The tour operator and its agents act only as agents for passengers in all matters pertaining to transportation, accommodations or other services not provided by ETICA-Metropolitan Touring. As agents, all tickets, exchange orders, or vouchers issued by them are subject to any and all terms and conditions under which such means of transportation, accommodations, or other services are offered or provided. The booking agent, airlines involved and general agent will not be liable for any vehicle furnished by any such other party, firm or corporation in carrying out or falling to carry out arrangements previously agreed upon, not for the negligent misconduct of any such other party, firm or corporation in providing or falling to provide, are not to be held responsible or any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between booking agent, airline general agent and the purchaser of these and/or passengers.
These terms and conditions apply to bookings made with Metropolitan Touring and to direct bookings made with our hotels: Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel (Quito), Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel (Santa Cruz, Galápagos), and Mashpi Lodge (Chocó cloud forest).
Metropolitan Touring is a Destination Management Company operating in Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, Colombia, and Peru. Our goal is for you to book your trip with confidence, knowing what to expect from the moment you reserve until you return home. Please read the sections below carefully — they explain how bookings, payments, and cancellations work, what is and is not included in our rates, and the conditions that apply at each of our properties.
If anything is unclear, please contact your destination expert.
These general terms apply to every booking made with Metropolitan Touring or directly with our hotels. These terms govern the conditions described in this document for direct customer bookings. Previously negotiated conditions for travel agencies, tour operators, or groups remain governed by the specific agreement signed with those partners, unless otherwise stated.
Third-party suppliers
Any service we arrange that is not owned and operated by Metropolitan Touring (for example, airlines, third-party hotels, or local providers in destinations we do not directly operate) is subject to the policies and conditions of the supplier in question. Your destination expert can share the specific terms that apply to any third-party service in your itinerary.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that every guest purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes a “cancellation for any reason” clause. Travel insurance is the most reliable way to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that fall outside our cancellation policies.
Right to modify these terms
Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at its sole discretion and without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to your reservation.
Rates, taxes, and currency
All published rates are in US dollars and are subject to change without notice prior to booking confirmation. Applicable taxes are not included in published rates unless explicitly stated.
Fuel surcharges
Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to apply a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) rises above USD 70 per barrel. If applied, this surcharge applies to both new and existing bookings, regardless of whether they have already been paid in full. The supplement will not exceed USD $30.00 per passenger per day.
Deals and promotions
All benefits, deals, and promotions advertised on our website apply only to reservations made directly with one of our sales executives.
Itinerary and vessel changes
All fares, offers, programs, and itineraries are subject to change without notice, and Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions.
Galápagos and mainland itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, guest safety, and Galápagos National Park regulations. Because we operate within the Galápagos National Park (whose rules and regulations are set by park authorities) and within the operational constraints of a maritime environment, we reserve the right to cancel, alter, advance, postpone, or substitute any scheduled sailing or itinerary, replace the scheduled vessel with another, or substitute or cancel scheduled island visits when, in our sole judgment, doing so is justified. No liability attaches to such changes.
Yacht itineraries may also change due to vessel availability or mechanical issues. In such cases, we will provide the service aboard another yacht authorized by the Galápagos National Park.
Force majeure
Neither Metropolitan Touring nor any of our properties will be liable for failure to perform any obligation when prevented by causes outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural events, government or park-authority decisions, strikes, public health emergencies, mechanical failures, or any other event qualifying as force majeure.
This section applies to bookings made through Metropolitan Touring for any combination of our owned products: Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II, Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel, Mashpi Lodge, and Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel. Any third-party services included in your itinerary are governed by the supplier’s own policies — your destination expert can provide those details.
Payment
• A 15% deposit per person is required to confirm your booking.
• The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of your trip.
• For departures during peak season (Christmas and New Year cruises), a non-refundable deposit of 25% is required, and the balance is due 120 days before services begin.
• All deposits are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or postpone, see the cancellation terms below.
Package terms
Our packages offer a special rate for all activities included. These rates are based on a specific itinerary and accommodation set; the included activities cannot be changed, and the package cannot be separated into individual services. If guests choose not to participate in any activity included in the package, no discount or rate difference will be applied.
Standard cancellations
(Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II, Finch Bay, Mashpi Lodge, Casa Gangotena, booked through Metropolitan Touring)
• Cancellation from the booking date until 61 days before services begin: the 15% deposit is retained as a cancellation fee. This deposit cannot be transferred to another booking.
• Cancellation between 60 days and 0 days before services begin: 100% of the booking is charged as a cancellation fee.
Peak-season cancellations (Christmas and New Year departures):
• Cancellation from the booking date until 121 days before services begin: the 25% deposit is retained as
a cancellation fee.
• Cancellation between 120 days and 0 days before services begin: 100% of the booking is charged as a cancellation fee.
Land services
(transfers, day tours, hotel nights outside the products listed above)
• Cancellation between 15 days and 4 days before services begin: 50% of the total service is charged.
• Cancellation between 3 days and 0 days before services begin: 100% of the total service is charged, plus any cancellation fees applied directly by the supplier (airline, hotel, or other).
Third-party products in the Galápagos
All third-party services are governed by the policies and
conditions of the operating supplier. Your destination expert will share those terms with you.
This section applies to bookings of the hotel programs: a single package combining Casa Gangotena
Boutique Hotel, Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel or/and Mashpi Lodge.
Payment
• A 10% deposit per person per hotel is required to confirm your booking.
• The remaining balance for each hotel is due 60 days before your trip begins.
• Custom payment plans may be available — please ask your destination expert.
Cancellations
• You may cancel your reservation up to 72 hours before travel and receive 100% future credit, valid toward a new travel date within 12 months of the cancellation date.
• All payments made on the original reservation will be credited toward the new travel date.
• Change fees are waived for Golden Triangle bookings.
Blackout dates
The Golden Triangle cancellation terms above do not apply to travel between December 15 and January 15 of any year. Reservations for travel within these dates are subject to the standard direct hotel cancellation policies.
Special cases
The following exceptions apply across all booking channels covered by this document. Third-party services included in your booking remain governed by the supplier’s own conditions, and additional cancellation fees from those suppliers may apply.
Force-majeure date changes
If a force-majeure event requires changing the date of your trip within 60 days of when services were due
to begin, the corresponding deposit (per your booking channel) is retained as a cancellation fee, and the
remaining amount is held as a deposit toward your rescheduled trip. If the rescheduled trip does not take
place, the held amount is retained as a cancellation charge.
Medical cancellations
If you must cancel for medical reasons, please provide a medical certificate. We will issue a credit note for 100% of the booking value (covering Metropolitan Touring’s own products — third-party charges may still apply) for the guest who is ill. The credit note does not extend to accompanying travelers, who remain subject to standard cancellation terms. The credit note is valid for one year from the cancellation date and is not valid for peak-season departures.
Bereavement cancellations
In the event of a cancellation due to a guest’s death, please provide a certificate. We will issue a credit note for 100% of the booking value (covering Metropolitan Touring’s own products — third-party charges
may still apply), valid for use by a friend or family member. The credit note is valid for one year from the cancellation date and is not valid for peak-season departures.
Accommodation policies
This section outlines the practical conditions for staying at each of our properties: what your room rate includes, check-in and check-out times, children’s policies, and group bookings.
Rates include
Accommodation, breakfast, exclusive guest activities, and use of our facilities.
Rates do not include
Taxes, meals, and additional services (available at an extra cost)
Check-in and check-out
• Check-in: 14:00 p.m.
• Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
Early check-in (which can be from 10:00 a.m.) will incur an additional charge of 25% of the regular room rate plus applicable taxes. Early check-in does not include breakfast and is subject to availability.
Late check-out (which can be extended until 3:00 p.m.) will incur an additional charge of 25% of the regular room rate plus applicable taxes. Late check-out is subject to availability.
The day-use rate (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) for our daily use is 50% of the regular room cost plus applicable taxes and is subject to availability.
Children Policy
• Children under twelve (12) years old can stay at no additional cost as long as they share the room with
their parents. In this circumstance, breakfast is included. Please note that this policy applies to one (1)
child per (1) adult in each room (with a limit of two (2) children per room).
• Children between 12 and 15 years old must pay just for their breakfast; additionally, if they share the room
with their parents. In this circumstance, breakfast is not included. Please note that this policy applies to one (1) child per (1) adult in each room (with a limit of two (2) children per room).
• Guests aged 15 or older are considered adults and will be subject to accommodation conditions and may require another room.
• If you require an additional bed (regardless of the child’s age), we will be pleased to provide one in your room with an additional cost, including breakfast.
Groups
A reservation with 7 or more guests is considered a group. We require a non-refundable deposit of 15% of the total reservation value to confirm the booking.
The full names of each group member must be sent to the hotel fifteen (15) days prior to the check-in date.
Rates include
Accommodation, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and use of hotel facilities.
Rates do not include
Taxes, additional meals beyond breakfast, spa services, activities, and other extra services. These are available at an additional cost.
Check-in and check-out
• Check-in: 1:00 p.m.
• Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
Children Policy
• We recommend that children be a minimum of 6 years old to properly experience the Galápagos Islands. We do not provide childcare services, and a signed release form from the parent or guardian is required for children to take part in certain activities.
• Children under 6 sharing a room with their parents stay at no extra cost. This applies to a maximum of 1 child per 2 adults in each room (one child per room).
• Children between 6 and under 12 sharing a room with their parents are welcome. Breakfast is not included for children in this age range and is charged separately. This applies to a maximum of 1 child per 2 adults in each room (one child per room).
• Guests aged 12 and over are considered adults.
Groups
A party of 7 or more guests qualifies as a group. Group bookings require a 15% non-refundable deposit of the total group reservation to be confirmed, and the names of each guest must be provided at least 30 days before the check-in date.
Rates include
Accommodation, activities with a naturalist guide, all meals and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, use of facilities, and shared transfers between select hotels in Quito and Mashpi Lodge (both ways).
Rates do not include
Taxes, cable car service, alcoholic drinks, spa services, and other additional services. These are available at an additional cost.
Room capacity
Rooms accommodate up to 3 adults. The third adult pays 50% of the standard rate.
Check-in and check-out
• Check-in: 12:30 p.m. (earliest arrival time: 3:00 p.m.)
• Check-out: 11:30 a.m. (earliest departure time: 6:00 a.m.)
Because of Mashpi Lodge’s remote location and the logistics involved in reaching it:
• We recommend staying one night in Quito both before and after your stay at the lodge.
• A minimum stay of 1 night at the lodge is required.
• Early check-in and late check-out options are not available.
Luggage at Mashpi
We kindly ask that luggage not exceed 20 kg (45 lb) per person and that each guest has only one item. If you have additional luggage, please contact your destination expert to arrange a private transfer.
Sustainability at Mashpi
Due to the lodge’s wastewater management system, we ask that guests use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos (supplied by the lodge as part of its amenities) and flush only toilet paper in lavatories.
Children Policy
• The minimum age for guests is 4 years old. We do not provide childcare services, and certain activities may be demanding for small children.
• Children between 4 and under 12 sharing a room with their parents are welcome at a special extra cost (with a meal supplement charged per child). This applies to 1 child per adult in each room, with a maximum of 2 children per room.
• Guests aged 12 and over are considered adults and are charged at the extra-adult rate.
Groups
A party of 7 or more guests qualifies as a group. Group bookings require a 15% non-refundable deposit of the total group reservation to be confirmed, and the names of each guest must be provided at least 30 days before the check-in date.
The following terms apply to any guest traveling to the Galápagos Islands as part of a Metropolitan Touring product.
Travel documents
Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip date. This is required to enter Ecuador and the Galápagos.
Required taxes and fees
When traveling to the Galápagos, you will need to pay the following directly to the local authorities, in cash only:
• Ingala Transit Control Card — USD 20 per person, purchased at Quito or Guayaquil airport before your flight to the Galápagos.
• Galápagos National Park entrance fee — USD 200 per person, paid at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island upon arrival.
Please bring the exact amount, as card payments are not accepted.
Air travel to the Galápagos
Metropolitan Touring guarantees air space for all our Galápagos products: Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II, and Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel.
We strongly recommend booking your flights through Metropolitan Touring. Our flight service includes economy-class travel between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galápagos, along with the applicable transfers in Galápagos between the airport and the pier or hotel.
If you choose to book your flights independently, they must be on the same flights we operate. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee transfers or coordination with your itinerary.
All flight rates are subject to change without prior notice until booking confirmation, and fuel surcharges may apply.
Baggage allowance
Flights to the Galápagos have strict baggage limits. When flights are issued by Metropolitan Touring, baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding the standard allowance is subject to the airline’s excess-baggage charges.
The standard allowance is:
• 1 checked bag of up to 23 kg (51 lb)
• 1 carry-on of up to 8 kg (17 lb)
• 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, or similar)
Packing
All baggage must be securely packed and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable, or otherwise unsuitably packed items are transported at the guest’s own risk.
Prohibited items
Dangerous items — including but not limited to explosives, firearms, combustible substances, or illegal substances — must not be brought aboard any aircraft or vessel under any circumstances.
Liability
Metropolitan Touring is not responsible for loss of or damage to baggage or personal items during air travel. We recommend that you carry travel documents (passport, visa, tickets), medications, and valuables with you at all times. These items remain the guest’s full responsibility, and Metropolitan Touring is not responsible for their loss or damage.
On board the vessel
Baggage will not be stored on board any vessel unless its owner is also on board. Baggage and personal belongings are removed from the vessel at the time of guest disembarkation. We are not responsible for baggage left in shoreside facilities.
Lost and found
Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to charge for the return of personal items left on board or subsequently found.
Restricted items in the Galápagos
The Galápagos National Park operates a quarantine system to prevent the introduction of foreign species into the archipelago. All cargo and luggage arriving in the Galápagos or transferring between islands is subject to inspection by local authorities.
To protect human health and the native species of the islands, the following items may not be brought into the Galápagos:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Animal products and their derivatives
• Dairy products
• Live animals
• Pathological samples
• Dry coffee beans
• Genetically modified organisms
• Forest species or their disseminating parts
• Grass or its disseminating parts
• Fresh flowers
• Medicinal plants or their disseminating parts
• Banana tree leaves
• Micro-organisms (including fungi and bacteria)
• Soil and sand
• Animal vaccines
If you have any questions about these terms, your booking, or any of our policies, please contact your destination expert.
Metropolitan Touring
www.metropolitan-touring.com · operations@metropolitan-touring.com
24/7 Assistance during your trip: +593 99 972 2942
Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel www.casagangotena.com · info@casagangotena.com
US toll-free: +1 844 878 6981
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
www.finchbayhotel.com · info@finchbayhotel.com US toll-free: +1 844 391 4613
Mashpi Lodge
www.mashpilodge.com · info@mashpi.com US toll-free: +1 844 738 5895
We'll call you back within 5 minutes.
