TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2024 – 2025 SEASON
The following general conditions are governed by the provisions set forth in Act 18829, Decree 2182/72, Resolution 404/72.
TURISMO INKA, E.V.yT. Dossier No. 11193, with offices at Juan B. Justo 345 of the City of Mendoza, hereinafter referred to as the Company, hereby sets forth its general operation conditions for the provision of tourist services:
1) ABOUT GENERAL CONDITIONS
1-A) KNOWLEDGE OF CONDITIONS SET FORTH: when the passenger (as well as any person who has a reservation under the passenger’s name) sends the reservation form and it is accepted by INKA, it is understood that the passenger acknowledges and agrees to all the conditions herein and certifies that the information submitted in the reservation form is complete and true. The Company, on accepting the reservation, covenants and agrees to full fill its obligations as herein provided.
1-B) LEGAL RESPONSABILITY: reservations are accepted on the grounds that the passenger has acknowledged and accepted the potential risks that this type of trips may entail, that the passenger is mentally and physically capable of participating in the activities required, that his/her participation is voluntary, and that – although the Company has taken all necessary steps to provide the passenger with adequate equipment and trained guides – the passenger acknowledges that adventure activities are risky. Certainly, this risk is inherent to the activity and cannot be avoided without destroying the activity’s unique characteristic. Said inherent risks may cause equipment loss or damage or accidental injuries, sicknesses or, in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. It is not the Company’s intention to frighten the passenger or curtail his/her enthusiasm, nevertheless, it is important that the passenger knows in advance which risks are involved. The following are some examples of said risks: avalanche, lightning, rock instability or fall, snow, ice, extreme hot or cold temperatures, dehydration, acute mountain illness, winds, mountain equipment failures, human error. The passenger acknowledges that this list is not exhaustive and that there are other unknown or unpredictable risks that may cause harm
2) ABOUT BOOKINGS
2-A) BOOKINGS: the reservations will be confirmed once the passenger finishes the following steps:
STEP 1 – Booking form – Sends the reservation form dully filled in. Each person participating in the trip shall fill in a form and provide as much information as possible. The Company must be immediately informed of any changes in the information the passenger has furnished. The passenger may send the reservation form by mail, e-mail, fax or through the Company´s website
This information will be used to get your permit to enter de Aconcagua Provincial Park, therefore it shall be an AFFIDAVIT
STEP 2 – Booking deposit – NOT REFUNDABLE BOOKING DEPOSIT
The amount will depend on the hired service detailed below:
- Programmed Expedition: US$ 400 per person
- Programmed Trekking: US$150 per person
- Logistic Services: US$100 por person
- Private Expedition: 20% of the total amount
For other items not included above please consult.
This down payment should be done through the ways of payment detailed below on PAYMENTS
2-B) BOOKING CONFIRMATION: Once points a) and b) hereinbefore are fulfilled, the Company shall forward confirmation and balance of the reservation. Two weeks prior to the trip, the Company shall send a HANDBOOK with information about the hotel, contact telephone numbers, list of participants and related data by e-mail.
2-C) CHANGES ON THE BOOKINGS: : if the passenger wishes to introduce any change in a reservation that has already been confirmed, the Company shall be informed in writing of said change. The passenger shall pay a U$S 100 administrative charge per person for any change
2-D) CANCELLATION OF THE BOOKING: Cancellations shall be made in writing, without exception. Pre-payment is not refundable. There will be no refund of deposit. The deposit will remain as a credit note (discounting the administrative expenses) and can be used in the following seasons. If the cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the expedition, the deposit will be taken as a penalty and no credit will be given. If the cancellation notice is received 30 days prior to departure, the prepayment made for the reservation shall be deducted to cover administrative expenses.
3) PAYMENTS
3-A) PRICES: all prices advertised in the Company’s publications are expressed in United States dollars and are subject to changes without prior notice. The passenger shall pay the ruling price at the moment the reservation is accepted. Prices shall not be subject to changes provided that the trip is paid cash and in full once the reservation is made. Otherwise, the company retains the right to change the final price of the program without prior notice. Said changes may derive from market fluctuations affecting the cost structure. Any price increase shall be paid prior to the departure date of the trip without exception.
3-B) WAYS OF PAYMENTS: The ways of payment are: cash or bank transfer. These ways of payment, and fees or applicable taxes, may change at any time without prior notice.
In the case of bank transfer, the company is not liable responsible for modifications made by intermediary banks. Any variation or other fees or taxes will be looked after the client according to the selected way of payment. The passenger can change the method of payment if he thinks it is convenient, for it must be informed up to 60 days before the start of the expedition.
3-C) PAYMENT OF THE BALANCE: the balance due must be paid prior to the beginning of the trip.
If the balance is not fully paid the company can cancel all bookings and there’ll be no services confirmed.
The balance can be paid by the following options.
- Wire transfer: 45 days at least prior the beginning of the services
- Cash: Until the first day of the expedition in our offices.
All these ways of payments may change without prior notice.
3-D) REFUND: Cancellations shall be made in writing, without exception. If the passenger has made the complete payment for the expedition and the program has not started yet, the passenger will get a refund after deducting cancellation charges. If notice is received after the 30 days previous expedition departure date, the Company shall retain 50% of the total amount of the expedition. If notice is received 72 hours previous to expedition departure the Company shall retain 100% of the expedition and no refund will apply.
There will be NO refund of the amount paid once the expedition has started.
There will be no refund for services not used for early return to the city or others.
4) ABOUT PROMOTIONS
4-A) SPECIAL PROMOTIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS: These special prices are not accumulative and to apply for it the booking must be done on the established period.
4-B) PROMOTIONS FOR GROUPS: In order to apply for this kind of promotions group of passengers must book the services at the same time. If there are cancellations in the group, the company can cancel the promotion and offer other options according to the expenses due to the changes of the booking.
4-C) DISCOUNT FOR INKA CLIENTS: If during an ascent the guide considers that certain conditions (bad weather, bad road conditions or impaired personal skills) make it unsafe to continue the journey and decides to cancel it, the passenger shall be entitled to receive a non-transferable voucher with a 15% discount on the cost of another ascent attempt. This discount voucher shall be valid for two successive summer seasons after the current season. In the event the passenger decides not to continue for any reason and at any point of the journey, said passenger shall not be entitled to receive a discount voucher.
4-D) BAD WEATHER INSURANCE: We work hard so that our clients have the greatest chance of success in the Aconcagua. However, if due to bad weather conditions in the mountain and no one of the expedition cannot reach the Summit of the Aconcagua during the normal days of the program; you will have the unique opportunity of joining one of our subsequent groups (that are on its way to BC) by only 50% of the value of the program.
Anyways as we have many expedition dates in Mt. Aconcagua and all are guaranteed. You will have the advantage of joining another expedition group which is about to climb from the base camp, making use of this insurance.
To access this option you must have paid the chosen program to its public list price (*), without any discount or promotion. The MOST IMPORTANT thing is that you can only get this option, as long as no one of your expedition, couldn’t reach the summit. If 1 person reaches it, the offer is automatically INVALID.
5) ABOUT SERVICES
5-A) SERVICES INCLUDED: the Company binds itself to render during the trip those services that are included and detailed in the information furnished for each program
5-B) SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: the Company is not bound to pay for extras, beverages, telephone calls, laundry, tips, food during transportation, tickets for recreational centers, national parks or natural reserves, etc., or for any other service that has not been dully specified in the advertised program
5-C) UNUSED SERVICES: the price of the program is quoted as a package. Therefore, no refund or compensation shall be given for non-use of certain services such as hotel stays, transportation, permits or any other service that is included in the trip and has not been used by the passenger.
5-D) CHANGES MADE BY THE COMPANY PRIOR DEPARTURE: the Company may change itineraries, services, departure dates, etc. in order to provide a better service or because of acts of God or force major. Force major reasons include: strikes, earthquakes, civil war, quarantine, revolutions, fires, adverse meteorological conditions, epidemics, bad road conditions o road breakage (these reasons are just illustrative). The Company retains the right to cancel the trip due to force majored or because the minimum number of people required participating in the program has not been reached. The cancellation shall be informed in writing to the passenger, who may opt for:
a) Demanding the refund of the full price paid to the Company
b) Deciding on an alternative trip and pay an additional sum of money or get a refund, whatever the case may be, if there is any price difference
5-E) CHANGES MADE BY THE COMPANY DURING THE TRIP: the nature of this trip requires flexibility as regards changes. Daily itineraries and coordination details are considered as objectives to be achieved, not as contractual obligations. To participate in the Company’s adventure trips is essential that the passenger consents to this flexibility. Furthermore, the Company shall not be held responsible for delays or alterations in the program due to (not exclusively) baggage loss with the airline, bad weather conditions, any accidents suffered by mules, breakage of gear, flight cancellations, disease, wars, strikes, and any other act of God. Any expense deriving therefore shall be borne by the passenger (who may get a refund from the insurance policy said passenger has taken out)
5-F) GUIDES: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Given the nature of the service hired by the passenger, both the objectives of the program and the decisions taken by the guide as program leader are final. If the guide considers that the passenger’s behavior, physical condition or any other reason emanating from said passenger may be dangerous to the safety, health or well-being of said passenger or of the whole group, the passenger will be asked to abandon the journey and shall not be entitled to any refund whatsoever. In the event it is necessary, the company is entitled to resort to law enforcement personnel. The passenger acknowledges the guide’s authority concerning decisions that encompass changes in the programs or expeditions.
6) ABOUT PASSANGERS
6-A) DOCUMENTATION: it is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain the necessary visa to enter the country of destination. The company shall not to be held responsible if the authorities refuse to give an entry visa to the passenger due to reasons inherent to said passenger, or if admittance to a given country is refused due to the passenger’s failure to comply with the necessary requirements or due to defects on his/her passport. Any expense deriving therefore, or from any similar circumstance, shall be fully borne by the passenger. The conditions herein for voluntary cancellation of the service shall apply.
6-B) LUGGAGE: the luggage and personal effects shall be, at all times, the passenger’s responsibility. In the event of accident, loss or damage during the transfer of luggage in Company’s vehicles, carriers or mules, the Company shall be liable to pay up to a maximum of U$S 100.
6-C) HEALTH: the passenger must be in good health and physical condition. The passenger is responsible for having previous medical examinations. The Company does not assume responsibility in the event that said examinations are not fulfilled. The Company’s programs take place in remote areas with little or no possibility of having access to medical services or hospitals. Therefore, any health condition suffered by the passenger shall be specified in the reservation form. The guides of the Company are properly trained to act in the event of emergencies and they always carry a first aid kit with medicine. Nevertheless, it is the passenger’s responsibility to carry any medicine specifically prescribed to him/her
If the passenger suffers from a chronic or pre-existing condition, he must have a certificate from the family doctor stating that is suitable for activities of this nature. This certificate may be required by the authorities of the medical staff of the Park and its absence may involve the continuity or abandon of the trip
When completing the reservation form , it must be filled in character AFFIDAVIT, note that any omission – intentionally or accidentally from a previous medical condition that somehow hinder their participation in the expedition, leave canceled their right for any complaint or request for economic return and / or compensation in the event that any competent authority ( medical / rangers / guides in charge of the expedition may decide not to proceed with the issue and be forced to abandon it) on the occasion of inaccuracy of the content found or distortion of reality .
This information likewise will be used to get your permit to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park
6-D) EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: it is the passenger’s responsibility to bring and wear adequate equipment and clothing. Said items are detailed in the information of the journey and will be checked by the Company’s guides on the first day of the trip. The staff of the Company is fully capable to advise the passenger on the necessary equipment. The Company, its guides, coordinators and any other party working for the Company shall not be held responsible for any accident or inconvenience associated to the equipment or clothing.
6-E) INSURANCE: travel insurance is not included in the price of the program. The Company, strongly recommends passengers to take out a travel insurance policy.
6-F) EXPENSES DERIVING FROM ABANDONMENT OF JOURNEY: the itinerary price is quoted on the basis of group services so as to provide more and better services at a low cost. Whenever the passenger abandons the group for any reason (personal reasons, sickness, among others), the services hired by the passenger thereafter are on a private basis. However, the passenger will be allowed to use hotel stays even outside the dates scheduled for the whole group. Some services will have an additional cost that shall to be borne by the passenger because they are not included in the price. In the event extra stays are needed, the Company recommends settling them at its offices.
6-G) COMPLAINTS: Neither the Company, INKA Turismo, nor service providers shall deem a complaint as formal unless said complaint is submitted in writing within 15 days after the end of the journey.
6-H) IMAGES OR PUBLICITY: during Inka’s expeditions some pictures and videos are taken or made. When the passenger books our Inka’s services is accepting that our staff may take pictures or film throught the trip. These images by be used for publicity.
7) ABOUT THE COMPANY
7-A) LIMITATION OF THE COMPANY´S OBLIGATIONS: the Company’s liabilities and obligations in connection with any event or failure shall be limited to and shall not exceed the price of the trip.
7-B) THE COMPANY ACTING AS AN “INTERMEDIARY: whenever the Company acts as an intermediary between the passenger and transportation companies, hotels, companies offering medical coverage, restaurants, etc., and in the event any of the aforementioned fails to comply with any of its obligations, the Company assumes the responsibility of taking the necessary steps (such as hiring new service providers, withholding payments to those who failed to meet their obligations, etc.) to insure the successful completion of the trip. The Company shall not be held responsible for services rendered by any third party
7-C) LAW, JURISDICTION AND COMPETENCY: these conditions and the annexes attached hereto shall be exclusively governed by the regulations in force. Any conflict shall be settled by the Ordinary Courts of the First Judicial District of Mendoza, and excludes any other court and/or jurisdiction, especially the Federal court
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at our offices.