Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Contact details you give us, such as your name, email address, and phone number, when you enquire, book, or sign up for updates.

• Booking information, including travel dates, passport or visa details, and emergency contact information.

• Health and screening information you provide as part of our required medical and psychological screening process before joining an Expedition.

• Payment-related information, such as billing details, when arranging your deposit or balance payment. We do not process card payments directly on our website; payments are arranged by bank transfer or invoice.

• Website usage information collected automatically through cookies and analytics tools, such as your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and how you found our site.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process your enquiry, booking, deposit, and balance payments.

• Assess your suitability to join an Expedition through our screening process.

• Communicate with you about your booking, including confirmations, itineraries, and any changes.

• Comply with our legal, safety, and administrative obligations.

• Improve our website and understand how visitors use it.

• Send you updates or marketing communications, where you have agreed to receive them. You can opt out at any time.

Health and Screening Information

Because our Expeditions take place in remote environments, we ask participants to complete a health and psychological screening before joining. This is sensitive personal information, and we only use it to assess your suitability to participate and to plan for your safety during the Expedition. We limit access to this information to the team members who need it and do not use it for any other purpose.

Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar tools, including analytics services, to understand how visitors use our site and to improve it over time. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the website may not work as intended if you do so.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• Local partners, guides, and providers involved in delivering your Expedition.

• Our clinical team, for the purposes of health and safety screening.

• Service providers who support our operations, such as email or analytics providers, under appropriate confidentiality terms.

• Authorities or regulators, where required by law.

International Data Transfers

As we are based in Brazil and work with participants from around the world, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including Brazil. Where required, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information continues to be protected to a standard consistent with this policy.

Data Retention

We keep your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, meet legal and safety obligations, and resolve any disputes, after which it is deleted or anonymised.

Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, and to object to certain processing or request a copy of your data. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at ethnobiomed@gmail.com and we will respond in accordance with applicable law.

Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Our Expeditions and website are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The version published on our website at any given time is the version that applies.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at ethnobiomed@gmail.com.

This is a summary of our full Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy. It covers the key points so you can find what you need quickly but the full policy is what legally applies to your booking, so please read it before you pay your deposit.

Booking & Payment

• A 500 USD deposit secures your place at the time of booking.

• Full payment (deposit + remaining balance) is due at least 2 months before your Expedition start date, unless you've agreed a different schedule in writing with a member of our team.

• The deposit is non-refundable, except if we cancel the Expedition.

If You Need to Cancel

Cancellations must be sent to us in writing by email. Phone calls, voicemails, WhatsApp messages, or in-person conversations don't count as valid notice until confirmed by email.

The 500 USD deposit is separate from your balance and is non-refundable in all cases where you cancel. What happens to the rest of your balance depends on when you cancel:

• More than 8 weeks before the start date: your choice of a full refund, or a 50% refund plus a 50% credit toward a future Expedition.

• 4–8 weeks before the start date: a 50% refund plus a 50% credit toward a future Expedition.

• Less than 4 weeks before the start date: no cash refund. 50% is held as a credit and the remaining 50% is forfeited.

• After the Expedition has started: no refund or credit is given, for any reason.

Credits Toward a Future Expedition

• Valid for 12 months from your original start date.

• Can be applied to a future Expedition (subject to availability and pricing) or transferred to someone else with our written consent.

• Cannot be converted to cash and cannot be used to cover flights, insurance, or other third-party costs.

If We Cancel or Postpone

• If we cancel the Expedition before it begins (e.g. low participant numbers, safety, or events beyond our control), your 500 USD deposit is refunded in full, and you choose between a full refund of your balance or transferring 100% of it to a future Expedition.

• If we postpone, you can transfer 100% of your payments to a future Expedition (within 18 months) or receive a full refund.

Flights & Other Costs

We are not responsible for flights, visas, vaccinations, equipment, insurance, or accommodation you've booked yourself — including money lost on flights if the Expedition is cancelled, postponed, or changed for any reason.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and baggage) is recommended.

Health Screening

All participants complete a medical screening before joining. If your participation is declined for medical or safety reasons before departure, your balance is refunded in full, but the 500 USD deposit is retained to cover screening and admin costs.

Your Responsibilities

Provide accurate information during screening, hold valid travel documents, arrive on time, and follow all Expedition guidelines and local laws. Refunds and credits aren't available if you're unable to participate because these weren't met.

The full policy can be found Here.