Tipping and Gratuities

The Inca Trail and Other Treks

Showing porters your gratitude by tipping on treks to Machu Picchu is a twenty-year- old tradition. While we believe every trip we lead is a once-in- a-lifetime experience, tipping is of course one hundred percent voluntary and should only be done if you feel that your guide, porters, and chefs have done an amazing job.

Generally, groups give collective tips to be shared between the cook and all porters (including the head porter). A typical amount is 60 to 70 soles to each porter from the group and 120 to 150 soles to the chef from the group. These amounts are standard for both large and small groups of hikers therefore, the size of your personal contribution will depend on how many people you are trekking with (usually each traveler can expect to contribute 100 to 150 soles to the group tip).

For example, if you are traveling in a group of seven travelers with twelve porters and a chef,the total group tip will be 840 soles (60 soles per porter and 120 soles for the chef). Thus, each individual traveler will give 120 soles for the tip.The tip for your guide is given individually and can be whatever amount you think is appropriate.
On the Inca Trail, tipping when we part ways with our porters and chefs on the third night of the trek. On our alternative treks, tipping will sometimes occur on separate days: one day for the horse wranglers and later for our chef.

Our Office Team

Don´t forget to thank the office team that made your tour possible in the first place! Although you don´t see them that much, they are the people behind each detail, putting everything together in order to ensure you get the service you deserve. If you would like to tip our office staff (Operations, Reservations, and Sales), leave a tip in an envelope or the designated container when you visit the office for your pre-trek briefing.

NOTE: This is just a suggestion, whether or not you tip and the amount is ultimately a personal decision and not obligatory.