Note: Alpine South highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all programs. Due to the nature of operations, Alpine South must adhere to a stringent refund policy. Specific program cancellation and refund policies may supercede those enumerated below.

• Deposits are non-refundable.
• All Expedition balances are due 90 days prior to arrival date unless otherwise specified.
• Full refunds, less deposit fees, will be provided 90-days prior to arrival date.
• No refunds will be provided 89-days prior to arrival date.
• Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the program.
• All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-day period, as stated above.
• Specific refund policies apply to our 7000m expeditions. See trip page for policies.

We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. We require rescue insurance. Alpine South suggests Travelex for trip insurance. Global Rescue are our suggested rescue insurers. Please see your briefing packet for more information on both plans or get in touch with any other questions.

Trip participants are responsible for their own well-being.  You should arrive at the start of a trip with a positive attitude, a willingness to participate in a group organized trip, and be physically prepared. Participants joining a trek, course or mountaineering expedition may be required to obtain a physician’s release prior to departure. Trip members are responsible for: knowing all pre-departure information, preparing proper equipment and clothing, conforming to basic standards of personal hygiene (to minimize the risk of traveler’s diseases) and acting in a considerate manner toward all group members and with respect for each country’s customs.   

Safety is our number one priority.  We are committed to helping climbers maximize their potential enjoyment without compromising safety.

Below is an abstract from our T&C + Waiver form that all guests are required to sign prior to the expedition, provided for reference.

“Alpine South, its owners, agents, employees, officers, directors, associates, affiliated companies and subcontractors (herein after collectively referred to as “Alpine South”), hereby give notice that they act only as agents for hotels, transportation companies, land operators and suppliers of travel services. Alpine South assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with the operation or service of any aircraft, motor vehicle, other conveyance, inn, lodge or hotel which may be used wholly, or in part, for services to Alpine South and its clients. Alpine South, its operators, airlines and agents will not be responsible for any act, error, omission, nor for any injury, loss accident, delay, inconvenience, irregularity or damage which may be occasioned by any cause whatsoever. This includes acts of nature, civil disturbance, government restrictions or failure of any means of conveyance to adhere to published schedule.
Alpine South reserves the right to change the price of, cancel or withdraw any trek, course or expedition for any reason whatsoever prior to departure. After departure, Alpine South reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary, to substitute hotels or leaders, to change any means of conveyance without notice and without allowance of refund, with liability for increased costs (if any) borne by the trek, course or expedition members. HAG reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a trek, course or expedition member at any time.

I understand, and am aware, that during the trek, climb, course or expedition in which I am currently participating, or will participate in, under the arrangements of Alpine South, certain risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to: altitude; steep or treacherous terrain; inclement weather; avalanches, rock fall and other natural occurrences; misuse, failure or loss of equipment; shortage of food or water supply; the hazards of traveling in politically unstable areas; the dangers of civil disturbances and war; the forces of nature; acts or omissions of Alpine South; travel by boat, automobile, train, ship, aircraft or other means of conveyance; and accident or illness in remote places without access to medical facilities, transportation, or means of rapid evacuation and assistance.

I certify that I am familiar with the dangers, hazards and risks incident to trekking and mountain climbing expeditions/courses as listed above. And I accept and clearly understand that these hazards and risks may result in personal injuries to myself and others, including paralysis and death, and hereby expressly assume all of the above risks including, the risks of acts or omissions of Alpine South, and do hereby expressly agree to hold Alpine South harmless and defend them against any and all liability.

In consideration of the services furnished me, and to be furnished me as a member of this trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition, I hereby release Alpine South and all the members of the trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition from any and all damages, injuries, losses, or any cause of action which may result in me, my legal representatives or others purporting to exercise statutory or other rights arising out of, or in connection with this expedition. And I hereby assume each and every damage incident to my participation, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Alpine South and all members of the trek, course and/or expedition against any sums which they, or any of them may be subject to pay in consequence of any claim or demand by or through me, or resulting from my being a member of this trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition.”

We recommend and utilize the services of Global Rescue for Andes rescue insurance, a worldwide medical evacuation service.

It is not compulsory to use Global Rescue to join a Alpine South trip. You do need to check that your insurance covers helicopter evacuation for high altitude though (most do not).  Many companies that used to provide this stopped their service in 2012 due to the high abuse of the service in Nepal’s Everest region.  Many mountaineering and alpine clubs offer helicopter rescue insurance, shop around, and see what you can find. But do know that Global Rescue’s service is excellent, and reasonably priced.

Many mountaineering clubs and organization offer rescue insurance for their members. Do check in your countries alpine club for Andes rescue insurance.  Do let us know what you find as well, as we’d like to add more links to this page for trekkers and climbers coming to the Andes. Andes Rescue insurance is an important part of good prior planning for a trek or climb, from dog bites to slips and falls; accidents do happen and it’s best to be prepared.