updated July 2025; please refer to agreements sent at time of booking for the most up-to-date legal policies

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When booking, we will ask you to read and sign our full terms and conditions; these are available upon request if you would like to review them beforehand. This includes a Code of Conduct, which you can find excerpted below. We also want to stress a few specific details for your information.

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Age Requirements

Our itineraries are designed for participants 18 years of age and older unless otherwise indicated. If you would like to inquire about a family-friendly trip, please reach out! We are happy to design the perfect week of exploration for you and your younger group members. Email Chrissy at chrissy@theoaxacatravelcollective.com.

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Inclusivity

At The Oaxaca Travel Collective, we welcome people of all races, religions, gender identities, and backgrounds. We simply ask that you arrive with a curious mind, an open heart, patience and a willingness to learn from others. We believe in creating space for meaningful conversations, new perspectives, and lasting connections. Respect and kindness are non-negotiable. Anyone who disrupts that spirit or compromises the safety or dignity of others may be asked to leave the group at their own expense, without refund.

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Payment & Refunds

Upon booking, we will email you a secure link for paying a 50% non-refundable deposit. We accept credit cards and most electronic payment methods such as PayPal, Venmo and ApplePay, and we do not charge fees.  If booked more than 60 days out, the deposit is due at time of booking and the remainder is due at least 60 days before the start of the experience. If booked within 60 days, 100% of the cost is due upon booking. Please note that refunds are limited. If you cancel more than 60 days out, we’ll refund any balance you’ve paid above the deposit. But if you cancel within 60 days of the Experience, we will not issue refunds unless we make an exception at our discretion.

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Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended

Because of our strict cancellation policy, we STRONGLY recommend you purchase travel insurance, and suggest you consider CFAR coverage, or Cancel For Any Reason. One insurance provider we have used in the past is Allianz. Many CFAR policies require you to purchase shortly after your first trip payment, so please research your options carefully.

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Luggage, Mobility and Accessibility

We provide comfortable transportation to and from the airport with plenty of space for your bags, but it is your sole responsibility to lift, move, and carry your own luggage. Do not count on assistance as we cannot guarantee it. Please keep this in mind when packing to ensure your bags are of a weight that you can manage alone. We also recommend you leave some extra room for souvenirs on the trip back home! Please also note that Mexico does not provide the same mobility considerations as we find in the United States. The sidewalks are often rough, uneven or nonexistant. Elevators and escalators outside of the airport are rare in Oaxaca. We sincerely regret that most locations are not accessible.

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US and International Laws

It is the travelers responsibility to know, understand and abide by any and all applicable laws within Oaxaca and Mexico, as well as any regulations regarding travel in and out of your home country.

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Code of Conduct

• Avoid photographing locals (especially indigenous individuals) without permission due to cultural beliefs.

• Refrain from using illegal substances (note that alcohol consumption is limited to ages 18+).

• Abstain from smoking or vaping in the lodging; in private or common spaces, including outdoor areas; during any group events, including inside vehicles; and during walking tours or any other group activity.

• Comply with all applicable laws and vendor rules.

• Treat all others with respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or background.

• Be punctual for scheduled activities. 

• Store valuables securely. Company is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

• Avoid disruptive, dangerous, or disrespectful conduct (including but not limited to public intoxication). 

• Follow all safety and conduct instructions from Company and Vendors. 

• Notify all food preparers—whether in a hosted home, restaurant, or other setting—of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance (with sufficient time for such food preparers to plan alternatives). 

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Summary of Key Terms for Participants
1. If you bring a companion, including a minor child, you’re responsible for them.
This includes financial, medical, and behavioral responsibility. Also, by signing the Agreement, you’re agreeing on your behalf AND on their behalf.

 

2. You’re assuming personal risk.
The Experience involves inherent risks like illness, injury, transportation delays or cancellations, and lower standards of care than you might prefer or be used to. By signing the Agreement, you’re acknowledging and accepting those risks.

3. You’re waiving the right to sue us.
By signing the Agreement, you’re agreeing not to bring claims against the Company or its employees, contractors, or partners for your injuries or losses associated with the Experience. The exception would be cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing,

4. Refunds are limited.
The first 50% of the fee constitutes a non-refundable deposit. If you cancel more than 60 days out, we’ll refund any balance you’ve paid above the deposit. But if you cancel within 60 days of the Experience, we will not issue refunds unless we make an exception at our discretion.

5. You’re responsible for your health and medical needs.
We strongly recommend that you carry medical insurance that covers you while you're traveling in Mexico specifically, disclose any dietary or medical needs, and bring your own medications and supplies.

6. Disputes will go to mediation and then arbitration.
If there’s a disagreement, we’ll first try mediation (within 60 days). If the dispute is unresolved by mediation, then, we’ll use binding arbitration in North Carolina.

7. Conduct matters.
We expect all participants to behave respectfully and lawfully. No exceptions! Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in removal from the Experience without refund.

The Oaxaca Travel Collective is a registered LLC in the state of North Carolina. We provide curated travel services and elegant adventure travel to Oaxaca, Mexico. The Collective acts merely as a coordinator of third-party services, but is not the “service provider” for the purposes of those services.

 

If you have any questions about these policies or would like to request a copy of our service agreement and code of conduct, please email chrissy@theoaxacacollective.com.