TERMS AND CONDITIONS, LIABILITY WAIVER, REFUND POLICY, AND PRIVACY POLICY

Ascend Andes LLC

Effective Date: April 24, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE – READ CAREFULLY

By booking a tour, making a payment, or participating in any expedition with Ascend Andes (“we,” “us,” “our”), you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms in this document, including a legally binding assumption of risk and liability waiver.

Trekking and high-altitude expeditions involve serious inherent risks, including but not limited to: altitude sickness, injury, permanent disability, death, extreme weather, terrain hazards, and limited access to emergency medical services.

If you do not agree with these terms, do not book or participate in any of our services.

This document is intended to be as protective as legally possible for the operator under applicable laws in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and international booking jurisdictions.

1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, communicating with us, or booking any service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and all associated policies.

1.2 Nature of Services

Ascend Andes provides guided trekking, mountaineering, and adventure expedition services in remote mountain environments. All itineraries are subject to change at any time due to safety, weather, government regulations, guide discretion, or force majeure events.

We do not guarantee summit success, exact routes, or fixed itineraries.

1.3 Booking Confirmation

A booking is only confirmed once:

• A deposit or full payment has been received, and
• Written confirmation has been issued by Ascend Andes.

We reserve the right to refuse participation at our discretion if a client is deemed unfit or unsafe for the expedition.

1.4 Participant Fitness and Responsibility

All participants confirm they are:

• Physically fit for strenuous high-altitude trekking
• Aware of risks associated with altitude (including Acute Mountain Sickness)
• Responsible for assessing their own limitations

You are required to disclose any medical conditions prior to departure.
Failure to disclose relevant medical information releases us from any liability.

1.5 Mandatory Travel Insurance

All participants are REQUIRED to have valid travel insurance that explicitly covers:

• High-altitude trekking (above 4,000m)
• Emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue if applicable)
• Medical treatment abroad
• Trip cancellation and interruption

Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in denied participation without refund.

1.6 Authority of Guide

The lead guide has full authority to:

• Alter or shorten routes
• Cancel or stop the expedition
• Deny summit attempts
• Remove participants from the expedition

These decisions are final and are made solely for safety reasons.
No refunds are provided for safety-based decisions.

1.7 Assumption of Risk

By participating, you voluntarily assume all risks including injury, illness, death, and loss of personal property.
You acknowledge that mountain environments are unpredictable and inherently dangerous.

1.8 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ascend Andes, its owners, employees, guides, and affiliates shall not be liable for:

• Injury, illness, or death
• Loss or damage to personal belongings
• Delays or itinerary changes
• Third-party service failures

We act as a tour operator and intermediary with local service providers and are not liable for their actions.

2. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

2.1 Client Cancellations

Due to the high-cost logistics of remote expeditions, refunds are strictly limited:

• 45+ days before departure: 50% refund (excluding deposit)
• 30–44 days before departure: 25% refund
• 15–29 days before departure: 10% refund
• Less than 15 days before departure: No refund

2.2 Deposit Policy

All deposits are strictly non-refundable.
Deposits may be transferred to another departure date only at our discretion and subject to availability.

2.3 No-Show Policy

Failure to arrive on time or leaving an expedition early for personal reasons is considered a no-show and is non-refundable.

2.4 Operator Cancellations

If we cancel due to safety, weather, political instability, or operational issues, clients will receive:

• A full refund OR
• A transferable credit for a future expedition

We are not responsible for additional expenses (flights, hotels, visas, gear purchases).

2.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for cancellations or changes caused by events outside our control including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Weather extremes
• Political unrest
• Strikes
• Pandemics
• Transportation disruptions

3. LIABILITY WAIVER

By booking and participating, you explicitly agree that:

• You participate entirely at your own risk
• You release Ascend Andes and its affiliates from all liability
• You accept full responsibility for your physical condition and decisions
• You waive any right to legal claims arising from participation

This waiver applies to injury, illness, death, or property loss arising from participation in any expedition.

4. PRIVACY POLICY

4.1 Information We Collect

We may collect:

• Full name, passport details, and contact information
• Emergency contact information
• Medical disclosures (if provided)
• Payment information via secure third-party processors

4.2 Use of Information

We use your data to:

• Process bookings
• Arrange permits and logistics
• Communicate safety and trip updates
• Coordinate with local partners and authorities

4.3 Data Sharing

We do NOT sell your data.
We may share necessary information with:

• Local guides and logistics partners
• Government permit offices
• Emergency services if required

4.4 Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your data but cannot guarantee absolute security of digital systems.

4.5 Cookies

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve performance and user experience.

5. SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

You acknowledge and agree that:

• High-altitude trekking carries serious risk
• Weather and conditions are unpredictable
• Physical exertion may exceed expectations
• Emergency response may be delayed in remote areas

6. CONTACT INFORMATION

Ascend Andes LLC
Website: https://ascendandes.com
Email: info@ascendandes.com