Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website or contact us about our programs.

1. Who We Are

La Hesperia is a privately owned cloud forest reserve and sustainable farm located at Km 58, Vía Aloag–Santo Domingo, Pichincha, Ecuador. We offer research, volunteering, worldschooling, remote work, and related programs. You can reach us at alexandra@lahesperia.com or via WhatsApp at +593 999 578 369.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, email address, and phone number when you contact us
• Nationality, dates of stay, and program interests when you apply or inquire
• Any other information you choose to share in messages or applications

We do not collect payment information directly — any program payments are handled through agreed-upon channels communicated at the time of confirmation.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information only to:

• Respond to your inquiries and process your application
• Coordinate your stay — logistics, arrival, accommodation, and program details
• Send relevant updates about your confirmed program
• Improve our programs based on participant feedback

We do not use your information for automated marketing, profiling, or any purpose beyond the above.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties, except where required to coordinate your arrival or stay (e.g., local transport providers) or where required by Ecuadorian law.

5. Communication Channels

We primarily communicate via WhatsApp and email. By contacting us through these channels, you acknowledge that messages may be stored on those platforms according to their respective privacy policies (WhatsApp/Meta, and your email provider).

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to manage your program participation and for a reasonable period afterward for record-keeping. You may request deletion of your information at any time by contacting us directly.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Withdraw consent at any time (this does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at alexandra@lahesperia.com.

8. Cookies & Website Analytics

This website is a static site. We do not use cookies for tracking or advertising. If analytics tools are added in the future, this policy will be updated accordingly.

9. External Links

Our website contains links to third-party sites including Fundación Tangaré, La Hesperia Art Boutique, Instagram, and Facebook. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites and encourage you to review their policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. When we do, we will update the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, contact us at alexandra@lahesperia.com or via WhatsApp at +593 999 578 369.