Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
Leader Andrea Deaton
Co-leader Dave Conna
Costa Rica
April 2-17, 2011
Total # of days 16
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Number of participants
(excluding leaders)
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
Do you wish to have your trip
listed online before it is
published in The Outdoors?
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
horseback riding or non-technical "jeep" road mtn biking are two options for one day,
canopy tour (bridge walking at heights)
Max 12
Min 8
$ approx $2950
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
$ $300-600, but $160 included in trip price for internal flight
Yes
No If yes, please list the approximate month (max is one year in
advance of trip)
,As soon as possible or November
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed? only if we don't have enough to sign up,
leaders are subsidizing cost for smaller # of participants
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain why?
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
Andrea Deaton
PO Box 2952, Jackson, WY 83001
andrea.deaton@gmail.com
Home 267-738-8048
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: June 2011
CPR
BLS
Expiration: June 2010, will renew before trip
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you
are proposing.
Patagonia Pack and Paddle Dec/Jan 2008/09
Yosemite Backpacking August 2007
New Zealand Backpacking 2007/08
Other major excursions: Kilimanjaro/Tanzania, Belize Multi-Sport, Bike Tuscany,
Wyoming Backpacking, Colorado Backpacking

To lead a major excursion you must have current CPR and WFA at the time of your trip (or AWFA for all
backcountry trips). If you do not have the required level of certification at the time you submit your proposal or it will
expire before the date of your trip, you will need to make arrangements to recertify in a timely manner.

Revised July 2008
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 6
Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
Co-leader name
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
Dave Conna
54 Homestead Lane, Stow, MA 01775-1357
knoctover@yahoo.com
Home 978-897-1195
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: expired, will renew
CPR
BLS
Expiration: expired, will renew
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be a major excursions
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application.
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local
language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips
Do either of you lead trips that
are private - not sponsored by
the AMC?
Yes
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
With its unspoiled scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats, our trip participants will
experience the "pure life" of Costa Rica. This itineray focuses on the spectacular wildlife
and ecosystems of three of the country’s top spots for wildlife viewing—with nature
hikes, canopy walks, a birdwatching workshop, and even transportation from the Areanal
to Monteverde by the participant's choice of either horseback riding or moderate
mountain biking on dirt roads. We will explore the exquisite cloud forest of Monteverde,
home to the legendary resplendent quetzal, a bird prized by Maya kings; visit Arenal
National Park, a pastoral countryside retreat with a canopy walkway, thermal hot springs,
and dominated by one of the world’s most active volcanoes; and discover the Sarapiquí
area on the Caribbean slope, where we’ll visit a biological field station. Our trip
culminates with an intense rainforest hike in Corcovado National Park with an overnight
at a park hut with two nights of relaxing at an oceanfront eco-tent camp on the Pacific.
We will have a variety of accommodations, but most will be 3 star hotels (San Jose and
Arenal) or lodges in research stations or national parks. While in Corcovado, we will
stay in tents or the park hut (if they have space for our group) requiring shared outdoor
bathroom faciilties.
Most breakfasts and dinners are included in the trip cost and will be taken either at
restaurants in towns or at the lodging facility where we are staying. About half of the
lunches will be purchased by participants for bag/trail lunches provided at the facilities
where we are staying or along the way on our guided activities. One day (free day)
participants will be on their own for dinner.
Yes
No
No
If yes, please describe below:
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips
together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any marketing
materials you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Accommodations
Please describe your plan for
accommodation(s)
Meals
Please describe your plan for
providing meals
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Revised July 2008
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 6
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
Conservation, education and
recreation
How will this major excursion
meet the mission of the AMC?
www.outdoors.org/about/
mission.cfm
Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
None are needed other than park entry fees or any guiding permits will be covered by our
guides.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
The only equipment that might be needed is at La Sirena Station (inside Corcovado
National Park). There are bunkrooms available, and can be reserved one month in
advance, but since there are so definite reservations, our outfitter might have to allow us
to use their tents and camping equipment they have stored on site.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Only hiking, no fear of heights (for canopy tours) and the ability to either horseback ride
or mountain bike on a "jeep trail" road.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
We will attempt to get the group together prior to the trip. Depending on when and how
many participants are signed up, we will get together either in Fall 2010 or early spring
2011.
Costa Rica is the pioneer in eco-tourism. Our group will be able to witness first-hand the
many practices that have been put into place by businesses in Costa Rica. We will see
their conservation and attention to environmental standards that have only become more
commonplace recently in the US. Moreover, we will begin our trip with a full-day
birdwatching course that will allow the group to have the basic tools for identifying birds
in the many forests we will visit. We will also view one of the most active volcanoes on
earth, while lodging at the original Smithsonian Institute researchers facility--the Arenal
Observatory Lodge located inside the national park. Our final stop in Corcovado
National Park will allow us to get up close to the most diverse wildlife in the country
including 8 unique habitats including rainforests and surf-pounded beaches.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
Will this trip require a tour
operator or guide service
during part, or the entire
trip?
Name of tour operator/guide
service
Tour operator website
Safety record
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Revised July 2008
Yes
No
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
We will use some of the guides/ researchers at some of the lodges we will stay at to
provide onsite tours. We will also hire guides from Desafio Tours for half or full day
tours while in the Arenal area. They will also provide several of the van/bus
transportation for the group.
Our biggest outfitting fee will be to the guides for the Corcovado National Park hike.
We will use Osa Aventura.
Desafio Tours, Osa Aventura
www.osaaventura.com www.desafiocostarica.com
Desafio Tours has the highest level of standards and record of excellent customer service
and safety in Costa Rica. They are highly recommended. I will be working with them
and Osa Aventura to get a safety record, emergency response and liability insurance
information; however, as in most other Central American countries, there is no need or
requirement to have liability insurance. I anticipate having this information by late 2009.
Maximum amt: $
Liability? Yes
No
Are they willing to list AMC as an
Yes
No
additional insured?
I will provide this information when I receive it.
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 6
Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
We will be exploring trails that are national parks and reserves and maintained for high
numbers of visitors each year. Because there are heavy rains for half of the year, the
parks have created walkways-wooden or other types of platforms to protect the trails
from erosion. Rubber boots are often rented or given out to trail walkers just to deal with
the muddy conditions. There will be river crossings (but not fast moving) in the
Corcovado. We will basically wade through knee deep waterways with the highest
dangers being water wildlife. There is a wild variety of wildlife including puma, tapirs,
crocodiles, venomous snakes and other dangerous animals.
Response
We will always check in with park offices for trail conditions and maps. The more
"dangerous" wildlife are found in Corcovado where will have guide, familiar in tracking
and spotting animals and their behavior, with us at all times. When going outside at
night, we will use flashlights, wear closed toed shoes and be aware of potential hazards
(stay on trails and away from the "brush")
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
Costa Rica is a safe country, the safest and popularly visited Central American country.
Tourism there is very popular and there is no political unrrest nor terrorism. Nearly
everyone speaks English. While in San Jose, as any large city, there will be concern
about pickpocketing or just general cultural differences. The hotels in downtown San
Jose are often known to deal with prostitution.
Response
While in San Jose, participants will be informed of the potential "city" hazards and
encouraged to travel in groups, keep their wallets hidden and inside clothing, concealed
pockets, and preferrably walk during daylight, ignore any verbal harassment, and avoid
carrying passports, large amounts of cash, jewelry or expensive photographic equipment.
Participants will be encouraged to carry photocopies of the passport, and leave the
original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. Taxis will be encouraged at night.
Licensed taxis are red with medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on
the side. Our hotel has been recommeded and not known for prostitution issues.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Transportation
Potential hazards
Road conditions in Costa Rica will vary from US roads. Traffic laws and speed limits
are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, turn signals are
rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are
not given the right of way. As a result, the fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding
bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high. Roads are often in poor condition,
and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are
common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals are often seen along main roads,
creating additional potential driving hazards. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are
inadequate and few roads are lined. Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches.
All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at
night especially treacherous.
Response
We are using local, professional drivers. All ground transportation will be done using
vans and small buses.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
Participants
Potential hazards
We are not doing any extreme strenuous activities, but we will be active travellers
and doing a variety of activities every day. There will be easy to moderate hiking as well
as walking across canopy bridges (at heights) and night hiking. Horseback riding,
mountain biking and more lengthy hiking in Corcovado will requie a more moderate
experience and comfort level, ability to handle new situations, and "rough"
accommodations with outdoor bathrooms.
Response
Applicants will be screened for an active lifestyle and ability to perform activities several
days in row. They will need to be comfortable with dirt, mud, rain, humidity and rustic
Revised July 2008
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 6
Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
Other
Potential hazards
Response
lodge accommodations. They must also be comfortable with the possibility of being near
wildlife they have never seen before some of which are potentially dangerous. While in
Corcovado, we will not have electricity nor private indoor bathroom facilities.
Participants must be comfortable with going outside, in the evening, if necessary, to use
the bathroom facilities.
Conditions unique to this type of trip
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Use as much detail as possible, and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION
BLANK
Trip leaders will carry cell phones and use emergency contacts as needed. The only time
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
we will be in true backcountry is in Corcovado NP where we will have a professional
documentation, distance from
guide who will have access to an emergency network. 911 is the emergency phone
emergency services
number throughout the country.
Cell phones and first aid kits. I am currently requesting medical background, equipment
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
carried and evacuation plans from our Corcovado guides.
aid or communication
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
In most situations we will be nearby national park offices. The longest distance to a
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
trailhead will be in Corcovado will be about 7 miles in either direction with additional
evacuation from the
time to get to a medical facility.
backcountry location if
911 is the emergency phone number in Costa Rica. Most towns have medical clinics and
applicable?
ambulances available to carry to the nearest hospital.
Costa Rica is recognized with having some top notch medical facilities.
Medical care
Please describe the medical
We will be visiting 5 different areas: San Jose, La Selva Biological Reserve, Arenal (La
care available in the area(s)
Fortuna), Monteverde and Corcovado. Each have their own medical facilities as follows:
where you will be traveling
San Jose has a multitude of medical facilities.
and list names and telephone
San Jose offers a complete range of modern health care facilities: Clinica Biblica and
numbers for these facilities.
Hospital Cima are the best. Clinica Biblica is located on Calle 1 about 12 blocks south
our hotel.
There is a medical clinic in the village of Puerto Viejo de Sarpiqui (closest town about
5km away from La Selva Biological station). It is open Mon-Fri 10 to 7 and on
weekends for emergencies. Phone number is 506/750-9758 or 506/841-9171
There is a medical clinic in La Fortuna with specific hours of 8 am to 9:30 pm but with
an emergency phone number: 2479-9420. They also provide a pharmacy.
A new clinic has been built in Santa Elena (Monteverde) and is staffed with several
doctors, nurses and a dentist. The clinic includes a pharmacy. The clinic is sufficient for
minor, uncomplicated medical needs; however, it doesn’t have extensive lab facilities.
There is an ambulance at the clinic for emergency trips to the Puntarenas hospital.
There is a medical clinic in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado area/Osa Peninsula). It has a
basic clinic with a 24-hour doctor and ambulance on call. They also have access to anti
venin. For any serious conditions, San Jose is a 45 minute flight away from Puerto
Jimenez by air ambulance.
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Foreign currencies
For int’l trips list each foreign
currency, the current $US
dollar exchange rate and what
Revised July 2008
The currency is colones, and US dollars are the most commonly used for exchange. All
of our reservations will be paid for in advance using credit cards or wire transfers. There
is often a transaction fee added to use a credit card, and that has been configured into the
price of our fees.
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 6
Andrea Deaton/Dave Conna
Costa Rica Adventure with Nature
contingencies you have if that
rate changes. If a tour
operator or agent is being
used, what currency is the
agent to be paid in?
Deposits
What deposits will be required
by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund?
Participant deposit
What are the initial deposit
and your schedule of
payments?
Cancellation policy
What will your cancellation
policy be for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum
number?
Reference web links:
MEC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
MEC Chair:
Revised July 2008
Most tourist locations, parks, restaurants can be paid for with US dollars, but local meals,
taxi fares and small purchases should be made with colones. Two hotels I am
considering accept US checks mailed to a US address.
Each hotel and operator has a different cancellation policy, but most allow only about 1-3
month advance notice of the number of people participating requiring 100% payment 15
days in advance. Some of them require a deposit, but the deposit is 100% refundable up
to up to 15 days or 48 hours (hotels) in advance. We will certainly have our group
numbers confirmed by then. Deposits will be made as needed by spring 2010. I am
specifically avoiding any hotel that does not give 100% refunds if cancelled with lengthy
advance notice. Osa Aventura only requires a confirmation of number of participants 31
days prior to the trip along with a credit card to hold the reservation. If there is a
cancellation in 30 or less days, they give 75% refund. No refunds are given if
cancellation is 7 days or less. Desafio Tours requires a confirmation 3 months in
advance and payment one month in advance of the tour. They give 100% refunds for
cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. I am currently attempting to contact the airlines
(Sansa and Nature Air) to determine group discount options and whether there will be a
plane large enough for a group of more than 10. There might be some option to make a
deposit for a group reservation with them that doesn't have to paid until a later date.
Anywhere between 1 month and 48 hours.
Trip applicants will be required to submit an $600 deposit along with their application
materials. Subsequent payments of $1000 will be required on May 1, 2010 and again on
August 1, 2010. The final payment will be due on November 1, 2010.
If a replacement participant is found after a participant cancels, the cancelling partcipant
will be refunded their full amount paid minus $50. If no replacement is found, the
participant will be expected to pay all costs/ fees that would be required to not raise the
cost of the trip for the other participants. If the participant cancellation is made after
March 1, 2011, and no replacement is found, the participant will lose deposits through
Osa Aventura as well as one or more of the hotels. The closer to the departure date, the
less refund the participant will receive due to other hotels policies of 15 day cancellation
policy.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
No, we will need to have a minimum number of 8 participants.
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings
cyout@outdoors.org
mecchair@amcboston.org
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 6