Cancellation and refund policies

Welcome to Machu Picchu Tours. We are a fully licensed, legally registered tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, operating under the official business name MACHUPICCHU TOURS E.I.R.L. As a legitimate agency authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), we comply with all local regulations to guarantee a safe, transparent, and reliable travel experience. By booking a tour, trek, or travel package with us, you automatically agree to the policies outlined below.

1. Non-Refundable Deposits

   To secure any reservation, we require an initial deposit. This deposit is 100% non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

   As a legally compliant agency, we immediately purchase and pay for your official government-regulated permits, entrance tickets (such as Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or the Inca Trail), and train tickets the exact moment your booking is confirmed. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture and transport operators issue these assets strictly under your name and passport number; they do not allow refunds, name changes, or date modifications of any kind.

2. WeTravel Platform Fees

   If you choose to complete your payment using the WeTravel platform, please note that the transaction processing fees and credit card commissions charged by WeTravel are completely non-refundable.

   In the event of an approved partial refund, our agency will return only the actual funds that successfully reached our business bank account. We cannot refund, credit, or absorb the service fees collected directly by WeTravel for processing your digital transaction.

   Concept	Refund Status
   Net funds received by agency	Subject to Policy
   WeTravel Commissions / Fees	Non-Refundable

3. Cancellation Fees and Timelines

   If you must cancel your trip, you are required to notify us in writing via email. We do not accept cancellations made over the phone or through WhatsApp.

   Because we contract services ahead of your arrival, the following fees apply based on your cancellation date:

   Cancellation Notice	Penalty Fee	Refund Amount
   45+ days before departure	Deposit & Fees	Balance (-15% admin)
   44 to 30 days before departure	50% of Total Cost	50% of Total Cost
   29 to 15 days before departure	70% of Total Cost	30% of Total Cost
   14 days or less / No-Show	100% of Total Cost	0% / No Refund

4. Special Rules for Treks, Trains, and Entrance Tickets
   • Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tickets: Once issued, government permits cannot be altered, transferred, or refunded. If you cancel, the ticket is permanently lost.
   • Train Tickets: Operators (PeruRail/Inca Rail) enforce rigid penalties. Outside their flexible windows, they are non-refundable.
5. Date Changes and Rescheduling

   Date changes depend on permit availability and train spaces. A rescheduling fee applies. Once a tour is rescheduled, the booking automatically becomes completely non-refundable.

6. No-Shows and Early Departures
   • No-Shows: Missing pickup or meeting times means 100% forfeiture of the tour cost. No rescheduling or refunds.
   • Early Departures: Leaving a trek early or skipping parts of the itinerary for personal reasons or altitude sickness does not apply for discounts or refunds.
7. Strikes, Natural Events, and Force Majeure

   If tours are canceled due to landslides, weather, strikes, or road blockades, we cannot offer cash refunds. We will issue a Travel Credit Voucher (minus non-recoverable permit costs) to reschedule.

   Travel Insurance Recommendation: We highly recommend buying international travel insurance. If you cancel for medical reasons, we will gladly provide all official tax invoices (Facturas) and legal paperwork to file your insurance claim.

8. Refund Processing and Timeline

   Approved partial refunds take between 15 and 45 business days. They are sent exclusively to the original payment method. Any transaction fees or exchange losses are covered by the client.