LAVA TRAILS TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terminology
Public Tour: A tour open to all individuals or smaller groups. Participants will form a larger group for the duration of the tour.
Group Booking: A reservation by a company or individual for business purposes, for a group of 6 or more hikers. This booking will be treated as one entity.

1. Trip Payment
1.1 Payment for Public Tours
Public tours can be booked via our website, subject to availability. Your reservation will be confirmed once the deposit is made through the website.

1.2 Payment for Group Bookings
To secure a group booking, we recommend making a reservation as early as possible.
Group bookings require a deposit of 25% of the total amount at the time of booking (or a reservation made with deposits on our website). The remaining 75% will have to be paid CASH the morning of the hike or transferred to Lava Trails 5 days prior to the hike.
A group bookings deposit becomes non refundable 5 days prior to the hike. If the transfer is not received by Lava Trails 5 days prior to the hike, the booking will be cancelled without refund of the deposit.
In the case of a bank transfer, Lava Trails is not responsible for any fees. (Sending or receiving bank). Lava Trails has to receive the exact amount into their bank account.

1.3 Payment Options
All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD). Payments in either USD or Quetzales (Q8 = 1 USD) will be accepted at the office.
Accepted payment methods are as follows:
-Cash (payment on the morning of the hike)
-Credit Card (Only on the website online) – a 3% processing fee applies
-Credit Card (payment on the day of the hike) – a 10% processing fee applies

2. Refund Policy
2.1 Public Tour Cancellations
-Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the hike: the deposit will be refunded.
-Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the start of the hike: the deposit will not be refunded.
No refunds will be issued if you are unable to complete the hike due to illness or any health-related issues.

2.2 Date Change for Public Tours
Customers may change the date of their booking once, provided the request is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled hike.

2.3 Group Booking Cancellations
-More than 5 days before the hike: The deposit will be 100% refundable (Not including any potential transfer or booking fees.)
-Less than 5 days before the hike: no refund will be issued.

3. Trip Cancellation by Lava Trails
In the event of a trip cancellation by Lava Trails due to force majeure, participants will receive a 100% refund.
Reasons for cancellation may include:
-Natural disasters
-Civil unrest
-Safety concerns on or around the volcano
Note: Weather predictions are not constitute grounds for cancellation or rescheduling.

4. Trip Rescue Services
If a participant is unable to continue the hike and wishes to descend, a guide will escort them to the supply center. If Lava Trails has a bus returning to Antigua on the same day, the participant can join the bus. If no bus is available, the participant is responsible for arranging their own transportation (e.g., public bus or taxi).
In case of injury, a rescue team will assist in bringing the injured participant down on a stretcher. There is no vehicle access, so all rescues will be conducted on foot or by stretcher.

5. Guides
Lava Trails aims to provide at least one English-speaking guide for each tour. However, please note that some local guides may have limited proficiency in English. While we aim for a 1:6 guide-to-hiker ratio, larger groups (18-20 hikers) may only have 3 guides. On optional hikes (Fuego and summit day 2), the guide-to-hiker ratio may be lower.

6. Fuego Hike
The Fuego hike is optional and costs Q200. You may decide to participate upon arrival at basecamp, after assessing your physical condition, weather, and the guide’s recommendation. The Q200 fee must be paid cash when you return to the supply center on day 2.

7. Leaving the Tour
If you choose to leave the tour without a guide (e.g., hiking Fuego independently), Lava Trails assumes no responsibility for your actions or well-being. You will be expelled from the campsite, and transportation back to Antigua will be arranged at your own expense.

8. Promotions
Discounts may be discussed in exchange for promotional services (e.g., videographers, bloggers, or photographers). To inquire, please contact us at info@lava-trails.com.

9. Gear
9.1 Rental Gear
Some tours require specific gear. If you do not have the necessary equipment, we can provide it at no extra cost. You are responsible for any gear borrowed from Lava Trails. Failure to return borrowed gear in good condition may result in additional charges. It is your responsibility to report any damaged or subpar gear, so we do not charge you for pre-existing damage.

9.2 Lost or Damaged Gear Fees
-Backpack: $50 (Q400)
-Headlamp: $20 (Q150)
-Jacket/Sweater: $20 (Q150)
-Hiking Poles: $20 (Q150)
-Blanket: $8 (Q60)
-Gloves: $8 (Q60)
-Hat: $8 (Q60)
-Sleeping Bag: $50 (Q400)

9.3 Personal Gear Storage
Lava Trails is not responsible for any personal belongings or luggage left in the supply center or lockers.

10. Food
10.1 Food Restrictions
We offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free meal options upon request. It is the participant's responsibility to inform Lava Trails of any dietary restrictions or preferences at least 16 hours before the hike.

10.2 Food Responsibility
Participants are responsible for bringing their own food. Lava Trails is not responsible for any food or water left behind in the supply center.

11. Transport
11.1 Scheduled Transport
Included transport for your tour is from Antigua to the volcano (Pacaya or Acatenango) and back to Antigua at the end of the tour.

11.2 Late Arrival
If you fail to arrive on time for your scheduled pickup (5 minutes after the indicated time), you will be left behind without refund. Please ensure you arrive on time to maintain the quality of our tours.

12. Age Restrictions
Lava Trails does not accept children under the age of 12, as we do not have the necessary equipment to provide a safe and high-quality experience for younger children. Minors over 12 years old are welcome to join, but must be accompanied by a responsible supervisor. Lava Trails will not be held liable for minors. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the minor has the appropriate gear (e.g., jackets, gloves, sweaters).

13. Privacy
13.1 Privacy Policy
Our privacy policy is available on our website (www.lava-trails.com) and at our supply center.

13.2 Photography
All photos taken by Lava Trails guides or shared in the WhatsApp group may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be featured in promotional photos, you must inform Lava Trails in writing.

13.3 WhatsApp Group
A WhatsApp group will be created for participants on the same tour. If you do not wish to have your contact information shared in this group, you must notify Lava Trails in advance.

14. Contact and Data
Participants must provide accurate contact and booking information when making a reservation.

15. Discounts
Discount codes cannot be combined. Only one discount code can be applied per booking.

16. Liability
By participating in any activity organized by Lava Trails, you agree to the following terms:
-You acknowledge that participation in any Lava Trails activity may involve risks and hazards.
-You release Lava Trails from all liability, costs, and damages arising from your participation in any tour or activity.
-You agree to abide by these terms and conditions, even if they are not written in your native language.

Terms & conditions