1. INTRODUCTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

Welcome to ExploreWithMaria, operated by Altamira Ventures LLC (hereinafter referred to as “Agency,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website (www.explorewithmaria.com) and all services provided by the Agency.

By accessing our website, requesting a quote, making a booking, or purchasing any services from ExploreWithMaria, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

Business Registration Information:

– Legal Entity: Altamira Ventures LLC
– EIN: 98-1891951
– U.S. Address: 1209 Mountain Road Pl NE STE R, Albuquerque, NM 87110
– Morocco Operations: Licensed travel agency based in Morocco

 2. SERVICES PROVIDED

ExploreWithMaria is a travel agency and tour operator offering personalized travel planning and tourist services throughout Morocco. Our services are customized to each client’s needs and preferences.

Services Include:

– Airport arrival and departure transfers
– Customized itinerary planning across Morocco
– Hotel and accommodation reservations
– Private or group transportation arrangements
– Booking of licensed tour guides and experienced drivers
– Activity and experience reservations, including (but not limited to):
– ATV rides and desert exploration
– Scuba diving and water activities
– Horseback riding and camel trekking
– Hot air balloon flights
– Mountain trekking and hiking
– Moroccan cooking classes and culinary experiences
– City discovery tours and cultural excursions
– Pottery workshops and traditional crafts
– Restaurant reservations and private dining experiences
– Additional tourism services as mutually agreed upon

All services are provided on a customized basis. While the website showcases examples of available experiences, each booking is tailored to the client’s specific requirements and preferences. The Agency does not offer fixed package tours; instead, each trip is organized according to individual client needs.

3. BOOKING PROCESS

1. Inquiry:

Clients submit an inquiry through the website or contact the Agency directly.

2. Consultation Call:

The Agency conducts a consultation call (via phone or video) with the client to understand their travel goals, preferences, budget, and requirements.

3. Customized Proposal:

Based on the consultation, the Agency prepares a detailed proposal including:
– Customized itinerary with dates, times, and locations
– Services included and excluded
– Total cost breakdown
– Payment terms and schedule
– Cancellation and refund policy specific to the booking
– Liability disclaimers and safety requirements

4. Booking Confirmation:

Once the client approves the proposal and signs the booking contract, the reservation is confirmed. The booking contract will be provided for review and signature before any payment is requested.

5. Payment Processing:

Payment is processed according to the agreed-upon schedule outlined in the booking contract.

4. PAYMENT TERMS

Deposit:

– A 35% deposit of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking to confirm all reservations with hotels, transportation providers, and activity partners.
– The deposit must be received and confirmed before the Agency can secure services with its partners.

Payment Methods:

– Credit card (via Stripe)
– Debit card (via Stripe)
– Bank transfer (wire transfer to U.S. or Morocco)
– PayPal

Payment Schedule:

– 35% deposit required upon booking confirmation
– Remaining balance payable according to the timeline specified in the individual booking contract
– All payments must be received before services are confirmed or changes cannot be made

Currency:

– Quotes and invoices for U.S.-based clients will be provided in USD (U.S. Dollars)
– Stripe will handle any currency conversions for international payments
– Clients are responsible for any currency conversion fees charged by their banks

Payment Processing:

– Payments are processed securely through Stripe
– Your payment will appear on your credit/debit card statement as “ALTAMIRA VENTURES LLC”
– Invoices and payment confirmations will be sent via email within 24 hours of payment receipt
– The Agency does not store full credit card information on its servers

Late Payment:

– If payment is not received by the deadline specified in the booking contract, the Agency reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply the cancellation policy

5. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

How to Cancel:

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to the Agency. Verbal cancellation requests are not valid; written confirmation is required.

Contact email: contact@explorewithmaria.com

Refund Processing Timeline:

Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within 14 business days after the Agency receives and confirms the cancellation request. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method.

Cancellation Refund Schedule:

| Cancellation Timeframe | Refund Percentage| Details|
| More than 90 days before arrival | 70% of total amount paid | Excluding hotel/activity prepayments already made and non-refundable administrative fees (see below) |
| 60 to 90 days before arrival | 30% of total amount paid | Excluding hotel/activity prepayments already made and non-refundable administrative fees |
| Less than 60 days before arrival | No refund | All payments are forfeited once suppliers have been locked in |

Non-Refundable Items:

The following items are NOT refundable under any circumstances:

– Administrative and booking fees (10% of total trip cost)
– All prepaid services locked in with suppliers (hotels, activity providers, transportation)
– Any government fees (visa processing fees, national park entrance fees, etc.)
– Services or payments already delivered or completed

Once the Agency locks in reservations with hotels, activity providers, and transportation companies (typically after the 35% deposit is received), those payments become non-refundable as they represent confirmed and secured services.

Rescheduling:

– Clients may request to reschedule their trip instead of canceling, subject to supplier availability
– Rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing to the Agency
– If the new date has the same or lower cost, rescheduling is free
– If the new date has higher costs, the client is responsible for the price difference
– Rescheduling requests made more than 60 days before the original departure date are generally accommodated without additional fees (subject to availability)

6. FORCE MAJEURE

Definition:

Force majeure refers to unforeseen events beyond the control of either party, including but not limited to:
– Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, sandstorms)
– Severe weather conditions affecting travel or activities
– Pandemics or health emergencies
– Strikes, labor actions, or civil unrest
– Government-imposed travel restrictions, curfews, or closures
– Wars or military conflicts
– Terrorism or security threats

Agency’s Responsibility During Force Majeure:

In the event of force majeure affecting any service included in the booking:
– The Agency will propose an alternative date or modified itinerary for the affected service, subject to availability
– The Agency will communicate changes to the client as soon as possible
– If the client agrees to the modified arrangement, the booking will proceed with no additional charges
– If the client does not accept the modification, the Agency will offer:
– A full refund of payments related to the affected services, OR
– A credit/voucher for a future trip of equal value

Neither party is liable for damages, losses, or cancellations resulting from force majeure events.This includes but is not limited to: additional costs incurred, income loss, inconvenience, or emotional distress.

Travel Insurance:

The Agency strongly recommends that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellation due to health emergencies, personal emergencies, or force majeure events. Travel insurance is the client’s individual responsibility and is not provided by the Agency.

7. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

By booking with ExploreWithMaria, clients acknowledge and accept the following responsibilities:

Travel Documentation:

– Clients are solely responsible for ensuring their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended return date
– Clients must verify visa requirements for Morocco and apply for any necessary visas
– Clients must carry all required travel documents and present them to immigration authorities
– The Agency is not responsible for denied entry due to invalid documents or visa issues

Health and Safety:

– Clients are responsible for assessing their own physical and mental health before booking activities
– Clients must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilities that may affect their participation
– Clients must obtain medical clearance from their healthcare provider if they have any health concerns related to planned activities
– Clients are responsible for maintaining their own health and safety during the trip
– Clients agree to follow all safety instructions provided by licensed guides, drivers, and activity partners
– Clients are responsible for obtaining travel insurance; the Agency does not provide medical or travel insurance

Following Local Laws:

– Clients agree to respect and follow all Moroccan laws, customs, and cultural practices
– Clients are responsible for understanding and complying with local regulations
– The Agency is not liable for any legal consequences, fines, or penalties resulting from the client’s violation of local laws
– Clients must treat local communities, environments, and sacred sites with respect

Physical Fitness:

– Clients acknowledge that some activities may be physically demanding and require a certain level of fitness
– Clients are responsible for accurately assessing their physical condition and ability to participate in planned activities
– The Agency reserves the right to deny participation if safety requirements are not met or if the client is unable to safely complete the activity

Compliance with Agency Instructions:

– Clients agree to follow all directions and instructions provided by the Agency, guides, and activity partners
– Non-compliance with safety instructions may result in denial of service or removal from activities

8. ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Most activities offered by ExploreWithMaria are suitable for participants in generally good health. However, some experiences require specific levels of physical fitness or have particular safety restrictions.

Activities with Potential Restrictions:

ATV Rides & Desert Exploration:
– Suitable for ages 12+
– Requires ability to balance and physical strength
– Not suitable for pregnant women or those with back/spine injuries

Horseback Riding & Camel Trekking:
– Requires basic fitness level
– Not suitable for pregnant women
– Not suitable for individuals with severe back or joint conditions
– Children must be ages 8+ with riding experience or adult supervision

Mountain Trekking & Hiking:
– Requires good cardiovascular fitness
– Altitude and terrain vary by route
– Not suitable for individuals with heart conditions or severe joint problems
– Proper footwear and hydration required

Scuba Diving:
– Requires swimming ability and water comfort
– Minimum age 10 for junior certification
– Medical certification may be required
– Not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart/lung conditions
– Open water certification required for advanced dives

Hot Air Balloon Flights:
– Requires ability to climb and exit basket safely
– Not suitable for pregnant women
– Not suitable for individuals with severe heart or joint conditions
– Fear of heights may make this experience uncomfortable

Moroccan Cooking Classes:
– Generally suitable for all ages and fitness levels
– Allergen information provided upon request

General Requirements for All Activities:
– Guests must honestly assess and report their physical condition
– Guests must follow all safety instructions provided by guides and activity partners
– Guests acknowledge that some activities involve inherent risks
– Guests participate at their own risk

9. LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

Assumption of Risk:

Clients acknowledge that travel and outdoor activities in Morocco involve inherent risks, including but not limited to: accidents, injuries, illness, property loss or damage, and unforeseen events. By booking with ExploreWithMaria, clients voluntarily assume these risks.

Agency Liability Limitations:

The Agency is not responsible for:
– Personal injuries, illnesses, or accidents that occur during activities (including minor incidents and major emergencies)
– Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings or property
– Delays or cancellations caused by service providers, airlines, hotels, or transportation companies
– Accidents or incidents caused by third-party service providers
– Events outside the Agency’s direct control
– Consequences of the client’s failure to follow safety instructions or local laws
– Medical emergencies or health-related issues
– Any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Partner Liability:

While the Agency coordinates all services, individual service providers (hotels, activity companies, transportation providers, licensed guides) operate independently. These partners maintain their own insurance, liability policies, and safety standards. Clients accept the liability terms of each service provider as part of their participation.

Waiver of Claims:

By participating in any activity booked through ExploreWithMaria, clients agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Agency, its owners, employees, and all service partners from any claims, lawsuits, or damages arising from injury, loss, or damage incurred during the trip or resulting from the services provided.

Insurance Requirement:

The Agency strongly recommends that all clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
– Trip cancellation coverage
– Medical evacuation insurance
– Travel delay insurance
– Personal belongings coverage
– Activity-specific coverage (if applicable)

Clients are individually responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance. The Agency does not provide or arrange insurance on behalf of clients.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND JURISDICTION

Complaint Process:

If a client is unsatisfied with services provided, they must notify the Agency in writing within 7 days of trip completion. The notification should include:
– Description of the issue
– Date(s) the issue occurred
– Supporting documentation or photos (if applicable)
– Requested resolution

The Agency will review the complaint and respond within **10 business days** with a resolution or explanation.

Dispute Resolution:

In the event of a dispute between the client and the Agency:
1. Both parties will first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith discussion and negotiation
2. If no resolution is reached within 14 days, either party may pursue formal dispute resolution
3. Disputes will be governed by and resolved according to the laws of the State of New Mexico, USA
4. Any legal proceedings will be filed in the appropriate court of Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Arbitration:

Clients and the Agency agree that disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration rather than court proceedings, if both parties agree. Arbitration will be conducted according to the rules established by JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services).

11. MODIFICATIONS TO THESE TERMS

The Agency reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. Clients are responsible for reviewing these Terms periodically. Continued use of the website or services constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, or to file a complaint, contact:

Altamira Ventures LLC
Email: contact@explorewithmaria.com
Phone (U.S.): +1 (251) 910-3390
Phone (Morocco): +212 703 061 443
Address: 1209 Mountain Road Pl NE STE R, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Website: www.explorewithmaria.com

Business Hours (Morocco Time): Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT+1)

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms and Conditions, together with the individual booking contract, privacy policy, and cancellation policy, constitute the entire agreement between the client and the Agency. This agreement supersedes all prior agreements or understandings.

By booking with ExploreWithMaria, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.