Please read these terms carefully. By booking a tour with Rio Photo Tours, you (the “Client”) agree to be bound by the following rights and obligations.

1. The Contract

Once Rio Photo Tours (hereinafter referred to as “we” or “us”) confirms your booking, a binding contract is formed based on these terms. We will only confirm a booking once a 50% deposit of the total tour price has been received. For bookings made less than 30 days prior to the tour date, full payment (100%) is required at the time of booking.

2. Booking and Payments

• Confirmation: Upon receipt of the 50% deposit, a confirmation email will be sent to you. This email serves as your official booking confirmation.
• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid at least 20 days prior to the tour date via PayPal, WeTravel, or the link provided by us.
• Late Bookings: For tours booked less than 30 days in advance, 100% of the total price is due at the time of booking.
• Unpaid Dates: We reserve the right to release and sell any date for which a deposit or final payment has not been received within the specified timeframe.
• Accuracy: It is the Client’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of the dates and times in the confirmation documents.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].

• Customized Planning Fee: Your deposit is fully refundable only until we begin the customization process. Once your Customized Tour Plan has been sent to you via email, the 50% deposit becomes non-refundable. This fee covers the professional labor, research, and logistics involved in building your itinerary and holding the date.
• Short-Notice Cancellations: Any tour canceled less than 30 days before the scheduled date is non-refundable, regardless of the reason.
• Rescheduling: Subject to availability, you may request to reschedule your tour. Additional fees may apply depending on the new date and logistics.
• Incidental Expenses: Rio Photo Tours is not responsible for any incidental expenses incurred by the Client (e.g., visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights, or loss of enjoyment) due to a cancellation.
• Refund Processing: Agreed refunds will be processed via bank transfer, PayPal, or WeTravel. Any transaction fees, taxes, or currency conversion losses incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the total amount refunded.

4. Changes by Us and Force Majeure

• Itinerary Adjustments: We reserve the right to alter itineraries at our discretion to ensure the best photographic results. If a significant change is necessary, we will provide an alternative of comparable value.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for cancellations or delays caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to: extreme weather, natural disasters, strikes, civil unrest, or government restrictions. No compensation will be paid for cancellations due to Force Majeure.

5. Liability and Insurance

• Insurance: No travel or equipment insurance is included in our prices. We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive insurance covering cancellations, medical expenses, personal accidents, and full coverage for your photography gear and personal belongings.
• Personal Responsibility: Rio Photo Tours accepts no responsibility for injury, loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings or camera equipment at any time during the tour.
• Optional Activities: We take no responsibility for injuries sustained during optional activities outside the primary tour package.

6. Currency & Payments

• Pricing Currency: All Rio Photo Tours prices are quoted and charged in United States Dollars (USD). Prices are fixed in USD at the time of booking and are not subject to adjustment based on fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the booking date and the tour date.
• Price Adjustments for Transportation and Attraction Tickets: Prices quoted for transportation services and attraction entrance fees are estimates based on rates available at the time of booking. These costs are subject to change due to increases applied by third-party operators or fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Should any such variation result in a difference from the originally quoted amount, Rio Photo Tours reserves the right to adjust the final balance accordingly. Any price difference will be communicated to the Client in advance and may be included in the remaining 50% final payment.
• Exchange Rate Responsibility: Clients are responsible for any bank fees, taxes, or exchange rate differences applied by their financial institution at the time of payment. Rio Photo Tours is not responsible for any gains or losses resulting from currency conversion on the Client’s side.
• Payment Methods: We accept payment via WeTravel, PayPal, and Wise. Payment instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation email.
• Refund Currency: In the event of an agreed refund, the amount will be returned in USD. Any currency conversion losses, transaction fees, or bank charges incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the total refund amount.

7. General

• Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of Brazil.
• Amendments: Rio Photo Tours reserves the right to update these terms at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply to your tour.
• Acceptance: By making a payment or submitting a booking request, the Client confirms they have read, understood, and accepted these terms in full.