Terms & Conditions

This document sets forth the comprehensive Terms and Conditions (T&C) governing all services provided by Peru Nature Treks, una agencia de viajes y operador de trekking legalmente registrada y licenciada en Cusco, Perú. By booking a tour, the client («Traveler») accepts these T&C as a binding contract. Our objective is to establish clear rules for travel arrangements, payments, and liabilities, ensuring full compliance with Peruvian laws, including the Consumer Protection and Defense Code (Law No. 29571) and the General Tourism Law (Law No. 29408). This adherence reinforces the EEAT principles of experience, authority, and reliability in all our operations.

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1. Contractual Basis and Booking Requirements

The contract between Peru Nature Treks and the Traveler is formalized upon receipt of the mandatory initial deposit, which confirms the reservation and initiates the procurement of non-refundable services, such as Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train permits. This deposit is required to secure the Traveler’s spot, especially for treks like the Inca Trail where government permits are highly restricted and non-transferable.

• The final balance payment is due a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to the official tour start date. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the automatic cancellation of the reservation and forfeiture of the initial deposit, as non-refundable third-party costs will have already been incurred.
• All bookings require the Traveler to provide complete and accurate passport details at the time of reservation. This information must precisely match the valid passport to be used for travel, as it is essential for purchasing government-controlled entry tickets and permits.
• The Traveler is solely responsible for ensuring their passport remains valid for at least six (6) months after the date of entry into Perú, and for obtaining any necessary visas or travel documentation required by Peruvian immigration authorities.

2. Risk Assumption and High-Altitude Liability

By undertaking a booking, particularly for multi-day treks, the Traveler acknowledges the inherent risks associated with high-altitude and adventure travel in the Andes. These risks include, but are not limited to, physical exertion, rapidly changing weather conditions, altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness), and the involvement of third-party transportation and lodging providers. The Traveler confirms their physical and mental fitness to participate and accepts these risks voluntarily.

• Mandatory Acclimatization: Travelers are required to spend a minimum of two (2) full days in Cusco (or another location above 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet) prior to commencing any high-altitude trek (e.g., Salkantay, Ausangate, Inca Trail). This is a crucial safety requirement, and failure to comply may result in the guide denying participation without refund, based on an assessment of risk to the individual or group.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all multi-day treks. This insurance must include coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue in remote areas), and repatriation. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided to Peru Nature Treks prior to departure.
• Limitation of Liability (Force Majeure): Peru Nature Treks acts solely as an intermediary for external services (e.g., airlines, hotels, train operators). We are not liable for losses, delays, or cost increases arising from unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to, strikes, civil unrest, natural disasters, road closures, government actions, or Force Majeure events. Any associated additional costs (e.g., new transport, accommodation) are the Traveler’s sole responsibility.

3. Cancellations, Refunds, and Modifications

The cancellation policy is structured to reflect the strict, non-refundable nature of permits, entrance tickets, and advance payments made to local communities and third-party contractors within the Peruvian tourism framework. All cancellation requests must be received in writing via email to be considered valid.

• Cancellation by the Traveler:
  • Initial Deposit: All initial deposits are non-refundable, regardless of the time of cancellation, as they cover immediate, non-recoverable costs like government permits and administrative fees.
  • 60 or More Days Prior: Forfeiture of the deposit. Any remaining balance paid above the deposit will be refunded, less any non-recoverable ticket costs already purchased by the agency.
  • 59 to 30 Days Prior: Forfeiture of the deposit plus 50% of the total tour price, reflecting partial service procurement and operational loss.
  • Less than 30 Days Prior: Forfeiture of 100% of the total tour price, as all services (guides, porters, food, tickets) will have been fully confirmed and paid for.
• Modification by the Traveler: Any client-requested modification to the original booking (e.g., date changes, itinerary adjustments, name changes) is subject to a minimum administrative fee of US$50 per person, plus any penalties, fare differences, or fees levied by third-party suppliers (train, flight, hotel operators). Modifications are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed, especially for high-demand permits.

4. Peruvian Legal and Dispute Resolution Framework

As a legally constituted company in Perú, Peru Nature Treks operates under the national legal framework, guaranteeing clear consumer protection rights and adherence to ethical standards mandated by the government.

• Consumer Protection (INDECOPI): We are bound by the Peruvian Consumer Protection and Defense Code (Law No. 29571). Travelers are entitled to clear, truthful, and timely information regarding the terms, conditions, and prices of our services, as stipulated by the national consumer authority, INDECOPI.
• Ethical Commitment (Law No. 29408): In compliance with Peruvian Law N° 29408 (General Tourism Law) and its regulations, Peru Nature Treks firmly rejects, denounces, and prohibits the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Travel and Tourism (ESNNA). Any Traveler found in violation of this commitment will have their contract immediately terminated without refund and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
• Dispute Resolution: In accordance with Peruvian law, we maintain an official Complaints Book (Libro de Reclamaciones), available online and at our main office, to formally record any claims or complaints related to service provision. We are legally required to respond to all formal complaints within a maximum of fifteen (15) non-extendable business days.