These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all bookings for the Misahuallí - Amazon - Ecuador (“Tour”) operated by Rainforest Connection (“we,” “us,” “our”). By booking or participating in the Tour, you (“you,” “participant,” “guest”) agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Seasonal Operation & Departure Dates

1.1. This Tour operates during a limited seasonal window, typically between September and November each year (“Season”).

1.2. Exact departure dates are not guaranteed in advance and are confirmed based on group formation, availability, local conditions, and operational requirements.

1.3. We reserve the right to open, modify, or cancel specific departures within the Season at our discretion.

2. Booking & Payment

2.1. At the time of booking, 100% of the total Tour price is due. There is no separate deposit.

2.2. All payments must be made through our official website payment portal or another method explicitly authorized by Rainforest Connection in writing.

2.3. Your booking is only confirmed once:

• Full payment has been successfully processed; and

• A written confirmation (email or otherwise) has been issued by Rainforest Connection.

2.4. If payment is not successfully completed, or is later reversed or declined, we reserve the right to treat the booking as invalid or canceled and apply the applicable cancellation conditions.

3. Cancellations & Refunds

3.1. Cancellations by You

If you cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees apply (unless otherwise stated in your written confirmation):

• More than [60] days before departure: [25%] of the total Tour cost

• [59–31] days before departure: [50%] of the total Tour cost

• [30–0] days before departure or no-show: 100% of the total Tour cost

3.2. All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email acceptable) and are effective from the date we receive your notice.

3.3. Cancellations or Changes by Us

3.3.1. We may cancel or alter the Tour due to insufficient enrollment, force majeure, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

3.3.2. If we cancel the Tour before it begins for reasons other than your default, you will receive either:

• A refund of amounts paid to Rainforest Connection for the Tour; or

• The option to transfer amounts paid to a different departure or Tour (subject to availability and any price differences).
  3.3.3. We are not responsible for additional costs you incur (e.g., flights, visas, insurance, equipment, independent accommodations) due to a cancellation or change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  
  

4. Itinerary, Activities & Changes

4.1. The published itinerary is an indicative guide and not a guaranteed schedule.

4.2. We reserve the right to modify, substitute, or omit any part of the itinerary, including accommodations, transport modes, routes, guides, or activities, due to:

• Weather and river conditions

• Road closures or infrastructure issues

• Safety and security concerns

• Local community events, regulations, or customs

• Operational constraints or force majeure events
  4.3. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund or compensation, provided the overall standard and value of the Tour are maintained in good faith.
  
  

5. Inclusions & Exclusions

5.1. Price Includes (as specified in your confirmed itinerary)

• Accommodation: Overnights in Quito and Amazon lodges (e.g., *Hotel in Quito, Ceibos Lodge, Lodge 2, or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day (plus snacks or box lunches where indicated)

• Transfers & Transport:

  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)

  • All in-country transfers and local transport related to the itinerary

  • Motorized canoe rides and paddle canoe rides as specified

• Guided Activities & Experiences:

  • Quito city and cacao experiences

  • Amazon excursions (hikes, tubing, boat rides, wildlife rescue center visit, community visits, birdwatching, night walk, cultural night, etc.)

  • Rainforest Connection (RFCx) / Arbimon / Guardian tech demonstrations and guided audio sessions, where applicable

• Equipment where stated: tubing equipment, tree-climbing equipment (for demonstration), etc.

• Bilingual guides (Spanish–English) during specified parts of the Tour.

5.2. Price Excludes

Unless otherwise stated in writing, the following are not included:

• International or domestic flights to/from the Tour start and end points

• Travel and medical insurance

• Visas, vaccinations, and any related medical expenses

• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, minibar, extra snacks, etc.)

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (unless explicitly included)

• Optional or unscheduled activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary

• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
  
  

6. Health, Fitness & Participation

6.1. This Tour involves moderate physical activity, including hiking on uneven and potentially muddy terrain, climbing in and out of boats, tubing on rivers, and walking at night.

6.2. You are responsible for assessing your own health, fitness, and capability to participate in the Tour and its activities.

6.3. You must inform us at the time of booking of any medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs that may affect your participation or the safety of the group.

6.4. Rainforest Connection and our local partners reserve the right to decline or remove any participant from an activity or the Tour if, in our reasonable opinion, their participation:

• Poses a risk to themselves or others; or

• Seriously interferes with the enjoyment, safety, or well-being of other participants.
  6.5. Any costs arising from removal or modification of participation are your responsibility.
  
  

7. Safety & Risk Acknowledgment

7.1. By booking this Tour, you acknowledge that adventure travel and nature-based activities in remote rainforest environments inherently involve risks, including but not limited to:

• Terrain hazards (slippery trails, uneven ground, falling branches)

• River and water-related risks (currents, capsizing, immersion in water)

• Wildlife encounters

• Weather extremes and sudden changes

• Limited access to medical facilities and delays in emergency response.

7.2. You agree to follow all safety instructions and guidance provided by our staff, local operators, and guides at all times.

7.3. Participation in specific activities (e.g., tubing, night walks, optional tree-climbing demonstrations) is voluntary; by choosing to participate, you accept the associated risks.

8. Wildlife, Environment & Cultural Sensitivity

8.1. While the Tour aims to visit areas of high biodiversity and includes visits to a wildlife rescue center, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

8.2. Rainforest Connection promotes responsible tourism and asks that you:

• Respect local customs, communities, and sacred sites

• Follow Leave No Trace principles (e.g., no littering, no wildlife harassment)

• Obtain permission before photographing individuals in local communities.

8.3. Environmental and cultural rules or restrictions set by local communities, lodges, or authorities must be respected by all participants.

9. Travel Documents, Insurance & Vaccinations

9.1. You are solely responsible for obtaining and carrying all required travel documents, including valid passports, visas, and permits.

9.2. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation

• Adventure activities as described in this itinerary.

9.3. You are responsible for consulting your healthcare provider regarding vaccinations and prophylaxis (e.g., yellow fever, malaria) recommended for travel in Ecuador and the Amazon region.

10. Accommodation & Rooming

10.1. Accommodations are based on the room type specified in your booking (e.g., twin share, double, single).

10.2. If you are a solo traveler and request to share, we will attempt to match you with another guest of the same gender, where feasible. If a match is not available, a single supplement may apply.

10.3. In some remote locations, the standard of accommodation may be simpler than in urban hotels, prioritizing proximity to nature and conservation areas.

10.4. If a named lodge or hotel is unavailable, we will provide similar accommodation of comparable standard where reasonably possible.

11. Use of Image & Media

11.1. During the Tour, staff or professional photographers may capture photos, audio, or video of participants and activities.

11.2. Unless you expressly opt out in writing, you grant Rainforest Connection a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use such images and recordings of you for bona fide marketing and promotional purposes.

11.3. If you do not wish to appear in such media, please notify the tour leader and our office in writing before or at the start of the Tour.

12. Responsibility & Limitation of Liability

12.1. Rainforest Connection acts as an organizer and sometimes as an agent for independent suppliers (e.g., lodges, transport providers, local guides). We do not own or control all of these suppliers and are not liable for their acts or omissions.

12.2. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the amount you have paid to Rainforest Connection for the Tour.

12.3. We are not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or expense arising from:

• Acts or omissions of any third-party providers

• Illness, injury, or death unless caused directly by our proven negligence

• Force majeure events (see Section 13)

• Loss or damage to personal property or luggage

• Any event beyond our reasonable control.
  12.4. Under no circumstances are we liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses, including lost profits or opportunities.
  
  

13. Force Majeure

13.1. Rainforest Connection is not responsible for any failure to perform or delay in performing our obligations if such failure or delay is due to force majeure, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, extreme weather, floods, landslides

• War, civil unrest, terrorism, or threats thereof

• Strikes, labor disputes, or industrial actions

• Epidemics, pandemics, government restrictions or border closures

• Failures of transportation or infrastructure beyond our control.
  13.2. In such cases, we may modify, postpone, or cancel the Tour or portions thereof. Refunds or credits, if any, will be handled at our discretion and may be subject to deductions for non-recoverable costs.
  
  

14. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

14.1. If you have a complaint during the Tour, you must promptly inform your guide or the local representative so that we have an opportunity to address the issue on the spot.

14.2. If the issue is not resolved, you must submit a written complaint to Rainforest Connection within [30] days of the Tour end date.

14.3. These Terms are governed by the laws of Ecuador, and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction, unless otherwise required by applicable consumer protection laws.

15. Privacy & Data Protection

15.1. Rainforest Connection collects and processes personal information (e.g., contact details, passport information, health notes relevant to the Tour) solely for the purpose of managing your booking and ensuring your safety and comfort.

15.2. Your data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy [https://rfcx.org/privacy-policy], and may be shared with third-party providers strictly as needed to operate the Tour.

15.3. By booking, you consent to this collection and use of your information.

16. Acceptance of Terms

By making a booking or participating in the Tour, you confirm that you:

• Have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions;

• Are at least 18 years of age, or have the consent of a parent/guardian if under 18; and

• Accept the inherent risks associated with travel in the Amazon and participation in the described activities.