Website: https://trailsgalapagos.com
This document outlines the Terms of Use (“Terms”) of Trails Galapagos, a travel agency incorporated under Swiss law, with its registered office at Auf dem Wolf 31A, 4052 Basel, Switzerland (“Trails Galapagos”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).
By accessing our Website or making a booking, you accept these Terms, which govern all agreements between you and Trails Galapagos, including bookings for cruises, tours, and other travel services in the Galapagos Islands.
These Terms are designed to comply with Swiss law, as well as with mandatory consumer protection provisions under EU law, for clients who reside in the European Union.
1. Definitions
- Guest: Any person booking a tour, cruise, or other travel service via Trails Galapagos.
- Tour / Cruise Package: Any itinerary, excursion, cruise, or service offered by Trails Galapagos on the Galapagos Islands.
- Reservation: The agreement between the Guest and Trails Galapagos regarding the purchase of a Tour or Cruise Package.
- Website: https://trailsgalapagos.com and all associated pages.
2. Services
2.1. Trails Galapagos sells cruise packages and Galapagos tours exclusively online.
2.2. Prices are displayed and charged in USD, EUR, or CHF. Conversion rates are indicative; Guests are responsible for any currency conversion fees.
2.3. We may modify itineraries, vessels, or excursions for safety, environmental, or operational reasons, while maintaining equivalent service standards.
2.4. Trails Galapagos provides expert guidance, booking support, and logistical assistance but is not liable for third-party service providers or acts of nature.
3. Booking and Reservations
3.1. Reservations are made via the Website and are confirmed only after we send a booking confirmation.
3.2. To issue a final confirmation, Trails Galapagos requires:
- Copy of passport for all participants.
- Any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or allergies.
- Flight information between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos.
- We recommend all Guests purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance and medical evacuation coverage.
3.3. Special requests (dietary needs, cabin preferences, rental gear) will be forwarded to the tour provider. We cannot guarantee fulfillment, and additional costs may apply.
3.4. Until confirmation is sent, no Reservation is guaranteed. Guests should not make independent travel arrangements until confirmation.
3.5. Price Adjustments by Third-Party Providers: Changes in rates applied by third-party providers (fuel, port fees, local taxes) may be reflected in the final price prior to payment. Trails Galapagos will inform the traveler of any increase before the reservation is confirmed.
4. Guest Responsibilities
4.1. Guests must meet all requirements for tours and cruises, including health, age, insurance, and fitness criteria.
4.2. Guests must arrive on time at all meeting points. Trails Galapagos is not responsible for missed activities due to late arrival.
4.3. Guests must follow all rules and environmental regulations provided by guides, crew, or authorities. Non-compliance may result in denied participation without refund.
5. Payments
5.1. Payment methods include Debit and credit card from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover & Diners Club, China UnionPay (CUP), Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), in USD, EUR, or CHF.
5.2. Reservations are confirmed only after full payment is received.
5.3. A booking voucher will be sent via email, serving as proof of Reservation. Guests must retain a copy.
5.4. Refunds are processed in the same currency used for payment. Banks or card providers may apply additional fees, for which Trails Galapagos is not responsible.
6. Cancellation & Refund Policy
6.1. Cancellation fees:
- More than 90 days before departure: 70% refund.
- 45–89 days before departure: 50% refund.
- Less than 45 days before departure: 0% refund.
6.2. No refund is provided for cancellations due to cancelled, delayed, or missed flights.
6.3. No refund will be made in case of illness or accident. Guests are highly encouraged to have trip cancellation/interruption insurance and medical evacuation coverage.
6.4. All amendments or cancellations must be submitted in writing via info@trailsgalapagos.com.
6.5. For EU residents, cancellation rights comply with mandatory EU consumer protection laws. However, the refund percentages above remain applicable as they reflect the operational realities of Galapagos cruises and tours.
6.6. Force Majeur: In the event of natural disasters, vessel accidents, external incidents, pandemics, governmental restrictions, or any other events beyond the control of Trails Galapagos that prevent the trip from taking place, the following shall apply:
- Trails Galapagos may cancel or postpone the trip without penalty.
- Payments already made will not be refunded. Instead, the amounts paid may be applied to another trip on a future date chosen by the traveler, up to a maximum period of 12 months after the force majeure cancellation date.
- No additional claims for indirect damages or loss of profit will be accepted.
7. Liability
7.1. Trails Galapagos is responsible for the correct provision of services under Swiss law, but cannot be held liable for acts of third-party providers, natural events, or unforeseen circumstances.
7.2. We are not liable for personal injury, property damage, or missed flights related to your Reservation.
7.3. Guests are responsible for obtaining health, accident, and cancellation insurance.
7.4. For EU Guests, liability is limited in accordance with EU consumer law and Swiss contractual law but does not exclude mandatory statutory rights.
8. Complaints
8.1. Complaints must be submitted as soon as possible via info@trailsgalapagos.com.
8.2. Trails Galapagos will assist in resolving disputes with third-party providers.
8.3. Complaints about our Website, booking system, or payment process will be handled by our customer service team promptly.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1. All content on the Website is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used commercially without written permission.
10. Privacy
10.1. Personal data and cookies are processed according to our Privacy Policy, compliant with Swiss data protection law and EU GDPR for EU clients.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
11.1. These Terms are governed by Swiss law.
11.2. EU clients may also rely on mandatory consumer protection laws of their country of residence.
11.3. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, unless otherwise required by EU consumer protection provisions.
12. Miscellaneous
12.1. Updates to these Terms may be made at any time and will apply immediately.
12.2. Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Terms.
12.3. Any deviations must be agreed upon in writing.
12.4. Guests consent to the use of reviews and testimonials, including their name, for publication purposes.
12.5. Use of content from the Website for commercial purposes is prohibited without explicit written permission.
