1. Company and Scope

Services are organized by Manakin Expeditions S.A.C., Peruvian tax identification number (RUC) 20603072597, with an office at Urb. Marcavalle 257, Cusco, Peru. Our contact email is admin@manakinexpeditions.com, and our website is manakinexpeditions.com.

These terms apply to direct bookings for tours, scheduled departures, private programs, excursions, and additional services, together with the quotation, itinerary, and specific conditions provided for each booking.

Bookings between Manakin and travel agencies or tour operators are also governed by their specific commercial agreements. Conditions for direct-booking scheduled departures do not automatically apply to private agency groups.

Specific conditions expressly accepted may clarify or amend the general terms within legal limits. Non-waivable consumer rights and commitments made at the time of booking will be respected.

2. Program Information and Website Updates

We update our programs to reflect field information, service availability, and improvements in trip organization. A website update does not, by itself, change an existing booking.

When booking, travelers will receive an itinerary and quotation specifying dates, inclusions, exclusions, price, room arrangements, and payment terms. These documents, together with any subsequently accepted amendments, form the reference for the trip.

Photographs, species lists, and descriptions of experiences illustrate the destination’s characteristics. They do not guarantee particular sightings, specific weather conditions, or access to places other than those expressly included.

If we identify a material pricing or content error, we will communicate it before a booking is concluded. If a booking has already been confirmed, any correction will be handled in accordance with the applicable agreements and rights; a publication error will not result in an automatic price increase.

3. Booking Requests, Acceptance, and Confirmation

An inquiry, quotation, or expression of interest does not constitute a confirmed booking. Confirmation requires availability, acceptance of the communicated terms, receipt of the relevant deposit, and written confirmation from Manakin.

Before the first payment, we will provide these terms and the program’s specific conditions for express acceptance through a method that allows a record to be retained. Merely browsing our website does not constitute booking a trip or accepting the risks of a travel service.

Travelers must provide complete and accurate information, review their booking documents, and promptly report any errors. Anyone arranging a booking for several people must be authorized to do so and share the contractual information with them; specific individual consents will be obtained where required.

Requests concerning rooms, diets, target species, or other preferences are confirmed only to the extent expressly stated by Manakin.

4. Scheduled Departures: Group Size and Confirmation

Our scheduled departures booked directly with us operate with a minimum of two and a maximum of six travelers. The guide and driver are not included in this limit. Private or agency groups may have a different composition, as specified in their proposal.

When only one person has expressed interest, we wait until there are at least two participants before requesting deposits for the scheduled departure. Until then, the trip remains unconfirmed, and an expression of interest alone does not guarantee a place or operation of the tour.

Having two interested travelers does not replace written confirmation: we will verify the availability of essential services and formalize the corresponding bookings.

We recommend purchasing flights connected with the trip after receiving our written confirmation and arrival and departure instructions.

5. Small Group Supplement

When the final group consists of two or three travelers, a 10% supplement per person applies. This supplement helps cover shared operating costs while maintaining the services and standard of care included in the booking.

The 10% is calculated on the traveler’s total tour price, including the single supplement where applicable. It is not calculated on flights or additional services quoted separately from the tour. A separately booked extension will be subject to the conditions expressly stated in its quotation.

For example, for a tour priced at USD 3,000 with a single supplement of USD 300, the calculation is based on USD 3,300. The small group supplement is USD 330, bringing the total tour price to USD 3,630.

With four, five, or six travelers, this supplement does not apply to any participant.

The possibility of the supplement and its amount or calculation method will be disclosed before the deposit is paid. The date for finalizing group numbers for this purpose will be set for each departure according to lodge and other service availability and communicated before booking. Any change to that date will be communicated and agreed where it affects the price or payments.

The amount will be settled when group numbers are finalized. If a fourth traveler is subsequently confirmed for the full program, the supplement will be removed from the outstanding balance or refunded if already paid. Participants joining only an individual activity or extension do not automatically count toward the main program’s group size.

Another participant’s cancellation after the final price has been settled does not authorize a unilateral increase in the price already confirmed to travelers who retain their bookings.

6. Deposits and Payment Schedule

The deposits per person for the following scheduled departures are:

The deposit is credited toward the total price. Its treatment in the event of cancellation is governed by Section 10; it is not automatically treated as an additional cancellation charge.

The quotation will specify the payment schedule, balance due date, and any advance payment required to issue or secure services with limited availability. Deposits for private tours, excursions, extensions, and other programs will be specified before payment.

For bookings made close to departure, full payment may be required with prior notice. If payment is overdue, we will contact the traveler to resolve it and explain the applicable consequences and procedure. An overdue payment alone will not be presumed to be a voluntary cancellation without the required communication and formalities.

Payments must be made using the methods and currency stated in the quotation. Any processing, currency conversion, or transfer fee payable by the traveler will be disclosed before the payment method is selected. Prices will identify applicable taxes; undisclosed mandatory charges will not be added.

7. Inclusions and Exclusions

The exact scope of each trip is detailed in its itinerary and quotation. Depending on the program, it may include accommodation, meals, guiding, ground or river transportation, entrance fees, and activities.

The term “all-inclusive” refers exclusively to services identified as included. Meals on arrival and departure days, beverages, gratuities, laundry, insurance, optional activities, extra nights, and transfers outside the program must be checked against the individual proposal.

Flights are not included in our scheduled departure prices. Additional services will be added only after their conditions have been communicated and accepted by the traveler.

8. Flights, Connections, and Pre- or Post-Tour Accommodation

We provide assistance by recommending airports, flight times, airlines, and accommodation that connect appropriately with the program. Travelers may make these purchases directly or ask Manakin to arrange them.

When we arrange an additional purchase, we will provide its price, included baggage allowance, restrictions, and change and cancellation conditions before issuing tickets or completing the booking. Quoted fares and availability may change until the purchase is completed.

Travelers must check names, dates, and documentation and provide us with their flight details. Manakin is responsible for the due care and accuracy required in its own arrangements; airline and hotel obligations are governed by their valid terms and applicable law.

If a transportation disruption affects arrival for the tour, we will help assess alternatives. The cost of joining later will depend on the services booked, the cause of the disruption, and the applicable responsibilities. Costs resulting from Manakin’s errors are not automatically assigned to the traveler.

9. Machu Picchu: Circuits and Advance Booking

Machu Picchu has distinct circuits and routes established by the competent authority. The current offering is organized into Circuits 1, 2, and 3, which provide different routes and experiences. Names, routes, and rules may be changed by the authority.

For a comprehensive classic visit, Manakin prioritizes Circuit 2, always subject to availability. We recommend arranging the booking at least five months in advance. This is an operational recommendation and does not guarantee availability, even for earlier requests; ticket issuance also depends on the opening of the official booking calendar.

Requests made with less notice will be assessed upon inquiry. The circuit, route, date, and time are secured only once the ticket has been issued and confirmed in writing.

If the requested circuit is unavailable, we will explain the alternatives and their differences before issuing tickets. A different circuit will not automatically be treated as equivalent, and an essential booking condition will not be replaced without providing information and obtaining the appropriate acceptance.

Entrance tickets are issued in the traveler’s name and are subject to the official restrictions in force when issued. Conditions regarding changes, transfers, and refunds will be disclosed before purchase. Accurate information and the necessary funds are required for issuance.

Trains and other associated services have their own conditions according to the operator and fare. Not all train tickets have the same restrictions. Only amounts that are genuinely non-recoverable will be treated as such, taking applicable refunds, credits, and exceptions into account.

10. Voluntary Cancellation by the Traveler

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to admin@manakinexpeditions.com, identifying the travelers, program, and start date. We will acknowledge receipt. The relevant date is the verifiable receipt of the request, not a later response from our team.

Notice periods are calculated in calendar days before the start of the trip, using the local date in Peru. Unless valid specific conditions were communicated and accepted before payment, the following general policy applies:

For early cancellation, an itemized statement of deductions will be provided. Non-recoverable expenses may include tickets already issued, such as Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train cancellation charges, or committed supplier deposits. Future costs not incurred and amounts recovered will not be deducted. Administrative costs will not be an undefined variable percentage or an arbitrary amount.

Percentage cancellation charges are calculated on the canceling traveler’s tour, including expressly accepted and applicable supplements, rather than on the price of the entire group. Deposits are credited against that amount. Costs of the same tour already included in the cancellation charge will not be added again, and the total contracted amount will not be exceeded for that purpose.

Separately booked flights and services are subject to their previously disclosed conditions, without duplicating tour charges. Manakin will take relevant recoveries or replacement bookings into account to avoid charging twice for the same loss.

A no-show at the start of the trip is subject to the 100% cancellation charge unless circumstances require different treatment under applicable law. Voluntarily declining activities or leaving early does not, by itself, entitle the traveler to a refund for services already provided or legitimately committed; recoverable amounts and applicable rights will be assessed.

These rules apply to voluntary cancellation by the traveler. They do not automatically apply when Manakin cancels, fails to perform, or materially changes the service, or when an extraordinary event prevents its delivery. Cancellation charges remain subject to mandatory law and any applicable assessment of proportionality.

11. Possible Discount on a Future Trip

When a cancellation is subject to the 100% charge, the traveler may request a commercial courtesy to join another Manakin tour or future scheduled departure, with a discount of at least 20% if the courtesy is granted.

Manakin will assess the request and communicate in writing the percentage, calculation basis, selected program, and conditions of use before the new booking is finalized. A place must still be available, and the departure must be confirmed.

The courtesy applies to the tour operated by Manakin; flights and separately booked services are quoted separately. It does not, by itself, constitute a credit for the money retained, a cash refund, or an automatic booking. Accepting it does not waive any legally applicable refund or complaint rights.

12. Changes of Date, Program, or Participant

Change requests will be assessed according to availability, notice, and restrictions on services already booked. We will disclose any price difference and actual costs before making the change.

A change request does not, by itself, cancel the original booking. If the change cannot be made and the traveler decides to cancel, the policy applicable on the date that decision is communicated will apply.

Replacing a participant requires written confirmation and may require new tickets or services issued in the replacement traveler’s name. Entrance, train, and airline tickets are not guaranteed to be transferable.

In the event of illness or other personal circumstances, we will assess possibilities for assistance, recovery of payments, or rescheduling. Providing supporting documentation does not automatically create an exception to the agreed policy, without prejudice to applicable legal rights or insurance coverage.

13. Flexibility in Nature and Birdwatching Tours

Birds and other wildlife move in response to food availability, seasonality, breeding, weather, and habitat changes. Our team monitors available information and uses its experience to adjust field sessions.

We may make reasonable changes to schedules, trails, observation locations, the order of visits, and the allocation of sessions to support sighting opportunities, safety, and the delivery of the program. These adjustments do not guarantee finding a species or obtaining a particular photograph.

Routine changes will preserve the duration, main objectives, and standard of the contracted services. The guide will explain relevant adjustments where possible. An essential part of the program will not be replaced with a substantially different experience solely by describing it as an “improvement.”

If a modification affects essential destinations, physical difficulty, duration, or another element material to the purchase, we will explain its scope and address the appropriate alternatives and acceptance.

The dates of a scheduled departure remain part of the booking agreement: flexibility in the field does not authorize unilateral changes to the start or end date.

14. Accommodation and Room Arrangements

Hotels and lodges identified in programs as indicative illustrate the intended standard. They may be replaced with properties of comparable quality, considering location, room type, facilities, and their role within the itinerary.

We will confirm the specific accommodation in the travel documents. If a particular property was expressly booked as an essential condition, any substitution will be handled in accordance with that commitment. A reference to comparable quality does not authorize a material reduction in services without communication and an appropriate solution.

On specialist birdwatching routes, equivalence also takes access to habitats and observation locations into account. If a contingency prevents us from providing a comparable alternative, we will explain the differences and any appropriate price adjustments or solutions.

Single rooms and their supplements are confirmed subject to availability. Attempting to find a roommate does not guarantee a match; the applicable cost will be disclosed before booking if the confirmed arrangement is a single room. Travelers will not be required to share a room without their agreement.

Material limitations in electricity, connectivity, hot water, or infrastructure at remote accommodation will be disclosed before booking. Requests concerning medical equipment or accessibility require specific verification.

15. Weather, Closures, and Extraordinary Events

Itineraries may be affected by heavy rain, mudslides, landslides, flooding, fires, drought, changes in river levels, blockades, civil unrest, road or protected-area closures, public health restrictions, official decisions, and other external events.

Each event will be assessed according to its actual effects on the route. Normal rainfall, the mere existence of an El Niño forecast, hotel overbooking, or an ordinary organizational issue does not automatically constitute force majeure.

Where relevant, an event’s classification as a fortuitous event or force majeure will be determined in accordance with applicable law. Manakin will continue to exercise due care by assessing information, communicating material risks, seeking safe alternatives, and reducing avoidable consequences.

If the program cannot proceed as planned, we may propose route changes, substitutions, rescheduling, suspension of activities, or an early end to the trip for safety reasons. Material changes and their financial consequences will be communicated as early as possible; protecting people will take priority in an emergency.

An external event does not automatically result in forfeiture of all payments. Services provided, substituted, and not provided will be distinguished, and any applicable refunds will be processed. Travelers will not be required to accept a voucher or new date instead of a legally required refund, nor will that refund be made indefinitely conditional on a supplier reimbursing Manakin.

16. Extraordinary Expenses and Assistance

A contingency may require extra accommodation, meals, alternative transportation, connection changes, or medical assistance. We will explain which expenses are included, which coverage or responsible parties may meet them, and which new services are proposed.

Additional costs charged to the traveler must relate to services not included, have a contractual and legal basis, and, where circumstances allow, be accepted in advance. Relevant replaced services or savings will be offset to avoid duplicate charges.

In an emergency, we will take reasonable assistance measures and try to contact the traveler, their insurer, or their emergency contact. This does not constitute unlimited authorization to incur expenses or guarantee immediate evacuation availability in remote areas.

Costs legally attributable to Manakin’s own failure to perform or lack of due care will not be passed to the traveler.

17. Cancellation or Material Changes by Manakin

If Manakin must cancel a confirmed trip for reasons relating to its own organization, it will notify the traveler and offer an alternative that the traveler may accept, or a refund of payments received for the canceled trip. The cancellation charge applicable to voluntary cancellation by the traveler will not apply.

If the trip has already started, services provided and outstanding will be identified so that an appropriate solution or refund can be offered. Where the cause is an extraordinary event, the relevant sections and the traveler’s legal rights apply.

A change of date, program, or type of service is not deemed accepted merely because the traveler remains silent. Separately booked travel expenses will be assessed according to their cause and the applicable responsibilities; these terms do not remove any compensation rights that may apply.

18. Refund Processing

We will communicate the refund calculation and details of any valid deductions. As a commercial commitment, amounts due for refund will be processed within 15 business days of the request and receipt of the information essential to make payment, without prejudice to any more favorable statutory deadline.

If amounts are disputed, we will explain the basis of the dispute and will not withhold the undisputed portion on that account. The date the refund is initiated will be communicated; subsequent crediting times may depend on the financial institution.

Refund expenses will be deducted only where they are actual, have been disclosed, and may lawfully be charged to the traveler. Bank charges will not be deducted automatically in every case.

19. Health, Physical Fitness, and Special Requirements

Before booking, review the program’s requirements: altitude, walking, uneven terrain, early starts, long transfers, boat travel, and distance from medical facilities. Manakin will disclose relevant characteristics to help assess the trip’s suitability.

Please communicate mobility needs, allergies, dietary requirements, and relevant conditions promptly so that the service can be provided safely, limiting information to what is necessary. Equipment such as CPAP devices or specific power requirements needs individual confirmation; a lodge having electricity should not be taken to mean that power is continuously available.

We will assess reasonable accommodations and explain what can and cannot be provided. Acceptance of a booking is not a medical assessment. If you have health concerns, consult a medical professional before traveling.

Travelers must bring their medication and necessary documentation. Guides may coordinate assistance within their capabilities but do not replace healthcare professionals. The same emergency equipment is not guaranteed on every route; specific availability will be communicated for the program.

Dietary requirements and allergies will be communicated to relevant suppliers using the appropriate data handling arrangements. Any limitations in preventing cross-contamination or meeting a requirement will be expressly disclosed.

20. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend obtaining appropriate insurance from the time of booking, including medical assistance, evacuation, repatriation, and, where possible, trip cancellation and interruption.

Travelers should check that coverage is appropriate for the altitudes, activities, destinations, pre-existing conditions, and relevant risks of their program. Insurance may exclude known events or certain cancellation causes; coverage for El Niño or another contingency is not guaranteed.

If insurance is a specific requirement for a program, we will state this before booking. Having or not having insurance does not remove Manakin’s legal responsibilities.

21. Guides, Group Dynamics, and Conduct

Unless a particular professional has been expressly committed to the booking, guiding will be provided by someone suitably qualified for the program and the confirmed language. Any replacement will seek to maintain those characteristics. If a particular guide’s participation was an essential condition, the corresponding alternatives will be communicated and addressed.

On shared departures, the guide considers individual interests within the group’s objectives and needs. A request for a species or photograph does not guarantee exclusive attention or changes that disadvantage others.

Travelers must follow reasonable safety instructions, respect schedules, and treat fellow travelers, staff, and communities appropriately. Harassment, violence, illegal acts, or conduct that endangers others are not permitted.

The guide may stop an activity where a specific risk arises. Any removal from the group must be justified and proportionate, with a warning where practicable, coordination of assistance, and an individual assessment of costs and outstanding services. It does not automatically result in forfeiture of every payment made.

Participation by minors must be discussed before booking; their acceptance, accompaniment, and documentation will be determined for the program.

22. Conservation, Sightings, and Photography

Manakin undertakes to apply its expertise and professional effort to finding birds and wildlife. It does not guarantee particular species, numbers of sightings, animal behavior, lighting conditions, or specific photographs.

Species lists and historical records indicate sighting possibilities. The absence of a species does not, by itself, constitute a failure to perform when the contracted service has been provided with due care.

Protected-area, landowner, and community rules must be respected. The use of bird-call playback, lighting, drones, or other resources is subject to permits, conservation considerations, and the guide’s decisions. Chasing, capturing, or unduly disturbing wildlife, or entering restricted areas, will not be permitted.

23. Luggage, Personal Belongings, and Supplied Equipment

Relevant luggage restrictions for vehicles, boats, trains, or flights will be communicated according to the program. Travelers should adequately protect photographic equipment and personal belongings against field conditions.

The loan or rental of binoculars and other equipment requires confirmation and, where applicable, specific handover conditions. Damage or loss attributable to the user will be assessed using evidence and a reasonable repair or replacement cost, distinguishing it from normal wear and tear.

Responsibility for luggage will be determined according to who has custody of it and the circumstances of the incident. Any responsibility attributable to Manakin or its staff is not excluded.

24. Responsibilities of Manakin and Suppliers

Manakin is responsible for the obligations it undertakes in organizing and delivering the trip and for the due care required in selecting, coordinating, and providing information about suppliers.

Hotels, airlines, railway operators, transportation companies, and other providers may apply valid specific terms, which will be communicated where relevant to the booking. Involvement of third parties does not automatically release Manakin from its own obligations.

Travelers must provide accurate information, meet documentation requirements, and follow reasonable safety instructions. Any omission will be assessed according to its actual connection to the loss or harm; it does not amount to a general waiver of rights.

No provision is intended to exclude liability for intentional misconduct or negligence, make the consumer responsible for the provider’s acts or omissions, or prevent access to legally recognized remedies.

25. Personal Data and Use of Images

Information needed to prepare quotations, make bookings, issue tickets or other service documents, and coordinate the trip will be processed in accordance with Peruvian personal data protection law and Manakin’s privacy policy.

Health information will receive the enhanced protection required. We will share with suppliers only information relevant to the service, on an appropriate legal basis, obtaining any required consents.

Booking a tour does not, by itself, authorize the use of identifiable images of the traveler for advertising. Permission for promotional use will be requested separately and voluntarily, as will consent to marketing communications where required.

26. Assistance, Complaints, and Grievances

If a problem arises during the trip, tell the guide or operations contact so that we can try to resolve it promptly. Failure to report it during the tour does not, by itself, extinguish the right to complain.

You may write to admin@manakinexpeditions.com 

Complaints and grievances will be answered within the statutory deadline, currently 15 business days, with no extension. Handling is free of charge and does not restrict access to Indecopi or other competent authorities. The complaints procedure is separate from requesting and processing a refund.

27. Applicable Law, Versions, and Acceptance

These terms are interpreted in accordance with applicable Peruvian law, without excluding mandatory consumer protection rules applicable to international bookings or improperly restricting access to competent authorities or available remedies.

The conditions applicable to a booking are those provided and accepted when the booking is made, together with any validly agreed amendments. New website versions apply to future bookings; they will not retroactively worsen the conditions of existing bookings.

If a provision is unenforceable, this does not affect the remaining provisions where they can lawfully continue to apply. Translations must preserve the same content and must not reduce rights or commitments communicated to the traveler.

Before payment, travelers will have access to these terms, the itinerary, the price and supplements, inclusions and exclusions, the payment schedule, and the cancellation policy. Acceptance will be documented through a method that allows a record to be retained.

Contact: admin@manakinexpeditions.com