Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 13, 2024

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using EckoTraveler's website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing our services.

Description of Services

EckoTraveler provides travel information, itineraries, community forums, photo collections, and related content focused on Costa Rica and Latin America travel. Our services include both free and premium subscription-based features.

TRAVEL DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Information Accuracy

All travel itineraries, recommendations, and information provided on EckoTraveler are for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on our platform.

Assumption of Risk

Travel inherently involves risks, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, illness, or death. By using our itineraries and travel information, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You are solely responsible for:

  • Evaluating the suitability of any itinerary or activity for your physical condition, skills, and experience
  • Obtaining appropriate travel insurance, medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage
  • Researching current travel advisories, safety conditions, and local laws
  • Ensuring you have necessary permits, vaccinations, and documentation
  • Hiring qualified local guides where appropriate
  • Making your own independent assessment of risks and safety precautions

No Liability for Travel Incidents

EckoTraveler, its owners, employees, affiliates, and content contributors shall not be liable for any injuries, losses, damages, or expenses (including but not limited to medical expenses, property damage, lost income, or emotional distress) arising from or related to:

  • Following any itinerary, recommendation, or information provided on our platform
  • Participation in any activities described in our content
  • Travel to any destinations mentioned on our platform
  • Reliance on maps, GPS coordinates, or directions provided
  • Changes in trail conditions, weather, political situations, or local circumstances
  • Actions or omissions of third-party service providers (hotels, tour operators, transportation providers)
  • Theft, loss, or damage to personal property during travel

User-Generated Content Disclaimer

Our platform includes user-generated content, including community posts, reviews, and recommendations. We do not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for user-generated content. Users should independently verify all information before relying on it for travel planning.

Third-Party Services

We may provide links or references to third-party services, including accommodations, tour operators, and transportation providers. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of third-party services. Any arrangements you make with third parties are solely between you and that third party.

Subscription and Payment Terms

Subscription Plans

We offer monthly and annual subscription plans that provide access to premium content. Subscription fees are charged in advance and are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Automatic Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You authorize us to charge your payment method for renewal fees.

Cancellation

You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period, and you will retain access to premium features until that date.

No Refund Policy

All subscription fees are non-refundable. We do not offer refunds or credits for partial subscription periods. If you cancel your subscription, you will retain access to the service until the end of your current billing period.

Affiliate Program

Our affiliate program allows users to earn commissions by referring new subscribers. Affiliates must comply with our affiliate program terms, including honest and ethical promotion practices. We reserve the right to terminate affiliate accounts for violations of program terms or fraudulent activity.

Commission Hold Period

Affiliate commissions are subject to a 30-day hold period to protect against chargebacks and fraudulent referrals. Commissions may be clawed back if the referred subscriber initiates a chargeback or is found to be fraudulent.

User Accounts and Conduct

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use our services to:

  • Violate any laws or regulations
  • Infringe on intellectual property rights
  • Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Distribute spam or malicious software
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Scrape or copy content without permission

Intellectual Property

All content on EckoTraveler, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of EckoTraveler or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without express written permission.

User Content License

By posting content to our platform, you grant EckoTraveler a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your content in connection with our services.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless EckoTraveler, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of our services, violation of these terms, or infringement of any rights of another party.

Disclaimer of Warranties

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that our services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, EckoTraveler shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from your use of our services.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which EckoTraveler operates, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through our website's contact form or community forum.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

By using EckoTraveler's services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service, including all disclaimers and limitations of liability related to travel activities. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use our services.