Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions describe your legal rights and what you can expect from Adore Ecuador Travel when you buy travel services through us, as well as your responsibilities as a customer.

Section 1. Definitions

Adore Ecuador Travel (We/Us/Our): the tour operator who offers and sells travel packages, either directly or through a third party vendor.

Third Party Provider: any service provider who operates one of the provider services such as the transportation, accommodation, tour and/or other services in the area of travel,

Customer (You/Your/Travel Party/Traveler/Participant): a person booking or participating in our tours, a third party vendor that makes a booking on behalf of a traveler, or any person visiting our website or otherwise is using our services. 

Section 2. Booking

2.1 Booking

Any of the following actions is considered a booking:

• Booking a tour with us; by booking form, mail, app or telephone, via a third party platform or via a third party vendor
• Sending us a payment or us receiving a payment made by or on behalf of you
• Participating on one of Our tours

You must be at least 18 years of age to make a booking.

2.2 Terms and Conditions

By booking with us you accept Our Terms and Conditions and those of Our Third Party Providers. Adore Ecuador Travel is acting as an intermediary agent for all services of Third Party Providers. The Terms and Conditions of these Third Party Provider apply to these services, in addition to our Terms and Conditions.

2.3 Booking on behalf of others

If you make a booking on behalf of other participants, you accept these Terms and Conditions on behalf of the other participants. You are responsible for making all payments, to notify us in case of any changes or cancellations and to keep the Travel Party informed. You warrant that you have obtained all required consents. You are responsible for verifying that any information you provide on behalf of another participant is complete and accurate.

2.4 Booking information

It is Your responsibility to provide us with complete and accurate information on the booking form and any additional documents required by Third Party Providers. At the moment of booking, we require a copy of the passport that will be used during the trip. Please check all travel documents received from us carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information immediately to us. We are under no circumstances liable for any errors or omissions and costs that occur from this. 

2.5 Apparent errors

Adore Ecuador Travel reserves the right to not comply with the proposed travel arrangements if the website, an offer, or invoice is based on an evident error or mistake.

Section 3. Prices and payments

3.1 Payment terms and policies

We require a down payment of 35% of the total amount invoiced to confirm your trip. The remaining balance (65%) is due 70 days before the start date of your trip. If the trip takes place within 70 days, full payment is required to confirm your trip. 

A down payment enables us to hold a reservation for you but does not guarantee the price. The price can only be guaranteed once we receive full payment and we have received all necessary booking information of all participants.

If we do not receive the deposit(s) or total payment on the date(s) mentioned on the invoice, we hold the right to cancel your reservation without prior notice, resulting in the loss of all money collected.

Exceptions
Certain products or services offered by a Third Party Provider require a full payment at the time of booking, or other payment terms policies may apply. This may include but is not limited to the following services: Galapagos dive cruises, Galapagos group cruises, Galapagos cruise charters or high demand Galapagos cruise departures. We will inform you about any exceptional payment policies at the time of booking.

3.2 Payment options

Payments for all of our tours need to be made in US Dollars. On our offer prices may be shown in other currencies, which are shown for indicative purposes only. The Customer assumes the currency exchange risk.

The Customer declares that all funds paid are of legal origin. 

Payment with Credit/Debit Card
You can pay for your tour with the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, UnionPay and American Express. This type of payment is easy and fast.

Please note that the following additional fees apply:

• $10 Ecuadorian bank fee
• $0,30 transaction fee
• 1% processing fee
• Card fee (VISA, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and Union Pay 2,9% – AMEX 3,9%)

Your travel agent will provide you with a payment link for your trip via our secure online payment platform.

Payment with US Checking Account
You can pay for your tour with your US Checking Account. This type of payment is easy and fast.

Please note that the following additional fees apply:

• $10 Ecuadorian bank fee
• 1% processing fee
• $0,30 transaction fee

Your travel agent will provide you with a payment link for your trip via our secure online payment platform.

Payment with iDEAL, Sofort or SEPA Debit
You can pay for your tour with iDEAL, Sofort or SEPA Debit. This type of payment is easy and fast.

Please note that the following additional fees apply:

• $10 Ecuadorian bank fee
• 1% processing fee
• $0,30 transaction fee
• 1,3% Sofort fee (does not apply to iDEAL and SEPA Debit payments)

Your travel agent will provide you with a payment link for your trip via our secure online payment platform.

Important: To pay with iDEAL, Sofort or SEPA Debit, you have to change the currency to “EUR” during the online payment process (in the top right corner of the window).

Payment via Wire Transfer
We receive payments on our Ecuadorian business bank account. Please find the account details underneath.  Bank fees may vary depending on your bank’s policies. Note: Please be sure to include the transaction fee of your own bank in your payment + add an extra $10 Ecuadorian bank fee to the total amount that you are going to send.

• Bank: Banco Pichincha
• Beneficiary: Adore Ecuador Travel
• Account number: 2100152516
• Type of account: Checking account
• BIC/SWIFT: PICHECEQ
• Bank address: Av. Amazonas y Pereira (Quito – Ecuador)
• Beneficiary address: Juan Severino E8-38 y Av. 6 de Diciembre (Quito – Ecuador)
• RUC/VAT number: 1792773474001
• Email: facturacion@adoreecuador.com

Payments for all of our tours need to be made in US Dollars. In case you are transferring money from a country that uses a different currency (e.g. EUR, CAD or AUS), please make sure you send the payment in US Dollars. You can choose the currency at the moment of sending.

Please note that when using Wise or Revolut (or any other third party online money transfer service) for your international wire transfer an extra $55 should be added to the amount that you send.

Payment via Cash Deposit
If you are in Ecuador and want to pay for your tour, you can directly deposit the amount in US Dollars in our bank account from any Banco Pichincha office in the country. For this deposit you will need to bring (a copy of) your passport. At the counter you will be given a deposit form that needs to be filled out with the amount that you are going to deposit and your signature. The cashier will ask you for the account number and your passport number:

• Account number:     2100152516
• Passport number:    You can show (the copy of) your passport to the clerk

After this step the cashier will confirm the name of our account (or in most cases just the first part of this), which is “AGENCIA DE VIAJES ADORE ECUADOR TRAVEL”. Then you will receive a confirmation receipt that you can send to facturacion@adoreecuador.com or directly to your travel agent.

3.3 Post Payment Price Increase

After confirming your booking, the price of your travel arrangements may change, even after you have paid in full. Changes in price may include an increase of cost of fuel, taxes, fees and circumstances that are beyond our control.

Section 4. Customer Responsibility

4.1 Physical Health

To have the best time during your trip, it’s important that you’re in good health and shape. You are responsible to determine whether the tour is suitable for you and not put yourself or others in danger. We won’t be responsible for any special arrangements or problems if you can’t join in the planned activities due to physical reasons. Unfortunately, if you miss any activities, we can’t give you a refund.

If you have a medical condition that might affect your travel, talk to your doctor before joining the trip to make sure you can handle it. Also, let us know about your condition and any medical needs on time. We reserve the right to deny passengers with certain health issues to join the trip.

4.2 Pregnancy

Tours offered by Adore Ecuador Travel may have restrictions for pregnant participants due to the risks involved. You are obligated to inform us in a timely manner in case you are pregnant during your trip. We highly recommend consulting your physician about your planned itinerary beforehand. No refund will be issued for (partial) cancellation due to pregnancy.

4.3 Minors

Anyone under the age of 18 on the (first) day of travel is considered a minor. Minors must always be accompanied by an adult. Parents are held fully responsible and liable for their children’s well-being during the entire trip. Children of all ages are accepted on our tours, except for some specific services, e.g. on certain Galapagos cruises and in Amazon lodges.

4.4 Special Requirements

Adore Ecuador Travel should be informed about any special requirements, food allergies or dietary restrictions upon booking. While we will make a reasonable effort to meet your needs, we cannot guarantee your requests to be accommodated due to the type of destinations that we offer and options available. We are not responsible if we are unable to fulfill such requests.

4.5 Passport, Visa, Immigration and Vaccination Requirements

It is your responsibility to fulfill the passport, visa and other immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should confirm these with the relevant embassy and/or consulate. We do not accept any responsibility in the case of you being unable to travel due to not complying with any such requirements.

Vaccinations may be required for (some of) the places you are intending to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged all necessary vaccinations for your itinerary. We recommend you consult a travel medicine specialist at least a month before departure about required and recommended vaccinations for your trip to Ecuador.

4.6 Travel Insurance

You acknowledge that insurance coverage is not included in the cost of any tour offered by Adore Ecuador Travel. 

We strongly recommend to take out adequate insurance for the duration of your journey that covers cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, medical coverage (including coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation), baggage loss, equipment insurance and all other expenses that may arise as a result of loss, damage, accident, injury, illness, delay or inconvenience while traveling. For some tours insurance may be mandatory, e.g. certain Galapagos cruises and Amazon lodges.

Airline delay insurance is also recommended. We cannot be held responsible for any missed (inter)national flight connections. No refund will be issued for cancellation or any incurred additional costs due to cancelled, missed or delayed air or maritime transportation.

4.7 Travel Advice

Prior to booking, we recommend that you review any prohibitions, warnings and advisories applicable to Ecuador. By offering tours to any particular destination within the country, we do not represent that travel in such a destination is safe or without risk. We recommend following travel advice posted by your country’s government. 

Section 5. Changes and Cancellations 

5.1 Changes by Customer

In case you want to make changes to your booked travel arrangements an administration fee of USD $50 applies, in addition to any additional Third Party Provider costs related to this change. Please note that all reservation changes are subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the booked services. 

Any change in name details, date of birth, passport numbers, flight dates and/or flight routes on flight tickets after the moment of booking are subject to a penalty fee and difference in fare price according to airline policies. 

If you don’t check in on time, an airline may register you as a ‘no-show’, which could result in extra charges and/or your whole flight itinerary being cancelled.

In case of any flight delay, Adore Ecuador Travel will make an effort to adjust your travel itinerary. However, the Customer will be responsible for any additional costs as a result of these changes.

5.2 Cancellations by Customer

We only accept written cancellations sent by email to info@adoreecuador.com. If you cancel your arrangements, you may be entitled to a partial refund. Cancellation fees will be determined with reference to the first working day after the date on which notice of cancellation is received by us. Penalty fees for cancellations will automatically be discounted from deposits/total payments.

• For cancellations that are made more than 130 days prior to the start day of your trip, 10% of the total invoice will be retained for administration fees.
• For cancellations between 70-130 days prior to the start day of your trip, 35% of the total invoice will be retained for administration fees.
• For cancellations less than 70 days prior to the start date of your trip, the full amount of the trip will be charged without refund. 

Exceptions
These cancellation policies may not apply to products or services offered by a Third Party Provider. This may include but is not limited to the following services: Galapagos dive cruises, Galapagos group cruises, Galapagos cruise charters, high demand Galapagos cruise departures and some specific Galapagos cruises. Cancellation fees for these services will be evaluated depending on the policy of each service provider. 

Refunds
Refunds will only be paid to you once we have received the funds back from the Third Party Provider(s). We are not responsible for a Third Party Provider’s failure to pay a refund. Bank charges and taxes, including a Currency Outflow Tax (ISD), will be deducted from the amount to be refunded. Travel services are not refundable if a passenger does not arrive on the specified time and date for the booked services.

Travel Insurance
We highly recommend looking at options for trip cancellation insurance. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your travel insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim your cancellation charges through your insurer.

5.3 Changes and Cancellations by Adore Ecuador Travel

While Adore Ecuador Travel strives to operate all travel arrangements as planned, we reserve the right to change, amend and cancel booked travel arrangements due to, but not limited to: weather conditions, natural incidents, local circumstances, events, illness, National Park regulations, operational concerns, mechanical failure, concerns for your health, safety, enjoyment or comfort and any other type of unforeseeable circumstances outside our control (Force Majeure). Changes may include, but are not limited to: changing hotels and flight schedules according to availability, travel times, replacing or substituting guides, changing accommodations, amenities, transportation, route, schedule and itinerary.

We will ensure that you are promptly notified of any significant changes once we become aware of such change if there is time before your departure, but we accept no liability for any changes or costs incurred that may result. Subject to our and our Third Party Provider’s terms and conditions, you will then have the choice of accepting changes to your travel arrangements or canceling your booked services. We cannot guarantee that any refunds will apply.

If you fail to arrive on time for a tour departure, do not meet the required conditions for participation, or if the information you provided about your experience, abilities, health, or other relevant matters is incorrect or incomplete, Adore Ecuador Travel reserves the right to cancel your booking. In such cases, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Adore Ecuador Travel also reserves the right to deny participation to any traveler who, in our judgment, may not be able to handle the demands of the trip activities or whose behavior could disrupt the group experience. We can remove anyone from a trip if their actions negatively impact the enjoyment or safety of others, or if they obstruct the trip’s successful execution. The decision of the guide, host, or Third Party Provider in these matters is final, especially those related to safety and group well-being. Any costs incurred due to being removed from a trip or being denied participation will be the responsibility of the traveler.

Section 6. Liability

6.1 Force Majeure

Adore Ecuador Travel will not be held responsible for any death, injury, illness, damage, delay, or other harm to person or property, nor for any financial costs incurred, whether direct or indirect. We will also not be liable for any failure to start, perform, or complete our duties to you if such issues are caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control. This includes natural events, war or acts of war, mechanical failures, terrorist activities or threats, civil unrest, labor issues, interference from authorities, arrests, political disturbances, riots, insurrection, government actions, fires, extreme weather, major health risks like serious disease outbreaks, or any other unforeseen events that make it dangerous or impractical to travel or continue a trip. All these are considered “Force Majeure” events.

If a force majeure event occurs, Adore Ecuador Travel has the right to cancel or modify the booked travel arrangements, or to pause the execution of the travel arrangements until the force majeure situation is resolved. In such cases, the Customer is not entitled to any compensation for losses or damages. Under these circumstances, Adore Ecuador Travel may also require payments as outlined in Section 3 (Article 3.1 Payment terms and policies) of these Terms and Conditions.

6.2 Limitation of Liability

Our Liability
We have no liability and will make no refund, nor will we be held responsible for any additional expense in the event of any delay, re-routing, cancellation, overbooking, failure of any means conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, strike, rebellion, insurrection, civil disturbances, terrorism, war, theft, disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or authority, or by natural incidents, fire, flood, sickness, epidemics or any other causes beyond our control (Force Majeure). 

The Customer exempts Adore Ecuador Travel and its employees from any liability for accidents, injuries, illnesses, death, or loss or damage to property that happens during or as a result of the activities, unless it is due to negligence on the part of Adore Ecuador Travel.

Adore Ecuador Travel is not responsible for looking after your luggage or personal belongings at any time during the trip. We are not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items, including personal belongings, cash, valuables, and luggage, nor for any loss, theft, or misuse of checks and credit cards.

Third Party Providers
Although Adore Ecuador Travels takes all reasonable care in selecting Third Party Providers, we cannot be held responsible for their acts. We are not liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration (whether physical or mental), actions of negligence, omissions or cancellations of their services, or for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, death or other damages or expenses resulting therefrom.

Customer
Adore Ecuador Travel is not responsible for any failure to fulfill contractual obligations that occur because of the Customer’s negligence or breach of contract.

Maximum amount
In case we are found liable for any loss or damage related to the events described above, our liability will not exceed one time the amount you paid for your travel arrangements.

Insured damages
Adore Ecuador Travel will not issue refunds for damages that are covered by insurance, such as health care, travel, and cancellation insurance.

6.3 Customer Liability

Assumption of Risk
Tours offered by Adore Ecuador Travel may involve risks and dangers including, but not limited to the forces of nature, the unpredictable behavior of wild animals, hikes on irregular terrain, wet landings or dry landings on slippery surfaces, exposure to high altitude, physical effort that the participant may not be prepared for, travel by vehicles including taxis, buses, airplanes and ocean-going vessels, civil unrest, terrorism, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and or negligence (but not willful or fraudulent conduct) on the part of Adore Ecuador Travel, or others. 

Participants may also be exposed to additional risks and hazards including but not limited to the possibility of losses, damages, accidents, injuries, illnesses or death. Medical care may not meet the standards of those found in your home country. Remote or developing regions without easy access to (emergency) medical care, rapid evacuation, adequate medical facilities or availability of medical supplies may be part of our tours.

By participating you acknowledge that you have considered any potential risks to your health and safety, whether expected or unexpected. You hereby assume responsibility for all such risks and release Adore Ecuador Travel from all claims and causes of action arising from any loss, damage, accident, injury, illness or death resulting from risks inherent in travel. The passenger is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them if possible. 

Personal Responsibility
Adore Ecuador Travel expects a considerable degree of personal responsibility from each Customer. Customers should only engage in activities suitable for their physical condition and health and are responsible for adequate personal equipment.

Customer Behavior
The Customer must adhere to standard social behaviors, avoid disrupting trip operations, follow all relevant laws and regulations of protected areas, and respect the guidelines provided by tour guides. It is also important to treat all staff and fellow participants with respect and courtesy, while also respecting their privacy, customs, and culture. We do not tolerate drug use of any kind during our trips and strongly encourage responsible alcohol consumption.

You agree to take reasonable precautions for your own safety during your trip. This includes using safety equipment properly and following all signs and any oral or written warnings about health and safety. Adore Ecuador Travel and our Third Party Providers are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your failure to follow these safety instructions and warnings.

If you fail to follow the rules, engage in any illegal activities while on tour, or if, in the opinion of Adore Ecuador Travel, your behavior is dangerous, distressing, significantly annoying to others, disruptive, hostile, or impedes the operation of the trip or the enjoyment of other guests, we may immediately terminate your travel arrangements at your expense. This also applies if you severely neglect the welfare of other participants, staff members, or wildlife, or do not uphold your responsibilities. In such cases, Adore Ecuador Travel will not be liable, and you will not receive a refund for any unused or missed services or costs.

​​The Customer is responsible for any damage caused by their actions, failure to follow the rules, or any other damage linked to them. The Customer also agrees to indemnify Adore Ecuador Travel if any Third Party Provider involved in the trip, other participants, or anyone else makes a claim for damages caused by the Customer.

Section 7. Complaints

7.1 Complaints

If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant Third Party Provider immediately. Should they be unable to resolve the matter, please contact us directly, via phone or WhatsApp (+593 962286000) or by sending us an email at info@adoreecuador.com. If the complaint is not solved to your satisfaction, the complaint must be put in writing and sent to info@adoreecuador.com, maximum 30 days after the end of the tour. Complaints received after this date will not be accepted.

7.2 Chargeback

The Customer waives all rights to initiate a chargeback with any credit card issuer that allows this option. If Adore Ecuador Travel needs to take legal action to recover funds lost through a chargeback, you agree to cover all of Adore Ecuador Travel’s legal costs if we win the case. If you reverse a payment or carry out a chargeback without our written consent, your agreement with Adore Ecuador Travel remains valid, and you are still obligated to pay the agreed amount. If you fail to pay within the specified time frame, we will consider you in default.

7.3 Applicable Law

Your booking with Adore Ecuador Travel is under the jurisdiction and competence of Ecuadorian law. Jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of, in connection with, or relating to your booking shall be filed exclusively before the competent court in Quito, Ecuador. All rights of claim expire one year after the first day of your original booked travel arrangements. 

This agreement is designed to be as comprehensive and inclusive as allowed by law. Should any clause of this agreement be found invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining sections will continue to be effective. In this case the clause will be replaced with a valid one that still achieves the same objective and intent as the original clause, as much as possible.

Section 8. Privacy

To offer the booked travel arrangements, we need to collect your personal information. We collect, use and disclose only that information reasonably required to enable us and our Third Party Providers to provide the booked services.

By sending us images, photos, or videos, uploading them to our social media or other online platforms, or allowing them to be taken by us, our Third Party Provider, or other travelers, you agree that we can use and reproduce these materials in any format, including print, digital media, or online. This use is free of charge and you will not have the right to review the materials beforehand. We can use them for promotional and publicity purposes.

Please consult our Privacy Policy for more information on our data practices: https://adoreecuador.com/en/privacy.

Section 9. Terms and Conditions

It is the Customer’s responsibility to be familiar with our Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right at any time to modify our Terms and Conditions without prior notice. Please refer to our website to review the latest version: https://adoreecuador.com/en/terms–conditions/. Your continued use of our website or services means that you accept the latest version of our Terms and Conditions.

Section 10. Use of our Services and Website 

You agree you will only use our website or services to make legitimate reservations or purchases and shall not make speculative, false or fraudulent reservations or reservations. You will only use our website and services in compliance with applicable law.

Without our prior permission, you may not use any deep-link, page-scrape, robot, spider or other automatic device, program, algorithm or methodology, or any similar or equivalent manual process, to access, acquire, copy, frame or monitor any portion of our website or any content, or in any way reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of our website or any content, to obtain or attempt to obtain any materials, documents or information through any means not purposely made available through our website. 

We disclaim all warranties that our website, its servers or any email sent from us, or our Third Party Providers, are free of viruses or other harmful components.

Our website may contain links to third party websites that we provide only as a convenience to you. You should take precautions to ensure that whatever links you access are free of viruses, worms, trojan horses or other destructive mechanisms The existence of these links does not imply that we endorse such websites or any included content. We are not responsible for such websites or content or any data privacy practices of such websites.

Last updated: September 6, 2024