Terms and Conditions of Sale

Version: October 2026. These terms apply to bookings sold by NIXARES TOUR OPERATOR & TRAVEL AGENCY S.A. (NIXTOURSA), commercial name GALAAPP. Please read them together with your quotation, invoice and booking confirmation.

The short version: a 30% deposit secures your booking, the remaining 70% is due at least 90 days before departure, and bookings made within 90 days of departure are paid in full at booking. Written cancellation charges are listed in section 5.

Contents

• 1. Who We Are and Scope
• 2. Booking, Confirmation and Acceptance
• 3. Payment Terms
• 4. Prices, Inclusions and Exclusions
• 5. Cancellation by the Client
• 6. Cancellations, Changes or Interruptions by GALAAPP or a Supplier
• 7. Force Majeure and Events Beyond Reasonable Control
• 8. Airlines, Flights and Missed Connections
• 9. Independent Suppliers and Agency Role
• 10. Itinerary, Wildlife and Conservation
• 11. Health, Fitness, Safety and Activities
• 12. Travel Insurance
• 13. Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements
• 14. Passenger Conduct, Minors and Special Circumstances
• 15. Dietary Requirements and Special Requests
• 16. Name Changes, Passenger Substitutions and Occupancy
• 17. Complaints and Service Issues
• 18. Privacy and Use of Passenger Information
• 19. Photography and Marketing
• 20. Legal Origin of Funds
• 21. Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
• 22. Changes to These Terms
• 23. Contact Details

1. Who We Are and Scope

GALAAPP is the commercial name of NIXARES TOUR OPERATOR & TRAVEL AGENCY S.A. (NIXTOURSA), operating from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador. These Terms and Conditions apply to reservations and travel services sold or arranged by GALAAPP, unless a written service-specific agreement states otherwise.

The itinerary, quotation, invoice, supplier terms disclosed to the client, and these Terms and Conditions should be read together. If a specific supplier’s conditions apply to a cruise, hotel, airline, transport provider or activity, GALAAPP will communicate those conditions when available. Mandatory consumer protections under applicable law are not waived.

2. Booking, Confirmation and Acceptance

A booking request is not confirmed until GALAAPP has accepted it in writing and the required deposit or full payment has been received, cleared and allocated to the reservation. Availability may change until written confirmation is issued.

By paying a deposit or the invoice, the payer confirms that they have read and accepted the applicable quotation, invoice, cancellation terms and these Terms and Conditions, and is authorized to make the booking for all named travelers. The payer should provide these terms to every traveler included in the reservation.

Promotional fares, special offers, last-minute bookings, holiday departures, private charters and supplier-specific products may have different payment or cancellation conditions. Any variation must be stated in the written quotation, invoice or booking confirmation before payment.

3. Payment Terms

Unless a written quotation or supplier-specific policy states otherwise, the standard payment schedule is:

• Deposit: 30% of the total invoiced price at booking to request and secure the reservation.
• Final balance: the remaining 70% must be received, credited and cleared in GALAAPP’s designated account no later than 90 calendar days before departure.
• Bookings made within 90 days of departure may require full payment at the time of booking or another deadline stated in writing.
• All payments are in United States dollars (USD). The client is responsible for bank, intermediary-bank, card, transfer and currency-conversion charges so that GALAAPP receives the full amount invoiced.
• A transfer receipt is evidence of a payment instruction, not proof that funds have cleared. Clients should send proof of transfer and include the lead passenger’s full name and booking reference.

If a payment is not received by the stated deadline, GALAAPP may issue a written reminder and, subject to the booking terms and applicable law, cancel or release the reservation. Any amount retained will be assessed under the applicable cancellation terms and supplier charges; GALAAPP will not treat a deposit as automatically forfeited where applicable law requires otherwise.

4. Prices, Inclusions and Exclusions

The total price, currency, included services, excluded services, taxes, fees, payment deadlines and any price conditions will be described in the quotation or invoice. Unless expressly listed as included, international or domestic flights, park fees, Transit Control Card, insurance, tips, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, excess baggage, optional activities and services not stated in the itinerary are excluded.

Prices may be affected by supplier changes, government charges, taxes, fuel costs, exchange-rate changes or other external costs. GALAAPP will not change a confirmed price arbitrarily. If an adjustment is permitted by the booking terms and applicable law, GALAAPP will explain the reason and any available options before collecting the additional amount.

Prices for accommodation are generally based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room). A single room or cabin may incur a supplement. Room, cabin, bed configuration and special requests are subject to supplier confirmation and cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing.

5. Cancellation by the Client

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by the lead passenger or authorized payer to GALAAPP’s official email address. The effective date is the date GALAAPP receives the written request. The following standard schedule applies to the total invoiced price, unless a different schedule was disclosed in writing before payment:

The applicable charge may also be affected by supplier-specific, promotional, charter, holiday or non-refundable conditions disclosed before booking. GALAAPP will identify any such conditions in the quotation or confirmation. Any refund due will be calculated after applying the applicable valid cancellation charge and documented non-refundable third-party costs, where permitted by law. This schedule is not intended to exclude any non-waivable rights a client may have under applicable law.

6. Cancellations, Changes or Interruptions by GALAAPP or a Supplier

Travel services can be affected by weather, sea conditions, wildlife and conservation requirements, instructions of the Galápagos National Park or other authorities, safety concerns, mechanical or operational issues, supplier failure, strikes, civil disruption, public-health measures and other events beyond reasonable control.

Where reasonably necessary for safety, conservation, operational or other legitimate reasons, GALAAPP or the relevant supplier may adjust departure times, the order of visits, routes, activities, vessels, accommodation or other services. GALAAPP will make reasonable efforts to notify affected clients and, where practicable, arrange a substitute of comparable category or value.

If a material service cannot be provided, GALAAPP will explain the available alternatives and any refund, credit or other remedy applicable under the supplier’s terms and Ecuadorian law. Any refund is limited to amounts actually paid for the affected services only to the extent permitted by law; GALAAPP will not exclude remedies that are legally mandatory.

If GALAAPP must cancel a program, it will communicate the reason and available options, which may include an alternative date, replacement service, credit or refund for the unprovided portion, according to the circumstances, supplier recovery and applicable law.

7. Force Majeure and Events Beyond Reasonable Control

Neither GALAAPP nor a supplier is responsible for failure or delay caused by events beyond reasonable control, which may include severe weather, rough seas, natural disasters, epidemics or public-health restrictions, government action, National Park decisions, strikes, civil unrest, war, terrorism, transport disruption, emergency response, or critical mechanical or safety issues.

When such an event occurs, GALAAPP will use reasonable efforts to communicate relevant information and assist with practical alternatives. Additional accommodation, meals, transport, new tickets or other costs will be allocated according to the applicable supplier conditions, the specific circumstances and applicable law. Clients are encouraged to obtain insurance covering these risks.

8. Airlines, Flights and Missed Connections

Airlines and other carriers operate under their own conditions of carriage and control their schedules, seating, baggage rules and operational decisions. GALAAPP cannot guarantee that a carrier will operate on schedule.

Clients are responsible for arriving at airports, ports and meeting points at the required time and for checking flight details and baggage restrictions. Delayed, cancelled or missed flights may cause missed services or additional costs. Any refund or rebooking is subject to the carrier’s rules, the purchased fare and applicable law; GALAAPP will assist with communication where reasonably possible but cannot promise a refund from a carrier or supplier.

Clients should allow adequate connection time and should consider insurance that covers missed connections, delays, cancellation and interruption.

9. Independent Suppliers and Agency Role

Some services may be provided by independent hotels, cruise operators, airlines, boat owners, guides, restaurants, transport companies and activity providers. Those suppliers may have their own operating rules, safety procedures, terms of carriage and cancellation policies.

GALAAPP will exercise reasonable care in selecting or arranging suppliers and in communicating material booking information. To the extent permitted by applicable law, GALAAPP is not responsible for an independent supplier’s acts, omissions, insolvency, schedule changes or operational decisions that are outside GALAAPP’s reasonable control. This clause does not exclude responsibility that the law imposes directly on GALAAPP or for GALAAPP’s own acts or omissions.

Claims about a supplier’s service may need to be addressed to that supplier as well as GALAAPP. GALAAPP will provide reasonable assistance with forwarding or documenting a complaint.

10. Itinerary, Wildlife and Conservation

Itineraries are subject to availability, weather, sea conditions, safety, wildlife behavior, environmental protection measures and instructions of the Galápagos National Park and other competent authorities. Wildlife sightings, specific landing sites, snorkeling conditions and activity access cannot be guaranteed.

GALAAPP may change the order of visits or replace an activity when reasonably necessary. Passengers must comply with instructions from certified guides, crew, park rangers and other authorized personnel, including rules concerning wildlife, protected areas, waste, biosecurity and prohibited items.

Passengers must not bring prohibited weapons, explosives, flammable materials, illegal drugs, or biological materials restricted by Ecuadorian law or Galápagos biosecurity rules. Violations may result in confiscation, fines, removal from an activity or legal action by competent authorities.

11. Health, Fitness, Safety and Activities

Galápagos travel may involve small boats or pangas, wet or uneven surfaces, rocky or sandy landings, stairs, irregular trails, sun exposure, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and limited access to immediate medical facilities. Each traveler is responsible for assessing whether the itinerary and activities are suitable for their abilities.

Passengers must disclose relevant medical conditions, mobility limitations, allergies, dietary needs and assistance requirements before booking, and no later than the deadline communicated by GALAAPP or the supplier. Travelers should consult a qualified physician where appropriate. GALAAPP may seek supplier guidance or recommend an alternative where a disclosed condition may affect safety, but cannot guarantee that every request can be accommodated.

Passengers must follow all safety briefings and instructions. Participation in swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, hiking and similar activities is voluntary and involves inherent risks. Nothing in these terms releases GALAAPP or a supplier from liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability arising from negligence where exclusion is prohibited.

Passengers must promptly inform the guide, crew or GALAAPP representative of an injury, illness, unsafe condition or service problem so reasonable assistance can be considered.

12. Travel Insurance

GALAAPP strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, delays, missed connections, baggage loss and personal liability. Medical evacuation in remote areas can be costly.

Unless a written quotation or applicable supplier condition expressly makes insurance mandatory, the decision to purchase insurance remains with the traveler. Clients are responsible for checking coverage limits, exclusions, pre-existing condition rules and claims procedures. GALAAPP does not provide insurance advice or guarantee that a policy will pay a claim.

13. Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements

Each traveler is responsible for obtaining a valid passport, visas, permits, health documentation and any other documents required for Ecuador and all destinations on the itinerary. Passport validity and entry rules can change; travelers should verify current requirements with official authorities before departure.

GALAAPP may request passenger names exactly as shown on passports, passport details, nationality, date of birth, emergency contact, insurance information and other information needed for reservations, transport, permits or legal requirements. Information must be accurate and delivered by the deadline given in the confirmation.

Failure to provide accurate documents or information on time may result in denied boarding, denied entry, missed services, cancellation charges or other losses. GALAAPP will not be responsible for losses caused by incorrect or late information supplied by the traveler, except to the extent the law provides otherwise.

14. Passenger Conduct, Minors and Special Circumstances

Passengers must behave respectfully, comply with laws and safety instructions, and avoid conduct that endangers others, disrupts operations, damages property or harms wildlife. GALAAPP or a supplier may refuse participation in an activity or remove a passenger when reasonably necessary for safety, legal compliance or the welfare of others. Any financial consequences will be handled under the applicable terms and law.

A parent or legal guardian is responsible for accompanying minors, supervising them and ensuring that activities are appropriate for their age and abilities. Any age limits, child fares or supervision requirements imposed by suppliers will be communicated where available.

Pregnant travelers, persons with medical conditions and travelers requiring mobility or other assistance should consult their healthcare professional and disclose relevant needs before booking. Some suppliers may apply restrictions or require medical documentation. Acceptance is subject to the supplier’s rules and safety requirements.

15. Dietary Requirements and Special Requests

Dietary requirements, allergies, room preferences, bed configurations, accessibility needs and other special requests must be communicated in writing as early as possible, preferably at booking and no later than the deadline specified by the supplier. GALAAPP will pass the information to the relevant supplier but cannot guarantee fulfillment unless confirmed in writing.

Travelers with severe allergies or medically necessary dietary restrictions should communicate directly with the supplier where possible and carry any required medication. Failure to disclose a requirement in time may limit the supplier’s ability to accommodate it.

16. Name Changes, Passenger Substitutions and Occupancy

Name changes, passenger substitutions and changes to room or cabin occupancy are subject to supplier approval, ticketing rules, government requirements and any applicable fees. GALAAPP cannot guarantee that a change will be accepted. Any costs or fare differences will be communicated when known.

The price is normally based on the occupancy stated in the quotation. If the number of travelers changes, the per-person price, room allocation or availability may change and a revised quotation may be required.

17. Complaints and Service Issues

If a problem occurs during travel, passengers should notify the guide, crew, supplier or GALAAPP as soon as reasonably possible so that an opportunity to address it is available while the service is being delivered. Keep receipts, photographs and written records where relevant.

Formal complaints should be sent in writing to info@galaapp.net or nixarestravel@gmail.com, with the booking reference, names of travelers, dates, details of the issue and supporting documents. GALAAPP asks that complaints be submitted within 30 days after the end of the trip where practicable. This request does not shorten any longer mandatory limitation period or remove rights provided by applicable law.

GALAAPP will acknowledge and review complaints within a reasonable time and may request further information. Refunds or compensation, where due, will be assessed under the booking terms, supplier conditions and applicable law.

18. Privacy and Use of Passenger Information

GALAAPP collects and uses passenger information to quote, book and deliver travel services, meet legal and safety requirements, communicate with travelers and handle emergencies or complaints. Information may be shared with relevant suppliers, transport providers, authorities, insurers or emergency contacts when necessary for these purposes and as permitted by law.

GALAAPP will handle personal information in accordance with applicable Ecuadorian data-protection law and its privacy notice. Travelers should provide only accurate information and should notify GALAAPP of relevant corrections. Any separate consent required for optional uses of personal data will be requested where applicable.

19. Photography and Marketing

Photographs or videos taken during a trip may include passengers. GALAAPP will not treat booking or payment alone as blanket consent to use an identifiable passenger’s image for marketing. Where GALAAPP wishes to use identifiable images or testimonials for promotional purposes, it will obtain any consent required by applicable law. Passengers may raise concerns with GALAAPP before or during the trip.

20. Legal Origin of Funds

The payer confirms that payments made for the reservation originate from lawful activities and will provide information reasonably required by banks or competent authorities to comply with applicable legal obligations.

21. Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Ecuador, subject to any mandatory rules protecting consumers or travelers. The parties should first attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith written communication.

Any mediation, arbitration or court proceeding must follow a valid agreement between the parties and applicable Ecuadorian law. Nothing in these terms deprives a consumer of a forum, remedy or protection that cannot lawfully be waived.

22. Changes to These Terms

GALAAPP may update these Terms and Conditions for future bookings. The version supplied or linked to the client at the time of booking will apply to that reservation, except where a change is required by law or agreed in writing. Any material variation to a confirmed booking must be communicated to the client.

23. Contact Details

GALAAPP — NIXARES TOUR OPERATOR & TRAVEL AGENCY S.A. (NIXTOURSA)
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
Website: galaapp.net | Email: info@galaapp.net / nixarestravel@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +593 98 976 7063 | U.S. contact: +1 (423) 833-4470

Client acknowledgment

By paying a deposit or invoice, I confirm that I have received and had the opportunity to review the quotation, invoice, applicable supplier-specific conditions and these GALAAPP Terms and Conditions before making payment. I understand that I am responsible for sharing these conditions with the other travelers in my booking.

Questions about these terms? Write to us on WhatsApp or by email and we will gladly help.

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