Notes:
1.- Arrive in Cusco 2 days before trek departure: Your arrival date in Cusco must be at least 2 days prior to trek departure since you have to pay the trek balance before 6pm, 2 days before you start the trek. Arriving 2 days prior to the trek also ensures that you are better acclimatized to the high altitude. However 3 days is recommended.
If you really can not arrive 2 days before you start the trek, we have to get an email from you in order to coordinate:
- Event 01.- If you will arrive one day before you start the trek, we will meet you at the Cusco`s airport or at our main office, there you will pay the trek balance and will get the trek briefieng.
- Event 02.- If you will arrive on the same morning of the trek departure, we will meet you at the Cusco’s airport, will have enought time to get ready for the hike, will provide the trek briefing and will transport by van to the trek beggining, Km.82.(On 2008, we did have more than 15 experiences like this, because flight cancellations, strickers, etc.)
Then, as you realize we are ready to help and join you with your trek group and not miss it !!!!!! just you need to coordinate with Us and keep in touch before you arrive to Cusco.
2.- A free airport to hotel transfer is provided for groups of 01 person or more. Obviously if you want an airport to hotel transfer we will require your flight arrival details: Airline, flight number, expected arrival time and date. (to be confirmed at least 7 days in advance).
3.- Student discounts: If you are claiming a student discount you must send us a ‘JPEG’ scan of your Student card by email within 03 days of us accepting your booking. Only a valid Student card is acceptable. If you cannot provide us with a scan of your Student card within 3 days of us accepting your booking we will charge you the standard adult trek price. We cannot obtain the discount at a later date.There is no age limit for students.
You MUST bring the Student card to the office when you pay the trek balance and take it with you on the Inca Trail as it will be checked several times by government officials. Unfortunately no other forms of student identity are acceptable (university cards, international youth cards, teachers cards etc). If you forget your Student card or lose it then there is a risk that you may not be allowed to start the Inca Trail. Many students have been turned away at the start of the trek this year for not having a valid Student card. (Note: it is a rule to follow according the bookings regulations on the Inca trail 2009)
4. Child discounts: Children under 16 years old receive a US$45 discount. If you are claiming a child discount you must send us a scan of your child’s passport (page containing photo and date of birth) by email within 3 days of us accepting your booking. If you cannot provide us with a scan of your child’s passport within 3 days of us accepting your booking we will charge you the standard adult trek price for your child. (Note: it is a rule to follow according the bookings regulations on the Inca trail 2009)
5. Children under 08 years old receive a US$45 discount, If you are claiming a children discount you must send us a scan of your children’s passport (page containing photo and date of birth) by email within 3 days of us accepting your booking. If you cannot provide us with a scan of your children’s passport within 3 days of us accepting your booking we will charge you the standard Child trek price for your children. (Note: it is a rule to follow according the bookings regulations on the Inca trail 2009)
SAE members: $ 20 discount per person, it will be discount at the time of your final balance payment.(Please show your SAE member card to our office crew once you are in Cusco and you will get the discount)
6. If you have a hotel reservation in Cusco please include the name of your hotel on the reservation form. This allows us to locate you if there are any problems with your arrival. You will also be asked to confirm your hotel in Cusco when you come to the office to pay the trek balance.
MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR BOOKING
Any modifications to the original booking must be confirmed in writing via email. Any costs or charges, which we incur or which are incurred or levied by our service providers as a result of the modification, will be charged to the passenger. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, availability cannot be guaranteed.
CANCELLATIONS
If you need to cancel your trek then please note our policy in this regard:
- Deposits are non-refundable should you cancel.
- If you fall ill whilst in Cusco and feel that you cannot trek, but still want to go to Machupicchu – we will turn your trek program into a 2D/1N Train Package, but note that we have to use the exact same dates in order to make use of your entrances into Machupicchu, train tickets, hotel, etc. If you need to change dates then we will require extra funds to make the relevant changes to your itinerary.
In case part of a booking is cancelled, the remaining passenger may have to pay additional charges (e.g.single room supplements or under occupancy).
- Cancellation of a Tour within one week of departure date will incur a loss of 100% of the total tour cost.
- If you require documentation for insurance purposes Quechuas Expeditions Operator will be happy to assist you.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES MADE BY TRAIL CUSCO TOUR OPERATOR
While we will endeavor to operate all tours as quoted, it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify an itinerary or its contents, due to prevailing local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices (including flights, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation and accepts no liability for loss of enjoyment as a result of these changes.
If a major change is known to us, our passengers will be told at the time of the booking
If a major change becomes necessary after booking we will inform our passengers as soon as is reasonably possible.
Quechuas Expeditions Operator reserves the right to increase the tour cost to take into account of the following items: government action, currency fluctuations, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), food increases, airport charges and increase in scheduled airfares or any other increase that is beyond our control.
Quechuas Expeditions Operator will not be liable for any changes in the event of a change beyond their control to the departure time or date of a tour, flight or other form of transport.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS
It is the responsibility of the Passenger to be in possession of a valid passport, visa permits, proof of inoculations and preventive medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of ourselves.
AGE, FITNESS AND PARTICIPATION
All Passengers are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary of their choice. Persons over 60 years of age will be advised to obtain medical evidence of fitness to travel on the chosen itinerary. No unaccompanied minors (those under 18 years of age) can be accepted on tours operated by ourselves, however older teenagers may be considered provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. We reserve the absolute right to decline a booking at our discretion. If, in the opinion of such person the health or conduct of a Passenger before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour, the Passenger may be excluded from all or part of the tour. In case of ill health we will make such arrangements as it deems fit and recover the costs thereof from the Passenger.
ILLNESS OR DISABILITY
Anyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication and/or other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend the use of a travel/medical insurance plan. We do not provide or include an accident or travel insurance policy in our cost. However, if a member of the group gets sick or is incapacitated, we take care of him or her by getting a qualified doctor or immediate medical attention. In these cases, the extra costs are assumed by the individual client, including hospitalization if necessary. In the case of accident and/or necessary emergency evacuation, all costs are assumed by the individual client.
FORCE MAJEURE
Quechuas Expeditions Operator is not responsible for force majeure – this is war, threat of war, riots, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activities, natural or disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline, the alteration of airline or aircraft type, or other similar events beyond the control of ourselves.
LOCAL LAWS
All participants in tours operated by Quechuas Expeditions Operator are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve Quechuas Expeditions Operator of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.
COMPLAINTS
If a Passenger has a complaint about any of the tour arrangements he/she must bring it to the attention of the Guide or a representative of Quechuas Expeditions Operator at the time so that they may endeavor to rectify the situation. We can only rectify problems if we are made aware of such problems. Failure to complain immediately will prejudice the Passengers right to claim compensation. Should the problem remain unsolved a complaint must be made in writing to ourselves within no more than 14 days of the completion of the holiday.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Quechuas Expeditions Operator reserves the right to modify or withdraw any travel arrangements when deemed necessary, in the best interest of the clients. We reserve the right to refuse, accept, or retain any person as a member of one of our trips.
Quechuas Expeditions Operator is not responsible for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or other irregularities which may be caused either through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of companies or individuals providing or engaged in transportation, accommodation or other services related to the accomplishment of the tour, or through natural disasters or acts of nature.
NOTE ABOUT CAMPSITES ON THE INCA TRAIL
Please note that we are not in control of the campsites we are issued with from the Institute of National Culture. In general your campsite allocation is dependent on how early you book, or rather, how many permits are left. The first 250 spaces are generally given to Winay Wayna (3rd campsite) and thereafter you will have a longer walk to Machupicchu on the last day and it could mean you do not make it for sunrise. Do not let this disappoint you as Machupicchu is marvellous in itself!
* Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.
Acceptance of terms and conditions
By participating in your trek (#) the clients accepts the terms and conditions stated above. Clauses relating to cancellation of trek come into effect directly after the trek purchase.
Staying healthy during your trek.
- Quechuas Expeditions recommend you to be at least two days before you do any of our treks in order to acclimatize . Cusco is on 3,300 meter above sea level.
- Ensure that you are fit and healthy before commencing the trek. Allow at least 2 days in Cusco ( or similar altitude) to acclimatize to the altitude. Although many people do the trek do not expect it to be easy. Anyone with respiratory problems should not undertake this trek.
- Walk at your own pace. Even though you are part of a group you will not all walk together in a bunch. People walk at different rates so keep to the speed that suits. The group gets back together at the ruins or any interesting place to enable the guide to explain them to everyone. Try not to over exert yourself. If your heart is pounding rapidly in your chest stop a little and have a rest and wait until it calms down a little.
- Drink plenty of fluids on the trail. We’ll provide you with teas, mates and coffees at meal times but you will have to drink a lot more fluid besides these drinks. Bring a water bottle of at least 1 liter capacity per person.
- Don’t get sunburned. The sun at high altitude is particularly strong. Walking in shorts and T-shirts is fine but put on plenty of high factor protection and always wear a hat.
- When the sun goes down the temperature drops rapidly and it is easy to get a chill. Put warm clothes on.
Return Train Tickets .- The return train is the Expedition train which departs either at 2.55, 4.20, 4.42 or 6.45 pm. The train that is booked depends on availability and is confirmed at your briefing. There is an option to upgrade your train to the Vistadome train which is an extra US$60 per person. Please let us your preference at the time of booking. None of the trains go straight to Cusco, they only run either to Ollantaytambo or Poroy but in either case we will transfer you back by Private bus to your hotel.
and if you stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes we will purchase the train tickets for the following day at the same time.
Food on our Treks.- (You will Never be hungry with us) Definitely one of the highlights of the tour is the food. It is always fresh and most of it is organic. There is always a lot to eat and lots of options including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and other types of protein and carbohydrates. Everyone sits down to eat together and we go out of our way to accommodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian options and any food allergies. We do not provide any alcoholic drinks on the trek but if you would like you can bring your own.( a Plus Guinea pig Roasted to taste for free)
Our Camping Equipment.- We provide 3 man tents for only 2 people and inflatable (therm-a-rest) mattresses for everyone (Because we want you to sleep in Comfort). Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, Portable tables and chairs, plates and utensils. We do NOT supply sleeping bags or walking sticks, but all can be rented from Quechuas Expeditions. We have some extra Fleece sleeping Liner for all our hikers for those especially cold nights. Just ask us and will provide you one.
Please note that if you are over 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own.
Our Guides, Cooks and Porters.- All of them are amazing, helpful, caring, and great people to be around with. Our guides speak good English and are patient and very informative. Our cooks provide amazing family style food for you and our porters and everyone is impressed with what they can whip up in the middle of the mountains. Your porters will carry everything for you which makes your trek as easy and comfortable as possible, thanks to them you will finish your trek and have a great time. Our porters are called ´Quechuas Chaskis´ on the Inca Trail. And we never overload them, as most travel agencies who share service and offer extra kilos to be carry by porters with no extra cost.
We make sure that all our team are well looked after and we provide all the equipment that they need so that they can do the trek in as much comfort as possible.
Fitness on the Treks.- The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.
Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or a person lacking even a basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.
Storage during your Trek.- During the Inca Trail trek your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and if you have an extra porting service you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 6kg (12pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with us.
- We only can confirm the reservation after recieving a Non-refundable US$200 for any Inca Trail and US$100 for any alternative Treks and 30 % for our Peru packages and others Services (Method of payments Western Union and bank Transfer) Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the ticket entrance to Machupicchu and also for booking the train ticket and hotels. And once a space is purchased it cannot be resold. And if you want an extra porter you have send us 50% as well.
- The Final Balance must paid 2 days before we Start the Trek/Tour(and it must be in cash in dollars or soles), otherwise we will cancel the tour unless you send us an email saying that you will have a delay.
- Please, If you want to make a fast Reservation send us all your personal information as: full names, Passport Number, Nationality, Gender, Age as well as you trek deposit (Use Fastest and safest way in Peru. Western Union)
- Quechuas Expeditions will not give any refunds if a participant decides to cancel the trip prior to departure or during the trip (except from the entrances to the archaeological sites and the bus/train tickets)
- If Quechuas Expeditions doesn’t confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded totally.
- All participants have to carry their own back packs, including sleeping bag and mattresses unless they booked an extra porter or the service includes porters, horsemen or mules.
- A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medicines.
- All participants must bring their original passport and, if available, their original student card.
- It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client. Quechuas Expeditions cannot be accounted for any accident or loss of personal belongings the customer caused by his/her own.
- In case force majeure occurs, like impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside Quechuas Expeditions’ control like: extreme weather conditions, landslides, strikes not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route, etc. Quechuas Expeditions will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates, or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs derived will be at the expense of the client. In case none of these would be feasible, Quechuas Expeditions would refund all the money paid except all the incurred expenses so far.
I hereby declare to accept the terms and conditions as stated above by QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS.
