TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

​

Update version: November 6, 2024​

This page contains a number of key points that you should be aware of when signing up for a tour.

​

TRIP PRICING

​

The price of the trip includes all transfers, accommodation, trip materials and the services of a trip-leader, the cost of entry to the Parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary, as well as the meals included in the final itinerary. The price represents a complete package; itemized pricing is not available.  Flights between your home and the initial and final destinations of the excursion are not included.  The domestic flights required by the itinerary are almost always included in the price of the trip, however, there are some exceptions in which it is worthwhile to combine them with the purchase of an international flight.  All flights, whether included or excluded in the price of the trip, will be indicated in the final itinerary.  Trip costs as with exit taxes, passports, visas, immunizations, insurance, medical costs, evacuations, optional excursions, room service, drinks, laundry services, baggage excess, tips, telephone calls and expenses of a purely personal nature or derived from the delay or extension of a trip due to forces beyond our control are not included.  Routine advice about meals is included, but that advice given by porters, drivers, leaders and/or local guides is not included.  If you have any questions about the inclusion of tips for any article of value, please do not hesitate to contact us.

All payments must be made through the Wetravel payment platform. Each client is responsible for complying with the terms and conditions set by such payment portal and for holding OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS harmless from any claims the tour client may bring against Wetravel in relation to the use of this platform. OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS shall not be liable for lost, incomplete, canceled, rejected, or partial registrations or payments, bank fees, or taxes incurred through the use of this
platform.

 

TRIP PRICE INCREASES

​

As a result of the possibility of many circumstances beyond our control, the total cost of the trip is subject to change, although this is only as a last resort. Participants will be notified if any change in the cost of the trip is incurred. OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS does everything possible to anticipate cost increases for services in each area in which we operate, but when there are unexpected increases, we reserve the right to increase our price by 10% of the trip price.  If further increases are required, participants may withdraw from the tour without incurring cancelation penalties.

 

If you would like to avoid the cost of a single room (individual supplement), we will try to find you a roommate, but please consider that this is not always possible and that, should we be unable to find an adequate roommate, you will be asked to pay the individual supplement.  Please have in mind that your accommodation preferences will be respected as far as possible but cannot be guaranteed.  In some remote locations (for example in field stations), this is not always possible, and the arrangements put in place must be adjusted to.  When OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS is aware of these situations, participants will always be informed before booking.  When an unexpected change is necessary (particularly in remote locations where communication is difficult), the lack of availability in a hotel or lodging in particular is not usually informed with prior notice and is only discovered upon arrival.  In these circumstances, your leader will do everything possible to satisfy the preferences of the group.

 

CHANGES TO ITINERARY OR LEADER

​

OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to make changes to the tour should the need arise due to unexpected circumstances. If the leader/guide on the trip decides that it is better to divert from the activities described in the trip program, they will take reasonable steps to substitute in a new activity of interest and comparable satisfaction to the participants on the trip. If significant changes are necessary prior to beginning a tour, the participants will be informed. If we are forced to make a change to the itinerary or way of operating for any reason, such as airline strikes, weather, political disturbances, the additional costs, whatever they may be, will be the responsibility of the participants.

​

Finally, OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to assign or substitute any of its leaders to any tour.

 

GROUP SIZE

​

The maximum appropriate group size in order to enjoy a tour depends a great deal on the location and the type of habitats to be visited. In the established trips, the maximum number per group is ten (10), when there are more than ten (10) participants, a second leader will be provided.  On trips in which the majority of the time is spent in forest environments, the maximum group size tends to be between eight (8) and ten (10) participants on the tour, with one leader.  Personalized tours may be arranged upon request with a participant-leader ratio matching the clients’
wishes.

 

MEDICAL ATTENTION

​

All trip applicants with medical problems and/or conditions that could interfere with or limit their participation on the tour, or with contagious diseases are required to inform us of this in advance. The trip leader/guide, as well as OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS, have the right to disqualify any person from certain activities at any time, if they have reason to believe that the person is not able to participate safely in the activity or that their participation may pose a risk to the participant, other people, the leader/guide, and/or the development of the tour.  OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS does not guarantee that there will be a doctor on any trip in particular and does not assume any responsibility for the provision of medical attention.  If a participant is injured or falls ill, OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS or the trip leader/guide may, in good faith and at the participant's expense, arrange for medical evacuation or other emergency services. This assistance will be provided in good faith, but it does not imply any responsibility on the part of OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS for the outcome of such services. OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS will not be held liable under any circumstances for the result of such assistance.

​

RESTRICTIONS AND PARTICIPATION

​

Our tours typically do not involve truly strenuous activity, but if this cannot be avoided, it will be clearly stated in the tour details. However, participants are expected to undertake moderate walks of several kilometers per day, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces, in order to fully engage in the activities that are part of the excursion. To accommodate the needs of birdwatchers of all levels, our tours sometimes involve long days in the field and long-distance travel. It is recommended to follow all the guidelines provided at both the time of tour registration and at the start of the tour regarding clothing, footwear, hats, and the use of repellents or sunscreen to help mitigate the risks of injury or incidents. Nevertheless, each participant is responsible for their own actions and for adhering to or not following the given recommendations.

​

LEGAL DISPUTES

​

In the event of any legal dispute related to the services provided by OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS, such disputes will be resolved in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Colombia. All legal actions must be brought and resolved in Colombian courts, and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of these courts for the resolution of any disputes or claims.

​

​​​​AUTHORITY OF THE TRIP LEADER / GUIDE

​

Please allow the trip leader / guide know about any problem or dissatisfaction.  He / she will usually be able to remedy the situation.  If it is necessary to change the schedule, he / she will normally consult the trip participants, however, should a change be necessary for reasons of safety or the adequate management of the trip, the leader’s decision is final. OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS assumes no responsibility for participants who break the laws or rules of any place visited, that can be considered prejudicial to the safety or well-being of others on the trip, or whose conduct impedes the operation of the trip or the rights, wellbeing or enjoyment of the other participants on the trip.  Such a person may be asked to abandon the trip immediately and OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS will not be responsible for any additional cost incurred by a person excluded from participating in a trip, including, among others, the costs of land and/or air transport.

 

DOCUMENTATION

​

A Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel is required for all trips.  It is the responsibility of the traveler to determine the requirements of their visa for all destinations and countries visited as part of a tour, however, OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS may assist you guiding with this task.

​

SPECIES SIGHTING

​

At OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS, we make our best effort for our clients to observe as many species as possible during the tour. However, these are wild animals, and we cannot guarantee their appearance. We do not promise or ensure the sighting of any particular species. Species sightings depend on the climate, location, and nature—factors beyond our control.

The submission of eBird lists, checklists, photographs, or related material mentioning or showing species does not make us responsible if these species are not observed during the tour. OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS does not guarantee or assure the sighting of any specific species, but we will strive to offer the best possible experience.

​​​

IMMUNIZATIONS FOR COLOMBIA

​

We assume that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations.  A vaccination certificate is not required upon entry to Colombia, however, it is important to bear in mind these recommendations:

​

• There are no big problems with mosquitos in the majority of reserves.

• Typhoid Fever and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended.

• Yellow fever is very rare in Colombia.

• Malaria is present in many low-lying areas in Colombia.  Although it is not known to exist close to any of our reserves, it is present in some cities in the Western, Central and Eastern Andes regions, Magdalena, Santa Marta, Guajira and Chocó.  In these areas it is best to reduce the number of insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and using insect repellent especially at sunrise and sunset.

• Dengue, although not frequent, is also a possibility and once again it is recommended to try and reduce the risk of insect bites and take into account the symptoms of this fever.

• Leishman’s disease, transmitted by bites from sand-flies is also a remote possibility in low-lying areas and, once more, visitors should learn the symptoms.  There have only been rare cases in the communities in the Magdalena Valley, but not within the reserve.

• Chiggers (mites) are found in long Grass around the Caribbean coast away from major routes.  Cover your legs, trousers, shoes and waist with insect repellent.

​​

CANCELLATION BY OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS

​

At OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS, we strive to proceed with our tours even when only a few participants have registered. Canceling a tour is always a last resort for us.

​

CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELER

​

We require written notification of any cancellation, which will have effect upon receipt.  If you need to cancel your booking, you must inform us immediately by e-mail (ocampo.wpe@gmail.com) and we will confirm your cancellation.  Depending on the date on which we acknowledge your notice of cancellation, cancellation fees will apply per person. In furtherance of this, the cancellation policies of OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS are laid out as follows: 

​

• More than 90 days before the start of the tour: $500 cancellation fee unless we fill your spot. If we can fill your spot, the cancellation fee will be waived.​

• 89 – 60 days before the start of the tour: $700 cancellation fee unless we fill your spot. If we can fill your spot, the cancellation fee will be waived.​​

• Less than 60 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.

​​

POSTPONEMENT DUE TO EXTERNAL FACTORS

​

In the event that a tour cannot be carried out due to external factors such as pandemics, political issues, natural disasters, security concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to postpone the tour. The tour will be rescheduled to a future date when conditions improve, ensuring that the client's booking remains valid. If the client prefers a refund instead of rescheduling, the refund process will follow the same terms outlined in the CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELER clause.

​

PHOTOGRAPHS AND TOUR MATERIALS

​

OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to use any photographs or videos taken during the tours for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in such materials, please inform us in writing before the start of the trip.

​

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

​

OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS acts as an intermediary between service providers (airlines, hotels, transportation) and participants. We are not responsible for accidents, losses, injuries, delays, cancellations, or damages caused by the actions or negligence of third parties, natural forces, or situations beyond our control. In any case, if an incident occurs due to OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS' fault or willful misconduct, and if a court determines our liability for our actions or omissions toward the tour client, our liability will be limited to the amount paid by the client for the mentioned tour. This is a situation that the client understands and  accepts by agreeing to these terms and conditions.

​

CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULED GROUP TOURS

​

OCAMPO EXPEDITIONS SAS will offer scheduled group tours with set dates, where anyone can join. The minimum group size required for these tours is 6 participants. This will allow for a lower price per client compared to smaller groups. The maximum group size is 10 participants.

​

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHEDULED GROUP TOURS

​

The tour will only take place if 6 confirmed participants are reached. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the tour will not proceed. In this case, a full refund will be provided to the client, excluding any costs incurred due to currency exchange rates (USD to COP) or bank fees, which will be borne by the client.

​

REFUND POLICY FOR SCHEDULED GROUP TOURS IN CASE OF INSUFFICIENT PARTICIPANTS

​

If the tour does not take place due to failing to meet the minimum participant requirement, the client will receive a full refund 5 days before the tour date. In such cases, no penalty will be charged, and the cancellation policy will not apply, as the tour not filling up is not the client's responsibility.

​

BOOKING AND PAYMENT PROCESS FOR SCHEDULED GROUP TOURS

​

To secure a spot in a scheduled group tour, a 30% deposit of the total tour price is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 60 days prior to the tour start date.