1. Introduction

Explore Costa Rica Today ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Travel Information: Travel dates, destinations, preferences, special requirements
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Identification: Passport information, date of birth, nationality
• Communication Records: Correspondence, feedback, and support requests

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, referral sources
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information stored in cookies and similar technologies

2.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

• Travel partners and suppliers
• Social media platforms (if you connect your accounts)
• Marketing partners and affiliates

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Process and manage your travel bookings
• Provide customer support and assistance
• Communicate about your travel arrangements
• Coordinate with travel suppliers and partners

3.2 Business Operations

• Improve our services and website functionality
• Conduct market research and analytics
• Develop new products and services
• Ensure website security and prevent fraud

3.3 Marketing and Communications

• Send promotional materials and travel offers (with your consent)
• Personalize content and recommendations
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback
• Notify you about important updates or changes

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Respond to legal requests and court orders
• Protect our rights and interests
• Enforce our terms and conditions

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Email communications and marketing
• Website hosting and maintenance
• Analytics and data analysis
• Customer support services

4.2 Travel Partners

We share necessary information with travel suppliers to fulfill your bookings:

• Hotels and accommodations
• Tour operators and activity providers
• Transportation services
• Restaurant and dining establishments

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates
• Secure Infrastructure: Protected servers and secure data centers
• Employee Training: Staff training on data protection and privacy

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

6.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

6.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• Verify the accuracy of your information

7.2 Correction and Updates

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update your personal details
• Modify your communication preferences

7.3 Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to certain uses of your information

7.4 Marketing Communications

• Opt out of marketing emails and communications
• Unsubscribe from promotional materials
• Manage your communication preferences

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and fulfill bookings
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our services and user experience

When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@explorecostaricatoday.com
• Phone: +506-XXXX-XXXX
• Address: Costa Rica
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@explorecostaricatoday.com

14. Regulatory Information

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable data protection laws, including:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU residents
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
• Other applicable local and international privacy laws