Many hikers ask us about tipping at the end of their tour with Alpaca. Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters and chef have done an amazing job for you. Of course we hope every trip we lead is exceptional, so if you do choose to give a tip, we have some general guidelines on how much to give.
Generally groups give collective tips that are shared between the cook and all porters including the head porter and is usually given on the last night of the trek. If the group pools together money and at the end each porter receives 60 soles and your cook receives double that, 120 soles, they will end with a great tip. Often, the tip for your guide is done personally and is generally 50 soles per traveller.
Another tip…
Alpaca Expeditions tries to distinguish ourselves from other companies by really treating our porters well. We believe they are the hardest workers on our treks and make sure they are all equipped with proper hiking equipment and clothing. If you have any equipment you bought for your trip that you don’t believe you will ever use again, you can donate it to a porter and he will be unbelievably appreciative. Headlamps, sleeping bags, even warm socks, are great things to be donated to your porters.
Remember that tipping is discretionary. If you don’t think tipping is necessary in a particular circumstance, then don’t tip. This is a guide for people who are planning to tip and want to know the customary amount.
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
