Please review these terms and conditions and the privacy policy before booking a trip.  

These general conditions apply to any trip, excursion, or service provided by the tour operator agency FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR FWTO CIA. LTDA., with RUC 1792968496001 and registered office at N2 Bolívar Street Oe5-61 and Benalcázar Street, Quito city, Pichincha Province. With Tourism Registration Certificate No: PUIOOI-00004576 granted by the Metropolitan Public Company for Tourism Destination Management. Contact email: info@fourworldsecuador.com. 

Booking any of the trips offered by the agency implies full acceptance of these general conditions, which are automatically incorporated into the contract without the need for written transcription.

1. THE CONTRACT

If you are interested in making a reservation with us, you must have read and understood all the clauses listed on this page. If you sign a travel agreement with us or any of our agents, you automatically accept the booking conditions on behalf of yourself and the persons included in the reservation, regardless of whether they are minors or have disabilities. Your reservation will be accepted and valid only when we send you a confirmation email or an invoice. Only when we do this will a contract be established between FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR and you, and it will apply from the date indicated in the email or invoice. 

From that point on, the person or persons mentioned in the reservation will be referred to as “client.” The terms and conditions set forth below will form a binding agreement between the Client and FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR. The services provided to the client are those tours indicated in the reservation.

2. SPECIFICATIONS

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR does not own the content provided by the suppliers and indicates that it may not be accurate, up-to-date, or complete, and therefore does not guarantee the prices shown in the established contract. Prices constantly vary and additional charges may apply (service charges, baggage check fees, local taxes, port taxes, airfare, general taxes, and/or gratuities). Before completing the reservation, always verify that the prices are as expected. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR acts as an intermediary agent in booking and contracting certain services between its passenger(s) and its secondary suppliers. The term Secondary Suppliers may refer to hotels not owned by us, means of transportation (by air, land, or water), excursions, and packages combined with other local agencies. Final confirmation of such services and final costs can only be guaranteed with the issuance of the respective invoice followed by the Service Voucher. 

These services are subject to the conditions previously agreed with the secondary supplier, being the exclusive and direct responsibility of this entity towards the passengers. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible in case of accident, damage, loss, modification, or any event of force majeure beyond the secondary supplier’s control.

3. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Client must present a written statement at the time of booking if there is any medical condition that needs to be mentioned, such as disability and pregnancy. Any other physical or mental condition that may affect the Client’s fitness level must also be provided to FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR in writing. Failure to do so may result in rejection and the Client will not be able to travel. If the trip needs to be canceled completely, cancellation fees will apply. 

Please note that some tours may not be appropriate for the Client due to a specific disability, mobility, pregnancy, or any other condition. If the Client suffers from any condition that he believes may cause an obstacle during the tour, he must inform FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR about it before making a reservation. For example, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR may not allow women to travel if they are more than 24 weeks pregnant. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for providing additional facilities until the Client has obtained a written agreement. However, the company makes every effort to meet the Client’s needs; these are not included in the Contract, which implies that FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR has no responsibility for not meeting these needs. In each country’s location, medical facilities are not the same, so FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR does not guarantee the quality or standard of any medical treatment during the tour.

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR, as well as the Secondary Supplier, assumes that the passenger is generally in good health and is aware of the physical demands, techniques, altitude variations, and climate, as well as the risks involved in each tour activity. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR recommends that passengers have life insurance covering material damage, accidents, delays, and loss of life. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR does not provide any type of travel insurance along with its programs (whether in the Galapagos or the mainland). The costs of the programs offered by FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR do not include coverage for accidents or events beyond our control.

4. RESERVATIONS

You can book through one of the forms on the website or through our email address info@fourworldsecuador.com  

To book a tour with us, we need complete information about all travelers. 

For any tour involving the issuance of airline tickets, we need the traveler’s data form and passport information. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will use this information to issue your tickets and travel vouchers, but it will not be shared, loaned, or sold to any other third party. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will provide you with all the necessary and personalized information you require about your trip, tour, or package. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will provide you with all the necessary tickets and travel vouchers for your participation in the booked tour. 

In case of an emergency, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will contact your family, insurance company, and/or embassy in case of an accident caused by fortuitous event or force majeure. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will not be responsible for injuries, illnesses, death, or any other damage caused under any circumstances by you. 

The shared information must be accurate and real, and the competent authority may review the passenger’s identification documents at any time.

Tailor-made trips 

• When we receive a request, we will contact the client and send them a document with more information about the service and the final price.
• If they finally like and accept it, a payment request for 40%, or 100% of the service if there are less than 60 days before the start of the trip, will be sent. Sometimes, full payment for a specific service, such as airline tickets, may be required at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit and any other required payment will be confirmed at the time of booking.
• The reservation will be confirmed when we receive the deposit. The remaining amount (60%) must be paid one month before the start of the trip. The reservation will be canceled if payment has not been made by the invoice due date. In the “cancellation and modification conditions” section, you can consult the fees generated by canceling a reservation.
• Travel documents will be sent to the email once the final payment has been received and all the services included in the reservation have been confirmed.

Group trips 

• Group trips are those organized by FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR with fixed dates, requiring a minimum number of participants (usually 7 people) and a maximum number of travelers.
• To make a reservation for a group trip, the traveler must pay a non-refundable deposit.
• When you send your reservation request, we will treat it as an “unsecured reservation.” At this point, the reservation is only provisional and not confirmed. Your reservation will be accepted and final only from the date we send you an email confirming that your “on request” reservation has been confirmed. At this point, a contract between you and us will take effect.

Booking conditions 

• All rates are quoted in US dollars (USD) per person and include taxes.
• Each trip and excursion details the services included and not included; any service not specified as “included” will be considered “not included.”
• All additional expenses incurred by the client during the trip, such as supplementary services, extra consumptions, must be paid by the client.
• No refunds will be made for services not used by the client, whatever the cause of non-use.

5. INCLUDED SERVICES 

All services detailed on the invoice/proforma and those previously discussed and agreed upon with the passenger(s). Regarding accommodation (hotels, hostels, lodges), the passenger(s) are subject to the check-in/out times of the specified hotel, hostel, or lodge. 

The traveler is responsible for all room accessories and all equipment used during the activities in their itinerary. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR marks Day 1 of the tour as the day of BRIEFING, and the last day is marked by the completion of all previously agreed-upon services with the passenger(s), regardless of the time. 

All online reservations are subject to review by FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR travel agents before the final confirmation is resolved. To ensure service availability and quality, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR reserves the right to reject or cancel a reservation, in which case an immediate refund will be made. 

The Service Voucher and airline ticket are the only guarantees for the activities agreed upon between FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR and its passengers. Any service not specified in the Service Voucher will not be included in the tour.

6. TRIP PRICES  

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is authorized to increase the price of any package as deemed appropriate without informing or notifying customers. The change in rates is assessed considering various factors, such as currency fluctuations, government actions, food costs, transportation costs, fuel costs, airport fees, ticket fees, or any other costs beyond the control of FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR.

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is committed to providing the best prices according to availability, seasons, and promotional prices.

7. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

To confirm any service, a deposit must be received from you. If your trip is booked more than 60 days in advance, we will request the agreed deposit, which must be received within 1 week (7 days) of the original booking. If your booking is made less than 61 days before the trip’s departure, full payment for the tour is required within 1 week of the original booking.

We offer various payment methods; please consult your travel agent to determine the best option for you:

• Credit or debit card – online payment
• Ecuador bank account – national money transfer

8. CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION CONDITIONS

Customers can withdraw from the requested or contracted services at any time, but must recognize the following amounts to the travel agency: Cancellation expenses, in accordance with the commercial practices of the Ecuadorian travel industry, will be borne by the customer, being specified as follows for all our products:

• Management fees (which can be up to USD 180 per person)
• Air tickets: Galápagos flights are issued at the time of confirmation, with 100% cancellation fees and airline policies for changes.

The penalty in case of cancellations is as follows:

• From 44 to 30 days before the departure date: 25%
• From 29 to 16 days before the departure date: 50%
• From 15 to 0 days before the departure date: 100%

Customers will not have to pay a penalty if the withdrawal is due to force majeure. Force majeure includes death, accident, or serious illness of the customer or any cohabiting person that prevents participation in the trip.

If the customer wishes or is compelled to transfer their booking to a third party, prior consultation is required, as most airlines and hotels do not accept name changes. If transfer is possible, it must be done at least 15 days before the trip’s start date. In this case, the agency must be compensated with 5% of the total trip price in addition to expenses incurred for the substitution.

For modification of a confirmed booking, USD 60 per booking will be charged as management fees.

If the cancellation takes place more than 45 days before the start of the trip, the deposit will not be refunded. These fees will be deducted from the total balance of the trip. 

In addition to the cancellation fees mentioned above, the customer may also be responsible for any additional costs that have been incurred before the cancellation (e.g., fees related to flight reservations). The remaining balance will be refunded after all fees have been deducted. 

The refund is calculated based on the current exchange rate at the time of the refund. The travel agent is responsible for checking that the current exchange rate is in line with the current exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Ecuador. 

There is no refund for a missed departure, either in the case of a return ticket or the first leg of a round-trip ticket. 

Cancellations made due to natural disasters, political unrest, or any other events beyond the control of the travel agent will not be refunded. In these cases, the customer will be informed of any additional costs to be paid. These costs will be added to the total balance of the trip, and the customer must pay the additional amount before the trip begins.

Withdrawal Before the Trip

Once the agency is aware of the trip withdrawal by the customer, the agency will refund the amounts paid within a maximum of one month, deducting relevant management fees, air tickets, and penalties as mentioned above.

Withdrawal During the Trip

Customers have the right to withdraw from the trip contract once the trip has started but cannot claim a refund for the amounts paid and will still be required to pay any pending amounts.

If the withdrawal is due to an accident or serious illness that prevents the customer from continuing the trip, the agency will provide necessary assistance and try to manage refunds for unused services from various providers. However, no refund guarantee can be provided as it depends on each provider’s cancellation policies. Transportation costs (bus, boat, plane, train, etc.) are non-refundable. During July, August, holidays, Christmas, and Easter vacations, it is nearly impossible to recover amounts from providers due to more restrictive cancellation conditions.

In both cases, any additional expenses incurred due to withdrawal, especially repatriation or transport to the origin, will be borne by the customer.

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will not be responsible for refunds in the following situations:

• Voluntary itinerary changes after departure
• Mechanical issues affecting any means of transport
• Late arrival or no-show of travelers
• Decision to leave the tour early or miss activities/meals/accommodations/services during the tour
• Traveling without necessary documentation, including passports, visas, and immigration documents, causing delays or cancellations
• Price differences paid by different passengers on the same tour, including last-minute special rates
• Decisions by third parties affecting the tour’s normal operation, including the operator, the Ecuadorian government, or the national park authority

9. TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITIES

• It is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip. It is also the responsibility of each passenger to obtain the necessary visas and permits for the countries visited during the trip.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by the lack of valid travel documents.  It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times and to keep the original documents secure.
• In case of loss or theft of travel documents, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will assist you in contacting your embassy or consulate to arrange for replacement documents.
  
  
• Any additional expenses incurred due to the loss or theft of travel documents are the responsibility of the traveler.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by immigration authorities or customs officials.  It is recommended to inform yourself of the entry requirements for each country visited during the trip and to comply with all local regulations and customs.

• The passenger agrees to contract third-party services to fulfill the contracted tour package.
• Activities contracted externally are the passenger’s responsibility.
• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR must be informed of any medical problems, allergies, dietary requirements, or special needs due to disability or other reasons, and this information must be provided when contracting the tour package (as required in the traveler data form). We will organize any special requirements accordingly.
• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any illnesses or injuries incurred during the trip. It is recommended to inform yourself of the health and safety risks for each destination and to take the necessary precautions.  It is also recommended to carry a copy of your medical records and any necessary medications with you at all times.  It is recommended to inform yourself of the local health and safety regulations and to comply with all requirements.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by health or safety issues. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for the quality or availability of medical facilities in remote areas. 
  
  
• It is recommended to carry a basic first aid kit and to avoid risky activities that may result in injury.
  
  
• If additional services are required for medical needs or special requirements, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not obliged to cover these costs; the passenger must cover their needs.
  
  
• Passengers are responsible for their personal care during each activity, should be aware of any excesses, and maintain due personal care and moderate behavior. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will inform passengers of the details of each activity, which they can choose to participate in under their responsibility.
  
  
• Passengers must understand the risks of extreme sports and activities requiring higher caution due to their danger. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for injuries or damage caused by risky practices or lack of personal care.
  
  
• Each passenger is responsible for their own baggage and personal belongings.

• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for the loss or damage of baggage during the trip.  It is recommended to carry a copy of your baggage claim tags and to keep your baggage secure at all times. 

• It is recommended to inform yourself of the baggage allowances and restrictions for each airline and to comply with all regulations. FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by the loss or damage of baggage.  It is recommended to carry essential items, such as medication and travel documents, in your carry-on baggage and to avoid packing valuable items in your checked baggage.
• As a customer, it is entirely your responsibility to have a valid passport, visa permits, and necessary medications during the tour. We provide information on these items and issues but do not have any responsibility towards them.
• Before booking a tour, ensure you have the required fitness level and can complete the chosen travel itinerary. If you are over 65 years old, we strongly recommend obtaining medical advice to ensure you have acceptable strength and fitness.
• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will not allow anyone under 18 years old to travel without a companion. Teenagers will only be considered if accompanied by a parent or guardian who assumes full responsibility.
• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR may reject any booking if deemed appropriate. You must accept the decisions made by our employees, agents, and leaders during the tour.
• If any person’s health or conduct before or after departure jeopardizes the comfort, safety, and happiness of other clients, they may be excluded from the entire tour or parts of it. If a traveler’s health is not good, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR may make necessary arrangements but is not obliged to do so.
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all people using tours operated by FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR. We recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy (with your preferred insurer) that provides coverage for accidents, medical emergencies, repatriation, or death and protects you from trip cancellation, reduction, baggage damage or theft, and personal liabilities.

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred due to the lack of travel insurance.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings during the trip. It is highly recommended to keep personal belongings secure and to avoid bringing valuable items.  It is also recommended to carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact information with you at all times.  In case of an emergency, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will assist you in contacting your travel insurance provider and arranging any necessary assistance.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by the travel insurance provider. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that their travel insurance policy is up to date and valid for the duration of the trip.  In the event of an emergency, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will make every effort to assist you, but cannot guarantee the availability of medical facilities or emergency services in remote areas.  It is recommended to inform your travel insurance provider of your travel itinerary and any specific needs or requirements before the start of the trip.

10. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

Besides the obligation to fulfill the contracted service, the agency especially agrees to:

• Perform its duties with the diligence and professionalism required to provide quality service as a tour operator.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding information provided by the passenger and not use it for purposes unrelated to the contracted tour package.
• Guarantee service in accordance with the parameters established in these terms and conditions.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY

• The passenger and FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR agree to maintain strict confidentiality about the processes and information provided by both parties to protect each other when contracting the service.
• Payment methods, billing, and exclusive benefits will also be kept confidential.

Privacy Policy

• FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR, to provide better service and protect each passenger’s personal data, establishes the following parameters in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ecuador and contractual relations when acquiring a tour package.
• The passenger must electronically provide an image of their passport, and all personal information provided by the passenger will be strictly confidential under Ecuadorian laws. The company handling the information will protect the data and cannot commercialize it, maintaining all passenger information in confidence.
• All information requested by FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR complies with Ecuadorian laws and will be strictly for fiscal and control purposes by the Republic of Ecuador’s tax office.
• All information provided by the passenger will be used to achieve optimal service quality during their trip.
• The passenger agrees that FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR may contact them by any means to inform them of new tour packages and promotions, with the option to request no further contact.
• For a better experience and service, our website uses cookies to provide optimal and personalized service to each client. By entering our website, you accept the use of cookies; if you disagree with this, you are free to leave the system and contact our agency through other means.

12. DISPUTES

If there is any dispute regarding the contracted service, you must directly contact FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR to resolve it. If no agreement is reached, it will be handled by a mediation center in Quito, Republic of Ecuador.

13. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury incurred during the trip.  It is recommended to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your belongings.  FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any delays or cancellations caused by unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or other events beyond our control. In such cases, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will make every effort to assist you, but cannot guarantee the availability of alternative arrangements. 

Any additional expenses incurred due to unforeseen events are the responsibility of the traveler. 

It is recommended to inform yourself of the local conditions and to comply with all regulations and advisories. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred due to changes in the itinerary or travel arrangements. 

It is recommended to inform yourself of the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy and to comply with all requirements. 

FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by the actions or negligence of third parties, such as airlines, hotels, or other service providers.  In such cases, FOUR WORLDS TOUR OPERATOR will assist you in contacting the relevant authorities and arranging for the necessary assistance, but cannot guarantee the outcome of any claims or disputes.

14. ACCEPTANCE

Having read and understood the complete content of this document, the terms and conditions expressed are affirmed and ratified, and acceptance of the provisions is confirmed.