Inca Trail authorities demand stricter oversight after worker deaths

Authorities in Peru are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations on the Inca Trail following the deaths of a porter and a muleteer. The Ministry of Culture and the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) are facing pressure to oversee the route more rigorously to prevent further tragedies.

One specific incident involved the death of 49-year-old porter Gabriel Ríos Mamani at an altitude of 4,210 meters. Reports indicate he was working for the agency Alpaca Expeditions when he fell ill; his family alleges he was abandoned on the trail while the agency and tourists prioritized the recovery of luggage. The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating potential crimes regarding the abandonment of a person in danger.

In addition to physical exhaustion and heavy loads, regional officials have identified alcoholism among support staff as a significant risk factor on the route. Local authorities are seeking urgent technical meetings to restructure inspections and ensure all agencies comply with safety and labor regulations to protect workers in this high-risk sector.