Terms and Conditions
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1. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (T&C)
Legal Basis: Ley N° 32392 | DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Código Civil Peruano | DS N° 002-2026-MINCETUR
Please read these General Terms and Conditions carefully before booking or participating in a tour with Pachamama Expeditions Travel E.I.R.L. By confirming your booking, you confirm that you have fully read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions. This agreement is binding from that moment on and does not require a physical signature.
1.1 Introduction
Choosing Pachamama Expeditions means walking the Andes the way they deserve to be walked. Not rushed. Not packaged. Led by people who were born in these mountains and have spent their lives learning everything the trail demands. Our mission is not to organize tours – it is to bring you into genuine contact with the Andean world.
1.2 Principles
- Travel in small groups (maximum 12 participants per departure)
- Respect for local communities and cultural heritage
- Fair treatment and compensation for all local staff
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices
- Leave No Trace principles on all routes
- Safety-oriented expedition management
1.3 Scope of Services
These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Pachamama Expeditions, including:
- Salkantay Trek
- Inca Trail
- Choquequirao Trek
- Ausangate Trek
- Lares Trek
- Inka Jungle Trek
- Vilcabamba Expeditions
- Sacred Valley Experiences
- Machu Picchu Programs
- Day Tours & Hikes
- Multi-Day Treks
- Private & Customized Expeditions
- Lagoon Day Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Ritual Experiences
- Alternative Treks
1.4 Booking Agreement
A booking is considered confirmed when: (a) all required participant information has been received; (b) the deposit has been paid; (c) availability has been verified; (d) a written confirmation has been issued by Pachamama Expeditions. This may be done by email or in writing on site.
The names on the booking must match exactly the passport used for permits and Machu Picchu. For the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, the original passport used at the time of booking must be presented. If the passport has been renewed, both passports must be carried.
Student Discount: The only proof accepted is a university card with a clearly visible expiration date (within the trekking year). A copy must be submitted at the time of booking.
1.5 Health & Fitness
Participation requires an adequate level of physical fitness. Activities take place at high altitude (3,000–5,200 m above sea level) in remote areas with limited medical access. Participants may need to walk 6–10 hours per day, cover distances of up to 24 km, and trek above 4,500 m in altitude.
Persons over 70 years of age: A current medical health certificate is required.
Pregnancy: Must be disclosed at the time of booking. Participation may be refused for pregnancies over 24 weeks.
Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or exclude a person from the expedition if their physical condition poses a safety risk.
1.6 Medical Disclosure
Participants must disclose all relevant medical conditions before departure, including:
- Heart or respiratory conditions
- Diabetes or epilepsy
- Severe allergies
- Recent surgeries
- Pregnancy
- Mental health conditions requiring medication
- Previous altitude sickness
- Regularly taken medications
All medical information is treated confidentially and used solely for safety purposes.
1.7 Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for certain expeditions. The insurance should cover:
- High-altitude trekking
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Personal accident
1.8 Guide’s Authority
The lead guide has final decision-making authority on all safety-related matters: route, pace, breaks, weather, medical assessment, evacuation, and route changes. All participants must follow the guide’s instructions. Non-compliance may result in exclusion from the expedition without refund.
1.9 Assumption of Risk
Participants acknowledge that adventure tourism involves inherent risks, including altitude sickness, falls, adverse weather conditions, natural hazards, transport delays, and remote operating areas. Participation is voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.
1.10 Limitation of Liability
The liability of Pachamama Expeditions is limited to the amount paid directly to us for the affected service. We are not liable for losses caused by third-party providers, force majeure, participant negligence, or circumstances beyond our control.
1.11 Force Majeure
Pachamama Expeditions is not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, government restrictions, political unrest, public health emergencies, or labor disputes.
1.12 Environmental & Community Responsibility
All participants must respect the natural and cultural environments visited. Leave No Trace principles apply at all times. Participants must respect wildlife, archaeological sites, and local customs, and must obtain consent before photographing people.
1.13 Applicable Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the law of the Republic of Peru (Ley N° 32392). Disputes shall be submitted to the courts of the city of Cusco, Peru.
1.14 Service Language
All tours are conducted in Spanish and English. German or other languages are available upon request.
2. DEPOSIT POLICY
Legal Basis: DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR Art. 17 | Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 | Código Civil Peruano
2.1 Deposit Requirement
Deposit Amount: 50% of the total price
The deposit is required to secure permits, entrance tickets, transport, staff, accommodation, and operational logistics. Many of these services are non-refundable or non-transferable once booked. The deposit is 100% non-refundable in all cases.
2.2 Payment Deadline
The deposit must be received within: 48 hours after booking confirmation
If not received within this period, the booking may be automatically cancelled.
2.3 Balance Payment
Balance due: 7 days before the start of the tour
Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to cancel a booking if payment obligations are not met on time.
2.4 Booking Confirmation
A booking is considered confirmed once the deposit has been received and a written confirmation has been sent to the customer’s email address.
3. BOOKING CONDITIONS
Legal Basis: DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 | Código Civil Peruano
3.1 How to Book
- Website: www.pachamamaexpeditions.com
- Email: info@pachamamaexpeditions.com
- WhatsApp: +51 978 651 379 | +51 954 178 797
3.2 Required Information
For each participant, we require the following information:
- Full name (exactly as in the passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Email address
- WhatsApp number
- Desired tour and departure date
- Dietary requirements (if applicable)
- Relevant medical information
3.3 Responsibility for Data Accuracy
Participants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided is correct and matches their travel documents. Pachamama Expeditions is not liable for additional costs, denied access, or disruptions resulting from incorrect information provided by the participant.
3.4 Minimum Lead Time
Minimum lead time for bookings:
7 days before the start of the tour, 6 months in advance for the Inca Trail
Machu Picchu tickets must be booked 3 months or more in advance. Otherwise, they must be purchased by the customer themselves at the tourism office for Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes.
For short-notice requests, please contact us directly via WhatsApp or email.
3.5 Confirmation Period
We aim to confirm your booking within: 48 hours
3.6 Weather & Force Majeure
Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to modify or cancel activities for safety reasons due to adverse weather, natural disasters, or force majeure. In such cases, the customer will be offered an alternative date or a refund in accordance with the cancellation terms.
4. CANCELLATION TERMS & REFUNDS
Legal Basis: DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 | Código Civil Peruano | INDECOPI
Due to the nature of expedition travel in Peru, a significant portion of the expedition costs is committed to permits, transport, staff, accommodation, and logistics long before the departure date.
4.1 Cancellation Fees
Cancellation Period | Fee / Refund |
Within 6 weeks before departure | 60% of the total cost will be charged |
Within 48 hours before departure | 80% of the total cost will be charged |
Within 24 hours or on the day of the tour | 100% of the total cost – no refund |
No-show | 100% of the total cost – no refund |
The deposit is 100% non-refundable in all cases, without exception. Medical certificates or other documents are not accepted as exceptions.
4.2 Cancellation After Departure from Cusco
Once the expedition has left Cusco, no refunds will be granted for unused services, including accommodation, transport, meals, entrance tickets, guide services, train tickets, or Machu Picchu permits.
4.3 Voluntary Withdrawal from the Expedition
Participants who voluntarily leave the expedition before its completion are not entitled to a refund. Any additional costs resulting from early withdrawal are borne by the participant.
4.4 Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Permits
Permits and entrance tickets are personal and cannot be transferred under any circumstances. Details cannot be changed after purchase. These are regulations of the Peruvian government, not policies of Pachamama Expeditions.
Should the Inca Trail be closed for safety reasons, an alternative tour will be offered.
4.5 Force Majeure
If circumstances beyond our control affect the planned itinerary (weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, strikes), Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to modify, reroute, postpone, or partially cancel services. Refunds may not be possible for services already used. Reasonable alternatives will be offered where possible.
4.6 Cancellation by Pachamama Expeditions
- Rebooking at no additional cost, subject to availability.
- Full refund of the deposit paid.
4.7 Refund Process
Refunds are processed within: 14 business days
4.8 Reiseversicherung / Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, trip curtailment, emergency treatment, emergency evacuation, and high-altitude trekking.
5. PAYMENT METHODS
Legal Basis: SUNAT – RUC 20615623068 | DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Ley N° 32392
5.1 Accepted Payment Methods
Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, WeTravel platform, cash (USD/PEN)
5.2 Service Fees
- Visa debit/credit card: 6% service fee
- PayPal: 5.5% service fee
- Bank transfer / Wise: no additional fee (check bank charges with your own institution)
5.3 Payment Timing
All balance payments must be made no later than the briefing on the evening before your tour.
5.4 Currency
USD / PEN / EUR
5.5 Invoicing
We issue payment receipts (Factura o Boleta) in accordance with Peruvian tax regulations (SUNAT – RUC 20615623068). Customers who require an official invoice must provide their RUC or tax ID at the time of payment.
5.6 Online Payment Security
All online payments are SSL-encrypted via WeTravel
6. SAFETY AND ALTITUDE POLICY
Legal Basis: Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 | DS N° 002-2026-MINCETUR | DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Ley N° 28529 (Guía de Turismo)
Most Pachamama Expeditions routes run between 3,000 m and 5,200 m above sea level. At these altitudes, the oxygen content is significantly lower than at sea level. Altitude affects every person differently, regardless of age, fitness, or prior experience.
6.1 Acclimatization
Recommended minimum stay before departure: 48 hours in Cusco (72 hours for routes above 4,500 m)
- Walk slowly during the first days
- Drink enough fluids
- Eat light meals
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Rest sufficiently
- Follow medical advice regarding altitude medication
6.2 Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, and shortness of breath. Participants must report symptoms to the guide immediately. Concealing symptoms is dangerous.
6.3 Severe Altitude Illnesses
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Persistent cough, breathlessness at rest, chest tightness, extreme exhaustion.
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Confusion, loss of coordination, severe headache, altered state of consciousness.
Both conditions require immediate evacuation. The guide’s decision regarding evacuation is final.
6.4 Guide’s Authority in Safety Matters
The lead guide has final decision-making authority on all safety-related matters: pace, breaks, route, medical assessment, emergency response, and evacuation. Non-compliance may result in exclusion without refund.
6.5 Emergency Equipment
- Complete first-aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Satellite/radio communication (where applicable)
- Emergency contacts and evacuation planning
6.6 Evacuation Costs
Emergency evacuation costs are not included in the price unless explicitly stated. Participants bear sole responsibility. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
6.7 Alcohol & Substances
The consumption of illegal substances is strictly prohibited on all expeditions. Excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases altitude-related risk. Guides may restrict participation if substance use poses a safety concern.
7. SCOPE OF SERVICES – INCL. & EXCL.
Legal Basis: DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR Art. 17 | Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 d)
Every Pachamama Expeditions trip is designed as a complete expedition. This section explains exactly what is included in the expedition price and what remains the participant’s responsibility.
✅ INCLUDED
Expedition Logistics
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco (where applicable)
- Private transport between Cusco and the trailhead
- Return transport from the expedition endpoint
- Train tickets (if included in the itinerary)
- Bus transport for Machu Picchu (if included)
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets (if included)
- All required route permits and entrance fees
- Expedition duffel bag for luggage transport
- Final briefing in Cusco before departure
Professional Expedition Team
- Certified local expedition guide
- Assistant guides (where applicable)
- Expedition cooks
- Muleteers, horsemen, or porters
- Drivers and logistics coordinators
- Camp support staff
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation as per itinerary (mountain camps, lodges, or hotels)
- All meals specified in the itinerary (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, tea, snacks)
- Dietary requirements will be accommodated if communicated before departure
Safety Equipment
- First-aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Communication equipment
❌ NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights
- Airport transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (mandatory – participant’s responsibility)
- Personal expenses: laundry, souvenirs, additional drinks, internet, phone
- Sleeping bags (rental service available upon request)
- Trekking poles (rental service available upon request)
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu permits (optional, upon request)
- Train or hotel upgrades
- Accommodation in Cusco before or after the expedition (recommendations available)
- Tips (voluntary, appreciated by the team)
8. YOUR OBLIGATIONS
Legal Basis: Ley N° 32392 Art. 33 | DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Código Civil Peruano
8.1 Physical Fitness & Preparation
You must honestly assess your physical condition before booking. Depending on the route, you may need to hike 6–10 hours per day, cover distances of up to 24 km, carry a personal daypack, and trek in remote areas above 4,500 m in altitude.
8.2 Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Correct information matching the booking
- Required visas and travel permits
- Correct booking and permit information
Please check all booking confirmations carefully upon receipt. Pachamama Expeditions is not liable for losses resulting from incorrect information provided by the participant.
8.3 Conduct
Harassment, discrimination, abusive language, aggressive behavior, excessive alcohol consumption, or illegal activities will not be tolerated. Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to exclude, without refund, any participant who poses a risk to the group, staff, or community.
8.4 Respect for Communities & the Environment
- Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times
- Obtain consent before photographing people
- Respect private property, agricultural land, and indigenous territories
- Avoid behavior that disrupts community life
- Stay on designated trails whenever possible
8.5 Missed Services & Punctuality
Participants are responsible for arriving on time to all briefings, transport departures, trains, and expedition departures. Services missed due to lateness will not be refunded.
8.6 Acceptance of Risk
By participating in an expedition, participants acknowledge inherent risks, including altitude sickness, falls, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, limited medical access, and trail conditions beyond the operator’s control, and take personal responsibility for their decision to participate.
9. ACCOMMODATION CONDITIONS
Legal Basis: DS N° 005-2020-MINCETUR | Ley N° 32392 | DS N° 001-2015-MINCETUR (Establecimientos de Hospedaje)
Accommodation should be understood as part of the expedition experience, not as a luxury hotel service. Conditions in remote Andean areas differ significantly from urban hotels.
9.1 Expedition Camps
All camps are entirely temporary. Nothing is permanently built or installed. Each camp is set up upon arrival and fully dismantled upon departure, in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.
9.2 Tent Occupancy
- Solo travelers may share a tent with another participant of the same gender.
- Couples are normally accommodated together unless otherwise requested.
- Requests for single tents incur an additional charge and must be made before departure.
- Specific tent assignments cannot be guaranteed.
9.3 Hotel Accommodation
Hotels are selected based on location, safety, cleanliness, and operational reliability. Specific hotel names may vary depending on availability. Pachamama Expeditions reserves the right to substitute accommodation of a comparable category, without this giving rise to any claim for a refund.
9.4 Conditions in Remote Areas
Participants should note that accommodation in remote mountain areas may involve cold temperatures, high altitude, limited electricity supply, limited internet connectivity, shared facilities, and basic sanitary infrastructure. These are inherent aspects of expedition travel and not service deficiencies.
9.5 Damages
Participants are liable for damage to tents, camping equipment, hotel rooms, or facilities caused by negligence, misuse, or intentional acts. Costs will be charged directly to the participant.
9.6 Personal Property
Pachamama Expeditions is not liable for lost items, theft, forgotten belongings, or damage to personal equipment. Participants are asked to keep valuables with them at all times.
10. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Legal Basis: Ley N° 32392 Art. 2, 3, 33 b) | DS N° 002-2026-MINCETUR | SERNANP-Vorschriften
At Pachamama Expeditions, responsible tourism is not a marketing concept – it is the foundation of how we move through the mountains. We adapt to the environment. We do not change it. The Andes are living landscapes in which communities, wildlife, agriculture, water sources, and cultural traditions exist independently of tourism.
10.1 Our Commitment to Nature
- Leave No Trace principles on every route
- Exclusively temporary camps – no permanent infrastructure
- Protection of natural water sources and wildlife habitats
- Reduction of waste volumes and single-use plastics
- Responsible disposal of all operational waste
10.2 Low-Traffic Routes
We actively favor routes with lower visitor numbers in order to reduce environmental impact and distribute benefits to communities outside the traditional tourism corridor.
10.3 Local Communities
- Respect for local customs, traditions, and ways of life
- Support for community-based economies and local suppliers
- Promotion of respectful and dignified cultural exchange
- Avoidance of activities that disrupt community life or treat communities as attractions
10.4 Fair Labor & Ethical Employment
- Fair and transparent compensation for all staff
- Safe working conditions for guides, cooks, muleteers, drivers, and support staff
- Recognition of local knowledge and professional experience
- Professional development opportunities
10.5 Responsible Wildlife Viewing
- Observe wildlife from a respectful distance – never disturb
- No feeding of animals or disturbance of nesting or grazing grounds
- Follow the guide’s instructions during all wildlife encounters
10.6 Traveler Commitment
By participating in a Pachamama Expeditions trip, you agree to: respect local communities and the environment; follow Leave No Trace principles; support responsible tourism practices; and accept that nature – not a schedule – determines the pace of the journey.