Huayhuash Trek – Andes Treks (Wander Free Peru E.I.R.L.)
1. Nature of the activity
The Huayhuash Trek is a multi-day, high-altitude trekking expedition in a remote mountain region of Peru. It involves physical exertion, steep and uneven terrain, cold temperatures, variable weather, river crossings, and camping in basic conditions.
Medical facilities and emergency services may be limited, unavailable, or significantly delayed.
Participants acknowledge that the Huayhuash Trek reaches altitudes of approximately 5,200 meters and involves exposure to extreme environmental conditions.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE, HACE
- Severe weather including snow, hail, wind, and lightning
- Rockfall, landslides, and unstable terrain
- Animal-related incidents involving horses, donkeys, and mules
- Remote environments with limited communication
- Delayed or restricted access to emergency evacuation
Participants understand that serious injury or death may occur even when following all instructions and safety measures.
2. Assumption of risk
By participating in the Huayhuash Trek, the participant voluntarily assumes full responsibility for all risks associated with the activity, including those arising from:
- Natural environmental conditions
- Altitude and terrain
- Equipment and logistics
- Third-party services and independent contractors
- Operational decisions made during the trek
The participant acknowledges that these risks cannot be eliminated and may result in injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.
Participation is entirely voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.
3. Health & medical responsibility
The participant confirms that all relevant medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations have been disclosed in advance, in accordance with the Terms & Conditions.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Heart conditions
- Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma)
- Neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy)
- Diabetes
- Severe allergies
- Recent surgeries
- Psychiatric conditions
- Relevant medication use
The participant is fully responsible for:
- Carrying all required personal medication
- Knowing how to use such medication
- Informing the guide of any medical concerns
The participant acknowledges that:
- Access to professional medical care may be limited or delayed
- Food contamination cannot be fully prevented in remote environments
Participants with allergies or medical conditions accept these risks.
Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in exclusion from the trek without refund and releases Andes Treks from related liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.
3a. Emergency authority and medical consent
The participant authorizes Andes Treks and its guides to make decisions for safety, including:
- Route and itinerary changes
- Shortening or stopping the trek
- Adding rest days
- Evacuating participants
- Arranging medical treatment
The participant further authorizes Andes Treks to arrange:
- Evacuation by horse, mule, stretcher, vehicle, or other means
- Transport to clinics, hospitals, or medical facilities
- Assistance from local authorities or communities
These decisions are binding and made in the interest of safety.
3b. Emergency and evacuation costs
The participant acknowledges that emergency evacuation in remote areas may involve horses, mules, stretchers, vehicles, or local support.
All costs related to:
- Rescue
- Evacuation
- Medical treatment
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Logistics
are the sole responsibility of the participant.
If Wander Free Peru E.I.R.L. or Andes Treks advances any such costs, the participant agrees to fully reimburse all amounts upon request, regardless of insurance coverage.
3c. Third-party services
The participant understands that certain services during the trek may be provided by independent contractors or local providers, including:
- Guides
- Muleteers
- Transport providers
- Emergency support
Wander Free Peru E.I.R.L. and Andes Treks are not liable for the acts or omissions of such third parties, except where required by law.
4. Parental responsibility for minors
If the booking includes a participant under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for the minor’s:
- Participation
- Supervision
- Health
- Safety
- Decision-making
The parent or legal guardian confirms:
- They have assessed the minor’s physical and mental fitness
- The minor is capable of participating in a high-altitude trek
The parent or legal guardian understands that:
- Guides provide professional guidance and logistical support
- Guides do not replace parental supervision
The parent or legal guardian remains responsible at all times.
Andes Treks and its guides have the final authority to stop a minor’s participation for safety reasons, even if the parent or guardian disagrees.
5. Guide authority and operational control
Participants agree to follow the guide’s instructions and decisions at all times, as also defined in the Terms & Conditions.
The guide has full authority to:
- Modify the itinerary
- Change route, campsites, or pace
- Add rest days
- Shorten or stop the trek
- Evacuate participants
- Arrange medical treatment
Participants acknowledge that:
- Campsites, routes, and conditions are influenced by local communities and external factors
- No specific route, pass, campsite, or viewpoint is guaranteed
Such decisions do not entitle the participant to refunds or compensation.
5a. Personal responsibility
The participant is solely responsible for:
- Their physical condition
- Their preparation and acclimatization
- Their equipment
- Their decision to participate
The participant acknowledges that failure to properly prepare, acclimatize, or follow safety guidance increases the risk of injury or illness and does not create liability for Andes Treks.
6. Release of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the participant (or parent/legal guardian) releases and discharges Wander Free Peru E.I.R.L. and Andes Treks, including their:
- Owners
- Staff
- Guides
- Contractors
- Partners
from liability for injury, illness, loss, damage, or death arising from participation in the Huayhuash Trek, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct under Peruvian law.
The participant agrees not to bring claims against the company except to the extent permitted by mandatory applicable law.
6a. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of Wander Free Peru E.I.R.L. and Andes Treks for any claim arising from participation in the trek is limited to the total amount paid for the tour.
7. Governing law and jurisdiction
This waiver is governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Peru.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Huaraz, Ancash, Peru, in alignment with the Terms & Conditions.
7a. Survival
This waiver remains in effect after completion or termination of the tour and applies to any claims arising from participation.
8. Acknowledgment and digital signature
By completing the booking and digitally signing this waiver through the WeTravel platform, I confirm that:
- I have read, understood, and accepted all terms of this waiver in full
- I understand the risks involved in high-altitude trekking
- I voluntarily accept full responsibility for participation
I confirm that I am signing:
- As the participant, or
- As the parent/legal guardian authorized to sign on behalf of all participants included in this booking
Digital acceptance, booking records, and waiver confirmations may be used as legally binding evidence of agreement.
This waiver is legally binding upon digital signature and does not require a handwritten signature.