Complete Guide: How Much, To Whom and When to Tip

One of the most frequent questions we receive: “How much should I tip?” Here’s everything you need to know.

The Uncomfortable Question Everyone Has

You’re planning your Inca Trail and the doubt arises:

“Should I tip? Who? How much? Is it mandatory? Do I give them together or separately? In dollars or soles?”

It’s a legitimate question. Tipping on the Inca Trail is a cultural norm, but nobody clearly explains how it works.

This guide will give you concrete answers so you don’t have to guess or feel uncomfortable.

Quick Answer

These are suggestions, not obligations. Keep reading to understand the complete context.

Context: Tipping Culture in Peru

Before talking about numbers, let’s understand the context.

Are Tips Mandatory?

Tips are not “extra.” For many porters and trek staff, tips represent a significant part of their income.

Why Are They So Important on the Inca Trail?

Comparison with Other Contexts

The Inca Trail is in the medium-high range of tips for worldwide trekking experiences, but considering work intensity, it’s completely justified.

Who to Tip?

On a typical Inca Trail trek there are several people working for you.

Typical Trek Team

Example for group of 8 people:

• 1 lead guide
• 1 assistant guide (possibly)
• 1 cook
• 1 cook’s assistant
• 12-16 porters

Individual or Group Tip?

Why group for porters?

• There are many porters (10-16 in a group)
• You don’t always know who carried what
• It’s fairer to divide equitably
• Guide usually coordinates distribution

How Much to Give? Detailed Ranges

Here are specific ranges according to different factors.

4-Day Inca Trail: Suggested Tips

Lead Guide

What is “exceptional service”?

• Detailed and passionate historical explanations
• Personalized attention to each group member
• Went beyond obligations (waited for you, helped in difficult moments)
• Made experience memorable with attitude

Assistant Guide (if present)

Cook

What makes an exceptional cook?

• Consistently delicious and varied food
• Attention to dietary restrictions
• Careful presentation
• Positive attitude, makes you feel welcome at each meal

Cook’s Assistant (if present)

Porters (Group Tip)

Calculation example:

• Group of 8 people
• Each contributes $40 USD
• Total: $320 USD
• Divided among 14 porters = ~$23 USD each

4-Day Inca Trail Summary

2-Day Inca Trail: Suggested Tips

The 2-day trek is shorter with less staff.

Note: The 2-day trek doesn’t include cook (lunch at restaurant) and has fewer porters.

Adjustments According to Your Situation

When and How to Give Tips?

Timing and manner matter.

The Right Moment

Why porters earlier?

Porters generally separate from group before Machu Picchu. They don’t enter the citadel — their work ends at last campsite or at Wiñay Wayna checkpoint.

The Tipping Ceremony

On most treks there’s a formal moment to tip porters:

This moment is emotionally significant. It’s when you really connect with the people who made your experience possible.

How to Deliver Tips

Practical tips:

• Have money prepared beforehand (don’t search for bills at the moment)
• Small envelopes or bags help organize
• A small written message (“Thank you for making this trip possible”) is special touch
• Saying person’s name when delivering adds meaning

In What Currency to Give Tip?

This is a very practical question.

Currency Options

Recommendation

Ideal option: Peruvian soles in small and medium bills

Alternative option: American dollars

Approximate Conversion (2026)

Note: Exchange rate fluctuates. Check before your trip.

Where to Get Soles in Small Bills

Tip: When changing money, specifically ask for S/10 and S/20 bills.

Special Considerations

What If I Can’t Tip?

If you really can’t tip (genuinely difficult financial situation):

Important: If you can pay for an $800+ USD trek, you can generally include $80-100 in tips in your budget. Plan it from the start.

What If Service Was Bad?

Note: Porters do brutal physical work regardless of guide quality. Don’t reduce their tip for problems that aren’t their fault.

Tips on Private Treks

If you booked private trek (just your group):

Suggestion for private trek of 2 people:

• Guide: $40-60 each
• Cook: $20-30 each
• Porters: $50-60 each (group)

Tips in Different Segments

In Summit segment you’re paying for exceptional service. If you receive it, tip should reflect it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tipping

Are tips included in tour price?

No. Tour price covers base salaries, permits, food, equipment and logistics. Tips are additional and go directly to people who served you.

Can I tip with credit card?

No. Tips must be in cash. Make sure to bring enough cash for tips plus your personal expenses.

Should I tip each porter individually?

It’s not practical or expected. Porter tip is given as group and divided among all. Head porter or guide coordinates distribution.

What if we’re a large group and some don’t want to tip?

Each person decides. You can give your individual tip for porters if others don’t participate. Don’t let others’ attitude affect your decision.

Can I give extra tip to specific porter who helped me a lot?

Absolutely! If a specific porter did something special for you (helped when exhausted, carried something extra, etc.), a small additional individual tip ($5-10) is very appreciated.

Do guides and porters expect tips from all countries equally?

Culturally, yes they expect tips from everyone. But they understand that travelers from different countries have different customs and economic capacities. What’s important is the gesture.

Should I tip the driver who takes us to Km 82?

What about tips at Machu Picchu after trek?

Can I give gifts instead of (or in addition to) tip?

Important: Gifts are nice additions, but don’t replace cash tip. Cash allows them to buy what they need.

How much total cash should I bring for entire trek?

Bring a bit more just in case. Better to have extra than run short.

The Ethical Perspective: Why It Matters

Beyond social etiquette, there are deep reasons to tip generously.

The Reality of Porter Work

When you tip, you recognize that your comfort depends on their superhuman effort.

The Real Impact of Your Tip

For a porter:

We’re not exaggerating. In rural Andean communities, these amounts have real impact.

The Difference Between Agencies

With Inca Trail Explorers:

• We pay salaries above legal minimum
• We provide equipment, food and insurance to porters
• Tips are a complement, not the base of their income

But even with ethical agencies, tips remain important and expected.

Our Philosophy

“Tipping is not charity. It’s recognition. It’s telling someone: ‘I saw your effort. It matters. Thank you.’

When you tip generously, you don’t just help one person. You send a message to the entire industry that dignified work deserves dignified reward.”

Practical Summary: Your Tipping Checklist

Before Trek

During Trek

At Trek End

Quick Reference Amounts (4 days)

Tipping Is Part of the Experience

Tipping on the Inca Trail isn’t just a financial transaction. It’s your opportunity to humanly connect with the people who made your dream possible.

When you look a porter in the eyes and thank them, when you see their smile receiving your recognition, you’ll understand you’re not “paying extra.” You’re completing the experience.

The Inca Trail isn’t just arriving at Machu Picchu. It’s also the people who accompany you on the way.

Have More Questions About Tipping?

Contact us. We want your experience to be complete, including knowing exactly what to expect with tips.

📧 Email: info@inca-trail.pe 📱 WhatsApp: +51 921 333 639

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