3. TERMS OF SERVICE FROM RT

The scope of services is detailed as per our descriptions, illustrations, and quotations as presented on the RT web page and in the agreed services according to the offer (see section 1).

RT reserves the right to modify tour information (by email or detailed on the web page) before confirming the tour with the client through a written offer as per section 1. However, once a tour is confirmed and payment received, RT reserves the right to modify the tour only as a result of legitimate and unforeseeable circumstances.

Such circumstances include; modifications or deviations from the travel descriptions during the tour due to road conditions, severe weather and official arbitrariness among others; the travel process indicated in the travel description cannot be guaranteed though under all circumstances RT will only adjust the tour with consideration to the best interests of the client. The agreed travel descriptions only represent the planned travel process, without guaranteeing the details of the exact operational sequence.

If clients request special arrangements prior or during the tour, e.g., modification of the tour due to severe weather, once agreed, a written contract must be signed by both parties.

4. CANCELLATION FEES

4.1 SERVICES AND PRICE ALTERATIONS

Modifications and/or deviations of the itinerary or program due to unforeseen and/or exceptional circumstances out of RT control, any additional costs incurred will be charged to the client.

RT cannot be held responsible for any changes to transportation costs, airport taxes, park entrance fees or the like that are subject to variation and are outside of RT control. We will endeavor to inform passengers of any changes as soon as possible.

RT is entitled to increase the travel price after conclusion of the travel contract as a result of increased transportation costs or charges for certain performances, port or airport taxes or modification to the exchange rates that may affect final costs; any such changes can occur only if the time between the reservation and departure date is at least 4 months or more. If this should be the case, the customer will be informed immediately, but no later than 21 days prior to departure. Price increases thereafter are not admissible.

4.2 EXTRA CHARGES

All extra charges that arise due to the modification of the itinerary caused by the client will be debited to the client for immediate payment. The aforementioned charges include; late arrival of the customer to the airport or port resulting in missing embarkation, late arrival to trekking tours, a premature exit of the country for whatever reason (health, personal, legal, etc.), illness or accident costs incurred during the trip (e.g., helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, hotel stay for a chaperon or companion).

If RT needs to advance money to meet an acute emergency, then the amount laid advanced must be refunded to RT immediately after the termination of the journey.

5. RESIGNATION AND CANCELLATION BY THE TOUR OPERATOR

5.1 RESIGNATION BEFORE TRAVEL START DATE

RT can withdraw a tour offer up to 14 days before the travel start date if the minimum number of required participants is not met, but only if the tour description specifies a minimum number of participants. The customer must be notified of this cancellation (due to not meeting the minimum participant number) at least 14 days before the travel start date. In such a case, the customer will receive an immediate refund for any payments made but is not entitled to any compensation or further claims.

5.2 RESIGNATION AFTER TRAVEL START

RT can withdraw its services after the travel start date if the client is deemed to be behaving or disturbing the tour in an unsatisfactory manner. This specifically includes instances where the customer fails to meet specific tour requirements, such as those related to physical and/or mental health, general capabilities, or technical skills. If RT cancels the tour under these circumstances, costs incurred up to that date, including advanced payments for contracted services, will not be refundable. The client will only be entitled to refunds as determined by RT after considering the incurred tour costs.

6. RESIGNATION BY THE CUSTOMER

Customers can withdraw from the contract at any time before the tour begins, but this must be done in writing. Refunds are subject to specific cancellation guidelines due to pre-tour costs incurred by Responsible Travel (RT). Cancellation fees for custom itinerary tours may vary and will be specified by a Responsible Travel Specialist consultant before reservation.

Specific Refund Policies for Cancelled Tours:

a) For mainland tours in Ecuador which do not include boat trips / cruises:

• 60 days or more before departure: Full refund, excluding a nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.

• From 59 to 21 days before departure: Refund of 60% of the travel price.

• From 20 to 10 days before departure: Refund of 50% of the travel price.

• From 9 to 5 days before departure: Refund of 20% of the travel price.

• From 4 days until departure: 0% will be refunded.

b) For journeys that include boat trips / cruises, the following conditions apply:

• 90 days or more before departure: Full Refund, excluding a nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.

• From 89 to 60 days before departure: Refund of 50% of the travel price.

• From 59 to 40 days before departure: Refund of 40% of the travel price.

• From 39 to 31 days before departure: Refund of 30% of the travel price.

• From 30 days until departure date: 0% will be refunded.

• Important note: For Galápagos Charters, cancellation fees can vary according to the chosen boat and will be confirmed individually.

c) For mainland tours in a South American destination (excepting Ecuador):

• 90 days or more before departure: Full Refund, excluding a nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.

• From 89 to 60 days before departure: Refund of 50% of the travel price.

• From 59 to 40 days before departure: Refund of 40% of the travel price.

• From 39 to 31 days before departure: Refund of 30% of the travel price.

• From 30 days until departure date: 0% will be refunded.