Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Andes Big Mountain SpA (“Andes Big Mountain”, “ABM”, “we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores and protects personal data provided by clients, prospective clients and website users.

This policy applies to all clients booking or enquiring about expeditions, tours or services offered by Andes Big Mountain, whether directly or through partner agents, and forms part of our commitment to responsible data handling and privacy protection.

1. Our Commitment to Data Protection

We believe that the responsible and transparent use of personal information collected through our website, email, phone, messaging platforms or in person is essential to our business operations, safety standards and reputation.We only collect personal data that is necessary, relevant and proportionate to:

process enquiries and bookings,
operate mountain expeditions safely,
comply with legal obligations, and
communicate with our clients.

All personal data is stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

Depending on your interaction with Andes Big Mountain, we may collect:

2.1 Identification & Contact Information

Full name
Email address
Phone number
Nationality
Passport details (when required for logistics or permits)
Emergency contact details

2.2 Booking & Travel Information

Selected expedition or tour
Travel dates
Accommodation preferences
Dietary requirements

2.3 Medical & Safety Information

Relevant medical conditions
Allergies
Medications
Prior altitude-related issues
Fitness or mobility limitations

This information is collected solely for safety, operational and risk-management purposes.

2.4 Technical & Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect limited technical information such as:

IP address
Browser type
Operating system
Pages visited and time spent on site

This data is statistical and non-identifiable and used only to improve website performance and user experience.

3. Cookies & Analytics

Our website may use cookies (small text files stored on your device) to enhance browsing experience and collect anonymous usage statistics.

Cookies are not used to track personally identifiable browsing behaviour unless explicitly consented to.

You may refuse or manage cookies through your browser settings.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use personal data to:

respond to enquiries and requests,
process and manage bookings,
plan and safely operate expeditions,
communicate logistical and safety information,
comply with legal and regulatory obligations,
maintain client relationships,
request feedback and reviews after expeditions,
send relevant updates or newsletters (only if you opt in).

We do not sell personal data.

5. Sharing of Personal Information

We only share personal information when necessary to deliver our services safely and effectively.This may include sharing limited data with:

UIAGM/IFMGA guides and assistant guides,
mountain refuges and accommodation providers,
transport and logistics partners,
permit or access authorities,
emergency or rescue services (if required).

Shared data is strictly limited to what is operationally necessary (e.g. name, phone number, dietary or medical notes).By submitting personal data to Andes Big Mountain, you consent to international data transfers, which may be required for expeditions operating outside Chile.

6. Third-Party & Partner Websites

Our website may contain links to partner, affiliate or third-party websites.

These sites have their own privacy policies, and Andes Big Mountain accepts no responsibility or liability for their content or data practices.

If you provide personal information through a third-party booking or agency platform, their own Privacy Policy and payment processing rules will apply.

7. Photos, Videos & Media Content

During expeditions, photos and videos may be taken by guides or participants.

Clients may also choose to share photos via shared folders or platforms (e.g. Google Albums).

Andes Big Mountain may use photos or videos for promotional purposes only where consent has been given or where legally permitted.

If you do not wish to appear in promotional media, you must notify us in writing before the expedition starts.

8. Newsletters & Marketing Communications

When enquiring or booking, you may opt in to receive our newsletter or updates.

We only require your name and email address for this purpose.
Every newsletter includes an unsubscribe option.
If you unsubscribe, your data will be deleted from the mailing list.

9. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to:

fulfil contractual and operational purposes,
comply with legal obligations,
manage safety records and incident history.

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

10. Website & Payment Security

Our website uses encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) to protect data exchanged with users.Andes Big Mountain does not store credit or debit card details.All payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers that comply with internationally recognised payment security standards (PCI-DSS).

11. Social Media

When interacting with Andes Big Mountain via social media platforms, your data is governed by the Privacy Policies of those platforms. We are not responsible for their data practices.