KM82: The Porter Voices from Peru's Camino Inca
Indigenous porters who make up the backbone of Inca Trail trekking services discuss improving working conditions at Peru's famous Machu Picchu.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail that leads hikers to the famous Machu Picchu in Peru has been in operation for over 50 years. Yet, the porters who are hired to carry tourists’ luggage up the mountains continue to endure unfair labor practices. KM 82 sheds light on the porters’ fight for equitable working conditions including fair pay, proper food and sleeping conditions on the trail, and medical insurance. The film aims to create public awareness and elevate the porters’ voices who have played a critical role in the adventure travel industry. It follows the story of Alberto, the leader of the Porter Federation of Inca Trail, and his advocacy towards Workforce Equity in tourism on behalf of the Quechua community and the porters. Along the way, he finds like-minded others while risking it all to be the person to lead the movement toward calling on Congress and the President of Peru to amend the current Porter Laws. KM 82 centers the lives of the indigenous people as porters on the Inca Trail to elevate their voices and pave the way to creating a more equitable tourism industry.
