Inca Trail Porters Now Have a Dedicated Train for Their Return

Porters assist tourists on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They now have a new benefit. Starting Tuesday, March 17, they have a train reserved exclusively for them. This train makes it easier for them to return to the district of Ollantaytambo in Cusco.

From Tough Early Mornings to a Dignified Ccomeback

In addition, the Cusco Regional Office of Foreign Trade and Tourism has confirmed a fixed schedule. The train departs daily at 8:50 a.m. It leaves from the Machu Picchu station and arrives in Ollantaytambo. As a result, workers will no longer have to wait as long to return.

The train has 78 seats available. It also includes a special area for luggage and goods. Thanks to this service, many porters will have a better travel experience. Thus, their working conditions are clearly improving at the Machu Picchu archaeological park.

Previously, the situation was very difficult for them. According to the “Daniel Estrada Pérez” Federation of Porters of the Inca Trails, workers would descend at dawn to the station at kilometer 107. There, they would wait for the train departing at 5:35 a.m. During that time, they faced intense cold, poor visibility, and various risks after long workdays.

The Missing Journey on the Inca Trail

However, they were often unable to board the first train. This was because space was limited. In addition, they had to travel with backpacks weighing more than 20 kilograms. As a result, many were left without a seat.

In those cases, they had to walk from kilometer 107 to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Then they would look for another train to return. This meant more physical exertion and greater fatigue for them.

An important ceremony was held at the beginning of the week. Participants included Gercetur manager Rosendo Baca Palomino and representatives from the railway company Perú Rail. Members of Sernanp, the Directorate of Culture, and several porters also attended.

Furthermore, the authorities explained that this initiative was spearheaded by the Regional Government of Cusco. This action is part of the Machu Picchu Management Unit. As such, it aims to respect the rights of the porters and provide them with fairer, safer, and more dignified transportation.

Finally, it is important to recognize their work. The porters accompany some 500 tourists every day. They hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over four days. They enter at kilometer 82 of the railway line between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. This access point was reopened on March 1.