Introduction

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These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") apply to participants enrolling in programs offered by La Casita delTurista ("La Casita," "we," "us," or "our"), based in Cartago, Costa Rica.By completing enrollment, making the required payment, and accepting these Terms, the participantconfirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the conditions governing their participation. TheseTerms should be read together with the applicable program information, Cancellation & Refund Policy,Participant Agreement, Privacy Policy, and any activity-specific consent or waiver required for the selectedprogram.

 

1. Our Programs

 

La Casita del Turista is an immersive learning center in Costa Rica offering small-group educationalexperiences that may combine structured learning, workshops, field experiences, cultural activities,accommodation, meals, local transportation, educational travel, and interaction with local professionals andcommunities.Specific inclusions vary by program and will be described in the program information provided beforeenrollment.Unless expressly stated otherwise, participation in a La Casita program does not constitute enrollment in aCosta Rican university or accredited higher-education institution and does not confer university academiccredit.

 

2. Eligibility & Enrollment

 

Unless otherwise specified for a particular program, participants must be at least 18 years old on the programstart date.Submitting an application or enrollment form does not automatically guarantee admission or a place in aprogram. La Casita may review applications and determine whether a program is appropriate for aprospective participant.Enrollment is confirmed only after the participant has been accepted, the required USD $500 EnrollmentDeposit has been received, and the participant has accepted these Terms and any other required policies oragreements. Spaces are limited and may be allocated on a first-confirmed basis.

 

3. Program Fees

 

The total program fee and included services will be communicated before payment. Depending on theprogram, fees may include accommodation, specified meals, instruction, workshops, scheduled activities,field experiences, and certain transportation within Costa Rica.Unless expressly identified as included, international airfare, passport and visa expenses, travel and medicalinsurance, personal expenses, optional activities, medical expenses, and other personal travel costs are theparticipant's responsibility.Payments are made in United States Dollars (USD) unless La Casita expressly agrees otherwise. Bank,payment-platform, currency-conversion, international-transfer, and similar transaction charges imposed onthe participant are the participant's responsibility

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​4. USD $500 Enrollment Deposit

A USD $500 non-refundable Enrollment Deposit is required to secure the participant's place in the selected
program. The Enrollment Deposit forms part of the total program price and will be credited toward the
outstanding program balance. It is not an additional fee.
If the participant cancels their enrollment, the USD $500 Enrollment Deposit will not be refunded, except
where otherwise required by applicable law or where La Casita cancels the program under these Terms.
The Enrollment Deposit reflects the administrative work involved in processing and preparing an enrollment
and commitments La Casita may begin making with accommodation, instructors, guides, transportation
providers, activities, and other program partners.

5. Payment of the Remaining Balance

The remaining program balance must be paid in full no later than 60 days before the program start date,
unless another payment schedule has been agreed to in writing.
For enrollments made within 60 days of the program start date, full payment may be required at the time of
enrollment.
Failure to pay by the applicable deadline may result in cancellation of enrollment. If enrollment is cancelled
because the participant failed to pay the outstanding balance, the USD $500 Enrollment Deposit remains nonrefundable, subject to applicable law.

6. Cancellation by the Participant

All cancellation requests must be submitted to La Casita in writing. The effective cancellation date is the date
on which La Casita receives the written cancellation request. Unless otherwise required by applicable law,
the following schedule applies:​​​​​​

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Any refund due will be returned to the original payer or payment method whenever reasonably possible.
Transaction fees, currency-conversion losses, and other third-party payment charges may be nonrecoverable.

7. Transfer to Another Program Date

In exceptional circumstances, La Casita may, at its discretion, allow a participant to transfer some or all
eligible payments to another available program date. Transfers are not guaranteed and may be subject to
availability, price differences, third-party costs already incurred, and a specified period within which any
credit must be used.
Allowing a transfer on one occasion does not create an obligation to provide transfers in other cases.

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​8. Cancellation by La Casita

 

La Casita may cancel a program when circumstances make its operation impracticable or when cancellation is required for safety, operational, legal, or other legitimate reasons. If La Casita cancels an entire program before it begins for reasons within La Casita's control, participants will be offered, as appropriate, either transfer of amounts paid to another available program date or a refund of amounts paid to La Casita for the cancelled program. Except where otherwise required by applicable law, La Casita is not responsible for independently purchased airfare, hotels, transportation, visa expenses, insurance premiums, or other personal travel expenses arising from a program cancellation. Participants are encouraged not to purchase non-refundable travel arrangements until their enrollment and program departure have been confirmed.

 

9. Minimum Enrollment

 

Some programs may require a minimum number of participants to operate as originally designed. Where applicable, the minimum enrollment requirement will be communicated as part of the program information. If minimum enrollment is not reached, La Casita may offer alternatives such as operating a modified program, transferring the participant to another available date, or cancelling the program in accordance with Section 8.

 

10. Program Changes

 

The itineraries published or provided by La Casita represent the intended program. Circumstances may require reasonable changes to schedules, activities, field visits, transportation, instructors or guest professionals, accommodation arrangements, routes, meal locations, workshops, or other program components. Changes may result from weather, road conditions, natural events, closures, transportation disruptions, safety concerns, availability of local partners, community circumstances, government actions, or other operational considerations. Whenever reasonably possible, La Casita will seek to provide a suitable alternative consistent with the educational purpose and overall value of the program. A reasonable itinerary modification does not, by itself, constitute cancellation of the program or automatically entitle the participant to a refund.

 

11. Third-Party Providers

 

Certain components may be provided by independent third parties, including transportation providers, guides, restaurants, accommodation providers, parks, reserves, instructors, activity operators, community organizations, and other professionals. La Casita coordinates these services but does not exercise complete control over independent third-party operations. Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under Costa Rican law.

 

12. Travel Documents & Entry into Costa Rica

 

Participants are responsible for ensuring that they possess all documents required to travel to and remain legally in Costa Rica, including, as applicable, a valid passport, visa, onward or return travel documentation, immigration documentation, required health documentation, and any other entry requirement applicable to their nationality or circumstances. Failure to enter Costa Rica because of incomplete, invalid, or insufficient travel documentation does not constitute cancellation by La Casita and will be treated according to the participant cancellation policy.

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13. Mandatory Travel & Medical

 

Insurance Travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all international participants. Each participant must obtain and maintain adequate coverage for the entire duration of their stay and participation in the program. At a minimum, the policy should provide appropriate coverage for medical treatment and hospitalization, accidents and emergencies, emergency transportation, medical evacuation or repatriation where applicable, trip interruption, and trip cancellation. Proof of valid insurance coverage must be provided to La Casita prior to arrival in Costa Rica and no later than 15 days before the program start date. The participant is responsible for ensuring that the policy is valid in Costa Rica and appropriate to the activities included in the selected program. Failure to provide satisfactory proof by the deadline may result in the participant being unable to participate until adequate coverage is demonstrated. Such failure does not entitle the participant to a refund for services missed as a result. La Casita does not provide travel or medical insurance and is not responsible for determining whether a participant's policy will cover a particular claim, treatment, activity, or circumstance.

 

14. Health, Medical & Dietary

 

Information Participants must provide accurate and timely information regarding medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, mobility limitations, medications, or other circumstances that may reasonably affect safe participation. La Casita will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed dietary or accessibility needs where possible but cannot guarantee that every requirement can be accommodated in every location or activity, particularly when meals or services are provided by independent third parties. Participants remain responsible for assessing whether food, activities, and environments are appropriate for their individual needs. Sensitive personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy practices and Costa Rican law.

 

15. Inherent Risks & Field Activities

 

La Casita programs are intentionally experiential. Participants may visit forests, rural areas, cities, farms, beaches, national parks, biological reserves, rivers, markets, communities, and other environments. Activities may involve risks associated with uneven or slippery terrain, tropical weather, wildlife and insects, water, hiking, transportation, public transportation, remote locations, heat and humidity, and changing environmental conditions. Participants are expected to exercise reasonable care, follow safety instructions, use required protective equipment, and communicate any concern that could affect their ability to participate safely. Specific activities may require additional informed-consent or waiver documentation.

 

16. Participant Conduct

 

La Casita is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment. Participants must treat fellow participants, staff, hosts, educators, community members, service providers, and local residents with respect. Conduct that may result in disciplinary action includes harassment, discrimination, threats or violence, sexual misconduct, illegal drug possession or use, theft, intentional property damage, repeated disruption of the learning environment, dangerous behavior, serious violation of residential rules, failure to follow reasonable safety instructions, or conduct that places the participant or others at significant risk.

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17. Removal from a Program

 

La Casita may remove a participant from a program when the participant engages in serious misconduct, creates a significant safety concern, substantially interferes with the program or wellbeing of others, or repeatedly violates program rules after reasonable warning when a warning is appropriate. Depending on the seriousness of the circumstances, removal may be immediate. A participant removed for serious misconduct may lose access to accommodation, activities, instruction, transportation, and other program services. Refund eligibility will be determined in accordance with these Terms, applicable law, services already provided, costs incurred, and the circumstances leading to removal. The participant may be responsible for arranging and paying for alternative accommodation and transportation following removal.

 

18. Residential Accommodation

 

Participants staying at La Casita's residential facilities agree to follow applicable house and safety rules. Rules may address quiet hours, guests and visitors, shared spaces, security and access, swimming pool use, smoking and vaping, alcohol, cleanliness, food storage, property use, and respect for neighboring residents. Detailed residential rules may be provided separately as part of the Participant Agreement.

 

19. Damage to Property

 

Participants may be held financially responsible for loss or damage to property resulting from intentional actions, misuse, or negligence. La Casita may charge the reasonable cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement where responsibility can reasonably be established. Normal wear and tear is excluded. 20. Personal Property Participants are responsible for passports, money, electronics, luggage, medications, and other personal belongings. La Casita will take reasonable measures to maintain a secure environment but cannot guarantee against loss, theft, or damage. Participants are encouraged to maintain appropriate insurance for valuable items.

 

21. Meals & Food

 

Only meals expressly identified in the applicable program description are included. Because immersive programs may include restaurants, markets, community visits, workshops, and other food environments, participants may encounter ingredients and food-preparation practices different from those in their home country. Participants with allergies or medically significant dietary restrictions must disclose them before the program begins and remain responsible for communicating those restrictions when appropriate. La Casita cannot guarantee completely allergen-free environments, particularly when food is prepared by independent third parties.

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22. Free Time & Independent

 

Activities Programs may include periods designated as free time or independent exploration. Activities undertaken independently and outside scheduled La Casita programming are the participant's personal responsibility. Participants are responsible for their own decisions, transportation, expenses, and conduct during such periods.

 

23. Force Majeure & Events Beyond Reasonable Control

 

Events outside La Casita's reasonable control may affect or prevent program delivery. These may include natural disasters, severe weather, flooding, volcanic activity, earthquakes, epidemics or pandemics, government restrictions, strikes, civil disturbances, transportation disruptions, closures, utility failures, or similar extraordinary circumstances. Where such circumstances arise, La Casita will make reasonable efforts to modify, reschedule, provide alternatives, or otherwise manage affected services. Refunds or credits will take into consideration applicable Costa Rican law, services already delivered, recoverable and non-recoverable third-party costs, and the circumstances of the event.

 

24. Photography & Media

 

La Casita may photograph or record educational activities for documentation and promotional purposes. Participation in promotional photography or media use will be governed by a separate consent process. Declining promotional media consent will not affect eligibility to participate in a program.

 

25. Privacy & Personal Information

 

La Casita collects personal information necessary to administer enrollments, payments, accommodation, emergency procedures, and program participation. Personal information will be handled in accordance with La Casita's Privacy Policy and applicable Costa Rican data-protection requirements.

 

26. Certificates & Academic Recognition

 

Where indicated, participants who satisfactorily complete a program may receive a Certificate of Completion or Participation from La Casita del Turista. Unless expressly stated in writing for a particular program, La Casita programs do not award university credit, professional licensure, or an academic degree. Recognition by a participant's school, university, employer, or other institution is determined independently by that institution.

 

27. Complaints & Concerns

 

Participants are encouraged to communicate concerns as soon as reasonably possible so La Casita has an opportunity to address them during the program. Formal complaints may be submitted to info@lacasitadelturista.com. Submission of a complaint does not limit rights available under applicable law.

 

28. Applicable Law

 

These Terms & Conditions and the participant's relationship with La Casita are governed by the applicable laws of the Republic of Costa Rica. Any dispute-resolution, jurisdiction, or venue provisions included in the legally reviewed version of these Terms remain subject to applicable Costa Rican consumer-protection and other mandatory laws. 

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29. Severability

 

If any provision is determined to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or limited to the extent necessary under applicable law without automatically invalidating the remaining provisions.

 

30. Updates to These Terms

 

La Casita may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. The Terms applicable to an enrollment will generally be the version accepted when enrollment is confirmed, except where a change is required by law or expressly agreed to by the participant.

 

31. Acceptance

 

By completing enrollment, accepting these Terms, and making the required payment, the participant confirms that they have read and understood these Terms & Conditions; understand the applicable Cancellation & Refund Policy; have had the opportunity to ask questions before enrollment; agree to comply with applicable program and residential rules; and voluntarily agree to participate under these conditions.

 

Contact

 

La Casita del Turista

Immersive Learning Center in Costa Rica

Cartago, Costa Rica

info@lacasitadelturista.com

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