Terms & Conditions for Individual Bookings With
First Step Expeditions LLC
To ensure you have a safe trip and understand the risks associated with purchasing a package with First Step Expeditions LLC (First Step), and for international travel in general, we strongly suggest you read the following Terms and Conditions carefully:
Be prepared for the unexpected. Traveling in Peru requires the use of accommodations, transportation, and services that might vary from your normal expectations in the US. First Step values honesty and transparency and will strive to always do our best to meet our clients’ expectations. However, traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, broad-mindedness, good humor, and an understanding that changes may be made without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. (Force Majeure – see below). By booking any of our tours, you agree to allow First Step to make necessary changes without liability.
FORCE MAJEURE
This is any event that First Step cannot, even with all care, foresee or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, First Step will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone, or even cancel trips (as a very last resort) should we feel your safety may be jeopardized.
DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS
If booking beyond 60 days from your scheduled arrival, a non-refundable deposit is required to solidify reservations. The balance of trip cost is required 60 days prior to departure date. By paying any deposit you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
Reservations made within 60 days of departure require immediate full payment.
STUDENT RATE: In order to obtain this discount, you must have a valid ISIC card valid for the duration of your tour package. You will need to provide an emailed copy of this card to us and you will need to show the real ISIC card upon your arrival in Cusco and in Machu Picchu.
ADDITIONAL FEES MAY INCLUDE:
- Incremental charge in case of protests or strikes (Force Majeure). Unfortunately, in Peru, protests or strikes can be quite common. In the event of a protest or strike, it may be necessary to leave a day or even two days earlier than scheduled so that we are able to comply with other services. In this case, an additional fee may be charged to cover costs incurred.
- HOLIDAY OR ELECTION INCREMENTS: An extra charge of $100 USD per person is applicable for all treks (regardless of group/private option/size of group) starting on any of the following dates:
– Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th);
– New Year (Dec 29th, 30th, 31st, Jan 1st);
– An extra charge is also applicable, if a trek leaves during election days (people are fined in Peru if they do not vote).
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
The original deposit is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. Also, 100% of any Inca Trail tours cancelled at any time are non-refundable due to the high demand and price of permits. If the cancellation applies, it will be without payment fees. The remaining balance is refundable at the following levels:
- 59-30 days before trip, there will be a 40% refund.
- Less than 30 days, no refund will be given.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 60-day deadline as stated above, risk full cancellation of their tour arrangements. Suppliers may impose additional penalties at peak periods.
First Step reserves the right to make exceptions to these policies.
CHANGES
First Step reserves the right to charge a $100 change fee per change requested after the initial trip deposit has been paid.
**PLEASE NOTE: FOR THE INCA TRAIL, PERMITS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE, NON-REFUNDABLE, AND DATES CANNOT BE CHANGED**
TRIP INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance when you make your trip deposit. Please be advised that if you choose NOT to purchase Trip Insurance, we will NOT be responsible for any financial disappointment caused by reasons beyond our control.
AIRLINE TICKETS
First Step recommends booking your domestic flights as separate purchases from your international ticket.
While recommendations may be provided if prompted, First Step will not reserve airfare as part of any tour package.
SPECIAL NOTES
Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and are subject to change. All travelers are required to have a valid passport from their country of citizenship with an expiration date of at least 6 months from date of return from your trip. Advance visas may be required for certain countries and travelers with certain passports. Visas are not required for entry to Peru for US Citizens.
PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE
Gratuities, international airfare, porterage in excess of standard, meals if not listed, alcoholic drinks, sales tax, and laundry service unless otherwise specified. Visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler to apply for and obtain.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is understood that First Step is independent of and has no business association, as partner, joint venture, owner or otherwise, with any resort, hotel, carrier, boat operator, or other person or firm furnishing any service or facility in connection with the subject travel program.
It is expressly understood and agreed First Step assumes no responsibility or liability for service, transportation or equipment made available by any resort, hotel or other person or entity, either as to its availability or as to its safety, quality or condition, nor for the acts (negligent or otherwise) of any employee or agent of such establishment, firm, person, or entity. It is also understood and agreed that First Step does not assume any responsibility or liability for the safety of any participating individual.
It is further understood that remoteness of the area, local custom, and prevailing weather conditions may cause substitution of facilities and/or equipment, minor inconvenience or modification to the itinerary and First Step reserves the right to modify and/or cancel arrangements due to unfavorable weather conditions and to substitute comparable facilities and equipment. It is understood and agreed that First Step makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility or liability for such substitutions.
First Step reserves the right to cancel any scheduled trip at any time. No refunds can be made for canceled arrangements due to adverse weather, or for substitution of facilities, personnel and/or equipment or for minor inconvenience.
Trip participant hereby indemnifies and holds harmless First Step and its officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all claims, suits, liability, injuries, losses and damage of any person which arise out of traveler’s participation in a First Step travel program; and for Trip participant’s withdrawal, cancellation or expulsion from a First Step travel program.
DANGERS POSED BY WILD ANIMALS
Travelers are advised that, even in the most serene settings, the animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety. Travelers are cautioned to observe all local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by tour guides.
TRIP PARTICIPATION
Receipt of payment by Trip participant or by the parent or guardian of any minor Trip participant is in all respects subject to the terms and conditions above, which have been read and unconditionally agreed to. Trip participant further agrees to observe strictly and comply with such additional reasonable terms and regulations as First Step may from time to time deem desirable or needful or prescribe during the course of the program.
Trip participant declares that he/she has read and understands the contents hereof this General Release, Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement. No oral or other representations, statements or inducements have been made to Trip participant, apart this General Release, Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement.
Trip participant, in rendering payment has accepted this General Release, Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement and shall be deemed to have executed it for Trip participant, Trip participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and next of kin.
Trip participant agrees that any appropriate state or federal district court located in the city of Washington, District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any case or controversy arising under or in connection with the Terms and conditions and/or the subject program.
**By making a deposit with First Step, all parties agree to all terms listed herein. If any of the terms and conditions as stated are found to be unwarranted, all other terms will remain in effect.**
