Ojotas Expeditions is a professional and responsible adventure tour operator with an excellent reputation for quality and service. We have no intention of canceling any customer trek reservations. To date, Ojotas Expeditions has never had to cancel a trek due to the inability to acquire Machu Picchu entrance tickets for a group or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as strikes or landslides.
1. Cancellation by Ojotas Expeditions
Ojotas Expeditions reserves the right to cancel a program under the following circumstances:
- Failure of the client to pay the final balance at least two days prior to the departure date.
- Force majeure: inability to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather conditions, strikes, or natural disasters.
Refund policies:
- In the event of a client failing to pay the balance, the deposit is non-refundable.
- In the case of force majeure, Ojotas Expeditions will propose viable alternatives to operate the program within the available dates. If an alternative program is of lesser value, the client will be entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs incurred will be at the client’s expense. If no alternative is feasible, Ojotas Expeditions will refund all payments received minus expenses already incurred.
2. Cancellation by the Customer
The program deposit is non-refundable, as it is used to secure space within the group and cannot be resold.
Inca Trail or any trek including the Inca Trail:
- Cancellation up to two days before departure: loss of program deposit.
- Cancellation between two days and the departure date: considered a no-show; no refund applicable. Unused trek permits, return train tickets, and bus tickets may be reused subject to payment of any additional fees.
- If the trek balance is unpaid two days before departure, Ojotas Expeditions will assume cancellation and the deposit will not be refunded.
Other treks or programs (excluding custom itineraries):
- Cancellation at least one month prior to departure: refund of 75% of total program cost if fully paid, or 50% of the deposit if only the deposit was paid. Transfer fees are at the customer’s expense.
- Cancellation between one month and two days prior: refund of 50% of the program cost if fully paid. No refund if only the deposit was paid. Transfer fees are at the customer’s expense.
- Cancellation less than two days prior: considered a no-show; no refund.
- If the trek balance is unpaid two days before departure, Ojotas Expeditions will assume cancellation, and the deposit will not be refunded.
Custom itineraries: Refund policies will be agreed upon individually via email. Ojotas Expeditions reserves the right to modify all cancellation and refund policies and will notify affected customers in writing.
3. Prices and Surcharges
We reserve the right to impose surcharges (or reductions) up to two days before departure due to increases in: Machu Picchu entrance fees, unfavorable exchange rates, train fares, transport costs, taxes, or government-imposed changes.
Third-party costs outside our control include:
- Machu Picchu entrance fee: 126 Peruvian Soles (~US$45). Prices vary for students and children. The government may increase fees with short notice.
- Train tickets (Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes): currently US$34 per person each way. Prices subject to change by Peru Rail.
- Bus ticket (Machu Picchu–Aguas Calientes): currently US$8 per person. Any increases are minimal.
- Exchange rate: trek price based on USD 1 = PEN 2.75. Minor fluctuations (<0.10) are absorbed by Ojotas Expeditions. Larger differences may incur additional charges, justified and documented.
Clients are responsible for paying any increased costs upon arrival in Cusco.
4. Program Itinerary
Itineraries are guides and may be changed due to weather, trail conditions, social factors, political issues, roadblocks, train availability, or client feedback. Train schedules and alternative routes are subject to change. Group members may not always travel together on the train.
5. Acceptance of Risk
Treks involve inherent risks, including physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or property damage. Clients accept these risks and confirm they are aware of their physical and health condition. Ojotas Expeditions is not liable for accidents or injuries related to the client’s health, fitness, or actions.
6. Authority on Tour
The guide’s or company representative’s decisions regarding safety are final. Clients must comply with Peruvian laws, customs, and regulations. Failure to comply may result in removal from the tour without refund.
7. Travel Documents
Clients must possess valid passports and visas for the journey. Ojotas Expeditions is not responsible for obtaining them. Machu Picchu and train tickets are issued using the passport numbers provided during booking. Clients must bring the same passports; discrepancies may result in denied access without refund.
8. Force Majeure
Ojotas Expeditions is not liable for delays or additional costs due to political disputes, visa refusals, strikes, weather, landslides, or other unforeseen events beyond our control. Clients assume all associated costs.
9. Insurance
Travel and medical insurance are strongly recommended. Ojotas Expeditions does not provide insurance. Medical costs, hospitalization, or emergency evacuation are the responsibility of the client.
10. Responsibility
Ojotas Expeditions is not liable for damages or losses caused by:
- The client
- Third parties unrelated to contracted services
- Unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances beyond our control
- Political disputes, industrial action, climate, or other force majeure
Liability is limited to the full tour price paid. Indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, are excluded.
11. Age, Fitness, and Participation
Clients must ensure they are fit for the chosen itinerary. Those over 60 are advised to obtain medical clearance. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Ojotas Expeditions reserves the right to decline or remove a client from a tour if health or behavior endangers safety or enjoyment.
12. Illness or Disability
Clients must disclose any medical condition at the time of booking and arrange necessary medication. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from the tour, forfeiting all payments.
13. Claims and Complaints
Complaints must first be addressed to the guide or company representative during the tour. Written complaints must be submitted within seven days of tour completion.
14. Local Conditions
Travel in Peru involves risks due to political, cultural, and physical differences. Clients are responsible for planning accordingly.
15. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
By participating in a trek with Ojotas Expeditions, clients accept these terms and conditions.
Health and Safety Recommendations:
- Arrive at least two days before the trek to acclimatize to Cusco’s 3,300 meters altitude.
- Ensure fitness and health; treks are not easy. Individuals with respiratory issues should avoid participation.
- Walk at your own pace; the group will regroup at significant sites. Avoid overexertion.
- Drink plenty of fluids; bring at least a 1-liter water bottle per person.
- Protect against sunburn; wear high-factor sunscreen and a hat.
- Prepare for cold evenings with warm clothing.
I hereby declare that I accept the terms and conditions as stated above by Ojotas Expeditions.