RISK AWARENESS COSTA RICA

Every environment – wild or urban – requires an awareness and understanding of potential hazards in order to operate safely in a location.  

RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Our experience and training is combined with detailed evaluation and planning to mitigate many of the risks involved with our expeditions. 

We use destinations that we have risk assessed and we ensure we are familiar with the local environment and available resources. 

We have specific evacuation plans in place should there be a need due to injury or illness.

Our expedition leaders are qualified in outdoor first aid and undertake regular training in wilderness medical scenarios. 

We will carry a comprehensive medical kit and stretcher with us to cover likely eventualities. Should an evacuation be required please note that you may be called upon to assist with carrying a casualty on a stretcher.

Our leaders and guides will give you briefings as required to point out hazards and advise you on how best to mitigate them. 

There are certain risks we simply can’t eliminate, we all take risks day to day, many of which we are so deconditioned to that we don’t even recognise them. However, when we come up against new risks it is understandable to approach with more caution and to want more information.

We operate on a system of “informed consent” meaning that our responsibility is to make you aware of the risks you may encounter in advance of your adventure, and you are then able to make an informed decision as to whether or not to attend.

RISKS INVOLVED

Physical Hazards – the features that are always there

REMOTENESS

The nature of our expeditions mean that we are travelling to remote locations. We operate on a self-evacuation system whereby we have a plan in place for all locations to evacuate a casualty to the nearest appropriate medical facility as it is unlikely professional medical help will be able to come to us. 

We take great care to avoid injury however we are always at risk of environmental hazards and any underlying medical issues that might be aggravated by the intensity of the environment and activities.

Since we operate in developing countries the standard of medical facilities may not always match up with those you are used to. 

TERRAIN

The ground underfoot will be varied and at times challenging. This can be slippery mud, loose rock, steep slopes, rocky river beds, tangled roots and trailing vines. Any of these if not approached with care and attention can cause trips, falls, sprains, strains and breaks.

VEGETATION

The jungle is host to a huge number of plants, many of which your skin will never have encountered. There are some which can be irritant and our guide or leaders may point them out to you to help you spot and avoid them. Rashes and scratches do occur and it is advised to cover bare flesh on your arms and legs if this concerns you. Do not eat anything unless expressly advised by your guides.

Environmental Hazards – dynamic things that change and need constant evaluation

SEA

Costa Rica is prone to strong rip currents along its coastline. We recommend only swimming at lifeguarded beaches and obeying the red flag (no swim) zones. Whilst beach bars are common and a feature in the itinerary, alcohol and swimming do not mix.

RIVERS

We will be trekking along rivers and crossing them. Jungle rivers can experience flash floods and have submerged logs and rocks. Follow the instructions of the guides at all times.

DEADFALL

Rainforest trees can grow as tall as 60m and can carry dead branches. It is possible for these branches to fall when dislodged by wind or rain. We will teach you how to look out for this hazard when setting up your hammock. 

WEATHER

Tropical weather can involve intense heat, high humidity and storms. Whilst we will be under canopy for a lot of the expedition there will be times when you are exposed to strong UV rays. Sun protection (lotion, hats, clothing) is important. 

Due to the intensity of the heat and humidity, combined with the activities such as trekking with a loaded bag, there is a risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Keep well hydrated and inform the guides if you are struggling with the heat or feeling unwell.

SEISMIC ACTIVITY

Costa Rica is in an area that experiences earthquakes and has active volcanoes (none in our vicinity). In the event of a major incident we will follow local guidance. 

FAUNA

This is probably what gives the jungle most bad press and may be the thing many people are fearful of. We will give you simple guidelines to reduce the chance of an encounter with anything you would rather avoid. 

Snakes: There are a number of snake species in Costa Rica, some of which are venomous.  Bites are rare and Costa Rica has an excellent record for dealing with the effects of them. We will teach you how and where to look out for snakes and how to behave if we do encounter one. Most snakes are keen to avoid us. 

Mammals: There are big cats that live in the Costa Rican rainforest, notably the jaguar and puma. We will be extremely lucky if we see one as they are keen to avoid humans.

Frogs: There are poison dart frogs which we will see plenty of, they are only harmful to humans if their toxins are ingested or cross a mucus membrane (eg. your mouth). Do not handle them and thoroughly wash any areas of skin that come into contact with them.

Crocodiles: Whilst we have never seen any, there is the possibility of crocodiles in the larger rivers but we will not be swimming in these areas. 

Spiders: There are many spiders in the rainforest, many of which have not been thoroughly studied. Bites are extremely uncommon and generally no more painful than a wasp sting lasting a day or two. Follow the instruction of guides and use vigilance.

Scorpions: There are scorpions in the region and whilst it is fairly common to see them stings are not common.

Insects: Bullet ants are the most notorious of the insects you will encounter. We will almost certainly see them and they are easy to recognise due to their size. Their sting is rated as the most painful insect sting in the world and can last up to 24 hours but in our experience it is generally a lot less. Wasps & Bees are also common, if you are known to be allergic to their stings please carry sufficient epipens and inform your guides.

Mosquitoes: Unfortunately mosquitoes are present in Costa Rica and can carry infectious tropical diseases. It is best to cover your skin and use insect repellent.

People Hazards – the things that we do that present a hazard to ourselves and each other

SHARP TOOLS

We will be using machetes, knives and saws as part of our daily routine. These all require care and attention to avoid injury. Please follow the instruction of guides and avoid unnecessary use of them or if you are feeling tired or unwell.

HYGIENE

The rainforest is a damp, sticky, sweaty place to live and can cause skin irritations, rashes and other problems. We will teach you some simple hygiene routines to keep your skin, especially your feet, healthy.

TRANSPORT

As with anywhere in the world road travel and traffic presents a hazard. Take standard precautions when crossing or walking along the road. Be aware that driving and vehicles may not be to the standard you are used to at home, and legal restrictions such as speed limits may not be followed. 

We will be using private minibuses for transportation and advise that you wear a seatbelt when on board. 

We may also use the local tuk-tuks for transport to a restaurant, do not overload them or lean outside of the vehicle.

The motorised canoes that will transport us to Yorkin are driven by experienced crew but there is always the potential to capsize. Follow the instructions of the boat crew and wear buoyancy aids if provided.

HUMANS

Latin American culture is generally very friendly and welcoming, however we advise that you avoid walking in unlit areas alone at night. If staying in San Jose we recommend making yourself familiar with areas to avoid. Puerto Viejo is generally a safe touristic town, however we may advise you of specific bars and areas to avoid based on our knowledge of the area at the time. 

ALCOHOL

Not known for its ability to enhance your judgement, awareness and coordination! We don’t take alcohol into the jungle for good reason. If you are wishing to bring a small hip flask to share around we won’t mind but won’t encourage it. A better option would be saving it to share around in the indigenous village after the jungle trip.

DRUGS

We have a zero tolerance policy on the use of illegal substances. Please adhere to local laws, the police are extremely vigilant when it comes to tourists and drugs.

A Final Word 

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible hazards, but details the most notable ones that you are likely to encounter. We have an extremely good track record from years of leading groups in jungles around the world. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.