muleros

Muleros are workers who specialize in handling and guiding pack animals, primarily mules, to transport goods and, in some cases, people. The term comes from mula, the Spanish word for mule. Historically, muleteers were essential to overland trade and communication in rugged regions where carts and wagons could not easily operate, loading cargo onto mules and guiding caravans along difficult trails.

Duties typically include caring for animals, loading and unloading cargo in saddles and panniers, securing loads, planning routes, and navigating challenging terrain. Muleros must understand animal behavior, maintain the health and welfare of the pack animals, and adapt to variable weather and trail conditions. They often work as independent traders, laborers for transport networks, or as part of trekking outfits and local supply chains.

Geographically, muleros are found in Spain and Portugal and across various Latin American countries, particularly in Andean regions such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, where mules remain a practical means of moving goods through mountainous areas. In these regions, the profession has historically supported mining, agriculture, and rural markets, and it intersects with tourism in areas offering mule rides and trekking experiences.

In modern contexts, commercial mule transport has declined with the expansion of roads and motorized transport, but muleros continue to play roles in tourism, cultural preservation, and rural economies. Some communities maintain associations or guilds to promote training, animal welfare, and safe labor practices in the profession.