T&C | The most important points

Our trips are operated by third-parties whom we contract on your behalf – our contract below defines clearly the role of each party (the Tourist, the Agency, and the Operator).

Trips and Dreams would also like to state that whilst both we and our clients are bound by the legal contract below, we will always do everything possible to help and support our clients in the event of any pre-tour or on-tour problems – in fact we have an envied reputation of going above and beyond to help our clients out. We are also able to assist with documentation to assist with insurance claims.

Obligation of the parties

THE TOURIST contracts the AGENCY to provide the necessary advisory service and contacts with tourism OPERATORS in order to travel and participate in the activities at the destinations chosen by the TOURIST.

The TOURIST must clearly understand and accept the social risks that travel inside of Ecuador implies, and the risks that exist in the practice of extreme sport including but not restricted to mountain biking, rafting / tubing, climbing, mountain sports, trekking, camping, rappelling / canopy, horse-riding, snorkelling, diving and any other activity or sport where there is contact with nature. The TOURIST also clearly understands the risks of injury associated with force majeure or acts of providence such as wars, internal commotion, protests / strikes, terrorism, fire, natural disasters, public authority decisions, or any other extreme circumstances, and accepts that the AGENCY will not be responsible for loss, injury or damage to person or property for any of the above causes.

Deposit and confirmation

Your reservation is confirmed by the AGENCY only after receipt of a 50% deposit payment which must be received within 1 weeks (7 days) of the original booking. In cases where reservation is made less than 61 days prior to trip departure then full tour payment is required within 1 week of the original booking.

Payment

The full balance of the tour fare must be paid no later than 90 days prior to the departure date otherwise the AGENCY may treat the booking as being cancelled by the TOURIST and apply cancellation charges as set out in clause 6. Tickets can only be issued to the TOURIST once full payment has been received by the AGENCY.

Cancellations

Cancellations by the client must be made by email or in writing and will only be effective once the agency is in receipt of the email or written document.

If the TOURIST cancellation is received 110 days or more in advance of the trip, the initial 50% deposit value will be refunded less a charge of USD $350,00 per service per person for administrative services & operator cancellation fees.

It is the responsibility of the TOURIST to check the specific cancellation terms before booking.

Below is a copy of our standard contract / terms and conditions that applies to all reservations and our privacy policy. Please be aware that by making a deposit (or full) payment to us for a contracted tour you will be registering the acceptance of every clause for yourself and each member of your travel party, no signature(s) is (are) necessary.

Our trips are operated by third-parties whom we contract on your behalf – our contract below defines clearly the role of each party (the Tourist, the Agency, and the Operator).

Trips and Dreams would also like to state that whilst both we and our clients are bound by the legal contract below, we will always do everything possible to help and support our clients in the event of any pre-tour or on-tour problems – in fact we have an envied reputation of going above and beyond to help our clients out. We are also able to assist with documentation to assist with insurance claims.

FIRST CLAUSE – Participants:

1.1 The company TRIPS AND DREAMS, legally represented by Mr. Christoper Jiménez Solís, from here on and for the effect of this contract will be called “THE AGENCY”.

1.2 The person contracting the services of THE AGENCY from here on will be called “THE TOURIST”.

1.3 The third party company who operate the tour from here on will be called “THE OPERATOR”.

SECOND CLAUSE – Objective of the Contract:

THE TOURIST contracts the AGENCY to provide the necessary advisory service and contacts with tourism OPERATORS in order to travel and participate in the activities at the destinations chosen by the TOURIST.

THIRD CLAUSE – Obligations of the parties:

THE AGENCY:

3.1 To provide the best OPERATORS in the market relative to the established price. The OPERATORS must be legally established and authorized to operate in agreement with Ecuadorian law.

3.2 To provide all of the necessary information that the tourist will require about his/her contracted travel destination / tour. 

3.3 To provide THE TOURIST with all tickets and vouchers required for participation on the tour. 

3.4 To contact the family, insurance company and / or embassy of the TOURIST in case of accident caused by acts of providence or force majeure. The AGENCY is not responsible for injuries, death or any other damage caused under any circumstances by the TOURIST.

THE TOURIST:

3.5 To have clearly understood and accepted the social risks that travel inside of Ecuador implies, and the risks that exist in the practice of extreme sport including but not restricted to mountain biking, rafting / tubing, climbing, mountain sports, trekking, camping, rappelling / canopy, horse-riding, snorkelling, diving and any other activity or sport where there is contact with nature. The TOURIST also clearly understands the risks of injury associated with force majeure or acts of providence such as wars, internal commotion, protests / strikes, terrorism, fire, natural disasters, public authority decisions, or any other extreme circumstances, and accepts that the AGENCY will not be responsible for loss, injury or damage to person or property for any of the above causes.

3.6 To hold valid travel insurance up to the end date of the tour contracted, or, in the absence of such an insurance policy and having no intention of obtaining one, to declare the AGENCY exempt of all responsibility for any kind of accident, death, injury or physical problem that occurs during the contracted trip.

3.7 To have all immigration documents in order according to Ecuadorian law, and to communicate to the AGENCY any kind of special food requirement, disability or sickness that exists at time of travel.

3.8 To be in sufficient good health to take part in the trip that is reserved.

3.9 To collect all vouchers and tickets from the office of THE AGENCY at least 24 hours prior to the start of their tour, or to notify THE AGENCY of alternative ticket pickup instructions if applicable.

FOURTH CLAUSE – Deposit and confirmation of Tour

4.1 Your reservation is confirmed by the AGENCY only after receipt of a 50% deposit payment which must be received within 1 weeks (7 days) of the original booking. In cases where reservation is made less than 61 days prior to trip departure then full tour payment is required within 1 week of the original booking.

FIFTH CLAUSE – Payment

5.1 The full balance of the tour fare must be paid no later than 90 days prior to the departure date otherwise the AGENCY may treat the booking as being cancelled by the TOURIST and apply cancellation charges as set out in clause 6. Tickets can only be issued to the TOURIST once full payment has been received by the AGENCY.

5.2 THE AGENCY reserves the right to change the price of a tour without prior notice in the event of any price increase beyond their control including but not restricted to fuel surcharges, changes to government taxes, and changes to published flight prices.

SIXTH CLAUSE – Tour Cancellation

6.1 Cancellations by the client must be made by email or in writing and will only be effective once the agency is in receipt of the email or written document.

6.2 If the TOURIST cancellation is received 110 days or more in advance of the trip, the initial 50% deposit value will be refunded less a charge of USD $350,00 per service per person for administrative services & operator cancellation fees.

6.3 If the TOURIST cancellation is received between 75 and 110 days before the start of the trip, the TOURIST will forfeit 100% of the initial 50% deposit value per service. 

6.4 If the TOURIST cancellation is received less than 74 days before the start of the trip, the TOURIST will forfeit 100% of the total tour value. 

6.5 It is the responsibility of the TOURIST to check the specific cancellation terms before booking.

SEVENTH CLAUSE – Tour Alteration

7.1 The OPERATOR reserves the right to cancel or modify the tour itinerary due to force majeure or acts of providence such as wars, internal commotion, protests / strikes, terrorism, fire, natural disasters, public authority decisions, or any other extreme circumstances; this may include substitution with comparable yacht, guide, hotel, transport, meals, sightseeing destinations.

7.2 The OPERATOR reserves the right to alter the price of a tour even after full payment has been received from the TOURIST in such cases where decisions by a third party – which could include the tour operating company, the Ecuadorian government, the Ecuadorian tax office or other such parties – cause the price of the service to increase.

EIGHTH CLAUSE – Transportation to the tour assembly point

8.1 The TOURIST is responsible for making his or her own arrangements to arrive at the tour assembly point. There are no arrangements in existence should the TOURIST be delayed at the outward or homebound points of departure.

NINTH CLAUSE – Complaints procedure and refunds

9.1 If the TOURIST experiences a problem during the tour then they should inform Trips and Dreams immediately and in writing (email) – only complaints that are sent to the attention of the AGENCY within a maximum period of 1 week after finishing the tour will be handled. The AGENCY will endeavor to formally respond fully to all complaints within 1 week of receiving notification although delays in receiving adequate information from operators may lengthen the AGENCY response time.

9.2 THE AGENCY will act as an intermediary in negotiating refunds with THE OPERATOR on behalf of THE TOURIST. In no case can THE AGENCY guarantee a successful response or refund from THE OPERATOR.

9.3 The AGENCY will not be responsible for giving refunds in any of the following situations:
– changes to itinerary before or after departure.
– mechanical issues affecting any form of transport on the trip.
– substitution of facilities or personnel.
– late arrival or no-show of THE TOURIST.
– decision of THE TOURIST to leave the tour early or miss any activities / meals / accommodations during the tour.
– The TOURIST travelling without necessary documentation including passport, visas, immigration papers or vaccination certificates.
– price differences paid by different passengers aboard the same tour including special last minute rates.
– decisions by any third party that affect the normal running of the tour including by THE OPERATOR, Ecuadorian government or National park authority.
– any other circumstances on your tour arising beyond THE AGENCY’s control.

TENTH CLAUSE – Information

10.1 All information provided by the AGENCY is given in good faith and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication.

ELEVENTH CLAUSE – Acceptance and duration of the Contract

11.1 The contract exists from the moment the AGENCY receives either deposit or full payment from the TOURIST up until the end of the tour that has been contracted. Payment to the AGENCY by the TOURIST of either deposit or full payment means that the TOURIST is in agreement with all clauses in this contract.

11.2 Anything not stipulated directly under this contract will be governed under current Ecuadorian Tourism law at the date of the present contract.

TWELTH CLAUSE – Jurisdiction & Process

12.1 In case of controversy the parties will submit to the civil judges of the city of Guayaquil and the Civil Code Procedure.