These Terms of Service describe important information about arrivals, briefings, booking, payments, cancellations, documentation requirements, and other policies for tours and treks in Cusco and Machu Picchu. By booking or participating in any tour or trek, you agree to these terms.

Arrival to Cusco

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival.

Look for our representative holding an orange board with the text “Machupicchu Hiking Perú” at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).

We can pick you up on any date that is best suited to you prior to your trek.

The Briefing

Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6:00pm or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details.

Office address: Calle Pavitos 527 (Fifth Floor). We are very close to the bus stop for buses or taxis to the Ollantaytambo Train Station.

Can I Store My Luggage at Your Office?

Yes. During your trek or tour, your primary luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel—whichever is more convenient for you.

How to Book Our Tours and Treks

Step 1: Complete the Booking Form

To book a tour or trek, you must fill out our booking form on our secure website by clicking “BOOK NOW” on our homepage (or using the “BOOK NOW” link provided on the booking page).

Required Information (For Each Participant)

We cannot purchase Inca Trail permits, entrances to Machu Picchu, or make hotel/train reservations (government requirement) without the following details for each participant:

• Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

Step 2: Deposit Payment

A deposit per person is required (amount depends on the trek or tour) so we can purchase permits, entrances, and make hotel/train reservations.

You can make your deposit by clicking the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.

What About the Balance?

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay your balance in cash at our office in Cusco (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.

You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, but a 5.5% service fee applies (charged by VISA and PAYPAL).

PAYPAL Balance Payment

To pay your balance through PAYPAL, log into your PAYPAL account and use this email address: machupicchuhikingperu7@gmail.com

ATM / Bank Notes (Cusco)

• Most banks allow you to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles.
• Many ATMs accept VISA; some may accept Mastercard and dispense dollars.
• According to clients, Banco de la Nación accepts Mastercard but dispenses Peruvian soles only.

If I Have to Cancel, Can I Get a Refund?

Notification

Cancellation must always be made in writing by the person who made the booking and paid the deposit, sent to: info@machupicchuhikingperu.com

Deposits

Deposits for all treks and tours are 100% non-refundable. There are no exceptions. This is because we purchase permits, entrance tickets, and make deposits for reservations/services, many of which are non-changeable, non-transferable, and non-refundable by government regulation.

Hotel Cancellation

If your booking includes hotel(s) and you cancel the hotel(s) less than 30 days before your tour/trek starts, 100% of the hotel price is still due and payable. Per Peruvian hotel policy, hotels are paid 30 days in advance and fees are non-refundable.

Tour / Trek Cancellation Fees (In Addition to Deposit Policy)

• If you cancel 8 weeks or more before departure: fees equal to the amount of your deposit.
• If you cancel 8 weeks to 4 weeks before departure: 60% of total price is due.
• If you cancel 4 weeks to 5 days before departure: 80% of total price is due.
• If you cancel 5 days to 48 hours before departure: 90% of total price is due.
• If you cancel less than 48 hours before departure: 100% of total price is due.

Note: If you cancel your tour or trek, the deposit is not refundable.

How Do I Qualify for the Student Discount?

According to Peruvian law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Students aged 18 and above need student cards to qualify.

Example: If you book at age 17 but turn 18 before your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify.

Required Student Documentation

• University students must provide a copy of a valid university ID card showing:
  • Photo
  • University name
  • Card expiration date
• Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking.

Discount Amounts

• Students ages 11 to 17: $30 USD discount
• Children ages 2 to 11: $40 USD discount
• Children ages 0 to 2: Free

Send passport and student ID copies to: info@machupicchuhikingperu.com

May I Change the Departure Date After the Tickets Have Been Bought?

Inca Trail: No. Once permits or entrance tickets are purchased, the government does not allow changes. Tickets are not transferable or refundable.

Please ensure you reserve the correct dates. Double check the date on your booking form because we purchase permits as soon as we receive your booking form and deposit (spaces may be limited).

Since permits/tickets are paid in full when you complete your booking and deposit, changing dates requires purchasing completely new permits/tickets.

Alternative Treks: It may be possible to change your date for an additional fee. Please contact the office as soon as possible.

Do I Need My Original Passport on the Inca Trail and Alternative Treks?

Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport number you provided for permits, Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, and other reservations.

Passport Renewal / Name Change

• If renewing your passport or changing your name, send your old passport information to secure your permit. We can update it once you have your new passport details for a fee of $25 per person.
• You must provide copies of both the old and new passport to make the change.
• If you do not pay the fee, you must bring both passports to Peru.

Validity Requirement

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Peru. Most airlines will not let you board if your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining.

What Is the Weather Like on Our Treks & Tours?

Weather is unpredictable and varies across microclimates depending on location. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to changing conditions.

What About Altitude Sickness?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will acclimate normally.

Recommended remedies: water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness.

For more detailed information, please refer to the altitude sickness information link provided by our team.

What About Toilets on the Treks?

Many clients appreciate having a private, clean, sanitary toilet. Our facilities include an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. The toilet is set up a comfortable distance from camp and is accessible at night.

Please refer to the toilet tent picture link provided by our team for an illustration of the setup.

How Many People Are There Per Group?

The maximum group size for all treks is 8 persons. Usually groups are between 4–6 persons. We specialize in small and private groups and provide personalized services.

At What Time Does the Train Depart from Aguas Calientes?

Train times depend on availability (especially in high season), but the goal is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu. We usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20, which typically provides plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu.

Vistadome Train Upgrade: How Much Is It?

The Vistadome train offers slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows (including ceiling windows), snacks, and an onboard dance show.

The price is $67 USD per person, which includes transfer from Poroy (Cusco) train station to your hotel in Cusco.

Approximate Travel Times

• Standard route: ~2 hours by train (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo) + ~2 hours by bus (Ollantaytambo → Cusco)
• Vistadome route: ~3.5 hours by train (Aguas Calientes → Poroy) + ~25 minutes by taxi to your hotel

Usually clients are back at their hotel by around 8:00pm.

Tipping

Tips are appreciated if you are happy with the service, but they are not compulsory. You are free to tip as you feel appropriate based on service quality and trip length. Tips should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Are You Sustainable?

Yes. We are a local sustainable and responsible tourism operator. We aim to protect the environment and benefit local communities while respecting culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect local places and people.

Contact

• Booking & Support Email: info@machupicchuhikingperu.com
• PAYPAL Payment Email: machupicchuhikingperu7@gmail.com
• Office Address: Calle Pavitos 527 (Fifth Floor), Cusco