Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

• Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
• Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
• Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
• Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 

Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

We define a responsible traveler as someone who takes the time to develop a basic understanding of the culture, history, language, and socio-political climate of the host country through pre-trip research and educational activities that engage them with the local community during their time in that country. In addition, the Responsible Traveler seeks to support small business development by shopping at small, locally owned businesses and supporting independent artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs through meet and greets, as well as interactive workshops, classes, and demonstrations. Finally, a Responsible Traveler strives to minimize the negative impact of their visit on the environment and always considers animal welfare when planning their itinerary.

Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven number of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.

Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another trip participant. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know. 

Heart of Travel is happy to accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences. However, in certain destinations (mostly remote rural areas or small villages) specialty options may be limited. Therefore,  while we will always find a way to accommodate you, some meals may feel a little repetitive. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements or allergies and we'll pass the information along to your Tour Leader, as well as all hotels and third-party providers. It is also a good idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language in case you find yourself eating away from the group without the Tour Leader available to assist you.

Like many destinations, Guatemala requires travelers to be mindful and informed, but it’s also a country filled with warmth, beauty, and deep-rooted hospitality. We’ve been traveling here for years—many of us call it home—and we’ve built strong local partnerships to ensure our itineraries are not only immersive, but also thoughtful and well-coordinated.

While certain areas of the country do face challenges, we avoid high-risk zones and always prioritize the safety and comfort of our travelers. Our on-the-ground team stays up-to-date with current conditions, and we take extra care when it comes to transportation, accommodations, and local experiences.

As with any trip, we encourage common-sense precautions—being aware of your surroundings, not flashing valuables, and following local guidance. But rest assured: for those who travel with openness and respect, Guatemala offers an incredibly rich and rewarding experience.