Dear Friends, Travelers and Clients,
Thank you so much for choosing us! The Peruvian system of services and products sometimes differs from that of your country. We strongly recommend that you carefully read the following:
Travel in Peru: PADDYS TRAVEL operates in regions where standards of accommodation, transportation, and services may not be what you would normally expect in your home country. However, we strive, with the utmost care and skill, to provide the best possible service to our clients. Traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, an open mind, a good sense of humor, and the understanding that changes may occur without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control (Force Majeure – see below). By booking any of our tours, you agree to allow PADDYS TRAVEL to make necessary changes without liability.
Force Majeure
This refers to any event that PADDYS TRAVEL cannot, even with all precautions, foresee or prevent. This covers events such as war or the threat of war, riots, civil unrest, terrorist activities, labor disputes, illness, natural disasters, strikes, adverse weather conditions, fires, or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, PADDYS TRAVEL will not accept any liability and reserves the right to change, postpone, or even cancel trips (this is a last resort, of course!).
Incremental charge in case of protests or strikes (Force Majeure)
In the event of a protest or strike, which is not uncommon in Cusco, it may be necessary to depart one or even two days earlier than scheduled so that we can fulfill other commitments. In this case, an additional fee will be charged to cover the costs incurred.
RISKS
By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, Colca Canyon, Sacred Valley, Lares, and more), you assume all associated risks. PADDYS TRAVEL is not responsible for these treks.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses (including rescue and air ambulance), and emergency repatriation. We also recommend coverage for cancellations and lost luggage. You can use a travel insurance comparison website to search and compare over 250 travel insurance plans to find the best policy to suit your needs.
Once you have purchased travel insurance, please email a copy of the insurance company name and policy number or bring the information with you when you come to our office.
VACATIONS AND ELECTIONS INCREASES:
An additional charge of $35 USD per person applies to all hikes (regardless of group/private option/group size) that begin on any of the following dates:
Christmas (December 22, 23, 24, 25)–
New Year (December 29, 30, 31, January 1)–
An additional charge also applies if a walk takes place during election days (people are fined in Peru if they do not vote).
We use the extra charge to pay staff a bonus for working during the holidays or to pay fines for not voting.
SENDING YOUR PRIMARY EXIT DATE AND BACKUP DATE:
By providing us with a primary and a backup date for your trek (Classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc.), you automatically authorize PADDYS TRAVEL to use either of these dates for your booking. After we receive your booking form and confirm that your deposit has been successfully processed, PADDYS TRAVEL will send you an electronic receipt to confirm your trip booking and the exact departure date. You should receive this electronic receipt within 48 hours.
SEND US YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS TO MAKE A BOOKING:
Your passport number and other personal information must be valid. Please notify us immediately if your passport number changes after booking your tour. This is especially important for booking the Classic Inca Trail. If we don’t update your official information, you may not be allowed to do the trek.
STUDENT RATE: To receive this discount, you must have a valid ISIC card. It is important that you scan and email your card to us at the time of booking. It must be valid on the date you are to do the trek. You will also need to show your card for the Inca Trail/Alternative Trek. You will need to show your actual ISIC card upon arrival in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
MAKE A RESERVATION AND PAY YOUR DEPOSIT:
- To book a Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service with PADDYS TRAVEL , the client must make a 50% deposit (or a minimum of $250 USD if 50% of the total trip cost is less than $250 USD) of the total price of the Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service. For customized tours that include multiple flights, this amount may be higher, as airline tickets must be paid in full at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable. By making a booking, regardless of the booking method, PADDYS TRAVEL assumes that the client has read the Terms and Conditions.
- The booking becomes final on the date PADDYS TRAVEL receives the customer’s deposit. Upon receipt of the deposit, a binding contract is established between the customer and PADDYS TRAVEL.
- All persons named in the booking order are bound by the contract with PADDYS TRAVEL. The person signing the contract is deemed to have the permission of all persons whose names are in the booking order and verifies that all such persons are fully aware of and accept the Terms and Conditions of PADDYS TRAVEL.
We require a non-refundable deposit (as mentioned above) along with your personal details (full name, passport number, gender, nationality and date of birth, and a photocopy of your passport) at the time of booking.
The deposit payment can be made through any of the following options:
Visa or MasterCard credit card (the remaining balance can also be paid with this method).
Bank Transfer.
Western Union (the remaining balance can also be paid by this method).
PayPal.
The customer will be responsible for PayPal and bank transaction fees of 9%. Online payments are made through our website www.paddystravel.com
PAYMENT OF FINAL BALANCE:
The remaining balance (i.e., the total balance less the deposit paid) for the Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service must be paid on the day your Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service begins. The final balance can be paid through any of the following options:
Cash
Visa (transaction fees incurred by the traveler).
PayPal (transaction fees incurred by the traveler).
NOTE: The customer will assume all transaction fees.
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO OFFERS:
Cancellations are not allowed once the booking has been made and confirmed.
Airline, train and ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and name changes are not permitted.
We are not responsible for the impact an airline schedule change may have on your vacation. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Seat selection functionality in travel agency systems is restricted by the airlines. We will try to find adjacent seats, but we cannot guarantee them. Some airlines only allow seat selection at check-in.
CANCELLATIONS FOR TREKS AND TOURS:
Your 50% deposit is non-refundable. Any Inca Trail or tours canceled at any time are non-refundable due to high demand and the cost of permits. If a cancellation is approved, it will be at no charge.
(2) PADDYS TRAVEL must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as we become aware of them, by email, so that we do not incur expenses not covered by the deposit.
(3) Once the final balance has been paid, we cannot refund your trip payment in case of cancellations (last-minute cancellations in Cusco). However, you will be able to use parts of your trip (Machu Picchu entrance, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).
(4) If you request it, we can also provide you with a claim letter for your insurance company.
(5) The contracted porter service cannot be cancelled (a fee is paid to book this service).
BOOKING, CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES FOR THE EXPERIENCE:
Cancellation Policies.
(1)Less than 20 days before the start of the tour/service: 100% cancellation fee.
(2)Between 21 and 30 days before the start of the tour/service: 50% cancellation fee.
(3)More than 30 days before the start of the tour/service: No cancellation fee for services or hotels, with exceptions that will be indicated in the program sent to the passengers.
Responsibility.
ZEVEN TRAVEL EIRL is committed to providing all necessary services and ensuring the proper care during our operations, employing only qualified professional personnel. We accept responsibility only for the actions of our own staff. However,
ZEVEN TRAVEL EIRL
does not accept responsibility for any unforeseeable or unavoidable actions or events. We are also not responsible for improper acts caused by clients or third parties.
ZEVEN TRAVEL EIRL is not responsible for adverse weather conditions, accidents, physical injuries, loss of personal belongings, natural disasters, additional costs, strikes, etc. It is the responsibility of each client to have insurance that covers any of these events.
ZEVEN TRAVEL EIRL reserves the right to modify the program in the event of any of the aforementioned unforeseeable events.
(1) Booking an Experience listed on the Platform must be done with a minimum advance notice, which is specified on the individual Experience page under the «Booking Terms» section. The advance notice required for the End User to book may vary and depends on each Experience. The minimum advance notice indicated in the «Booking Terms» for each individual Experience serves only as a guideline and does not guarantee any reservation; if there is no availability and the End User has already made the purchase, PADDYS TRAVEL will issue a refund. All Experiences are subject to availability from both the Provider and PADDYS TRAVEL , depending on the provider of the Experience.
(2) Once an Experience has been booked, the End User receives a pre-confirmation containing a code sent by email. This code allows them to use the Experience if PADDYS TRAVEL confirms availability after PADDYS TRAVEL has received the required information from the End User and availability has been confirmed.
(3) Each confirmation code is unique and is issued individually for certain date(s) chosen on the website, giving the owner the right to claim certain service(s) if the End User meets the requirements to use their booking.
(4) The Experience information will specify the requirements set by the Provider or PADDYS TRAVEL for participating in a particular Experience (e.g., physical fitness, age, size, etc.). PADDYS TRAVEL and the Provider may refuse to allow the Experience if the End User does not meet the requirements detailed on the Platform for each Experience. If the End User does not meet the requirements communicated prior to purchasing the Experience, the End User will not be entitled to any refund.
(5) The availability shown on the Platform’s calendar is for reference only and may be outdated. Therefore, it is possible to make a reservation even if there is no availability. Until PADDYS TRAVEL confirms the reservation for the corresponding Experience, the End User is advised not to make any reservations for transportation or accommodation specific to the Experience. PADDYS TRAVEL assumes no responsibility for the End Users’ arrangements. The End User must meet all the requirements to use the Experience and wait for confirmation of availability from PADDYS TRAVEL via email.
(6) Unless otherwise stated in the Experience description, transportation, accommodation, and/or food and beverage services are not included and must be arranged and paid for by the End User. The End User may not claim any compensation or reimbursement for these additional expenses from either the Provider or PADDYS TRAVEL . Experiences will be provided as described on the Platform, without any additional or related services, and the End User should not interpret this to mean otherwise.
(7) If the End User does not appear on the date and time of the reserved Experience, and without prior cancellation (in accordance with the cancellation terms of each Experience, Provider, or PADDYS TRAVEL ), the code used for this experience, as well as the right to the Experience itself, expires without any claim, refund, interest, or penalty in favor of the End User, to the detriment of the Provider and PADDYS TRAVEL . Details on postponing or canceling a reservation are included on the page of the particular Experience under the section “ Cancellation Terms .”
(8) PADDYS TRAVEL and the Supplier must be informed in advance of any postponement or cancellation. Such postponement or cancellation requests by the End User or the Supplier are clearly detailed on the Experience’s webpage in the Cancellation Terms and can only be made via email. The End User should be aware that PADDYS TRAVEL or the Suppliers may charge fees in the event of postponements or cancellations. In the event of a postponement, the End User forfeits all rights to a refund. The postponement takes effect upon confirmation by PADDYS TRAVEL . If a postponement is not possible, the cancellation terms of the Experience(s) listed on each Experience’s webpage apply.
(9) If the cancellation requirements outlined in the Cancellation Terms on the Experience page are met, PADDYS TRAVEL will coordinate the End User’s refund within the next 7 business days. The End User agrees to bear any costs, such as bank fees or other charges, that may arise during the refund process carried out by PADDYS TRAVEL . PADDYS TRAVEL is not responsible for any bank fees or charges that may arise, and PADDYS TRAVEL will not pay or cover any fees related to the refund.
(10) Since several experiences have a minimum number of participants, PADDYS TRAVEL reserves the right to cancel and issue a full refund to the End User if another participant cancels their Experience in accordance with that Experience’s Cancellation Terms and applicable requirements. The minimum number of participants required for the Experience to take place is not met. Last-minute cancellation (the day before the Experience) by PADDYS TRAVEL applies if only one participant remains for the remaining Experience. The remaining participant, the End User, will be contacted on the afternoon of the previous day if no one else has registered to meet the minimum number of participants required. PADDYS TRAVEL will offer the option of a full refund, rescheduling the tour to another date when the minimum number has been reached, or upgrading to a private solo tour, in which case the remaining End User must pay the difference between the «group» and «private solo» tour prices.
(11) If the End User purchased an Experience using a discount code, only the final price paid will be redeemed and charged, not the original price of the Experience. Experiences are non-exchangeable; that is, they cannot be exchanged for another Experience of the same value. In any case, please contact PADDYS TRAVEL for more information regarding your specific situation.
(12) In the event of an emergency during the Real Experience, where the guide has to implement the emergency protocol, any participating End User is not entitled to request any refund or compensation from PADDYS TRAVEL or any other related party, even if the booked Real Experience cannot be fulfilled. This is due to safety and security standards for each participant.
(13) Reservations for Machu Picchu: These reservations are subject to the variable availability of train tickets or Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Therefore, with a reservation for a Machu Picchu tour, whether a full-day tour, a tour with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, or a package with other tours, the final itinerary will remain undetermined until PADDYS TRAVEL successfully makes the ticket reservations. Ticket availability is not under the control or responsibility of PADDYS TRAVEL and may change constantly. PADDYS TRAVEL only arranges the train and entrance schedules that are possible, taking into account ticket availability and the available ticket budget, which is included in the final price of the Experience. There may be waiting times in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to board the train or enter Machu Picchu. PADDYS TRAVEL will attempt to secure the best train schedule according to the purchased tour. Therefore, if other train times are available before the train time we have selected, but are more expensive, this will not be communicated to the traveler, as the Experience purchased is linked to a specific budget allocated to particular train tickets at a predetermined price. The end user is not entitled to any refund if they do not wish to accept the program organized by PADDYS TRAVEL . By booking, the user agrees to accept any itinerary that PADDYS TRAVEL organizes for them, regardless of whether it is as they expected.
(14) Changes to bookings, such as dates or times, requested by the End User are subject to an additional administrative fee and depend on availability. Therefore, any desired change is not guaranteed. The End User must first contact PADDYS TRAVEL to verify if a change is possible. If so, PADDYS TRAVEL will inform the End User of the administrative fee and any other additional costs associated with the change. The End User pays these fees and additional costs via PayPal (which covers PayPal’s 6% commission fee). If the End User does not agree, no change will be made. Furthermore, only one change is permitted per booking. Therefore, once a change is confirmed and implemented by PADDYS TRAVEL , the End User agrees that the cancellation terms no longer apply and that they are not entitled to a refund from PADDYS TRAVEL or to request any further changes.
For Machu Picchu bookings, after tickets (train, entrance, bus) have been purchased through PADDYS TRAVEL , changes can only be made if the End User contacts PADDYS TRAVEL via email, indicating the desired changes and accepting the associated costs (third-party fees and administrative costs). Upon receiving the change request submitted by the End User via email, PADDYS TRAVEL will verify availability, feasibility, and any additional fees the End User must pay to make the change possible. In addition to the fees charged by third parties responsible for the Machu Picchu tour tickets, PADDYS TRAVEL charges an additional $70 in administrative costs, which cover the availability check and the submission of the change proposal. For any subsequent change requests, PADDYS TRAVEL will charge an additional $70, plus any fees charged by the third parties involved. Furthermore, the End User will be responsible for an additional 6% PayPal fee on the total amount due for the change. If the end user agrees within 24 hours of PADDYS TRAVEL sending the proposed change via email, PADDYS TRAVEL will send a payment request via PayPal. The end user must accept and pay this request within those 24 hours, and PADDYS TRAVEL will then make the changes within the next 48 hours. Once the change has been made, PADDYS TRAVEL will share an updated booking summary with the end user, including the new tour times and/or dates.
If the End User responds or pays after PADDYS TRAVEL has sent the exchange proposal, which is valid for 24 hours, the proposal will no longer be valid. Therefore, the availability of the tickets to be exchanged is no longer guaranteed, and PADDYS TRAVEL is not responsible for any issues that may arise as a result. It is the End User’s responsibility to act promptly, within 24 hours. The End User may request a new proposal, but this will incur an additional $70 administrative fee charged by PADDYS TRAVEL.
(15) Should the End User make personal changes to their itinerary provided by PADDYS TRAVEL , the End User must accept any additional charges or potential changes and cancellations imposed by PADDYS TRAVEL and its representatives. Should PADDYS TRAVEL or its representatives be unable to make the necessary adjustments, the End User must manage the additional adjustments themselves without the right to claim a refund from PADDYS TRAVEL or its representatives. Therefore, the End User makes personal itinerary changes at their own risk and expense.
(16) For the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, PADDYS TRAVEL or the Provider, the End User, and each additional participant joining the End User on the experience(s) must complete and sign a sworn statement before participating in the specific Experience(s). This is communicated in the confirmation email the End User receives after submitting all the personal information requested in the pre-confirmation email. If the End User and/or another participant fails to complete and sign the sworn statement correctly, PADDYS TRAVEL or the Provider has the right to cancel that specific participant’s participation at any time before the Experience(s) begin. The affected End User and/or participant is not entitled to any explanation or alternative, and PADDYS TRAVEL will refund 100% of that participant’s payment. Any bank fees or transfer costs will be the responsibility of the End User or participant. PADDYS TRAVEL does not cover any fees for this refund process. If any participant wishes to cancel their participation because one or more participants did not complete and sign the affidavit, the Experience Cancellation Terms apply and may result in no refund or only a partial refund from PADDYS TRAVEL.
(17) Any representative of PADDYS TRAVEL , whether a guide, driver, supplier, or other, has the right to refuse participation to the End User or any of the other participants accompanying the End User if the safety and health of that person are at risk. The End User, as well as any participant involved or affected, is not entitled to claim a refund from PADDYS TRAVEL or its representatives. This decision made by the PADDYS TRAVEL representative or by PADDYS TRAVEL is made in the best interests and for the safety of the affected person(s) and must be accepted without appeal.
(18) For each Experience operated by PADDYS TRAVEL , a WhatsApp group will be created the day before the Experience begins. The End User will be added to this group using the phone number they provided in the email sent to PADDYS TRAVEL containing all the information required by PADDYS TRAVEL in the pre-confirmation email. All End Users in the group will be asked to confirm their participation by 6:00 pm (Peruvian time) the night before the Experience using an icon provided by PADDYS TRAVEL in the group’s welcome message. If no confirmation is received by 6:00 pm, the End User’s participation will not be considered confirmed, and they risk losing their place in the Experience altogether.
(19) PADDYS TRAVEL has the right to cancel tours at any time before the Experience begins, under the requirement that PADDYS TRAVEL must refund the End User’s payment if they have already paid for the Experience.
(20) Last-minute cancellations may occur due to guide illness, lack of substitute guides, or any other reason. In the event that PADDYS TRAVEL cancels an experience, the End User will not be entitled to any compensation or refund from PADDYS TRAVEL or its suppliers, other than the final price, only if it has already been paid. The only exception is last-minute cancellations due to an unforeseen and uncontrollable external influence, such as a strike, adverse weather conditions, or similar events. If PADDYS TRAVEL is informed of this at 8:00 pm or later before the day of the experience, the End User will not be eligible for a refund, as PADDYS TRAVEL has already incurred operational and logistical costs.
CHANGES MADE BY THE CLIENT:
The person who signs the booking order is the only person authorized to make changes to the Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service. A $35 USD change fee applies to any changes. While every effort will be made to accommodate requested changes, they are not guaranteed and additional costs may apply.
PLEASE NOTE THAT, FOR THE INCA TRAIL, PERMITS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE, NON-REFUNDABLE AND DATES CANNOT BE CHANGED.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS BY PADDYS TRAVEL:
We always make every effort to conduct tours/services according to the original schedules listed in the booking confirmation. However, by entering into this agreement with PADDYS TRAVEL , the client accepts that necessary changes may need to be made to a Tour/Trek/Trip/Rental/Service due to prevailing conditions (see the «Force Majeure» section above).
PADDYS TRAVEL reserves the right to change or cancel any facility or service and replace it with a reasonable alternative of comparable value.
In the event of a significant change, the customer will be notified as soon as possible. The customer will have options regarding accepting the change.
VERY IMPORTANT (1):
We strongly recommend spending time at high altitude (above 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet, in Cusco or another high-altitude area) for a minimum of 3 to 4 days before starting your trek. This will minimize the potential effects of altitude sickness. You can also help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of fluids, adding a little extra sugar to your drinks, eating carbohydrate-rich foods, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and drinking coca tea (an ancient traditional leaf). Diamox may also be helpful; ask your doctor about purchasing any medication before you travel.
VERY IMPORTANT (2):
We recommend that you arrive in Cusco 48 hours or more before the start of the trek because, on occasion, we must leave earlier than scheduled in case of strikes or other events beyond our control (see the «Force Majeure» section above).
ABOUT THE REPORT:
The night before your trek, there will be a pre-trek briefing. You will be provided with a duffel bag at this time if you have paid for an additional porter for your Inca Trail or if you are doing an alternative trek.
Thank you again for choosing us and we hope to see you in Cusco!
PADDYS TRAVEL Team.
Enjoy all the different services we offer. Be sure to be careful and, most importantly, have fun!
