Refund and Dispute Policy

Last Updated: October 28, 2024

1. Refund Policy

At Utila-U-Chilla, we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience. We understand that plans can change, so we’ve established the following refund policy to accommodate our guests while also covering the costs associated with planning and organizing our tours.  

1.1 Payment Terms

• Upfront Payment: A full payment of 100% of the total booking price is required at the time of reservation to secure your spot on the tour.
• Payment Method: All payments are processed securely through Square.
• Currency: All payments are to be made in U.S. dollars.  

1.2 Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations Made More Than 30 Days Before Departure Date: You are eligible for a refund of 100% of the downpayment.

• Cancellations Made Within 14-30 Days of Departure Date: You are eligible for a refund of 50% of the downpayment.
• Cancellations Made Within 14 Days of Departure Date: No refunds will be issued.

• Cancellations Made More Than 30 Days Before Departure Date: You are eligible for a refund of 100% of the downpayment.

1.3 How to Cancel

• Cancellation Request: To cancel your booking, please submit a written request via email to contact@utilauchilla.com
• Required Information:
• Full name
• Booking reference number
• Contact information
• Reason for cancellation
• Processing Time: Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within 10 business days after receiving your cancellation request.
• Refund Method: Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used at the time of booking.

1.4 Non-Refundable Items

• Merchandise Purchases: All sales of merchandise, including hats and shirts, are final and non-refundable.
• Third-Party Services: Any additional services or activities booked through third-party providers are subject to their own refund policies.  

1.5 Travel Insurance

• We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may lead to cancellation.    

2. Dispute Resolution Policy

Our goal is to resolve any disputes in a fair and timely manner. Please read the following guidelines for how disputes are handled.

2.1 Governing Law

• This policy and any disputes arising from it are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States.  

2.2 Jurisdiction

• United States Jurisdiction: Any legal actions or proceedings related to this policy shall be brought in the federal or state courts located within the United States.
• Honduras Jurisdiction: For disputes that arise and are required to be resolved in Honduras, Honduran laws and regulations will apply.

2.3 Dispute Resolution Process

• Step 1: Informal Resolution
• We encourage guests to first contact us directly to attempt to resolve any issues informally.
• Contact Information:
• Email: rogerpletcher5@gmail.com
• Step 2: Formal Complaint
• If the issue is not resolved informally, you may submit a formal written complaint including:
• Your full name and contact information
• A detailed description of the dispute
• Any supporting documents or evidence
• Submission: Send your formal complaint to contact@utilauchilla.com.
• Step 3: Mediation
• Should the dispute remain unresolved, both parties agree to consider mediation before pursuing legal action.
• Step 4: Legal Action
• If mediation is unsuccessful, legal proceedings may be initiated in accordance with the jurisdiction guidelines outlined in Section 2.2.  

2.4 Limitation of Liability

• Utila-U-Chilla’s total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to our services is limited to the amount you paid for the services.
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including but not limited to lost profits, loss of enjoyment, or physical injuries.

2.5 Force Majeure

• Utila-U-Chilla is not responsible for cancellations, delays, or other changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, or health emergencies.
• In such cases, refunds or rescheduling options will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

3. Additional Terms

3.1 No Warranties

• We do not offer any warranties or guarantees other than our commitment to provide the best possible experience.

3.2 Acceptance of Risk

• By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with travel and physically demanding activities.  

4. Changes to This Policy

• We reserve the right to modify or update this Refund and Dispute Policy at any time.
• Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on our website.
• It is your responsibility to review this policy periodically to stay informed of any updates.