Guru Explorers

Terms of use

Introduction and Acceptance

These General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter, “the Terms”) govern access to and use of the website www.guruexplorers.com and the contracting of all services offered by Guru Explorers or its affiliates (“Guru Explorers”, “we”, “our”).

By accessing the website, making a booking, or purchasing any service, the user (“Explorer” or “client”) declares having read, understood, and fully accepted these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy available at www.guruexplorers.com/politica-privacidad/.

Guru Explorers reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Amendments will take effect from the date of publication on the website. Continued use of the services implies acceptance of the current terms.

PART A — OPERATIONAL POLICIES

1. Bookings and Payments

1.1 Booking process

To confirm a booking, the Explorer must pay the corresponding initial deposit. Once payment is received, Guru Explorers will process the booking and re-verify availability for specific tours and/or accommodations.

The Explorer must also provide the following information for each participant:

  • Full name as it appears on the passport
  • Passport number and nationality
  • Date of birth and gender
  • Dietary restrictions, allergies, or relevant medical conditions
  • Emergency contact (name and phone number)

1.2 Payment structure

A non-refundable deposit as indicated during the purchase process (by the sales agent or on the website) is required to confirm the booking. The remaining balance must be paid before the start of services, as directed by the sales agent.

For Jungle Lodge services, the payment structure may differ according to each property’s policies (see §4.4).

1.3 Payment methods and surcharges

Guru Explorers accepts the following payment methods:

  • Credit / debit card — a 6% surcharge applies to the total amount
  • International bank transfer — the Explorer assumes any bank charges incurred
  • PayPal — a 6% surcharge applies to the total amount
  • WeTravel — subject to the platform’s own conditions
  • Cash — at our office Monday to Friday 9:30 am–6:00 pm, Saturdays 9:30 am–1:00 pm. Payments outside office hours carry an additional charge of USD 10. Damaged, written-on, torn, stained, or deteriorated banknotes are not accepted. Old-series USD bills (issued before 1996) are also not accepted.

Guru Explorers will not absorb any bank charges, platform commissions, or currency conversion fees. All such costs are the Explorer’s responsibility.

1.4 Confirmation

Once the deposit has been processed, the Explorer will receive a confirmation email with the booking reference code. It is the Explorer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of the information included and to report any errors immediately.

2. Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests must be submitted exclusively by email to [email protected]. For penalty calculation purposes, the valid date is the date on which Guru Explorers receives the written notification, not the date on which the process was initiated.

Any request made by the client shall be considered a cancellation, regardless of the reason, including — but not limited to — force majeure, health reasons, or circumstances beyond the client’s control, such as flight changes or delays.

2.1 Cancellation penalty table

Penalties are expressed as a percentage of the total service value or as fixed amounts in USD per person, as applicable:

Service Type+30 days7–30 daysLess than 7 daysNote
Standard tours (Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Huacachina, Nazca)20%40%100%Shared & Private
Colca 2D with accommodation (tours 25*, 26*)30%50%100%
Lake Titicaca Lodge (2D/1N)20%90%100%⚠ Special policy
Sacred Valley Glamping or Desert Glamping60%80% (from 10d)100%
Humantay / Salkantay with DomesDeposit onlyDeposit only100%
Machu Picchu by train (standard)$150 USD/pax$180 USD/pax100%Fixed amounts
Machu Picchu with Observatory train$180 USD/pax$210 USD/pax100%Fixed amounts
Hiram Bingham (luxury train)$220 USD/pax per leg$240 USD/pax per leg100%Subject to confirmation
Inca Trail 2D$220 USD/pax$250 USD/pax100%
Inca Trail 4D / 5D / Salkantay 4D$350 USD/pax$400 USD/pax100%
Jungle Lodges (Tambopata, Iquitos, Manu)Per lodgePer lodge100%See detail §4.4
Specific penalties for each tour are also detailed on the corresponding page of the website. In case of discrepancy, the conditions indicated at the time of the confirmed booking will prevail.

2.2 Cancellations by Guru Explorers

Guru Explorers reserves the right to cancel a service in the following cases:

  • The minimum number of required participants is not reached (notice will be given at least 24 hours in advance)
  • Force majeure circumstances (see §5)
  • Guide illness or other unforeseen operational causes

In the event of cancellation by Guru Explorers, the Explorer will receive a full refund of the amount paid or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. No other compensation (flights, accommodation, lost time, etc.) will be recognized.

2.3 No-show (absence without prior cancellation)

If the Explorer fails to appear at the pick-up point at the agreed date and time without having given prior notice of cancellation, they will forfeit 100% of the amount paid with no right to a refund or compensation. The driver and guide will wait a maximum of 5 minutes at the pick-up point.

3. Date Change Policy

A maximum of one (1) date change per booking is permitted, subject to penalties according to the activity’s conditions.

Once the change has been made and the corresponding penalties paid, no further modifications may be made; any new change will be treated as a new booking.

All changes are subject to availability and must be requested by email.

3.1 Date change penalty table

Service Type+30 days7–30 daysLess than 7 daysNote
Standard tours5%10%100%Subject to availability
Machu Picchu by train (standard)$100 USD/pax$130 USD/pax100%Fixed amounts
Machu Picchu with Observatory train$120 USD/pax$150 USD/pax100%Fixed amounts
Hiram Bingham$180 USD/pax per leg$230 USD/pax per leg100%
Inca Trail 2D$180 USD/pax$220 USD/pax100%
Inca Trail 4D / 5D / Salkantay 4D$250 USD/pax$300 USD/pax100%
Salkantay / Humantay 2D with DomesDeposit only100%

3.2 Itinerary changes by the Explorer

Any personal modification to the confirmed itinerary by the Explorer once the service has begun is solely their responsibility and cost. Guru Explorers is not obligated to make last-minute adjustments and no refund will be recognized for unauthorized changes.

4. Refunds

4.1 Processing timelines

Once a refund request is approved in accordance with the applicable conditions, Guru Explorers will process the refund within a maximum of 30 business days. The refund will be made via the same payment method used in the original transaction.

4.2 Costs borne by the Explorer

The Explorer assumes in full any bank charges, platform commissions, or any fees arising from the refund process. Guru Explorers will not refund amounts exceeding the net value originally received.

4.3 Third-party services

For services involving external providers (PeruRail, Inca Rail, Ministry of Culture, hotels, airlines), refunds are governed by each provider’s own policies. Guru Explorers will act as an intermediary to facilitate the process but does not guarantee the timelines or amounts of third-party refunds.

Admission tickets to Machu Picchu, Wayna Picchu, and Montaña Machu Picchu issued by the Ministry of Culture are non-refundable once issued. Name changes on train tickets carry an additional cost set by the rail operators.

4.4 Jungle Lodge Policy

Services at Amazon destinations (Tambopata, Iquitos, Manu) are subject to each lodge’s individual policies, which may differ from the general conditions:

LodgeRequired depositCancellationDate change
Inkaterra Tambopata (1–4 rooms)50% at booking; balance 30 days before+30d: 50% | ≤30d: 100%Same as cancellation
Inkaterra Tambopata (5–24 rooms)50% at booking; balance 60 days before+60d: 50% | ≤60d: 100%Same as cancellation
Heliconia Lodge (Iquitos)50% at booking; balance 15 days before+30d: 30% | 15–30d: 50% | <15d: 100%+30d: 10% | 15–30d: 30% | <15d: 100%
Corto Maltés (Iquitos)50% at booking; balance 15 days before+45d: 30% | 30–45d: 50% | <30d: 100%Same as cancellation
Eco Amazonía (Iquitos)50% at booking; balance 15 days before+30d: 50% | ≤30d: 100%Same as cancellation
Crees Manu60% at booking; balance 60 days before≥60d: deposit | 30–59d: 60% | <30d: 100%Up to 120d before. Fee: $60 USD admin.
Wasai Tambopata / Natura Vive (Capsules)50% at booking; balance 15–30 days before+30d–60d: 50% | ≤date: 100%Same as cancellation
The exact conditions of each lodge will be communicated to the Explorer at the time of booking and will form part of the contract. Guru Explorers recommends reviewing these policies carefully before confirming jungle services.

5. Force Majeure and Unforeseen Events

Guru Explorers will not be liable for delays, modifications, or cancellations of services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, extreme winds)
  • Strikes, protests, road blockages, or social unrest
  • Natural disasters, earthquakes, floods
  • Pandemics, epidemics, or government health restrictions
  • Cancellations or delays of flights, trains, or third-party transportation
  • Closure of archaeological sites or attractions by government decision
  • Unforeseeable mechanical or technical failures

In none of these cases will the Explorer be entitled to demand a refund for the affected services. Guru Explorers will endeavour to offer viable alternatives where possible, but any additional costs incurred will be borne by the Explorer.

Guru Explorers strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance covering force majeure cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuation, luggage loss, and itinerary changes. Guru Explorers can issue a certificate in such cases to be used with the Explorer’s travel insurance.

6. Included and Excluded Services

6.1 Generally included

Unless expressly stated otherwise in the tour description:

  • Certified professional guide in Spanish / English / Portuguese
  • Ground transportation during the tour (as per itinerary)

6.2 Generally NOT included

  • Domestic or international airfare
  • Airport taxes
  • Accommodation (unless expressly stated)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, tips, and extras
  • Visas, immigration permits, and vaccination certificates
  • Excess baggage
  • Services not explicitly mentioned in the programme

6.3 Explorer requirements

The Explorer is responsible for holding a valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity beyond the last travel date), visas, permits, and required health documentation. Guru Explorers is not liable for consequences arising from incomplete or incorrect documentation.

PART B — LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND LIABILITIES

7. Nature of Service and Role of Guru Explorers

Guru Explorers operates in a dual role: as a direct tour operator for some activities, and as an intermediary between the Explorer and approved Affiliates (operators, lodges, hotels, and other service providers) for others.

When Guru Explorers acts as an intermediary, direct responsibility for the quality and safety of the service lies with the corresponding Affiliate. Guru Explorers carries out a verification and approval process for each Affiliate but does not assume liability for damages or incidents arising from their direct operation.

In the event of dissatisfaction with an Affiliate’s service, the Explorer may notify Guru Explorers, who will assess the continuation of the commercial relationship with that Affiliate.

8. Participation in Activities and Assumption of Risk

The Explorer declares that they:

  • Participate voluntarily in the booked activities, knowing that physical risks may be involved
  • Are in adequate physical and health condition to undertake the activity
  • Have read and understand the requirements and restrictions of each activity
  • Will follow the guide’s instructions at all times before, during, and after the activity

Guru Explorers, its representatives, and affiliates are exempt from liability for injuries, accidents, damages, or losses occurring as a consequence of the Explorer’s voluntary participation in the activities, including those arising from failure to follow the guide’s instructions.

8.1 Minors

The adult who includes a minor (under 18 years of age) in the booking assumes full responsibility for their safety, well-being, and behaviour throughout the activity. By booking, the adult expressly accepts these Terms on behalf of all included minors. Guru Explorers does not provide childcare or supervision services.

8.2 Exclusion on safety grounds

Guru Explorers and its representatives reserve the right to refuse or exclude the participation of any Explorer whose physical condition, behaviour, or circumstances pose a risk to themselves or to the group. In this case, no refund applies.

8.3 Equipment damage

In the event of damage to or loss of equipment provided by Guru Explorers (trekking poles, tents, safety equipment, etc.), the Explorer must assume the repair or replacement cost, payable in cash or by bank transfer.

8.4 Image authorisation

The Explorer authorises Guru Explorers to capture photographs and/or videos during activities for promotional and marketing purposes on its digital channels.

If you prefer not to appear in images, you may communicate this in advance in writing or inform the activity leader directly before the activity begins.

9. Personal Data Protection

Guru Explorers processes the Explorer’s personal data in accordance with Law No. 29733, the Personal Data Protection Law of Peru, and its Regulations (Supreme Decree No. 003-2013-JUS).

The data collected will be used exclusively for booking management, service delivery, commercial communications (with express consent), and fulfilment of legal obligations. They will not be transferred to third parties beyond what is necessary for the execution of the contracted service.

The Explorer has the right to access, rectify, cancel, or object to the processing of their data (ARCO rights) by sending a request to [email protected]. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the website www.guruexplorers.com, including texts, images, logos, designs, videos, code, and site architecture, is the property of Guru Explorers or has been licensed for use. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without prior written authorisation is prohibited.

Published photographs are for reference purposes only. Guru Explorers does not guarantee that images accurately represent the current conditions of destinations or activities.

11. Limitation of Liability

Guru Explorers will not be liable, under any circumstances, for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of the website or participation in activities, including loss of income, property damage, or personal injury, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence directly attributable to Guru Explorers in its capacity as operator.

Website information is provided “as is” and Guru Explorers does not guarantee its accuracy at all times, especially regarding prices, availability, and third-party conditions.

12. Indemnification

The Explorer will indemnify and hold harmless Guru Explorers, its directors, employees, agents, and affiliates against any claim, damage, loss, or expense (including legal fees) arising from their breach of these Terms, misuse of the website, or participation in activities contrary to the instructions received.

13. Discounts and Promotions

Promotional codes are for personal, non-transferable use and are valid for a single transaction. They cannot be combined with other promotions or redeemed for cash. In the event of cancellation of a booking made with a discount code, the refund will correspond only to the amount actually paid, not to the original price.

14. Complaints Book

In accordance with Article 150 of the Consumer Protection and Defence Code (Law No. 29571), Guru Explorers makes its Virtual Complaints Book available to the Explorer. The Explorer can access it at www.guruexplorers.com/libro-de-reclamaciones or request it directly via [email protected].

Complaints or claims will be addressed within a maximum of 15 business days from receipt.

15. Third-Party Websites

The website may contain links to third-party pages. Guru Explorers does not control or accept responsibility for the content, availability, or privacy policies of such sites. Access to external sites is at the Explorer’s sole risk.

16. Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Arbitration

These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Peru. Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms will be resolved through binding and confidential arbitration, with its seat in Peru. Each party will bear half of the arbitration costs and their own legal fees.

The parties expressly submit to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Lima, Peru, for matters that are not subject to arbitration.

17. Final Provisions

If any clause of these Terms is declared null or unenforceable, the remainder of the document will remain in full force. Failure to enforce a provision at any given time does not imply a permanent waiver thereof.

Guru Explorers may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms to any third party without prior notice to the Explorer.

For enquiries about these Terms, please contact:

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