Inca Trail – The Porters
The Inca Trail is a magical experience. In four days we climbed 27 miles of mountain. Without the porters, we could not have completed this trek. They carried a seemingly endless amount of food, tents, propane, and many other items. Plus, they completed each leg of the trail in a fraction of the time it took the rest of us.
Imagine a man standing only 5’3″ before he puts on his pack (the term used for a tarp full of random equipment). He is still only 5’3″, but now walks at a staggering height of over 9′. The porters are an incredible people.
All are of Andean decent and most only speak the local Quechua language (only some speak Spanish, too). They leave their farms in the areas surrounding Cusco and head to the mountain for the peak trekking season. Day in and day out, usually with no rest, the porters climb run up and down the Inca trail. They are always extremely humble and quick to show you their smile. I am proud to share some of their photos here.
Music: The energy of the Inca Trail and the energy of our porters can best be captured by Alborada’s song “Siwar Dance.” Enjoy!
Leon a.k.a. "Lion"
Teofilo
