Terms & Conditions

The terms and conditions outlined below apply to all tours organized by Martsam Tour & Travel. The term “Tours” encompasses all arrangements such as room accommodations, excursions, transfers, rentals, and other services organized by Martsam Travel on your behalf.

TRIP COST

The trip cost will be the price agreed upon in the final itinerary, confirmed via email between the client and a Martsam Travel representative, detailing all included services. This price is a comprehensive package, and individual cost breakdowns are not provided. International flights are not included, although domestic flights generally are. Details on included or excluded flights will be specified in the final itinerary.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

The tour cost does not cover departure taxes, passports, visas, medical expenses, vaccinations, insurance, evacuations, optional excursions, room service, drinks, laundry, excess baggage, tips, phone calls, or other personal expenses, nor costs arising from delays or trip extensions beyond our control.

PAYMENT CONDITIONS AND METHODS

Your reservation is confirmed when Martsam Travel receives the following from travelers:

  1. Initial trip deposit;
  2. Emergency Travel Form from each participant;
  3. Release of Liability form;
  4. Acceptance of the terms and conditions on behalf of all participants when making a partial or full payment.

Space will not be held or confirmed without these requirements. Payment is requested as follows:

  • A 25% deposit of the total booking cost at the time of confirmation.
  • Full payment is required 30 days before departure for Guatemalan tours and 45 days before departure for Belize, Mexico, and Honduras tours. Reservations made within 30 days (Guatemala) or 45 days (Belize, Mexico, Honduras) of departure must be paid in full at booking.
  • Special payment schedules may apply for holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Holy Week, as communicated by a Martsam Travel representative.

Martsam Travel reserves the right to refuse or cancel reservations at its discretion. Upon receiving the initial payment, a confirmation invoice and payment schedule will be issued. Failure to adhere to the payment schedule may result in reservation cancellation and applicable cancellation fees.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Cancellations must be submitted in writing and will take effect upon receipt. The following cancellation penalties apply based on the notice period before the tour’s start date:

  • 15 days or more: Non-refundable deposits and surcharges will be charged. The remaining amount is refundable minus a 5% management fee, or a 100% travel credit is offered.
  • 14-8 days: Non-refundable deposits and surcharges will be charged, plus a 25% cancellation fee. A 100% travel credit is offered.
  • 7 days or less: 100% of the trip cost will be charged.

Martsam Travel cannot waive or reduce cancellation fees and recommends purchasing travel cancellation/interruption insurance.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

We are not liable for changes due to events beyond our control, including technical or maintenance issues with transportation, flight cancellations or rescheduling, war, civil unrest, natural disasters, adverse weather, or terrorist activities.

INSURANCE

All clients are strongly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Travelers are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance to cover accidents, medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, and loss of belongings. Failure to secure insurance means accepting full responsibility for any costs arising during the trip.

TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITY

Participants are responsible for selecting trips suited to their interests and abilities, ensuring good health and physical condition, obtaining necessary travel documents, and securing adequate insurance coverage. Participants should bring appropriate clothing and equipment and are responsible for their personal belongings.

DOCUMENTATION

Passports must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. Travelers are responsible for determining visa/entry requirements. (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Guatemala)

MEDICAL CARE

Travelers with medical issues must inform us in advance. The tour leader may disqualify any participant from activities for safety reasons. Martsam Travel does not guarantee medical care availability and assumes no responsibility for providing it. Any medical evacuation or emergency services will be at the participant’s expense.

RESTRICTIONS AND PARTICIPATION

Tours generally involve moderate physical activity. Participants must be able to complete walks on varied terrain.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY OR GUIDE

Martsam Travel reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be communicated to participants. Additional costs due to changes will be the responsibility of the participants. Martsam Travel may replace guides as needed.

LEADER AUTHORITY / TRAVEL GUIDE

Participants must inform the leader/guide of any issues. The leader’s decisions regarding safety and tour conduct are final. Martsam Travel is not responsible for participants who violate laws or regulations, jeopardize safety, or disrupt the tour. Such participants may be asked to leave the tour at their own expense.

For any questions about your reservation, cancellation, payment, or travel arrangements, please contact us for assistance.