The following booking conditions form the basis of your contract with Altum L'alto Pilgrimages LLC, hereafter referred to as ALP. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. By signing this form, we are entitled to assume that you have had the opportunity to read and have read these booking conditions and agree to them.

Reservations and Payment

• Step 1. Sign up: You can do this by completing our online form at www.adventurepilgrimages.com. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a phone call. An extra fee of $100 may apply to late sign-ups except in the case of a deadline extension. There may be an additional charge if ALP incurs additional expenses in changing the pilgrimage reservations due to late sign ups.
• Step 2. Registration: We will e-mail you the Registration Packet to fill out and ask that you complete it by the deadline indicated. If the registration packet is not received when due, ALP may cancel your reservation and the normal cancellation policy below will apply.
• Step 3. Payment & Confirmation: Deposits and final payments are due the day indicated in the trip information packet. You may pay by bank transfer in US dollars, check, or money order. Credit card payment may be available with an additional fee. If final payment is not received when due, ALP may cancel your reservation.

Cancellation & Refunds

All cancellations must be in writing. For all pilgrimages in any location, if you cancel for any reason:

• More than 100 days prior to the pilgrimage start date, ALP will give a full refund minus the deposit.
• Between 99 and 40 days prior to the pilgrimage start date, ALP will retain 25 percent of the pilgrimage cost
• Between 39 and 15 days prior to the pilgrimage start date, ALP will retain 50 percent of the pilgrimage cost
• Less than 15 days prior to the pilgrimage start date or after the pilgrimage has begun, there will be no refunds

There is no refund for arriving late or leaving early from a pilgrimage.

Trip Confirmation & Low-enrollment pilgrimages

Please wait to buy your plane tickets or anything else related to the pilgrimage until you receive a Trip Confirmation from us that your pilgrimage is running. Our trip confirmation comes in the form of an e-mail declaring the trip to be confirmed. In the event that a trip receives a very small number of bookings, ALP will let you know in advance in case you were hoping for a larger group. You may be offered a discount to join another trip, or, if you prefer the small trip, this may be possible (an extra fee may apply). If a pilgrimage is canceled by ALP due to lack of participation, a full refund will be issued including any deposits. ALP is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the cancelation of air tickets made before the trip confirmation.

Deposits

All deposits are non-refundable unless ALP cancels the pilgrimage due to lack of enrollment. In this case, you will receive the deposit back in full. The due dates for deposits vary- ALP will communicate these to you.

Prices

Prices depend on several factors and are made well in advance of trip dates based on current conversion rates between US dollars and the local currency. If there is a significant change in the conversion rate, ALP reserves the right to modify the price of the pilgrimage.

Force Majeure

ALP reserves the right to cancel any trip, before or after its start date due to conditions beyond ALP's control (force majeure). In these booking conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, health epidemics, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of, "force majeure". ALP is not responsible for any costs incurred by the pilgrim in preparation for a program that is altered or canceled, including for any indirect, consequential, incidental, or other damages or costs incurred by the pilgrim or his/her family, such as non-refundable airline tickets or change fees.

If a trip is canceled due to Force Majeure before or during your journey, ALP will transfer remaining funds to a future pilgrimage.

Passports, Visas & Documents

A valid US passport is required for US citizens. If you do not have a valid passport please contact your closest passport office. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your return date to the US. US citizens do not need to obtain visas for most countries ALP travels to. For all other nationalities please consult your country's consulate. When and if a visa is required, it is the pilgrim’s responsibility to obtain one. ALP owner, agent, or employees cannot be held liable for clients not having proper passports, visas, or other travel documents. If you must cancel due to lack of appropriate documents the usual cancelation policy applies. A Passport Card is not useful for international air travel. Attempting to use this instead of a Passport Book will result in a denial of boarding by the airlines and entry by the legal authorities.

ALP Itinerary Disclaimer

Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally, local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits or activities. ALP will do its best to find appropriate substitutes, but there will be no price adjustments for changes. ALP will let you know about significant changes before the trip; other changes may be communicated to you by your trip leaders on the trip.

Brochure/Website/Advertising material accuracy

The information contained in our brochure, on our website and in our other advertising material is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur, and information may subsequently change. Times and distances for outdoor activities are calculated with great care, but they should be considered estimates and not exact figures.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your pilgrimage.

Promotion Policy

ALP may use pilgrims' names, photos, and other images in promotional material, videos, and press releases. Photos used may be ones that ALP staff takes on the pilgrimage or ones that are shared directly with ALP or part of shared albums that ALP staff is a part of. ALP may use these without compensation to the pilgrim, for use in any media throughout the world in perpetuity, including for sale, reproduction or display on the internet, in publications and/or for any informational, promotional, or other use.

Lodging

Pilgrims will typically have one or two roommates of the same sex. Some accommodations may include several bunk beds in one room. Occasionally, such as in mountain refuges where backpackers stay the night, several people may be housed in bunk beds in one room, and it may not be possible to separate by gender or from non-ALP participants. Additionally, individual beds may be placed closer together than you are used to. Toilets, sinks, and showers may not always be inside your room. See your particular trip information for more details about the lodgings for your trip. ALP will do its best to accommodate your requests for a single room when available for an extra fee based on the particular situation. These requests must be made at the time of booking. When arriving for the pilgrimage in the early morning, it is not always possible to check in to lodgings immediately, but you will typically be able to leave your luggage with the hotel or ALP staff and not have to carry it around until check-in. ALP cannot be responsible for any damages you make to your room or any other property throughout the pilgrimage.

Meals & Drinks

ALP will do its best to accommodate special food requests but cannot guarantee that it will be possible. If a pilgrim’s food allergies are severe and food purchase is limited, ALP may require the pilgrim to provide additional food. Fixed or limited menus are often utilized by ALP in restaurants. Some meals may be picnics. Breakfasts are local and are typically less hearty than the American style. A drink is typically included with dinner. If alcohol is included in your trip for those of the legal drinking age, it is house wine or beer. Otherwise, soft drinks, canned juice, or sparkling water may be ordered. Specialty drinks like cocktails, mocktails, fresh juices, smoothies, or similar drinks are not included. See your particular trip information for more details.

Bags

Each trip indicates on the website and in the trip information packet what type of baggage is allowed.

Pilgrims should have the ability to transport their own luggage between transportation means and hotel rooms. This may include walking through towns on uneven pavement and/or uphill as transportation cannot always reach our lodgings. ALP is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bags at any point in the trip including during luggage transfers. If ALP or its suppliers provide dry-bags/containers for water related activities, we cannot guarantee their efficacity

Delayed/Early Arrival/Departure

ALP does not bear any responsibility for pilgrims arriving before or staying after the pilgrimage start and end times. ALP cannot be responsible for the cost of any missed flights due to traffic, road problems, holiday closures, or any other form of delays in getting to the airport on a pilgrimage. If your departure flight time at the end of the pilgrimage changes to an earlier time without significant notice to ALP, ALP cannot guarantee that transportation will be provided. ALP cannot guarantee it will cover transport expenses if your arrival is delayed beyond the arrival time period for your trip.

Group size

ALP reserves the right to decide the minimum and maximum number of pilgrims on a pilgrimage and may change the number at any time.

Special Requests/ Accommodations/ Conditional Bookings

If you have any special requests, you must advise us at the time of booking. We regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfillment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.

Young Travelers

Travelers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult. Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorization including the dates of travel. We also suggest that you contact the appropriate consulate and airlines because they may have additional requirements.

Independent Contractors

ALP has no control over and does not assume any responsibility for the actions of the other and/or any independent contractors providing any goods or services for the pilgrimages.

Pilgrim Conduct: Pilgrims agree to follow the field practices and policies described in pre-pilgrimage information, pilgrimage orientation, and as taught by leaders and guides throughout the pilgrimage, and to be responsible for their own well-being and for contributing to the well-being of the group. Pilgrims agree to follow all country and local laws. Pilgrims agree to be courteous to local residents and merchants, customs, and culture. Pilgrims agree to act appropriately for their situation of being on a Catholic pilgrimage. You may drink alcohol in accordance with local laws and regulations in free time. However, you may not drink alcohol before or during outdoor activities or any other activities scheduled by ALP unless given permission by ALP staff. Pilgrims are expected, if they drink, to drink in moderation and never to get drunk. No drugs allowed. Prescription drugs must be indicated on the health form. Pilgrims may smoke tobacco cigarettes if they are of age, but they must not disturb others with their smoke.

Free Time

ALP is not responsible for pilgrims before and after their pilgrimage (per stated beginning and ending dates and times or for early departure due to evacuation, expulsion, or separation). On the pilgrimages, pilgrims may have “free” time in a town or other locations. ALP has no responsibility for pilgrims during this free time and pilgrims accept the risks that arise from this unsupervised free time. ALP staff may from time to time provide assistance or even accompany students in these free time activities, but in doing so, they are acting as private individuals, and ALP is not responsible for their conduct. If you are not participating in a scheduled activity with the group such as an outdoor activity or a museum visit, you are considered to be on “free time” and staff accompaniment is not guaranteed.

Equal Opportunity- No Discrimination- Harassment

ALP provides equal opportunities to all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, or disability. However, ALP does reserve the right to deny admission or ongoing participation on medical or health grounds, in appropriate cases. No harassment of any kind will be tolerated on the pilgrimages.

Jurisdiction

Any dispute between the pilgrim and ALP will be governed by the substantive laws (not including the laws which might apply the laws of another jurisdiction) of the State of Wyoming and pilgrims consent to jurisdiction in Wyoming. Any mediation or suit shall occur or be filed only in the State of Wyoming. Pilgrims agree to submit to mediation prior to filing suit.

If any part of this agreement is found by a court or other appropriate authority to be invalid, the remainder of the agreement nevertheless will be in full force and effect.

Pilgrims have read this document, understand, and voluntarily agree to its terms, which shall be binding upon them, their heirs, estate, executors, and administrators. Any modifications of this agreement must be approved by ALP in writing.

Information for the Pilgrim

Full Disclosure: In the interest of the health and well-being of both the pilgrim and the other pilgrimage members, please answer the questions honestly and completely when completing this health form. If we have any question on the applicant’s capacity to successfully complete the pilgrimage we will contact you to discuss it. However, failure to disclose a health condition that becomes relevant while on your pilgrimage may result in dismissal from the pilgrimage. We highly recommend you see a medical doctor to get a physical examination before the trip.

Privacy

ALP keeps pilgrim health information extremely confidential. Information may be shared only on a need-to-know basis with various members of ALP staff, independent contractors, and third-party medical professionals as judged necessary by ALP and only for the health and safety of the pilgrim and the other pilgrims and staff on the pilgrimage.

I have verified with my physician and/or other medical professionals as appropriate and confirm that I have no past or current physical or psychological condition that might affect my participation on the pilgrimage, other than as described on the health form submitted to ALP. I understand my health form will be viewed by ALP staff and instructors as necessary. I am able to participate without causing harm to myself or others. The medical information given to ALP is accurate and all pertinent medical conditions have been disclosed. Prior to the commencement of the pilgrimage, ALP will be informed of any medical condition that has not been previously disclosed or any changes in medical conditions or medications. I understand that ALP’s admission of me to the pilgrimage is not intended as a representation that ALP staff will be able to manage successfully a medical event or emergency related to a disclosed, or undisclosed, medical condition. The responsibility for determining a pilgrim’s health status is not ALP’s but, rather, the pilgrim’s, guided by family and the pilgrim’s health care provider. However, ALP reserves the right to refuse admission or remove a pilgrim from a pilgrimage for any reason it deems is in the best interests of the pilgrim or ALP.

ALP is authorized to obtain or provide emergency evacuation, hospitalization, surgical or other medical care for me. Any third-party medical care provider is authorized to exchange pertinent medical information with ALP. Costs associated with medical services, including evacuation, shall be borne by me.

ALP requires that all pilgrims have their own health insurance. Please complete this form so that we will have information concerning your insurance coverage. It is your responsibility to make sure your insurance will cover you for the pilgrimage.

To: Altum l'alto Pilgrimages LLC (including its officers, directors, employees, agents,

representatives and independent contractors) (collectively and severally referred to as Altum l'alto Pilgrimages or ALP)

Please read the following carefully

Assumption of Risk

(a) I confirm that the answers I have provided in the ALP Confidential Health Form and the ALP Eligibility Criteria Form are true and correct and understand that ALP has relied on those answers in allowing me to participate in the pilgrimage; I understand that if I fraudulently represent myself as fit for this trip, I may be removed prior to or during the trip at my own expense.

(b) I certify that my level of fitness and endurance is adequate for participation in the pilgrimage expedition and if necessary agree to verify with my medical practitioner at my own cost that I do not have any physical or psychological problems which would create undue risk to myself or other participants on the pilgrimage;

(c) I personally and voluntarily assume and accept all and any risks for any harm, trauma, injuries or damage that I may suffer to my person or my property whether foreseen or unforeseen in connection with the pilgrimage;

(d) I certify that I am aware of the inherent risks, dangers and hazards associated with the pilgrimage and I voluntarily choose to participate in the pilgrimage fully accepting such risks, dangers and hazards, should they arise, and that these may cause personal injury, death or property damage or loss and, in particular, I acknowledge that I have been advised that the risk, dangers and hazards include but are not limited to:

(i) that the pilgrimage may take place in locations that are remote in time and/or distance from any medical treatment or facilities;

(ii) that the risks, dangers and hazards involved in the pilgrimage may be greater or different than those I normally encounter;

(iii) that the pilgrimage may involve exposure to the natural elements such as changing weather conditions, storms and wind, possible encounters with potentially harmful or fatal attacks by wild animals and varying or adverse wilderness conditions;

(iv) that the pilgrimage involves outdoor activities which may include but are not limited to hiking, biking, kayaking, and rafting which are physically demanding activities and may involve the use of equipment that may malfunction giving rise to the risk of personal injury, trauma, death or property loss or damage;

(v) that the pilgrimage may include risks, dangers and hazards which arise from domestic and/or international travel;

(vi) that the pilgrimage may include risks, dangers and hazards which arise from possible negligence on the part of ALP or fellow participants on the pilgrimage giving rise to personal injury, trauma, death or property loss or damage;

(vii) that changes to the pilgrimage may occur as a result of adverse weather, industrial action, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, wars, riots or other unforeseen occurrences.

Altum L'alto Pilgrimages neither owns nor operates any person or entity which is to, or does, provide goods or services for its pilgrimages. Because ALP does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, ALP assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of

(1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the pilgrimage suppliers, or other employees or agents, 

(2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or 

(3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of ALP.

(a) I acknowledge that I have read and understood the matters set out in the registration packet and that I am of lawful age and legally competent to give this waiver, release and indemnity;

(b) I acknowledge that the conditions set out in this document are contractual in nature, are

intended to have legal effect and are not merely a warning or recital;

(c) I have signed this document of my own free will and without any representation or inducement by ALP;

(d) This waiver, release and indemnity agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and assigns in the event of my death;

(e) Any dispute between the pilgrim and ALP will be governed by the substantive laws (not including the laws which might apply the laws of another jurisdiction) of the State of Wyoming and pilgrims consent to jurisdiction in Wyoming. Any mediation or suit shall occur or be filed only in the State of Wyoming.

Below is a detailed, but not exhaustive, list of eligibility criteria. If you are not able to perform these activities or are unsure about your ability, this does not mean you are ineligible for the pilgrimage. You must let us know on this form at the time of submission about any concerns you have, and we can discuss any necessary accommodations. These may include, but are not limited to, skipping activities, altering routes, or receiving extra attention from staff. Appropriate instructions will be given before all activities. ALP highly recommends you get a physical examination from a medical doctor before this trip.

General

Pilgrims should:

• Have a sense of adventure.
• Be able to carry all of your belongings in a backpack.
• Handle an international flight, if applicable, to arrive at the pilgrimage, which can be tiring, especially with many layovers and long itineraries.
• Be able to operate in a foreign country, which can be stressful due to language and cultural barriers.
• Stand or sit for long periods during activities, waiting in line, or during transport.
• Be able to walk on cobblestones and other uneven surfaces and climb stairs that may not have a handrail.

Hiking

Pilgrims should be able to:

• Hike with their packs, sometimes up long, steep slopes for extended periods in hot or cold weather.
• Hike distances that may vary more or less from the mileage indicated in the trip information packet.
• Hike for several days in a row.
• Hike in the heat or cold for several hours.
• Hike in conditions generally along well-groomed trails, but which may include rough, rugged, uneven, steep, and sloping terrain. We may encounter snow and mild rivers and streams that need to be crossed without a bridge. Occasionally, it may be necessary to hike in inclement weather and without sunlight.

Kayaking

Pilgrims should be able to:

• Be capable of paddling or learning how to paddle a kayak with appropriate instructions.
• Perceive, understand, and respond to audible commands given by a boating partner or communicate such commands to boating partners (such as in a double kayak) to maneuver a boat and avoid obstacles.
• Be able to exit a capsized boat, fend for themselves while in the water away from the boat, and be able to swim.
• Have the physical strength and agility to re-enter a kayak in the event of a capsize, either assisted or unassisted.
• Kayak in rough or calm conditions and in various weather conditions.
• Kayak for several hours in the sun.
• Adhere to a kayak's weight capacity: the maximum weight for an individual is 250 pounds (this may vary depending on local vendor requirements).

Swimming

Pilgrims should be able to:

• Swim at least 25 meters.
• Tread water for extended periods of time.

We encourage you to consider your physical condition now and develop a well-rounded routine that emphasizes stamina, flexibility, balance, and strength. You should focus on being able to sustain a moderate level of exertion for multiple hours.

ALP highly recommends you get a physical examination from a medical doctor before this trip.

By signing you are stating that you have read and understand this document, are eligible for this pilgrimage, and if you have any concerns you are writing them on the space provided above.