Galapagos Pacha Travel Terms and Conditions of Service

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Galapagos Pacha Travel! This document is your expedition guide, charting the course of our shared adventure through terms, conditions, and policies. Understanding these principles will ensure your exploration is not only seamless, but also contributes to the preservation of this living laboratory of evolution.

The Galapagos National Park

Guardians of this living laboratory, the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Pacha Travel, guided by our dedicated Park naturalists, are entrusted with preserving the delicate balance of these islands. In our shared mission to protect this evolutionary wonder, we must respectfully decline access to any visitor who disregards the Park’s sacred rules, be it on land or beneath the waves. Should one’s actions threaten this fragile ecosystem, we may need to gently guide them back to the mainland, without refund, ensuring the islands’ magic endures for future generations of curious explorers and the remarkable creatures who call this paradise: home.

Important to Consider

Embark on a journey that resonates with your spirit and physical abilities; Galapagos Pacha Travel invites you to explore responsibly, as any costs arising from misjudged capabilities remain your own.

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Galapagos Islands, where every moment is an intimate dance with nature’s elements. Feel the pulse of the ocean beneath your feet as you navigate our vessels, their decks glistening with the sea’s touch, demanding your balance and respect. Experience the thrill of frequent transfers to hidden gems – be it secluded landing sites or underwater marvels – each requiring your active engagement and sure-footedness. Picture yourself stepping onto ancient lava formations, their surfaces slick with nature’s dew, or sinking your toes into sun-kissed sandy shores where playful waves beckon. Our nature trails invite you to traverse the archipelago’s living history, with paths that wind through irregular terrains and proud boulders – silent sentinels of Earth’s fiery past. In this untamed paradise, every step is a privilege, every breath a connection to a world unchanged by time. Come prepared, for in the Galapagos, you’re not just a visitor – you’re a temporary guardian of nature’s masterpiece.

We consider 90 days before the tour to be the last minute! 

Travel Insurance

For your utmost peace of mind, Galapagos Pacha Travel strongly recommends a travel insurance policy that includes comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation. Costs for medical evacuation can be substantial, making this coverage essential for your health and financial protection. Without it, passengers would need to bear significant expenses themselves. Additionally, your policy should safeguard you against trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss. Unforeseen events such as decisions by Galapagos National Park, governmental actions, weather changes, travel restrictions, and airline issues can disrupt your plans. Therefore, it is mandatory for all passengers to have a comprehensive insurance policy that, at a minimum, covers appropriate medical costs, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.

Visas and Documentation

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we’re passionate about making your Ecuadorian adventure seamless. Remember, your passport is your key to unlock the wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date to avoid any travel hiccups. Most explorers can bask in Ecuador’s beauty for up to 90 days and 60 days in Galapagos within a year, but we recommend double-checking with your local Ecuadorian embassy for the most up-to-date entry requirements. While we’re experts in crafting unforgettable experiences, visa arrangements are your personal quest. So, gear up for your journey by securing all necessary documentation and visa stamps. Let’s make your Galapagos dream a reality – with the right paperwork, you’ll be saying «hola» to the islands in no time!

Responsibility of Travelers

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we believe in creating a harmonious and enriching experience for every adventurer. It’s vital that travelers fully understand and adhere to the trip itinerary details, the terms and conditions of service, pre-trip information, and guidance from our staff and guides. Maintain the spirit of respectful adventure by following social norms, ensuring smooth trip operations, and observing all safety protocols. Courtesy and respect towards our team and fellow explorers are paramount, as is kindness to the incredible wildlife we encounter.

We reserve the right to deny service without refund to any individual who poses a danger to themselves, acts disruptively, impedes the trip, or shows blatant disregard for the well-being of others, our team, and the natural environment. Your cooperation ensures a safe and delightful journey for all participants.

Please note, Galapagos Pacha Travel is not liable for any issues arising from passengers who consume or procure alcoholic beverages or illegal substances during their adventure. Let’s make this journey a remarkable and respectful exploration of the Galapagos Islands together!

Galapagos Pacha Travel Pre-Trip Information

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we’re committed to ensuring your Galapagos adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. That’s why we provide comprehensive pre-trip information to our valued partners and directly to our adventurers. We encourage all agencies and tour operators to share this treasure trove of insights with their passengers. After all, a well-prepared explorer is a happy explorer! Our pre-trip guide is packed with insider tips and essential details to help you get the most out of your upcoming journey. So, dive into this wealth of information and get ready for an unforgettable Galapagos experience with us!

Pricing

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we’re committed to providing exceptional value for your adventure. While we strive to maintain our competitive prices, the winds of change sometimes blow through global markets. In rare cases, factors beyond our control – like fuel costs or government tax adjustments – may necessitate price updates. Rest assured, any changes are made with transparency and our unwavering dedication to delivering an unforgettable Galapagos experience. Your dream journey is our priority, and we’ll always work to ensure it remains both magical and accessible!

Booking Deposit

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, a non-refundable payment is required at time of booking to lock in your unforgettable adventure. All payments must be in U.S. Dollars, with any transfer fees covered by you. Our tour prices are based on double occupancy.

Enhanced refund terms for online bookings

Upon checkout, customers can opt for the Enhanced Refund Terms as an additional fee, which will increase the customer’s total by 8% of the booking value. If a customer can’t attend their booking due to a reason listed in the Enhanced Refund Terms, they can apply for a full refund anytime up to the first date of the tour or activity, or for up to 60 days afterward, directly through Protect Group.

https://www.refundable.me/

Clarification of Role as a Middle Person

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we’re your trusted bridge to an extraordinary adventure. We meticulously coordinate with top-notch travel suppliers to craft your perfect journey. While we pour our hearts into arranging seamless bookings and securing services, please note that we can’t be held responsible for the direct actions of our partners. Our role is to be your dedicated travel orchestrator, ensuring every note of your Galapagos symphony is in harmony, while our expert suppliers and guides play their parts to perfection.

Disclaimer of Liability

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we curate extraordinary experiences with utmost care, partnering with top-notch suppliers and guides. While we strive for perfection, please understand that we can’t be held responsible for unforeseen circumstances or actions beyond our control. Our commitment is to your seamless journey, but the magic of adventure sometimes comes with surprises. Rest assured, we’re always here to support you throughout your unforgettable Galapagos expedition.

Supplier Bankruptcy Disclaimer

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we meticulously curate our network of eco-conscious suppliers, aligning with our commitment to responsible exploration and community support. While we pour our hearts into selecting partners who share our reverence for the Galapagos’ unique ecosystem and culture, we humbly acknowledge that the path of adventure can sometimes take unexpected turns. In the rare event that a supplier faces financial challenges affecting your journey, we regretfully cannot assume liability for resulting disruptions. Rest assured, our dedication to crafting transformative experiences remains unwavering, as we navigate the delicate balance between discovery and preservation in this extraordinary archipelago.

Accommodation

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, our policies on accommodation are designed with your comfort and satisfaction in mind:

We ensure your accommodation matches the exact specifications promised in your booking. Clients are promptly informed of any changes to their accommodation arrangements, as your peace of mind is our priority.

Itinerary Changes

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we embrace the unpredictable spirit of adventure, but sometimes challenges arise from transport issues, park decisions, nature’s whims, or unforeseen events. In such cases, we’ll strive to offer equally thrilling alternatives or fair refunds, though this may be subject to the ‘Inability to Perform’ clause detailed below. Your extraordinary journey remains our priority, no matter the circumstances.

Inability to Perform

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, we’re passionate about securing your dream adventure early! While we strive to confirm most experiences in advance, some of our most thrilling excursions, especially on land-based tours, may only be locked in about 60 days before your journey begins.

Feeling the call of a last-minute escapade? If you’re booking within 60 days of departure, let’s chat first! Our enthusiastic team is ready to check availability and help you embark on your Galapagos odyssey. Reach out to us at info@galapagospachatravel.com, and let’s make your adventure a reality!

Group Based Tour

At Galapagos Pacha Travel, your adventure is our priority! In the rare event that we need to postpone a program due to low enrollment, we’ll reach out to you promptly once our partners inform us. Don’t worry – we’re committed to making your dreams a reality, and you can easily reschedule your journey at no extra cost. Your Galapagos experience is just waiting for the perfect moment!

Force Majeure Clause

Unforeseen circumstances, beyond anyone’s control, can sometimes impact our plans in unexpected ways. This contract is no exception.

Galapagos Pacha Travel takes immense pride in delivering unforgettable adventures. However, we cannot be held responsible for disruptions in our tours across the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador due to strikes, mechanical failures, pandemics, fires, accidents, or any other extraordinary event that disrupts the peaceful flow of daily life. Safety is our priority, including responding to emergencies at sea.

Force majeure events might compel us to alter departure times or revise itineraries without prior notice—this includes weather shifts, nature’s whims, wildlife patterns, safety directives, park regulations, or technical challenges.

In these extraordinary circumstances, we are not obligated to provide alternate services, replacements, or refunds. The Inability to Perform clause, at our discretion, may take precedence over other terms.

Should a force majeure occur, we’ll work to amend or cancel bookings and adjust customer responsibilities as needed. While we strive to ensure you still encounter the essence of the Galapagos, there may be situations where this isn’t possible due to the unpredictable nature of these events.

Complaints

We value your feedback and strive to make every moment of your Galapagos adventure extraordinary. If any aspect of your journey doesn’t meet your expectations, please inform our team immediately so we can address your concerns on the spot.

To ensure we can fully address any issues, we kindly ask that any formal feedback be shared with us within 30 days of your tour’s conclusion. This allows us to investigate thoroughly and respond promptly. While we always aim for perfection, your insights help us continually enhance the Galapagos Pacha Travel experience for all our explorers.

Dietary or medical restrictions

Sharing this information is essential for your seamless entry into the Galapagos National Park. If not provided on time, it may lead to delays and the risk of missing the tour entirely, which would mean a missed opportunity to explore this extraordinary haven of biodiversity.

As responsible explorers (and conscientious tour organizers), it’s crucial to notify Galapagos Pacha Travel of any specific dietary requirements unaddressed by our menus, at least 30 days before your adventure begins. Only by clearly communicating your needs can we strive to meet them.

In the spirit of respect and preservation, we promise to do our utmost to accommodate special requests within reason, considering Ecuador’s local product availability. However, sustainability requires balance, and Galapagos Pacha Travel must reserve the right to decline certain special requests to ensure the integrity of our shared experience.

Snorkeling

Embrace the wonders of the Galapagos’ aquatic realm through exhilarating activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea kayaking. While we provide the gateway to these unforgettable experiences, adventurous souls choose to partake at their own discretion, accepting the inherent risks as part of their journey into nature’s magnificent underwater playground.

Payment

Embark on your Galapagos adventure with confidence! All payments must be received, credited, and cleared in Galapagos Pacha Travel’s accounts by the specified date to secure your spot on this life-changing journey. As stewards of this unique experience, we reserve the right to refuse name changes on bookings.

To ensure your seamless exploration of nature’s wonderland, Galapagos Pacha Travel requires the following details 60 days before departure (or at booking time for last-minute adventurers):

Full names of all explorers

Passport numbers (and passport copy for children)

Nationality

Date of birth

Marital status

Any dietary or medical considerations

By promptly providing this information, you help us create a seamless, personalized experience, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: your discovery of the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands in all their natural splendor.

Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk

Embrace the adventure of visiting remote regions with Galapagos Pacha Travel where the rugged beauty comes with its own set of risks. Our journeys might involve the untamed elements, wild animals, civil unrest, terrorism, uneven lands, various forms of transportation including taxis, buses, planes, boats, and ferries, high altitudes, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and physical activities that might exceed your usual limits, and or negligence. Along the way, participants may face additional hazards such as accidents, injuries, or illnesses in secluded areas with limited access to emergency services, prompt evacuation, adequate medical facilities, or medical supplies.

Galapagos Pacha Travel participants fully understand that the thrill and excitement of our expeditions come with inherent risks. These potential encounters make activities like swimming, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and scuba diving—provided by Galapagos Pacha Travel—dynamic and exhilarating. Your voluntary participation transforms these experiences into unforgettable adventures.

Participants agree that this waiver is legally binding on themselves and any minors under their guardianship, their heirs, successors, and legal representatives. By stepping into this journey, they fully accept all travel risks and release Galapagos Pacha Travel from any liabilities, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Participants also release Galapagos Pacha Travel from any claims regarding baggage or property loss, personal injury or death, and delays due to acts, omissions, or negligence of independent contractors or third-party suppliers like airlines, cruises, motorboats, tour vessels, optional activities, hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and other service providers.

Galapagos Pacha Travel is not liable for incidents such as airline cancellations, rerouting, or any disruptions in schedule, service, or accommodation. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to make every journey remarkable.

Variation of conditions of terms and conditions

Just as the Galapagos’ delicate ecosystem thrives on balance, our commitment to your adventure is anchored in carefully crafted guidelines. These terms, like the islands’ unique species, have evolved to protect and preserve the essence of your journey. While our passionate team members are your guides through this natural wonder, only our administration can adapt these foundational principles. As the archipelago itself continues to evolve, we too may refine our approach, always with the goal of enhancing your transformative Galapagos experience and fostering a deep connection with this extraordinary place.

Jurisdiction

Just as the Galapagos thrives under Ecuador’s protective laws, our journey together is guided by the wisdom of Ecuadorian courts. Should our paths diverge, like Darwin’s finches adapting to new challenges, we’ll seek harmony through the Center of Mediation and Arbitrage from Quito’s Chamber of Commerce. This process, much like the delicate balance of the archipelago’s ecosystem, ensures fairness and mutual understanding, allowing us to focus on the true treasure: your transformative Galapagos adventure.

Contact Information

Just as the curious naturalist seeks to understand the wonders of the Galapagos, we welcome your inquiries about our terms and conditions. Our team stands ready to illuminate your path to adventure.

Email: info@galapagospachatravel.com

Phone: +593 99 921 1193

As you embark on this transformative journey, please affirm your understanding of these terms—the foundation of our shared adventure. We’re thrilled to guide you through the living laboratory of evolution that is the Galapagos, where every moment promises discovery and wonder.

Thank you for choosing Galapagos Pacha Travel as your gateway to this extraordinary archipelago!