Terms and Conditions
Thank you for choosing Machulas Journey. Services in Peru sometimes work differently from your home country, so please read the following carefully before booking.
Traveling in Peru
Machulas Journey operates in regions where standards of accommodation, transport and services can vary. We strive with all due care and skill to provide the best service, but traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience and an understanding that changes may happen without notice due to circumstances beyond our control (strikes, protests, landslides, weather, government closures, etc.).
1. Force majeure
By booking any of our tours you allow Machulas Journey to make the necessary changes to the itinerary without liability when events beyond our control make it necessary. Depending on the type of booking there may be specific requirements; please read the documents your travel consultant sends you.
2. Risks
By booking, the traveler acknowledges that adventure travel involves potentially dangerous activities in remote areas, with a risk of illness, injury or death caused by forces of nature, illness or the conduct of third parties. Weather may be severe and medical facilities may not be readily available. On adventure trips (Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, Choquequirao, Ancascocha and other treks or day tours) you assume the risks associated with personal accidents, medical emergencies and air-travel problems.
3. Travel insurance
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, evacuation and cancellation is strongly recommended. Please read the small print carefully and consider a policy tailored to trekkers.
4. Holiday and election surcharges
An extra charge of US$30 per person applies to all treks starting on Christmas (Dec 22–25) and New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 1). A surcharge also applies to departures on national election days. It is used to pay staff bonuses for working on these dates.
5. Reservations
Every traveler must provide a valid, color copy of their passport or ID. Passport details must be exactly as they will be presented in Peru. If you change your passport after booking — especially for the Classic Inca Trail — let us know immediately: changes are subject to government rules and a fee. Student discounts require a valid ISIC card sent at the time of booking and presented in Cusco and at Machu Picchu.
6. Cancellations
Please notify cancellations in writing as soon as possible to info@machulasjourney.com. Once the final balance has been paid, trek payments are non-refundable; some unused components (entrance fees, train or bus tickets) may be usable on your own. On request we will issue a letter for your insurance claim. Hired porter services cannot be cancelled.
7. Deposits
Deposits are 100% non-refundable, since they are used to buy permits, entrance tickets and reservations that are non-changeable, non-transferable and non-refundable by government regulation. See our Payment and Refund Policy.
8. Changes requested by the client
Only the person who signed the booking can request changes. A US$40 administrative fee applies. Changes are not guaranteed and may involve additional costs.
9. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional, has an extra cost and must be booked well in advance, subject to availability. Climbing slots are fixed by the Ministry of Culture; with early slots you may have to adjust the timing of the guided tour.
10. Not included
Unless stated in the itinerary: hotels in Cusco, optional activities, gratuities, passport, visa and permit expenses, medical expenses and vaccinations, insurance, and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and alcoholic drinks.
11. Before your trek
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 48 hours before your trek to acclimatize and because departures may need to be adjusted in case of strikes or events beyond our control.
12. Inca Trail closures
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. If the trail is closed for any reason, we will offer an alternative trek.
13. Complaints
In accordance with the Peruvian Consumer Protection Code, you may file a complaint through our Complaints Book (Libro de Reclamaciones) or by writing to info@machulasjourney.com.
Last updated: 2026-09-28
