Guarantees, Payment Policies & Risk Release
Payment Policies
| DAYS TO DEPARTURE | PAYMENT DUE | FUTURE TRIP CREDIT |
|---|---|---|
| 45 +PLUS Days | $US750 deposit per trip. | 100% transferrable credits. |
| 44 - 30 Days | $US750 deposit per trip. | 75% transferrable credits. |
| 30 - 11 Days | 100% trip balance due. | 50% transferrable credits. |
| 10 - 0 Days | 100% trip balance due. | 50% transferrable credits. |
Retreat Commitment to You
Pucón Kayak Retreat is committed to delivering a professionally operated, well-managed, and thoughtfully designed river and adventure experiences consistent with the program description provided at the time of booking.
Our programs are intentionally structured to provide exceptional access to Chile’s rivers, Patagonia landscapes, and curated logistics.
If a material component of your trip cannot be delivered as described due to operational, environmental, or safety considerations, we will communicate transparently and implement appropriate adjustments.
When circumstances require meaningful modification, Pucón Kayak Retreat may offer a program credit or alternative arrangement consistent with Chilean consumer law and our operational policies.
Our objective is to operate with integrity, clarity, and professionalism at every stage of your experience.
Nature of Adventure Travel
Retreat adventure trips operate in dynamic natural environments throughout Chile and Patagonia.
Participation involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:
• River hazards and changing water levels
• Weather variability
• Remote locations with limited medical access
• Physical exertion
• Travel logistics beyond our direct control
Guests acknowledge that adventure travel differs from conventional tourism and requires flexibility and personal responsibility.
Nothing in these policies limits rights granted to consumers under Chilean law.
Operational Adjustments
For safety and quality control, Pucón Kayak Retreat reserves the right to modify:
• River sections
• Daily itineraries
• Accommodation arrangements
• Transportation logistics
Adjustments may be necessary due to:
• Water levels
• Weather
• Park or access restrictions
• Regional conditions
• Personal skill levels or abilities
• Group safety considerations
Such modifications do not constitute breach of contract when implemented in good faith for safety or operational reasons.
Travel Insurance Recommendaation
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for all guests.
Policies should include:
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Emergency medical coverage
• Evacuation protection
• Equipment loss or damage
Adventure travel involves variables beyond our control, including weather events, airline disruptions, personal illness, and regional changes.
Guests are responsible for securing coverage appropriate to the full value of their trip and personal equipment.
Pucón Kayak Retreat’s operational insurance does not replace individual travel or medical insurance.
Medical Fitness & Participation
Guests must be in suitable physical condition to participate in river-based adventure programs.
Individuals with significant medical conditions should consult a physician prior to travel.
Pucón Kayak Retreat reserves the right to limit or discontinue participation of any guest whose continued involvement presents a safety risk to themselves or the group.
This determination will be made in good faith and in accordance with professional safety standards.
Reservations & Payments
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of deposit and written confirmation.
Remaining balances are due according to the published payment schedule.
Failure to submit required payments may result in cancellation of the reservation.
Certain programs require minimum participation levels. If minimums are not met, guests will be offered:
• Transfer to a comparable program
• A credit toward a future trip
• Or a refund of payments made, as applicable
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
Deposits and cancellation fees are governed by the published schedule provided at the time of booking.
No refunds are issued for:
• Failure to arrive on arrival day
• Unused portions of a program
• Personal emergencies
• Medical issues
• Weather or environmental variability
• Pandemic-related restrictions
• Travel disruptions outside our operational control
Travel insurance is required to protect against these scenarios.
Force Majeure
Pucón Kayak Retreat shall not be liable for delays, modifications, or cancellations resulting from events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:
• Natural disasters
• Government restrictions
• Border closures
• Civil unrest
• Public health emergencies
In such cases, program credits may be offered at the company’s discretion.
Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising from participation in a Pucón Kayak Retreat program shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Chile and resolved in the competent courts of the Araucanía Region.
Nothing herein limits rights granted under Chilean consumer protection law.
Media Consent
Photographs and video may be captured during programs for marketing purposes. Guests who prefer not to appear in media shall notify retreat within the registration media consent/non-consent question field.
Acknowledgement
By registering for a Pucón Kayak Retreat program, guests confirm that they have reviewed and accepted these policies.
More Trip Details
Trip Costs
Travel & Meals. Your trip includes airport or bus station transfer within scheduled dates and times. Airfares are not included in trip costs. Meal inclusions and exclusions are published for each trip. Some trips guests will cover travel or dinner meals and alcohol at select culturally or location vibrant cafes.
Accommodations. Lodging varies based on the trip. Most trips offer economical and premium lodging options. Lodging options are shared spaces such as cabins, suites, dorms, or camping. Private lodging is available.
Trip extensions. Many guests add an additional week trip to kayak and explore more. Ask for options.
Non-scheduled transfers. Due to limited vehicle and human resources non-scheduled airport transfers are $US140. There are more economical public transfer options. Ask for support.
Chile Visas & Travel Tips
Chile tourist visas are free, good for 90 days, and stamped at customs in Santiago (no visa requirements before travel). Airfares purchased direct from airline have more power in the case of cancelling your ticket than online agencies.
Travel Insurance
If something happens to you on the road and you don’t have travel insurance, you are vulnerable to incurring unplanned costs. Some examples of potential difficulties you can prepare for traveling abroad. We recommend guests have traveler’s insurance. While most guests are thinking of health insurance we see more traveler’s utilize damage, broken, or lost equipment insurance. Here is a link to a recommendable trip insurance agency. This policy offers accident, baggage and trip cancellation protection and offers a full refund if you cancel at any time for medical or health reasons.
Itinerary Flexibility
Whitewater and adventure based activities are dependent upon levels and weather conditions. Variable conditions are cause for schedule flexibility. Guests should understand that amenities, transport type, and itinerary are subject change without prior notice due to any combination of circumstances. Possible causes for changes include but are not limited to flight cancellations and delays, illness, political situations, weather, border challenges, mechanical breakdown, guest skills, and unforeseen events.
Cancellation & Deposit Policies Disclaimer
PKR has never cancelled a trip. In the case there is ever such a need due to unforeseen circumstances PKR offers equivalent or greater than trip voucher. We urge you to investigate travel insurance. Persons with significant medical conditions should have their physician’s approval before taking an adventure trip.
*COVID Protection. See adjusted protections and policies during COVID travel restrictions.
Terms & Conditions
PKR reserves the right to cancel any trip should we determine the safety or feasibility of our clients or staff are compromised for any reason. In the event of cancellation, PKR is not responsible for loss incurred by the client for non-refundable travel costs. We recommend guests purchase travel insurance.
Registrations
Registrations are confirmed via email. Once confirmed, the cancellation policy is effective immediately. Failing to submit a deposit or any subsequent payments due may forfeit your reservation (Not applicable during COVID travel restrictions). Some trips may require a minimum number of guests to operate. If the minimum on such trips is not met in advance, any affected guest(s) with an existing reservation will be given a full refund or the option to substitute a similar trip.
What is Non-refundable
- Refunds will not be given for reasons that include, but are not limited to personal emergencies, medical conditions, unexpected weather, unexpected water levels, and any other natural or man-made disaster.
- Non-refundable deposits may be transferrable as future credits.
- Trips are arranged, scheduled, and confirmed in advance. Any guest who fails to appear on the day of arrival will not be refunded for lost time.
- No refund will be given for any portions of the trip unused by the guest after the trip arrival date.
Got Questions?
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