the standard of equipment and food as well as the expertise en route will be determined by this.
Peru Treks and Adventures is recommended by both our authors and travellers on our Thorn Tree forum. The company pledges to give back to the community and safeguard porter welfare; something which can be an issue on the Inca Trail.
Porters work long, tiring days carrying trekking groups’ equipment and food, and sometimes their welfare is a low priority for tour companies who are looking to maximise profits, so porters can be left with little or no food or accommodation on the route.
Peru Treks and Adventures pledge a minimum wage and a maximum weight of loads for the porters, along with sufficient food, clothing and insurance.
A proportion of the company’s profits also goes into community projects, such as providing equipment and computers for schools.
Lonely Planet’s Laura Lindsaywill give you the benefit of her infinite wisdom if you email a question to traveltips@tntmagazine.com. If your question is answered, you’ll win a Lonely Planet guide of your choice.
Photo: Getty
