Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Alpaca Travels respects visitor and user privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we may collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices you may have. By using the site, you agree to this policy.

2. Information we collect

We may collect information you provide directly, including account username, password hash, journal text, uploaded images, city and country selections, email address for downloadable PDFs, messages you send to us, and admin-created content.

We may also collect technical information automatically, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, dates and times of access, referral information, cookies, and security logs.

3. How we use information

We use information to operate the site, manage accounts, publish and moderate journals, send requested PDFs, improve guides, protect against abuse, troubleshoot errors, maintain security, respond to messages, and comply with legal obligations.

4. Cookies and local storage

The site may use cookies or local storage for login sessions, security, theme preferences, language tools, and basic functionality. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some site features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled.

5. Email and downloadable PDFs

If you request a downloadable guide by email, we use your email address to send the requested PDF and track whether delivery was requested, sent, or failed. We do not require visitors to create an account to request a PDF unless a specific feature says otherwise.

6. Uploaded content and public visibility

Journal submissions, images, titles, travel stories, and related details may be visible publicly if approved or published. Do not submit private information, sensitive personal details, or images of others unless you have permission to share them.

7. Third-party services

We may use or link to third-party services such as hosting providers, GitHub deployment, maps, translation tools, analytics, email delivery, spam protection, or external travel resources. These services may process information under their own privacy policies.

8. Sharing information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information with service providers who help operate the site, when required by law, to protect rights and security, during a business transfer, or with your consent.

9. Data retention

We keep information as long as reasonably needed for the purposes described in this policy, including site operation, legal compliance, backups, security, dispute handling, and legitimate business needs. You may request deletion of account or submission information, subject to legal, security, backup, and operational limits.

10. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect information. No website, database, email system, or internet transmission can be guaranteed completely secure. You use the site with that understanding.

11. Children's privacy

The site is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will review the request.

12. Privacy rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, portability, restriction, or objection to certain uses of personal information. To make a request, email info@alpacatravels.com. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.

13. International visitors

If you access the site from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the United States or other countries where service providers operate. Privacy laws may differ from those in your location.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new date. Continued use of the site after updates means you accept the revised policy.

15. Contact

Questions or privacy requests can be sent to info@alpacatravels.com.