Terms of Service

Clear, fair terms that reflect our B Corp commitment to balancing purpose and profit while serving all stakeholders.

Last updated: January 2025 | Effective Date: January 1, 2025

BOur B Corp Service Commitment

As a Certified B Corporation, AVES Colombia operates under the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These terms reflect our commitment to creating positive impact for all stakeholders - our guests, local communities, wildlife, and the environment.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using AVES Colombia's services, including our website, booking platform, and tour experiences, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use our services, whether as individuals, groups, or organizations.

2. Our Services

Tour Experiences

  • πŸƒ AVES Adventure: Multi-day birding expeditions with expert local guides
  • πŸͺΆ AVES Vision: Photography-focused tours for capturing Colombia's avian diversity
  • 🌼 AVES Elevate: Premium experiences with luxury accommodations and exclusive access
  • πŸ“ AVES Souls: Cultural immersion tours connecting with indigenous communities

Additional Services

  • Custom tour planning and consultation
  • Equipment rental and photography services
  • Educational workshops and conservation programs
  • Travel coordination and logistics support

3. Booking and Payment

Booking Process

  • All bookings must be confirmed with a deposit of 30% of the total tour cost
  • Full payment is required 60 days before tour departure
  • Bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by AVES Colombia
  • We reserve the right to decline bookings that don't align with our values or safety standards

Payment Terms

  • Payments are processed securely through our certified payment partners
  • All prices are in USD unless otherwise specified
  • Prices include all activities, accommodations, and meals as specified in tour descriptions
  • Additional costs (flights, visas, personal expenses) are clearly outlined separately

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Guest Cancellations

  • β€’ 90+ days: Full refund minus 5% processing fee
  • β€’ 60-89 days: 75% refund
  • β€’ 30-59 days: 50% refund
  • β€’ Less than 30 days: No refund

AVES Cancellations

  • β€’ Weather/safety: Full refund or reschedule
  • β€’ Minimum group not met: Full refund
  • β€’ Force majeure: Credit for future tour
  • β€’ Our fault: Full refund + compensation

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. We can provide recommendations for reputable providers.

5. Guest Responsibilities and Conduct

Expected Conduct

  • Respect for wildlife, local communities, and fellow travelers
  • Adherence to all safety guidelines and instructions from guides
  • Compliance with local laws, customs, and environmental regulations
  • Responsible photography and social media sharing practices

Health and Safety Requirements

  • Disclosure of any medical conditions that may affect tour participation
  • Maintenance of adequate physical fitness for chosen tour activities
  • Compliance with vaccination and health requirements
  • Participation in mandatory safety briefings

6. Liability and Risk Acknowledgment

Important Notice

Adventure travel involves inherent risks. While we maintain the highest safety standards and comprehensive insurance coverage, guests participate at their own risk and must acknowledge the potential for unforeseen circumstances.

Our Commitment to Safety

  • Certified, experienced local guides with wilderness first aid training
  • Regular safety equipment inspections and maintenance
  • Comprehensive emergency response procedures
  • 24/7 support and communication capabilities
  • Partnerships with local medical facilities and evacuation services

7. Intellectual Property and Media

Photography and Media Rights

  • Guests retain rights to their personal photographs and videos
  • AVES may use group photos for marketing with guest consent
  • Professional photography services available with separate licensing terms
  • Respect for indigenous community photography restrictions

Content and Branding

All AVES Colombia content, including tour descriptions, educational materials, and branding, is protected by copyright. Guests may share experiences but may not reproduce our content for commercial purposes.

8. Environmental and Social Responsibility

Our B Corp Commitments

  • Carbon-neutral operations through verified offset programs
  • Direct support for local conservation initiatives
  • Fair wages and capacity building for local guides and communities
  • Sustainable accommodation and transportation partnerships
  • Educational programs promoting environmental awareness

Guest Participation

By joining our tours, guests become part of our conservation mission. We encourage active participation in our sustainability initiatives and provide opportunities to contribute directly to local conservation projects.

9. Dispute Resolution

Our Approach

Consistent with our B Corp values, we prioritize transparent communication and fair resolution of any concerns. We encourage direct dialogue and will work collaboratively to address any issues.

Resolution Process

  1. Direct communication with your tour guide or AVES representative
  2. Escalation to our Guest Experience team within 24 hours
  3. Formal review by our management team within 7 days
  4. Mediation through accredited third-party services if needed

10. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or B Corp standards. We will provide at least 30 days' notice of material changes via email and prominent website notification.

Continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Contact Information

Legal and Terms Inquiries

Email: info@aves.bio

Phone: +1 (555) 123-AVES

We are committed to responding to all terms-related inquiries within 48 hours and providing clear, helpful guidance in accordance with our B Corp values of transparency and stakeholder service.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and the Republic of Colombia, reflecting our bi-national operations. Any disputes will be resolved in accordance with the jurisdiction most appropriate to the specific circumstances and guest location.