Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: December 2024

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Machu Picchu Shamans. By booking any of our tours or using our services, you agree to these Terms and Conditions in full. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our services.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (the "Client") and Machu Picchu Shamans (the "Company", "we" or "our").

2. About Us

Machu Picchu Shamans is a travel and tourism agency based in Cusco, Peru, duly registered and authorized to operate tourist tours throughout Peruvian territory. We operate under the regulations of Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR).

3. Bookings and Confirmation

3.1. Booking Process

To make a booking, you must provide accurate and complete information, including full name, contact details, passport number (when required), and any special requirements.

3.2. Confirmation

Your booking is only confirmed when you receive a confirmation email from us and the initial or full payment has been processed as agreed. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.

3.3. Availability

Tour availability, especially for destinations like Machu Picchu, is subject to limited quotas established by the Peruvian government. We confirm actual availability only after verifying with our suppliers and relevant authorities.

4. Payments and Pricing

4.1. Prices

All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. Prices may change without prior notice, but we will honor the confirmed price on your booking.

4.2. Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • PayPal
  • International bank transfer
  • Cash payment (only at our office in Cusco)

4.3. Deposit and Final Payment

For bookings made more than 30 days in advance, we require a deposit of 30-50% of the total cost. The remaining balance must be paid at least 15 days before the tour start date. For last-minute bookings (less than 30 days), full payment is required.

4.4. Additional Costs

Unless otherwise specified, the following items are NOT included in the tour price:

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Excess baggage charges

5. Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations are subject to our Cancellation Policy. We recommend reading it carefully before booking.

In summary, refunds vary based on how far in advance you cancel, ranging from 90% refund (more than 30 days before) to no refund (less than 7 days before).

Important about Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE once purchased. This is a Peruvian government policy, not our company's policy.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1. Documentation

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all necessary documentation (valid passport, visas, permits) to travel to Peru and participate in tours. We are not responsible if you are denied entry to the country or certain sites due to lack of documentation.

6.2. Health and Physical Condition

You must inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations that may affect your participation in the tour. Some tours require a moderate to high level of physical fitness. We are not responsible if you cannot complete a tour due to undisclosed physical limitations.

6.3. Conduct

You are expected to behave respectfully toward other participants, guides, local communities, and the environment. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the tour if their behavior is inappropriate, dangerous, or disruptive to others, without right to refund.

6.4. Punctuality

You must arrive at the agreed time at meeting points. If you are late or miss the tour for personal reasons, there will be no refund.

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1. Third-Party Services

We act as intermediaries when arranging accommodation, transportation, and other services provided by third parties. We are not responsible for actions, errors, omissions, or negligence of these providers.

7.2. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for cancellations or changes due to circumstances beyond our control, including:

  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, landslides)
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Government closures of archaeological sites
  • Strikes or civil unrest
  • Public health emergencies
  • Any other force majeure event

In such cases, we will attempt to offer reasonable alternatives, but we do not guarantee full refunds.

7.3. Travel Risks

Traveling to remote areas and participating in adventure activities carries inherent risks. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks. We do everything possible to minimize them, but we cannot guarantee your absolute safety.

7.4. Loss and Damage

We are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings during the tour. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers these incidents.

8. Physical Requirements and Health

Many of our tours take place at high altitudes (above 3,000 meters / 10,000 feet). Altitude sickness is a real risk. We recommend:

  • Arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour to acclimatize
  • Staying well hydrated
  • Avoiding alcohol in the first few days
  • Consulting a doctor before travel if you have heart or respiratory conditions

Certain activities such as trekking require good physical fitness. Each tour description indicates the difficulty level.

9. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

Good insurance should cover:

  • Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
  • Trip cancellation for covered reasons
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Trip interruption
  • Personal liability

For adventure tours (trekking, mountaineering), make sure your policy covers these specific activities.

10. Changes to Itinerary

We reserve the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather conditions, road closures, government regulations, or safety concerns.

We will always try to offer alternatives of similar quality. If a major change significantly affects the tour value, we will offer a reasonable partial refund.

11. Photographs and Videos

During tours, we may take photographs or videos that include participants for marketing and promotional purposes. By participating in the tour, you grant permission to use your image, unless you specifically notify us of your objection.

We respect photography regulations at archaeological sites. Some locations prohibit the use of tripods, drones, or commercial photography.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Peru. Any dispute arising from or related to these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Cusco, Peru.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you have any complaints during the tour, please notify your guide or our office immediately so we can try to resolve the issue on the spot.

Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days after the tour ends to info@machupicchushamans.com

We commit to investigating all complaints fairly and responding within 15 business days.

14. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, contact us:

Machu Picchu Shamans

Email: info@machupicchushamans.com

Phone: +51 940 353 416

WhatsApp: +51 940 353 416

Address: Cusco, Peru

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