TERMS
Updated 25th February, 2025
INTRODUCTION
These Terms & Conditions govern every agreement entered into between the traveler (“the Traveler”) and the travel organizer (“the Organizer”). Throughout this document, the term “expedition” is used exclusively to refer to a travel package.
The conditions below define how services are delivered, the obligations of both parties, and the compensation applicable to the Organizer. Services are carried out through the Organizer’s coordination of all technical, human, and operational resources essential to the expedition. Services are only rendered when payment is made for them; merely browsing the Organizer’s website does not constitute a service.
FORMATION OF THE CONTRACT AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
1. Pre-contractual Information
The Traveler receives standardized preliminary information about the selected expedition prior to contracting. This information becomes part of the final agreement and can only be amended with the express consent of both parties. Any changes the Organizer must communicate before the contract is finalized will be presented clearly and prominently. If fees, commissions, or surcharges were not disclosed beforehand, the Traveler will not be required to pay them.
2. Requesting a Booking
A booking request may be submitted via the Organizer’s website or email. If places are available, the Traveler will be instructed to submit a deposit to initiate the reservation process.
3. Confirmation of the Reservation
The contract becomes binding only when the Organizer confirms the reservation by acknowledging receipt of the deposit. From this moment, any changes or cancellations will be governed by the provisions under Section Cancellation & Withdrawal.
4. Payments
The specific payment methods are specified in the preliminary information for each booking.
1. A deposit of no more than 30% of the full price is required at the time of booking.
2. Unless stated otherwise, the outstanding balance is due at least 45 days prior to the expedition’s departure.
3. Bookings made fewer than 45 days before departure must be paid in full at the time of booking unless exceptional instructions are given.
SERVICES INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED
1. What the Price Covers
Each expedition’s price is listed in its official Program and includes:
All services explicitly stated within the Program (e.g., transportation, accommodation).
Applicable taxes and fees. Technical assistance during the trip when such assistance is indicated.
Any other supplements or services expressly included in the Program or in the service contract.
2. What the Price Does Not Cover
Unless the Program indicates otherwise, the following are not included:
1. Visa costs.
Airport entry/exit fees or taxes.
Vaccination-related requirements.
Personal extras (coffee, alcohol, special meals, laundry, optional hotel services).
Any service at the destination not explicitly mentioned.
Tips.
Optional excursions not booked in advance. Prices listed for these excursions are only estimates, and availability and costs may vary locally. Their purchase at the destination constitutes a separate agreement and does not form part of the expedition contract.
CANCELLATIONS, WITHDRAWAL & TERMINATION BEFORE DEPARTURE
1. Traveler-Initiated Cancellation
The specific cancellation rules depend on the destination and are communicated during booking.
Generally:
1. The Traveler may withdraw at any time, subject to a cancellation fee.
When cancellation occurs more than 45 days before departure, the deposit may be converted into credit for a future expedition.
Costs associated with flights, visas, or other extraordinary expenses are non-refundable at all times.
When cancellation is made within 45 days of departure, the Organizer retains the deposit as a penalty.
When cancellation occurs after full payment: 45–30 days before departure: full refund minus the deposit. 29–20 days before departure: 50% refund. 14 days or fewer: no refund.
2. Cancellation by the Organizer
If the Organizer must cancel due to force majeure, the expedition will be rescheduled. If the Traveler cannot participate on the new dates, a full refund of all payments made for the expedition will be issued.
“Force majeure” refers to circumstances that, based on the Organizer’s professional assessment, create actual or foreseeable danger to the Traveler’s safety. Given the nature of the Organizer’s expeditions—which often involve destinations affected by conflict, natural hazards, or instability—date modifications or cancellations may occur. The Traveler accepts this inherent risk and waives any right to claim compensation.
The Organizer may also cancel when the minimum number of participants stated in the preliminary information is not met. In such cases, the Traveler will be informed in accordance with legal deadlines:
At least 20 days before start (trips > 6 days),
At least 7 days before start (trips 2–6 days),
At least 48 hours before start (trips < 2 days).
CONDUCT DURING THE EXPEDITION AND RISK-RELATED PROVISIONS
1. Destination Risks
Many expeditions take place in remote, nature-based locations or regions with political unrest or high-risk activities. The Organizer will inform the Traveler of the current security context and provide official documentation when possible. Nonetheless, the Traveler is responsible for staying updated on governmental travel advisories and restrictions.
2. Acceptance of Risks and Release of Liability
The Organizer exercises due diligence but cannot eliminate the inherent dangers of such trips. To participate, the Traveler must acknowledge awareness of all disclosed risks, accept responsibility for them, and release the Organizer, its staff, partners, and suppliers from liability, in accordance with the declaration they must sign. Participation occurs at the Traveler’s own risk. Any guidance or suggestions from the Organizer are non-binding; misunderstandings or disregard for such advice cannot serve as grounds for liability.
3. Nature of Risks
Risks inherent to the destination or activities may lead to injury, psychological harm, or death. These risks include, but are not limited to:
War, terrorism, civil unrest, and political instability.
Falls, slips, drowning, or injuries due to extreme weather, waves, darkness, storms, or natural disasters.
Exposure to allergens, wildlife, venomous animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, rockfalls, wildfires. Infectious diseases, pathogens, and viruses (including Covid-19).
Dehydration, hypothermia, heatstroke, sunburn, and other environmental injuries.
Errors in judgment by guides, inadequate medical assistance, failed rescue attempts.
Equipment malfunction, communication failures.
Being lost, hazards associated with rescue vehicles, psychological distress.
4. Itinerary Adjustments
If safety so requires, the Organizer may alter routes or schedules at any time. Such changes will not be considered a major modification of the contract.
5. Mandatory Conduct and Compliance with Safety Rules
Travelers must: Follow all instructions from guides and cooperate with the group.
Avoid engaging in unauthorized or unsupervised activities.
Respect group discipline, adhere to proposed itineraries, and act safely and responsibly.
Disclose relevant medical conditions at the time of booking.
Comply with stated difficulty levels of activities.
Maintain the group’s pace and never advance ahead of or fall behind the guide without notice.
Violation of these rules may lead to exclusion from the activity without any refund.
6. Required Equipment
Travelers must bring all mandatory equipment specified for each activity unless explicitly stated otherwise. Failure to bring proper equipment—when it jeopardizes the Traveler’s or group’s safety—may result in removal from the activity, without reimbursement.
7. Respect Toward Guides, Groups, and Local Customs
All travelers must behave respectfully toward guides, fellow participants, the environment, and cultural norms. Disrespectful behavior—including toward national or religious customs—may lead to expulsion without refund.
8. Weather-Related Decisions
Adverse weather conditions may force the cancellation of routes or activities at the guide’s discretion. No pre-trip cancellation will take place solely due to weather forecasts, nor will compensation be provided if the Traveler cancels for this reason.
9. Physical and Mental Fitness
Travelers must disclose any physical or psychological conditions that may affect participation. The Organizer may refuse reservations from individuals whose conditions make participation unsafe for themselves or others. Failure to disclose conditions may lead to removal from the activity without reimbursement.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Every participant must hold valid travel insurance covering, at minimum:
Medical expenses,
Emergency evacuation and repatriation,
Trip cancellation or interruption.
Proof of coverage must be provided prior to departure. The suitability of the policy is the Traveler’s exclusive responsibility. Any consequences arising from insufficient coverage fall entirely on the Traveler. The Organizer may deny participation to those who fail to provide proof of insurance, without any refund.
PASSPORT, VISA & HEALTH DOCUMENTATION
The Organizer will advise on passport, visa, and health requirements in the Program or information dossier, including approximate processing times. Each Traveler must personally ensure possession of valid passports, visas, vaccination certificates, and any other entry documentation required by authorities.
The Organizer cannot be held liable for denied entry resulting from expired, insufficient, or improperly issued documents. If the Traveler requests the Organizer to manage these documents, the related fees must be paid in advance. The Organizer may facilitate the process, but responsibility for approval lies exclusively with authorities; visa denial does not create liability for the Organizer.