Terms and Conditions – AB Expeditions

By booking a tour with AB Expeditions, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before making your reservation.

Booking Process

To confirm your Inca Trail trek or Traditional Tour, you must provide the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth

This information is sent directly to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to secure your Inca Trail permit, Train Ticket, Machu Picchu Ticket and Bus Ticket. Any error may result in denial of entry to the trail.

Your tour is only confirmed once you receive a written confirmation email from AB Expeditions.

Important: After permits are issued, names cannot be changed. Only the passport number can be updated if you renew your passport.

 Deposit Required

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of USD $200 per person is required to secure your spot on the Inca Trail 2, 4, 5 or 7 Day trek. The same amount applies to other tours.

This deposit covers:

• Inca Trail permit (issued by the Peruvian government)
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Expedition train ticket (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo)
• Administrative and logistics costs

Once paid, this deposit cannot be refunded, even if you cancel, because the Peruvian government does not refund or transfer permits. Continue reading to learn about our refund policy.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation due to illness, flight delays, or other unforeseen events.

Pay the Remaining Balance in Cusco

The remaining balance must be paid in Cusco, can be paid in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) or by card at our Cusco office, at least 48 hours before your tour begins.

Where:

AB Expeditions Office

Calle Mártires 250, 2nd Floor, Office 03 – Historic Center, Cusco

Secure and Easy Payments:

Booking your tour with AB Expeditions is simple, transparent, and secure. You can pay your deposit using a credit or debit card through our online booking system (WeTravel).

Payment options:

Cash (Peruvian soles or US dollars)

Credit/debit card (5.97% service fee applies)

If you cannot arrive in Cusco 48 hours before your trek, please contact us in advance to arrange an alternative.

Refund Policy – AB Expeditions

Cancellations by Guests

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable because they secure essential permits, train tickets, and entry reservations that cannot be changed once purchased—especially for tours like the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu by Train. These permits are issued by the Peruvian government and are strictly tied to your name, passport, and travel date.

However, we’re happy to provide a support letter for your travel insurance company to help you recover costs, if your policy covers trip cancellation.

• More than 72 hours before departure: You’ll receive a refund of any amount paid minus the deposit (which covers non-refundable permits and tickets).
• 72 hours or less before departure: 100% of the total tour cost is due—no refund is possible.
• Cancellation during the tour: No refund will be issued, as all services (permits, transport, guides, meals, etc.) have already been prepaid.

We offer flexible payment options, including paying a deposit now and the balance later in Cusco (cash or card).

 Full Day Tour

Cancellation Policy for Day Tours (Including Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Sacred Valley, etc.) (Excluding Machu Picchu Full day)

For day tours that do not require advance government permits (like Rainbow Mountain or Maras–Moray and similar):

• Full Refund: Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour (not 72 hours, as permits aren’t involved).
• Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours but before 7 PM the day before the tour, you’ll lose your deposit.
• No Refund: If you cancel after 7 PM the day before the tour, you won’t get any payment back and will lose the full payment.

Force Majeure Events

A force majeure event is an unforeseeable circumstance beyond our control—such as strikes, roadblocks, natural disasters, extreme weather, civil unrest, or government-imposed travel restrictions (like pandemics or border closures).

In such cases:

• AB Expeditions is not responsible for losses caused by these events.
• We will do our best to modify, reschedule, or replace your tour with a similar experience.
• Refunds (full, partial, or none) will depend on what costs we can recover from third parties (e.g., train operators, the Ministry of Culture).
• For example, if a national strike blocks roads to the train station, we may reroute via the Hydroelectric path—but train and permit fees are often still non-refundable.

Important Notes

• All refunds (where applicable) are processed through your original payment method.
• Tours to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are treated differently because their permits are limited, non-transferable, and non-refundable by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

We always recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and altitude-related issues.

Passports and Documentation

You must bring your original passport—the exact same one used to book your Inca Trail permit. It will be checked three times:

• At the trailhead (Km 82)
• At the Machu Picchu entrance
• When boarding the train in Aguas Calientes

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip. While the Peruvian government does not require 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates, we strongly recommend it for international entry purposes.

Passport renewal?

If you’re renewing your passport, please send us a copy of your old passport when booking. Once you receive your new one, email us a copy as soon as possible. We can update the passport number, but name changes are not allowed after permits are issued.

AB Expeditions is not responsible for denied entry due to incorrect, expired, or mismatched documentation.

 Children Policy

There is no official age limit for the Inca Trail, but AB Expeditions recommends a minimum age of 8 years due to the trek’s physical demands and high altitude.

• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Discounted rates are available for minors (ages 2–17): From $20 to $40 USD (same as student pricing).
• Baby carriers or special assistance are not provided on the Inca Trail due to terrain and safety. Please contact us in advance if you have specific needs.

Tent Sharing & Solo Travelers

All prices are per person, based on shared tents (2 people per Eureka Timberline 4-person tent).

Solo travelers will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender.

If you prefer a private tent, please request it in advance. A $35 USD single supplement applies.

Note: AB Expeditions offer hotel accommodations as part of some tours. solo travelers will be paired to share a tent or room with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent or room to themselves. If you need hotel upgrades before or after the trek (e.g., in Cusco or Aguas Calientes), we can assist with recommendations or bookings at extra cost.

Group Size & Service

• Maximum group size: 8 travelers.
• We do not combine groups with other companies.
• Minimum of 2 travelers required for departure—we never cancel due to low numbers.
• For groups of more than 10 people, we offer private departures with dedicated guides and support staff. Contact us for a custom quote.

Why 10 people?

Per Inca Trail regulations, groups of 9+ travelers require two guides. We cap at 10 to ensure personalized attention, safety, and a high-quality experience for all hikers—regardless of pace or fitness level.

Tipping

Tipping is optional and never expected, but it is a meaningful way to show appreciation for your team’s hard work.

During the pre-tour briefing (6:00 p.m., the day before your tour), your guide will provide clear tipping suggestions.

But for inca Trail, Typical amounts are:

• Porters: 50–90 soles per person
• Cook: 120–150 soles
• Guide: Around 300 soles or $100 USD

Tips for porters and cooks are usually collected and given together on Day 3. Guides are tipped after the Machu Picchu tour on Day 4 or 5, it depends on your tour. Soles are preferred for porters and cooks; guides accept soles or USD.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

We provide free hotel pickup and drop-off for accommodations located in:

• Cusco’s Historic Center
• Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo only)

Pro Tip: If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley, we’ll pick you up 1.5 hours after the Cusco departure time.

Travel Conduct, Liability, and Legal Information

During the Tour

Return train tickets from Machu Picchu are pre-booked based on group availability. While our goal is to secure the most convenient departure time, exact return times may vary depending on the season and demand.

If you wish to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, please notify us at the time of booking, so we can adjust your logistics accordingly. Last-minute changes may not be possible or could involve additional costs.

While on the tour, you must follow your guide’s instructions at all times. The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are protected archaeological sites with strict rules:

• Single-use plastic bottles are prohibited – only reusable containers are allowed.
• Stay on marked trails.
• Do not touch, climb on, or remove stones from ruins.
• Maintain silence in sacred or ceremonial areas.

If you become ill or injured and cannot continue the tour, our team will assist you in reaching the nearest safe location—either a campsite, Aguas Calientes, or a medical facility.

All medical expenses, emergency transport (including helicopter evacuation), and additional hotel stays are your responsibility.

We will provide a support letter to assist with insurance claims, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.

AB Expeditions reserves the right to modify, delay, or cancel a tour due to:

• Extreme weather
• Government closures
• Strikes or roadblocks
• Natural disasters
• Health or safety emergencies

In the event of strikes affecting transport, we may reroute your return journey (e.g., hike to Hidroeléctrica and take a private van to Cusco).

Important Reminders:

• Train schedules are confirmed in advance—changes on short notice are rarely possible.
• Always carry your original passport—it will be checked multiple times.
• Respect cultural and environmental rules to help preserve these sacred sites.
• Emergency support (satellite phone, oxygen, first-aid kit) is provided, but rescue and medical costs are not covered.
• In case of official closures by the Peruvian government (e.g., national shutdowns), a full refund will be issued. For all other cancellations, the $200 deposit is non-refundable.

Assumption of Risk

The Inca Trail is a high-altitude hike (up to 4,200 m/13,779 ft) that requires considerable physical effort. The same applies to other tours such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and similar excursions. You acknowledge that adventure tourism carries inherent risks, such as altitude sickness, injuries, weather changes, and terrain far from the city.

By booking with AB Expeditions, you confirm that:

• You are in good physical health
• You understand the challenges of trekking in mountainous regions
• You accept these risks voluntarily

We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize and consulting a doctor if you have heart, respiratory, or mobility conditions.

Liability

AB Expeditions is a licensed and authorized Inca Trail operator. However, our liability is limited to the total amount paid for the tour.

We are not responsible for:

• Personal injury, illness, or loss of belongings
• Delays caused by strikes, weather, or government decisions
• Costs related to missed flights, travel disruptions, or personal emergencies
• Indirect or consequential losses

We take every reasonable measure to ensure your safety, but the nature of adventure travel means some risks cannot be controlled.

Applicable Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Peru.

Any disputes related to your booking, tour, or services provided by AB Expeditions shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Peru.