Terms & conditions

Important information for planning and booking your birding tour in Colombia

Tours are operated by The Andean Birders. For the purposes of these Terms & Conditions, The Andean Birders and the representative you contact to arrange your trip—including Johnnier Arango—are referred to as “the Company.”

Published prices may change before a booking is confirmed if taxes, exchange rates, or fuel costs increase. We make every effort to keep the agreed price unchanged once your trip is booked. Any adjustment after booking would be considered only in response to exceptional, substantial changes in these costs—particularly a major shift in the USD–COP exchange rate—and we would keep you informed throughout.

A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the tour price, with a minimum of US$300, is required to confirm the booking. The remaining balance is due at least 45 days before the tour, unless another date is agreed. Bookings made within 45 days of departure must generally be paid in full. Late payment may result in cancellation or a claim for the unpaid amount.

The deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance the booking is cancelled:

  • 30 days or more before departure: loss of deposit.
  • 15–29 days before departure: 30% of the tour cost.
  • 7–14 days before departure: 50% of the tour cost.
  • 6 days or fewer before departure: 80% of the tour cost.

The charge is the stated percentage or the deposit, whichever is greater. Cancellations must be submitted in writing by the person who made the booking. After the tour begins, unused services are non-refundable; changes or early departure are at the traveler’s expense and responsibility.

The company says itinerary changes are uncommon but may sometimes be necessary before or after booking. It may also change the itinerary after departure when it considers that doing so is in the traveler’s interest. The terms exclude compensation for changes or cancellations caused by events beyond the company’s control, such as severe weather, civil unrest, or natural disasters.

The tour includes a mandatory medical insurance that operates only within Colombia.

The Company is not responsible for unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or cancellations; the failure of embassies or consulates to issue visas; the inaccessibility of attractions due to government action; the actions or services of accommodations or other facilities visited during the tour; or incidents such as injury, illness, or loss of personal belongings.

Travel insurance is therefore highly recommended for all clients. When booking, we strongly recommend arranging coverage with a reputable insurer for the full duration of the tour. This should include personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage, and expenses related to cancellation or curtailment.

Although the Company’s travel insurance covers a range of situations, its medical assistance is available only within Colombia. It is not a substitute for international travel insurance. Clients are therefore required to purchase additional coverage that meets their needs in the event of an incident during the trip.