TERMS CONDITIONS
Travel in Peru: Inka Trail Explorer operates in the regions where standards of accommodation, transport and services might not be those you would normally expect. However we strive, with all due care and skill, to provide the best service for all our clients. Traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, broad- mindedness, good humor and understanding that changes may be made without notice due circumstances beyond our control (force majeure – see below). By booking any of our tours you agree to Inka Trail Explorer making necessary changes without liability.
Force majeure: This is any event that Inka Trail Explorer could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, disaster or adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case Inca Trail Explorer will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone or even cancel the trip (this is the last option of course!).
Increments in case of protests, strikes (FORCE MAJEURE): In the event of a protest or strike, which is not uncommon in Cusco, it may be necessary to leave a day or even 2 days earlier than scheduled so that we are able to comply with other services. In this case, an increment will be charged to cover costs incurred.
Risks: By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca trail, Machu Picchu, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, Choquekirao, Huchuy Qosqo trek etc.) you assume the risks associated with them. For these Inka Trail Explorer accepts no responsibility.
Travel insurance: We strongly advise you to take a travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers cancellations and loss of luggage. Please forward a copy / company name and policy number by email or bring the information when you come to our office.
Group discounts or free Sacred Valley tour: if there are at least 4 people in your group, you will automatically get either: a $20 per person group discount or a free Sacred valley tour (a must do in Cusco). This discount or free tour is valid for the following adventure trips: Inca trail, Lares trek, and Salkantay trek, please note that this discount does not apply to private treks or any other trek not mentioned here.
Note: Discount does not apply if less than 4 people undertake the trek (if a group member cancels).
Holidays or Election Increments: an increment of $15 per person is applicable for all treks (regardless of group /private option /size of group) leaving during these holidays: Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th) New year (Dec 29th, 30th, 31st, Jan 1st).
An increment is also applicable in order to leave during election days (people are fined in Peru if they do not vote). We use the increments to pay staff a bonus for leaving on their holy days or it is used to pay their fines.
Sending your main departure date and back up date: by providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Inka Trail Explorer to use either of these dates for your reservation. Inka Trail Explorer within the next 48 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.
Sending your personal details for booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid, please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please note changing passport numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipts but it´s also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca trail authorities)
Student rate: in order to obtain this discount you must have a valid ISIC card. It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca trail / alternative trek (you will need to show the real ISIC card http://www.isiccard.com upon your arrival here in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Making a reservation and payment of deposit:
For the classic Inca trail: 2 days, 4 days, 5 or 7days (group or private service)
We request a $200 non-refundable deposit per person along with your personal details (full name, passport number, gender, nationality, DOB).
The deposit amount is:
US$200 per person for the Inca trail only or US$250 per person for Inca trail +Wayna Picchu.
Please confirm if you want to climb Wayna Picchu (the 45 minutes climb near Machu Picchu site) as it needs to be booked well in advance too; this is US$65.00 per person there are 2 time sessions: 7 – 8am or 10 – 11am this also needs to be specified although you need to be flexible to either time. We highly recommend get the permits for 10 – 11am and avoid to be in a harry when you are arriving in Machu Picchu.
Payment of the deposit can be made through this option:
PayPal. Balance can be paid by this method (Paypal + 6% transaction fee)
For alternative treks to Machu Picchu (Lares trek, Salkantay trek, Choquekirao, Ausangate, Huchuy Qosqo, etc).
We request a $200 no-refundable deposit per person along with your personal details.
Payment of the deposit can be made through the following option.
PayPal. Balance can be paid by this method (PayPal + 6% transaction fee)
About the briefing: the night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in your Hotel at either 5:00pm or 6:00pm (it will be confirmed on your arrival in Cusco by e-mail). We are going to provide you a duffle bag at this time.
Payment of final balance: we require you to pay your final balance on your arrival in Cusco at least 48 hours prior to trek departure.You can pay your final balance in cash and in US dollars or Peruvian soles.
Cancellations:
(1) Deposit sent for booking is non-refundable nor transferable to any other date, person or tour.
(2) Inka Trail Explorer must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you are aware of them, via e-mail or fax so that we do not incur expenses not covered by deposit.
(3) Once final balance has been paid, we will not be able to refund your trek payment in the case of cancellations. There will, however, be parts of your trip that you are able to use (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1bus ticket).
(4) A claim letter for your insurance company can also be provided by us upon request.
VERY IMPORTANT (1): We strongly suggest staying at high altitude above 3000m – in Cusco or another high altitude city for 2 to 3 days minimum before undertaking the trip. This is in order to minimize the effects of possible altitude sickness. Also, you can help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of water, adding a bit more sugar to your drinks, eating food rich in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, is better to drink coca (ancient traditional leaf) tea. Diamox can also be helpful – please ask your doctor about it.
VERY IMPORTANT (2): We highly recommend you arrive in Cusco if is possible 48 hours or more before trek departure as we may need to leave earlier than scheduled in case of strikes or other events out of our control (see Force Majeure above).
