Terms & Conditions

By making a booking, you agree to the terms below. We've avoided fine-print legalese where possible. If anything is unclear, ask us before paying.

1. The parties

"We", "us", "the operator" refers to the Peruvian tour operator behind Machu Picchu Tours, MINCETUR-licensed and based in Cusco. "You", "the client" refers to the person or persons making a booking. Full corporate identification is provided on booking confirmation documents.

2. Booking and confirmation

• Bookings are confirmed only when we acknowledge receipt of your deposit in writing (email or WhatsApp).
• A 30% deposit is typically required to confirm; balance is due 30 days before tour start, or on arrival in Cusco for shorter lead times.
• For Inca Trail bookings, deposit is non-refundable from the moment permits are issued in your name (typically within 48 hours of deposit receipt) because permits are non-transferable.
• Prices quoted in USD are valid for 7 days from quote issuance. After that, requoting may be necessary.

3. What's included

Each tour package has a detailed "Includes" and "Excludes" list on the relevant tour page. Read both carefully. Standard exclusions for all tours:

• International and domestic flights to/from Cusco.
• Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking; strongly recommended otherwise — see Section 9).
• Visa fees if applicable to your nationality.
• Tips for guides, drivers, porters, and cooks (discretionary; customary amounts are noted on each tour page).
• Souvenirs and personal expenses.
• Drinks beyond what's specified in meal inclusions.
• Optional add-ons (Huayna Picchu, mountain hikes, hot springs, etc.) unless explicitly included in your quote.

4. Cancellation by client

Cancellation refund schedule for standard tours:

Days before tour	Refund	Notes
60+ days	90%	10% retained for administrative costs
30–59 days	50%	Non-recoverable costs (deposits paid to hotels/operators) deducted
15–29 days	25%	Most third-party costs already paid
0–14 days	0%	No refund possible

Inca Trail bookings: Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable from the moment of issuance. Other tour components (train, hotel, transport) follow the standard schedule above when separable.

5. Cancellation by operator

We reserve the right to cancel a tour for the following reasons:

• Force majeure (strikes, landslides, severe weather, government closures, civil unrest).
• Inability to operate the tour safely (severe altitude sickness in a group context, etc.).
• Insufficient participants for a scheduled group departure (rare; we operate down to 2 participants on most tours).

In case of operator cancellation, we offer either: (a) a rescheduling for the next available date at no extra cost; (b) a substitute tour of equivalent value; or (c) a full refund of monies paid, minus any non-recoverable third-party costs (e.g., issued permits, paid hotel deposits).

6. Force majeure

Events of force majeure include but are not limited to: strikes (especially the periodic Cusco region transport strikes), landslides closing the railway, severe weather closing the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, earthquakes, political unrest, government action, pandemic-related closures, and any other extraordinary circumstance beyond our reasonable control.

In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to provide substitute services. Where this isn't possible, refunds are subject to recovery from third parties (hotels, train operators, etc.). We aim to refund the maximum recoverable amount.

7. Itinerary changes

Itineraries are firm in their overall structure (e.g., "5-day Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu") but flexible in their specific timing and routing. Reasons for in-tour modifications include weather, road conditions, group fitness, archaeological site closures, and operational logistics. Our guides have discretion to adjust within the spirit of the booked package. Substantive changes (omitted major site, changed accommodation class) will be communicated, and where possible, compensated.

8. Client responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Travel documents: valid passport (with 6+ months validity), required visas, and any necessary vaccinations.
• Health and fitness: honestly disclosing any medical conditions, allergies, or fitness limitations relevant to the tour. For treks at high altitude, we may require a doctor's clearance.
• Personal equipment: appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal items per the packing list provided.
• Punctuality: arriving at pickup points at scheduled times. Late arrivals causing missed transport (especially trains) are at your cost.
• Compliance with regulations: following all Machu Picchu site rules, Inca Trail regulations, and reasonable instructions from our guides.

9. Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Inca Trail bookings and strongly recommended for all other tours. Insurance should cover at minimum:

• Medical emergencies and evacuation (especially for trekking).
• Trip cancellation and curtailment.
• Personal belongings and baggage.
• Pre-existing conditions (if applicable).

We can recommend Peruvian and international insurance providers on request. We do not sell insurance directly.

10. Liability

Tours in the Andes carry inherent risks: altitude sickness, slips and falls on uneven terrain, weather exposure, vehicle accidents on mountain roads, and others. We take all reasonable safety measures (guide certifications, first-aid equipment, emergency procedures, oxygen for high-altitude treks), but we cannot eliminate inherent risks.

Our liability is limited to direct damages caused by our proven negligence. We are not liable for damages caused by force majeure, third-party providers (airlines, hotels), or client behavior (failure to follow guide instructions, ignoring safety briefings, etc.). Our maximum aggregate liability per booking is the amount paid to us for that booking.

11. Photography and image rights

We may take photographs during tours for our marketing materials and website. You will be informed beforehand and have the right to opt out. If you participate in group photos, we assume consent unless you tell us otherwise. We never publish identifying images of children without parental consent.

12. Complaints and disputes

If you have a complaint, the fastest resolution is direct contact during the tour. Most issues can be resolved on-site by your guide or our operations desk.

For formal complaints not resolved on-site, you may file with INDECOPI (the Peruvian consumer protection authority) via our official Libro de Reclamaciones (Complaints Book), available on request. Disputes are governed by Peruvian law; courts of Cusco have jurisdiction.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Peru. Any dispute arising from these terms or any booking made under them shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Cusco, Peru.

14. Updates to these terms

We may update these terms periodically. The version applicable to your booking is the one in effect at the time of your booking confirmation. Substantive changes to these terms after your booking do not retroactively apply to you.