Terms & Conditions

Please read the following booking conditions carefully. All trips and tours sold by Go Discover are subject to these terms and other general information provided to you in our quotations and on our website.

Note that Go Discover will assist and help our clients where possible in the event of any pre-tour or on-tour issue, without necessarily being limited to the clauses listed below.

Proceeding with a booking with us entails the acceptance of our terms and conditions for you and your travel companions without the need for a signed contract agreement.

SERVICIOSTURISTICOS GO TO DISCOVER CIA. LTDA. is a legally registered Ecuadorian Tour Operator whose administrative offices are located in Quito, Ecuador. From here on and for the effect of this booking agreement Go Discover will be referred to as the 'agency', 'we', 'us', 'our'. While 'you', 'your', 'traveler' means all persons named on the booking, or any of them as the context requires (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). References to “departure date” mean the start date of the holiday arrangements you have booked with us. Go Discover is a company regulated by Ecuadorian legislation and the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador.

Third-party Suppliers and Liability Release

Go Discover, including its employees, agents, contractors, guides, associates, directors, officers, and shareholders, gives notice that many of the services it provides including transportation, hotels, cruises, and other forms of accommodations, restaurants, and other services, are often purchased from various independent suppliers not affiliated with us. While we seek to work with the most appropriate suppliers available, Go Discover has only a limited ability to control the operations these suppliers provide.

Each of these suppliers is subject to the laws of Ecuador and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets, vouchers, international conventions, and agreements. The traveler releases Go Discover from any and all claims of loss or damage to baggage or property, for personal injuries or death, for loss or delay arising out of the act, omission or negligence of any independent contractors or third-party suppliers such as air carriers, cruise operators, hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, guides and other services or facilities.

Go Discover acts as an intermediary or an agent for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air tickets and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such suppliers in connection with those products and services. Go Discover is not responsible for incidents such as airline cancellations, re-routing, or any disruptions of schedule, service, or accommodation. Responsibilities are limited to those of an agent, and compensation is limited to those described by individual trip cancellation policies.

Booking and Payment Policies

By paying the deposit you confirm that you have read the Terms and Conditions and General Information sections that appear within the pre-invoice, invoice, and on the Go Discover website, and agree, on behalf of all persons named on the booking form, that they bind you.

The following payments are required to confirm your travel reservation:

A 30% deposit of the total tour price at the time of booking. This initial deposit is enough to fully confirm your reservation and all services entailed.

Balance is due 90 days before the departure date.

If a trip is booked less than 90 days (three months) before the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

If full payment is not received in the established time, this might be considered as a cancellation of the trip on your part and deposits might be forfeited.

You understand, agree, and authorize Go Discover to act on your behalf, and use your deposit and payments to confirm your requested travel services, understanding your deposit and payments once paid and confirmed, are final, and governed by the supplier’s terms and conditions.

Note that different payment terms to confirm reservations apply to some specific tour and lodge operators, cruise companies, and to charters for all boats. Your Travel Specialist will advise you on the specific payment terms at the time of booking.

We reserve the right to change a price of a trip booking without prior notice, in the event of any increase that goes beyond our control including cases such as an increase in government taxes, fuel surcharge, and changes to the price of flight tickets, among others.

We reserve the right to refuse name changes on bookings as a standard policy, however, under some circumstances, specific hotels, cruises, airlines, and other suppliers might have different booking policies. Your Travel Specialist will inform you regarding these variations.

Solo Travelers and Single Supplements

The price of the cruise, hotel, and other accommodations are based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a cabin/room). If a traveler wishes to secure a single occupancy cabin/room, an additional single supplement fee may apply. Your Travel Specialist will list the single occupancy options available with and without supplements. Note that supplements are set by the supplier’s pricing and booking policies.

Payment Methods and Currency

All payments must be done in US dollars (United States) as specified in your invoice. Any currency conversion fees or charges levied by your bank or financial institution will be your responsibility.

We strive to provide a secure and convenient payment experience, and your satisfaction is important to us.

Our payment methods are the following:

1. Wire Transfers

We accept payments via wire transfer to our local bank account. When choosing this method, please ensure that the transfer includes the total amount due for your booking and that any applicable bank fees are covered by the sender.

Kindly note that the transfer may take a few business days to be processed and reflected in our account.

2. Credit Cards

We offer the convenience of credit card payments and accept Visa, American Express (Amex), and MasterCard. Please be aware that certain credit card issuers may apply additional fees or charges, in this case, any fees applicable will be detailed in your payment link.

Credit card payments are securely processed by WeTravel, a trusted and secure payment platform for travel businesses. WeTravel employs industry-standard encryption and security protocols to safeguard your payment information, ensuring a safe and protected transaction.

3. ACH Payments

We also facilitate payments via ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer. ACH payments are an electronic method of transferring funds directly from your bank account to ours.

ACH payments are also processed securely by WeTravel, a reputable payment platform for travel businesses. WeTravel prioritizes the protection of your payment information through robust encryption and security measures.

Travelers Booking Information

To issue a final confirmation and digital travel documents and vouchers, Go Discover requires from every traveler participating in the tour:

Full names
Passport details (including passport copies of all participants)
Nationality
Date of birth
Dietary and medical restrictions
Special health conditions
Covid-19 vaccination status and certificate (when applicable)
International flight information (IN/OUT of Ecuador)

This information is required maximum 90 days prior departure date, as part of the procedures to enter the Galapagos National Park and for booking your domestic Galapagos Islands flights. Failure to provide the above information on time may result in delays and possibly travelers missing the tour completely.

Go Discover will not accept responsibility or provide refunds if the above information is not provided in its entirety and on time.

You agree you are responsible for the personal paperwork required to travel. Including but not limited to passport validity, visa (if applicable), etc. You agree you will not hold Go Discover or the intended travel (cruise, lodge, or other third-party suppliers), responsible for not keeping these documents updated and ready for your travel.

Book with Confidence Policies: Cancellations and Relocations

1. If you change your holiday after confirmation (deposit paid)

If after the deposit has been received by us, you want to change your trip or a portion of it (whether it is a date or service) we will pass your request to the relevant supplier, however, we cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a change is possible, we will charge for any additional costs incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of our suppliers and including for example cancellation charges that may be incurred for portions or services canceled. Go Discover will not charge any fee for one occasion, and for any further relocation, we will charge a USD 200 fee per person, apart from any costs and/or cancellation fees incurred by the suppliers.

2. If you cancel your holiday prior to departure

You may cancel your confirmed booking at any time prior to departure. Where you wish to do so, written notification must be sent to us by email. And, as proof of receipt, you must ensure you receive and retain written acknowledgment from Go Discover. If you wish to cancel your booking, you will be charged a cancellation fee calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost as shown below:

Some of our suppliers have different cancellation policies in which you might not forfeit your payments. Galapagos charter bookings and high-season departures (Easter, Christmas, and New Year) apply different cancellation policies. Ask your Travel Specialist for detailed information in case of cancellation.

3. If you change or cancel your trip after the departure date and unused services

We will do our best to implement any changes to the arrangements you request once they have commenced, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of such amendments being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be applied in respect of the services originally booked, and for the costs involved in booking the revised arrangements as well as for the cost of the new arrangements themselves. It is unlikely that refunds will be paid to clients who do not complete a tour/holiday. However, where we ourselves are able to obtain a refund from hotels or services not used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable administration charges.

4. Travel and Medical Insurance

Travel and Medical insurance are vital parts of your arrangements. We strongly recommend travelers obtain trip cancellation/interruption insurance to better protect themselves; such insurance should also have coverage for covid-related costs and medical evacuation.

Go Discover holds no responsibility under unforeseen events such as changes on your arrival/departure international flights (delay, loss, or cancellation), acts of God, natural disasters, strikes, changes enforced by the Galapagos National Park authorities, pandemic, border closures or other unforeseen reasons that might alter your trip or prevent you from partaking, and/or ending your services in the established schedule

Pricing, Surcharges, and Confidentiality

Our cruise/tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practices within the travel industry. This means our cruise/tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions, and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same cruise/trip may have been charged different prices.

Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Once you have received a quote the price will be locked in provided you pay the required deposit prior to the quote’s expiry.

Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply.

We reserve the right to impose surcharges before the total invoice is paid in full due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. We will not surcharge any booking for travel once paid in full.

In view of the current volatility of world oil prices, a fuel supplement may be added to the price of your holiday at the time of booking.

Confidentiality clause on cruise prices

The traveler is subject to the following price confidentiality clause:

All prices are not to be disclosed without prior authorization from the company. Preferential pricing policies are applied to local sales and last-minute sales, therefore those who disregard this clause and or any issues regarding price differences are subject to the penalty of covering the full value difference of preferential tariffs. The Captain on board will handle this protocol with strict orders to terminate the service voucher validity if subjects fail to comply.

Legal Origin of Funds

The traveler declares that all funds paid to confirm their tours or cruises with Go Discover are of the legal origin or precedence and destination.

Complaints and Refunds

Any complaints the travelers have while on holiday must be brought to the immediate attention of Go Discover or its representative to rectify the matter. In such cases where satisfaction is not reached the complaint must be put in writing to us. Such formal complaints must be received up to 15 days after the end of the tour, depending on the service provided. Complaints received after that date will not be accepted and possible refunds not considered.

Go Discover will not be responsible for giving refunds in any of the following cases:

Mechanical issues affecting any form of transport on the trip.
Substitution of facilities or personnel.
Late arrival or no-show of the traveler.
The travelers’ decision to leave the tour early or miss any activities/meals/accommodations during the tour.
Issues caused by the traveler when missing to carry the necessary documentation including passport, visas, immigration papers, covid-19 tests, or vaccination certificates (when applicable).
Price differences paid by different travelers aboard the same tour including special last-minute rates.
Decisions by any third party that affect the normal running of the tour including the suppliers, Ecuadorian government, or National Park authorities.
Force Majeure events or any other extraordinary circumstances as described above.
Alteration of the trip itinerary by the supplier either before or after departure, without advance notice for reasons including but not limited to: weather conditions and the forces of nature, wildlife behavioral habits, vehicle or yacht safety, passengers or crew safety, the discretion of tour guide, driver or public authorities.
Decision of the traveler to travel without valid medical and travel insurance, despite our recommendations.
Any other circumstances arising beyond our control.

Furthermore, at times Go Discover may deem it necessary to alter Galapagos land itineraries or mainland tours, due to the discretion of the Galapagos National Park, the forces of nature, civil disturbance, and other reasons, both within and beyond its control, in which case Go Discover may seek to offer its travelers substitute excursions of similar or equal value and/or refunds, but is under no obligation to do so when subject to the conditions stipulated above in this clause. The cost of intervening hotels, meals, and transportation associated with substitutions is subject to Go Discover limits. Expenses beyond the stated limits and/or any items not expressly covered in the limits, such as the use of additional hotel services, are the sole responsibility of the traveler and not Go Discover.

When offered by Go Discover, any refunds, substitutions or replacements will encompass the full extent of the offer with the understanding that by accepting any such offer the affected traveler waives any further right to substitution, refund, or additional compensation of any kind and may be asked to sign an agreement to this effect at the time substitution is made.

Liability Release and Assumption of Risk

In paying a deposit to participate in a Go Discover tour, either directly with us, or indirectly via one of our resellers, you acknowledge and agree to the following risks and releases. And, any tour company or individual reseller acknowledges, agrees, and commits to transmit the following, and assumes full responsibility for failure to communicate this information to those travelers whom they booked on any of our tours.

Travelers taking part in our trips do so in the full knowledge that their expedition to the Galapagos Islands, mainland Ecuador and/or the remote areas visited by their trip inherently involves risks and dangers including, but not limited to, the forces of nature, the unpredictable behavior of wild animals, civil unrest, terrorism, roads, trails, hotels, travel by vehicles including taxis, buses, airplanes, and ocean-going vessels, exposure to high altitude, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, physical exertion for which the traveler may not be prepared, and or negligence (but not willful or fraudulent conduct) on the part of Go Discover, or others, and that during their trip travelers may be exposed to additional risks and hazards including but not limited to the possibility of accident, injury or illness in a remote area without access to emergency care, rapid evacuation, adequate medical facilities or availability of medical supplies.

Travelers acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement derived from an expedition and/or adventure trip comes in part from the inherent risks incurred when traveling including exposure to the activities offered during a tour such as, but not limited to, swimming, hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and scuba diving, which are all enjoyed with the traveler’s voluntary participation.

Fully understanding these risks and that the cost of a Go Discover trip is based upon travelers fully accepting the conditions stated and implied herein, as lawful consideration for being permitted by Go Discover, and/or any of its affiliated organizations, to participate in a Go Discover trip and take part in the trip’s corresponding activities and use its facilities and equipment, travelers agree to be responsible for their own welfare and accept any and all risks of delay, unanticipated events, death, illness, injury or emotional trauma and acknowledge that they are voluntarily participating on the trip in full knowledge of these risks and therefore discharge Go Discover and its owners, agents, contractors, affiliates, and employees from and against any and all liability arising from their participation in the tour or expedition.

Travelers further agree that this release shall be legally binding upon themselves and all minors under the age of 21 traveling with them, their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives; they intend to fully assume all the risk of travel and to release Go Discover from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Indemnification from traveler

Each traveler agrees to compensate for all penalties, fines, charges, losses, and/or expenses incurred or imposed by virtue of any act, omission, or violation of law by the traveler and for all damage to the ship and property caused by the willful or negligent act or omission on the part of the passenger.

Photography and Video Records

Unless specifically requested otherwise by the traveler prior to the end of a tour, Go Discover may take photographic or film records of any of our trips and its participants and may use such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

Variation of Terms and Conditions

No employee or associate of Go Discover may vary any of the above booking conditions without written consent from the Directors' board. We reserve the right to modify this Agreement without prior notice. Please contact us or refer to our website www.godiscoverlatam.com to review the most current version of these policies.

Privacy Policy and Data Protection

You consent to us processing your personal information and the personal information of other members of your party, which includes us sharing this personal information with third parties where necessary (including airlines, local accommodations, or service providers) in order to arrange and provide your holiday. All personal information is processed in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy.

Privacy Policy

Traveling with Go Discover means you will live the experience you always imagined, from the moment you start browsing our website for undiscovered paradises to our warmest “come back soon” on the last day of your trip. To help us accomplish this, we need to ask you for a little personal information. But, we know how important it is to keep your personal data safe and we are open with you about how we protect, collect and keep it.

Personal Information we collect or receive

In order to process reservations and to provide the services you have booked with us, we receive, collect, store, and use personal information that may include your name, address, telephone number, email address, and if you travel with us, your passport details.

When you choose to purchase our services, we may collect financial information such as credit card details, bank account information, billing address, and any other information necessary to verify your identity. The credit card holder and the members of the group must understand how the information is to be used and must grant their consent for such usage. The data collected for payments are deleted after confirming the transaction and your reservation is ready.

To ensure we make the right arrangements for you, and if your trip is considered to be physically demanding or if you need special access or care due to a disability, we may also need to request information regarding your physical health. Besides any dietary restrictions and allergies, which we and any third-party suppliers must be aware of.

The ways in which we obtain your information may include newsletter subscriptions, inquiries sent to our website, telephone calls, e-mails, chatrooms, or any other type available.

Purpose of information

The information collected will allow us to process each travel reservation as requested by you and is safely stored and carefully handled by a limited number of staff members inside our company.

It might also be used for communication purposes and as a mailing list database to promote travel offers and newsletters regarding traveling in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and other countries in South America, which might be of interest to you. In case you decide to receive any of our information no longer, the subscription can be canceled anytime by sending an email to hello@godiscoverlatam.com or by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email.

Disclosure of information by third parties

We do not sell or otherwise share personal information about you, except as described in this document. We only share personal information with third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as hotels, boat operators, tour operators, airlines, or business-related that provide services for us.

The use of cookies is exclusive to analyzing traffic and web applications.

A cookie does not give access to the hard disk or personal identification information, it has a short lifetime and is automatically deleted from the hard drive. You can delete cookies within the privacy settings of the web browser used. Google technology is used in order to identify your browsing patterns on our website and the most engaging content, which will help us offer a better experience for the end-user.

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