Terms and Conditions
Detailed contractual terms applicable to reservations, payments, cancellations, no-shows, and service execution.
These Terms and Conditions form an integral part of the Terms of Use of Santa Fe and shall be read in conjunction with them. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned in the Terms of Use.
These Terms and Conditions apply specifically to reservations and service contracts for Hotel Santa Fe and Yacht Santa Fe III.
In the event of any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and the Terms of Use, the Terms of Use shall prevail, unless expressly stated otherwise in writing by the Company.
1. Scope: These Terms and Conditions apply to all reservations made by “Personas Naturales” over 18 years of age for services provided by Hotel Santa Fe and Yacht Santa Fe III.
They apply to reservations made directly with the Company through the official website, booking engine, Google Hotels, WhatsApp, telephone, email, walk-in reservations, and online travel agencies (OTAs).
2. Reservations and Binding Contract: A reservation becomes a binding contract once:
- Written confirmation has been issued; and
- Payment has been processed in accordance with the applicable rate policy.
SECTION A – HOTEL SANTA FE
3. Payments: Full payment (100%) of the total stay is required to confirm a reservation. However, the timing and method of payment may vary at the Company’s discretion.
Payments may be processed through secure third-party platforms, including PayPal Express Checkout and TAB.travel, or via bank transfer. Clients may complete payment using a PayPal account, accepted credit or debit cards, secure payment links, card authorization, or direct bank transfer.
Depending on the applicable rate and internal policy, payment may be:
- Fully charged at the time of booking
- Partially charged, with the remaining balance due at check-in
- Authorized and captured prior to arrival
- Collected in full at check-in
If partial payment is processed in advance, the remaining balance must be paid at check-in. If no advance charge is made, the full amount is due upon arrival.
Any transaction fees, currency conversion fees, banking fees, or payment processor charges (including but not limited to PayPal, TAB.travel, or financial institutions) are not included in the rate and shall be borne by the Client.
Transaction fees, currency conversion fees, or processor fees (PayPal, TAB.travel, banks) are not included in the rate and are borne by the Client.
4. Rates, Currency and Mandatory Taxes: All hotel rates are expressed in United States Dollars (USD).
Published rates include the mandatory 10% service charge, as required under Ecuadorian labor regulations for hospitality establishments. This service charge is distributed among hotel staff in accordance with the law. Accommodation services are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT / IVA) in accordance with Ecuadorian legislation. The final invoiced rate will reflect the VAT treatment applicable to the guest’s residency status at the time of billing.
Foreign non-resident tourists staying in Ecuador for fewer than ninety (90) days may qualify for a 0% VAT rate on accommodation services, subject to compliance with legal requirements and presentation of valid travel documentation. Ecuadorian citizens and residents are subject to the VAT rate in effect at the time of invoicing or checking in, currently at 15%.
If a temporary VAT reduction is enacted by Executive Decree for specific tourism periods, the legally established rate will apply.
Rates may vary prior to confirmation due to market conditions, government measures, or other factors beyond the Company’s control. Once a reservation has been confirmed and fully paid, the total confirmed amount will not be increased except where required by law.
5. Cancellation and Modifications
Standard Rate
- Non-refundable
- No modifications
- 100% penalty upon cancellation
- No refunds for no-shows or early departures
- All amounts paid are non-refundable.
Flexi Rate
- Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to check-in
- 100% penalty if cancelled less than 7 days prior
- Modifications allowed up to 7 days prior, subject to availability
- Rate differences may apply
- No refunds for no-shows or early departures
Both rates include identical services and amenities.
Reservations made through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) remain subject to these Terms & Conditions. However, additional policies, procedures, or requirements imposed by the respective OTA platform may also apply.
6. No-Shows: Failure to arrive on the confirmed check-in date without prior written cancellation in accordance with the applicable cancellation policy shall be considered a no-show.
In the event of a no-show, 100% of the total reservation amount, including applicable taxes, will be charged as a penalty and no refund shall be issued. Early departures are likewise non-refundable.
A no-show includes, but is not limited to, failure to arrive due to:
- Missed or cancelled flights
- Airline delays
- Incomplete or invalid travel documentation (including passport validity requirements)
- Failure to obtain required permits (including the Galapagos Transit Control Card – TCT)
- Denied boarding
- Immigration restrictions
- Legal or personal circumstances
- Any other reason preventing arrival
It is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure compliance with all travel, immigration, entry, and documentation requirements prior to departure.
The reservation shall be considered cancelled on the scheduled arrival date in the event of a no-show.
It is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure compliance with all travel, immigration, and documentation requirements prior to departure. The reservation will be considered cancelled on the arrival date.
7. Force Majeure: The Company reserves the right to modify or cancel reservations in cases of force majeure, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, public health emergencies, war, National Park regulations, or circumstances beyond the Company’s reasonable control. In such cases, the Company’s liability shall be limited to the value of services not yet rendered, at the Company’s discretion.
SECTION B – YACHT SANTA FE III
8. Commercialization and Operation: Yacht Santa Fe III tours are operated by the legally registered operating entity in Ecuador. Online reservations made through the Yacht Santa Fe website are processed via the booking engine of Galapagos a la Carte, which acts as a commercial sales platform.
In such cases:
- Galapagos a la Carte legal agreements (https://www.galapagosalacarte.com/legal/) applies to the commercial sale and payment process.
- Galapagos a la Carte does not operate the vessel.
- The Yacht operator is responsible for the execution of the service.
Payment disputes, refund processing, and chargebacks related to bookings processed through Galapagos a la Carte shall be governed by the policies of that platform.
9. Wildlife Sightings: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The Galapagos Islands are a protected natural environment, and wildlife presence depends on natural conditions beyond the Company’s control. The absence of specific wildlife sightings shall not constitute grounds for refunds, compensation, itinerary alteration, or service claims.
10. Itinerary Modifications: The captain retains full authority to modify routes, landing sites, navigation schedules, or itineraries due to weather conditions, sea state, maritime authority instructions, Galapagos National Park regulations, safety considerations, or other circumstances beyond the Company’s reasonable control.
Such modifications shall not constitute a breach of contract and shall not entitle the Client to refunds or compensation, provided that the Company makes reasonable efforts to offer a comparable alternative experience, subject to safety and regulatory constraints.
Updated on Jan 7, 2026