Before You Go
Inca Trail Trekking
Overview
Trip Snapshot
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, and sometimes the weather. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the exact dates of your trip.
| MEETING PLACE: | The lobby of your hotel in Cusco |
| MEETING TIME: | 6 PM the evening before the trek |
| RETURN TIME: | Approximately 7:30 PM the evening of day 5 |
| TRIP LENGTH: | 5 days/4 nights |
| ACTIVITIES: | Hiking, archaeological and cultural exploration |
Itinerary at a Glance
The Day Before Your Trip
This evening our guide will come to your hotel to discuss the logistics for our upcoming trek. You will be given a small duffel bag to put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trail that won’t be in your day pack.
Day 1
We’ll depart Cusco early, traveling approximately 2 hours by vehicle through the Sacred Valley to reach the road’s end past the ancient city of Ollantaytambo. At our destination, simply known as Kilometer 82 (~8,500 ft), we’ll meet up with our guides and porters who will assist us with our journey along the Inca Trail.
The first day of hiking is relatively easy, as much of the trail follows the Urubamba River without gaining significant elevation. It’s a great warm-up, helping us acclimate to both the altitude and our surroundings before reaching our first camp.
Days 2 – 4
Refer to the trip page for a more detailed sample itinerary.
On night 4, we’ll stay at El Mapi Hotel near Machu Picchu to position us for an early start in the morning.
Day 5
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. (Note: We do not include a ticket to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Per request, we can arrange one of those hikes for an extra cost.)
After exploring the “Lost City of the Incas,” we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You’re free to dine at the restaurant of your choice before we meet for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle awaits to return us to Cusco and your hotel.
Accommodations this evening and a return airport transfer are not included. OARS can arrange extra nights of lodging in Cusco, an airport transfer, and additional tours of the region for before and/or after your Machu Picchu hiking adventure. Contact your Adventure Consultant for more details.
Included in Your Trip Cost
- Skilled, professional guide service provided by our affiliate operator
- 3 nights wilderness camping & 1 night lodging in Aguas Calientes (based on double occupancy)
- All meals as outlined in the itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner)
- Bottled and/or purified water throughout the trip
- All activities and related equipment as outlined in the itinerary, including a duffel bag, tent, inflatable sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, all dining accessories (plates & bowls, silverware, cups, etc.), and portable toilet with privacy tent
- Porters and cook staff
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees
- All ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary (shuttles, train, private van service)
- Trekking poles
- 27-oz Klean Kanteen water bottle
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Flights to and from Cusco, Peru
- Pre- & post-trek accommodation in Cusco*
- Airport transfers*
- Single supplement fee
- Ticket to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain*
- Additional beverages at meals, such as soda and alcohol (day 4, at the hotel)
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
- Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
- Medical immunizations (if necessary)
- Gratuities
*OARS can arrange per request.
Getting Ready
Pre-Trip Checklist
☐ Purchase Travel Protection: In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can learn more about the plan we highly recommend and get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
☐ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 90 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.
☐ Reserve flights, shuttles, and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable. It is important to make reservations early as rooms may be limited during peak travel periods.
☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90 days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.
Hikers’ Responsibility Code
1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. Minimize your impact on the environment.
8. Your children are your responsibility!
Essential Travel Documents
Passport
If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately because the process can be lengthy. If you do have a passport, find it and check the expiration date to see that it is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date to Peru. If not, you must renew it. Passport details are required to secure entrance into Machu Picchu, so plan to provide a good copy to us immediately, as tickets to enter Machu Picchu are limited and in high demand.
Make a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and carry it separately from your passport. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with your emergency contact at home. If your passport is lost or stolen, a photocopy will help the local consulate speed up authorization for replacement. Also, check your passport for blank pages. If you do not have at least two blank pages in your passport, we recommend that you apply to have extra pages added.
Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. You may be asked for your papers at various times during the trip. If you are carrying a customs form, please keep it in a safe place at all times (we do not recommend carrying it in the passport because you must often submit the passport at hotels, where reception clerks can easily lose the form).
Visas
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens to enter Peru. For non-U.S. citizens please check with the consulate. When entering Peru you will be asked to fill out an embarkation card. This piece of paper is very important since it has to be given to the migratory authority when you leave the country. Do not lose it!
Travel Arrangements
You’ll need to arrange a flight arriving at Cusco Airport (CUZ), via Lima (LIM), at least one day prior to the start date of your trek. However, we highly recommend you consider arriving in Cusco two days ahead of the trip’s start in order to adjust to the altitude.
GETTING TO CUSCO
Direct flights to Lima from the United States are provided by American Airlines from Dallas and Miami; Delta from Atlanta; LAN/LATAM from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York (JFK) and Miami; Spirit and JetBlue from Fort Lauderdale; and United Airlines from Houston. More options may be available.
Plan for at least 3 hours between flights in Lima to catch your flight to Cusco. In Lima, you will need to go through immigration control, collect your luggage and pass through customs, exit the international terminal, and go to the domestic terminal where you will have to check in for your domestic flight.
Many flights from North America arrive in Lima in the evening and connecting flights to Cusco start the following morning. Spending the night in Lima may allow for a more enjoyable trip, giving you a chance to rest up at a nearby hotel like the Wyndham Costa del Sol—the only hotel adjacent to the airport. There is also a Holiday Inn a short distance from the airport.
Let us know if you’d like assistance with arranging your international flight logistics. Our partners at Exito Travel specialize in international destinations and we’d be happy to obtain a quote from them on your behalf.
Please do not purchase airfare until your departure has been confirmed by the minimum number of required guests.
PRE- AND POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
Pre- and post-trip lodging is not included in the trip cost. We recommend that you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging. Please let us know if you would like assistance with arranging pre- or post-trip lodging.
Useful Information
Time ZoneS
Peru is located in the same international time zone as the U.S. east coast. During Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., Peru is on Central Time.
Money Matters
The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/). Money can be exchanged at the airport in Lima or Cusco, at Money Exchange Offices known as “Casas de Cambio” or at banks. The U.S. dollar is accepted in most commercial shops at the daily rate of exchange. ATMs are available in Cusco and Lima and many offer the choice of U.S. or Peruvian currency.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are readily accepted in Lima and Cusco, but it is suggested that you have cash for purchases outside of the cities. Small bills are helpful. Check with your credit card provider regarding surcharges for international purchases prior to your departure and be sure to inform them of your travels.
Health & Medical Info
Although we do not require any immunizations to participate in the Inca Trail trek, it is important that you be up-to-date on several standard immunizations and that you check with your physician prior to departure. The CDC is a good resource for recommendations pertaining to international travel immunizations.
Traveling at High Altitude
This trip includes time spent at high altitudes. Cusco is 11,200 feet above sea level and our highest pass reaches 13,810 feet. While the itinerary is designed for adequate altitude conditioning in the early part of the journey, there are no guarantees that your body will acclimatize properly. It is a good idea to come prepared with proper elevation sickness medicine, which can be prescribed by your local doctor before your trip.
If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, we request that you check with your physician prior to traveling at high altitude. Please familiarize yourself with symptoms, treatment, and more about altitude illness.
CPAP Machine
If you require the use of a CPAP machine and intend to bring one with you, be sure to alert your OARS Adventure Consultant prior to your trip to let us know the dimensions of the machine, description of battery(s), and any protective case(s). Travel-sized CPAPs are readily available and often come with a battery kit. You must assess the power needs of your CPAP and bring the battery(s) needed to operate it for each night of your travels. We’re typically able to accommodate the transportation of your machine and accessories on the trip; however, please understand that despite efforts to protect your equipment we can’t guarantee your machine and accessories won’t suffer water or impact damage and therefore we recommend additional protective case(s) for your machine & accessories.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan, and many allergy-restricted diets. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu.
We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep, and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone as it relates to safety, including the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy. Also, due to the availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we may be unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes).
BEVERAGES/WATER
Drinking Water
We recommend you drink only bottled or previously boiled water. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle (or two) and/or a 2-3 liter hydration bladder to be carried in your day pack. On the trail, drinking water is provided at camp and at lunch, so must be carried between those locations. Bottled water is available on the drive to the trailhead and in Aguas Calientes (where we overnight prior to our return visit to Machu Picchu).
Alcohol
Hot drinks such as coffee and tea are readily available during our trek, along with juice and drinking water. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of your Peruvian adventure but are readily available at lodgings and restaurants.
Privy
Toilet tents are set up at each campsite and also at lunch spots. While hiking, bathroom facilities are limited and you may have to find a private location along the trail to use. We recommend you carry a small amount of toilet paper in your daypack in case needed.
ELECTRICITY
Peru uses an electrical current of 220 volts. If your electrical devices work only with 110 volts, you should bring a converter. While some hotels may have outlets to accommodate 110 volts or have a limited supply of converters to loan, you may want to bring your own to be certain.
Outlets in Peru are primarily type A, which don’t require an adapter for most modern electronics. We recommend you bring a power plug adapter to avoid any problems using the electrical outlets
Cameras
We strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover your camera—especially if it’s fine equipment. If you are planning on bringing a digital camera make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries, and any other extras you will need.
Electronics & Technology
The use of electronic devices, especially music players and flying drones, on your trip may represent an intrusion to your fellow guests. We ask that you please be mindful of the impacts on others and respect the cultural nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip and leave your drone at home*.
On a trip like this, there is always the risk of damage to smartphones and other electronic devices. If you intend to take your phone with you, consider investing in a protective case just for your phone.
*The use of drones is prohibited in Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Communication
Once you are on your adventure there will be times with limited communication with the “outside world.” However, the majority of the region has cellular coverage and most hotels offer internet. If you have someone that needs to contact you about an emergency at home, they should call our office (800-346-6277). If possible, we will relay the message to you. Keep in mind it could be several days or longer before the message actually reaches you. For your family at home, you should define for them what you consider an emergency and provide them with instructions to call our office in the event one occurs during your vacation.
Weather
We recommend you check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast for Cusco, Peru.
Average High/Low Temperature & Rainfall for Cusco
| Day/Night (°F) | Rainfall | Day/Night (°F) | Rainfall | ||
| January | 68/46 | 6.1″ | July | 68/34 | 0.3″ |
| February | 68/46 | 4.7″ | August | 69/37 | 0.4″ |
| March | 68/46 | 4.4″ | September | 71/41 | 0.5″ |
| April | 69/43 | 1.6″ | October | 71/44 | 1.8″ |
| May | 70/38 | 0.3″ | November | 71/45 | 3.0″ |
| June | 69/35 | 0.7″ | December | 70/46 | 4.5″ |
Average High/Low Temperature & Rainfall for Aguas Calientes
| Day/Night (°F) | Rainfall | Day/Night (°F) | Rainfall | ||
| January | 65/42 | 5.9″ | July | 66/32 | 2.0″ |
| February | 65/42 | 7.6″ | August | 66/34 | 2.5″ |
| March | 66/42 | 6.6″ | September | 68/39 | 3.5″ |
| April | 66/41 | 6.1″ | October | 68/41 | 4.7″ |
| May | 66/36 | 3.2″ | November | 68/42 | 6.1″ |
| June | 66/32 | 3.1″ | December | 68/42 | 6.2″ |
Packing for Your Trip
We want you to be prepared and comfortable for your trip. Below you’ll find some general tips for how to dress and what to pack and a comprehensive packing checklist. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.
Clothing for physical activity should be quick-drying and made of synthetics or merino wool. Warmth and comfort are the main objectives of this outline. Weather conditions can vary considerably. It’s important to dress in layers so that you can maintain a comfortable body temperature no matter what Mother Nature may have in store. The inner base layer should move perspiration outside, where it can evaporate. The intermediate layer should insulate while the outside layer should act as a barrier to wind and rain.
Clothing
Day & hiking wear: For most days of your adventure, lightweight and comfortable clothing is best. Consider long sleeves and pants for sun and bug protection. Quick-dry clothing is best, as it packs light and cleans easily. You can add additional layers, such as merino, synthetic, or wool tops & bottoms depending on the weather. Keep these extra layers handy in your day pack to adjust your layering as temperatures vary with elevation and weather.
Evening wear: After a long day on the trail, you may want to refresh and change into clean, comfortable clothing. Soft, loose-fitting pants, t-shirt, sweater, etc… will allow you to settle in for the evening. You will want to have something dry and warm to put on. Temperatures can be cold at night, so bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves. These extra clothes will also come in handy for the evening of Day 4 when you’re dining out and Day 5 when touring Machu Picchu.
To avoid being cold: Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear is a must-have on adventure trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when temperatures rise. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and is compact enough to be stuffed into your day pack. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm if wet.
Something warm for your top & bottom: You need to be prepared for inclement weather. Bring a good fleece or wool top and bottom, along with a warm hat and gloves. You’ll want to double up on your synthetic layers so that you’ll have a set of warm, dry clothes for the evening.
Footwear
For the trail, you’ll need a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good tread, waterproof, and possibly ankle support. If you plan to buy footwear for the trip, make sure you have time to break them in until they’re comfortable—if your feet hurt you won’t enjoy the trip. Taking off your trail shoes at the end of the day will feel good, so plan to have other footwear for evenings. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.
Headwear
A wide-brimmed hat or ball cap is a good choice for sun protection. A warm beanie for chilly nights and mornings is recommended.
Rain Gear
We recommend a jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof and breathable, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended, as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles. Many folks like having a poncho, as well, as a poncho provides coverage for a daypack.
Sun Protection
This trip takes place at very high elevations and protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Lightweight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are also a must.
Bugs & Mosquitoes
Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size Ziploc™ bags. These bags can store products during the day while you are on the river. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of in the trash at lunch or at camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies.
Packing List
Equipment and Personal Items
☐ Daypack with rain cover
☐ Water bottle(s) or hydration bladder: durable and reusable
☐ Polarized sunglasses with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Toiletries
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing spare batteries)
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Personal first-aid kit (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities and incidentals
Footwear
☐ Athletic shoes or light hikers
☐ Comfortable shoes for evenings in camp (sandals or flip flops)
☐ Hiking socks
Clothing
☐ Long-sleeved shirts: lightweight and light color for sun protection
☐ Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection
☐ Casual wear: comfortable and lightweight for travel and evenings
☐ Shorts
☐ T-shirts
☐ Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
☐ Rain jacket and pants
☐ Swimwear: tankinis and board shorts are a great option
☐ Underwear: quick-drying
☐ T-shirts/tops
☐ Warm fleece or insulated jacket
☐ Warm hat & gloves
Optional Items
☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Sarong: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Small bags: stuff sacks, zip locks, or similar for organizing items in your duffel bag
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Binoculars
☐ Ear plugs (for sleeping, due to surrounding noise)
☐ Ankle gaiters (to keep dirt & mud out of your shoes)
Packing Your Gear
You will carry your own day-size backpack, which should be able to accommodate rain gear, extra layers, water bottle(s) or hydration bladder, and any other personal items you’d like to have along the trail (such as a camera, binoculars, etc…). The remainder of your personal belongings will be carried by the porters.
You will be provided a soft-sided duffel (dimensions 30 in. x 18 in. x 9 in.) to pack all the belongings you don’t intend to carry in your day pack including the sleeping bag that is provided. Inca Trail regulations require that your duffel cannot exceed 15 lbs. total (12 lbs. personal gear and 3 lbs. for sleeping bag).
Airlines often restrict baggage and charges for additional weight and/or bags can be expensive. Check with your airline for their regulations.
Extra Luggage
If you have extra luggage it can likely be stored at your hotel in Cusco and retrieved upon return on day 5.
Valuables
We recommend that you check your personal insurance policy before traveling to ensure that you are covered for theft and loss while traveling. As a safety precaution, do not travel with excessive cash or jewelry if it is not necessary.
HELPFUL LINKS
- Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore and 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.
- Recommended Reading: The Best Machu Picchu Books to Read Before You Go
Reminders
GRATUITIES
Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate and in what amount. “Thank you” is always enough to put a smile on the faces of your guides and staff, but tipping is one of the many ways to reward them for their extra efforts. Because this adventure consists of several components with specific staff, we have created a list to assist you with extending a gratuity to the people who make your trip more enjoyable. You’ll want to plan ahead and have cash – either US Dollars or Peruvian Sol.
- Principal guide: $5-10 per person, per day
- Assistant guide: $3-5 per person, per day (only present for larger groups)
- Porters: $3-5 per person, per day
- Driver: $3 per person per day
The porters and support crew will not continue with you to Machu Picchu, so you’ll want to plan ahead and have cash to give them the morning of day 4. Your lead guide will accompany you to Machu Picchu and to Cusco on day 5, so you’ll have time to provide a gratuity at that time, as well.
SOMETHING VOLUNTARY
In reviewing your statement, you’ll notice a $1 per person per day donation to International Rivers, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting rivers and defending the rights of the surrounding communities. Their work helps stop destructive dams and promotes water and energy solutions for a just and sustainable world. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to protecting rivers, and your contribution is tax-deductible. Please notify our office to delete the donation from your balance.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations and Deposits
A $800/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. Deposits may be made by check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days prior to the departure date will be canceled without exception.
Cancellations and Refunds
Your deposit is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 7 days after you book when you submit a deposit 7 days or more before the final payment due date.
If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
| 45 or more days prior to your trip | Deposit |
| 44 to 0 days prior to your trip | 100% of the trip price/person |
Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.
Canceled Trips
OARS International and the outfitter Mountain Lodges of Peru reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Travel Protection
Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Learn more about the plan we recommend.
Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.
In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
Liability Release / Assumption of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
Responsibility – An Important Notice
O.A.R.S. International, Inc., Apumayo Expediciones, and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories, and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced in accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. On advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above-recited terms and conditions. Prices subject to change without notice. We are experienced in accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. However, we need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips.
OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.
Apumayo Expediciones:
Apumayo Expediciones, a travel partner of OARS International, is the operator of this trip. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.