In recent years the price of the 4-day Inca Trail trek has increased. There are several reasons for this:
1. The government authorities have introduced minimum standards for the trekking companies. The maximum group size is now 16 persons and each company has to take basic equipment such as a kitchen tent, dining tent, first aid kit and oxygen, etc. More equipment means more porters per group. For groups of more than 8 trekkers an additional guide must accompany the group. All guides now have to be professionally qualified and licensed.
2. The Porters Law introduced in 2003 is now being strictly implemented. Not only do porters now receive a minimum wage of S./42 (about US$15) per day but their loads are also limited to a maximum of 20kg, they have to take sleeping bags, back packs, back-support belts and warm clothing as well as being provided with suitable meals, access to first aid and accident insurance. Extra equipment and reduced loads leads to more porters per group. Most responsible operators now use a ratio of about 3 porters for every 2 trekkers.
3. The number of trekkers allowed to start the trek has also been limited to about 200 people per day (500 people in total including guides, cooks and porters on the classic Inca Trail) making it essential to book your trek well in advance. Back in 2000 the cost of the entrance fee was only US$17, now in 2008 the cost is 244 Peruvian Soles (about US$88) per person. Porters also have to pay an entrance fee, although at a reduced rate of 42 Peruvian Soles (about US$14).
4. The tax authorities have clamped down pretty hard on the trekking companies in recent years. You can now expect to pay around US$40 per person in taxes. However if you buy your trek with an overseas tour operator then the trek is exempt from Peruvian sales taxes (known as IGV) so buying a trek directly with a local tour operator helps benefit the local economy much more than booking with a company in your own country.
A better quality service, fair treatment of porters, increased revenue in the form of taxes for a developing country is all good news, but the downside is that hiking the Inca Trail for people on a budget is now impossible. The increased Inca Trail rates apply to everyone including Peruvians and other Latin Americans and their absence from the Inca Trail and Cusco has been very noticeable in the last couple of years.
Inca Trail Availability 2010 : Since the number of trek permits is limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff) it is important to book well in advance. The trek permits are issued on a first-come-first-served basis up until all the permits have been sold out. In the low season (December & January) there are some days when there are still permits available 4 or 5 days in advance, but in the high season (May to September) it is recommended that you book at least 4 months in advance to guarantee a place.
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