Trip Agreement - 2024 Cuba DayHike, Naturalist Global Adventure

1. Your Full Name *This question is required.

2. Your email address *This question is required.

3. Preparedness: I understand that this trip requires excellent aerobic conditioning, balance, the skills and gear and ability to carry a daypack safely and without undue stress on multiple days in a row, for up to 9.5 miles per day and 900’ elevation gain on tropical forest trails which may have uneven tread, roots or mud. Water crossings may be ankle to calf deep, and submerged or mossy rocks may be slippery. The Cuevas de Santo Tomas excursion requires ability to safely navigate steep ladder-like wooden steps and wearing a provided helmet. Walking tours in towns, cities or parks are up to 2-4 miles a day on a combination of cobblestone, some of which may be loose, and dirt paths including navigating high curbs, uneven steps, and stairs without railings. Activities also include getting in/out of a minivan taxi and getting on/off boats. I certify that I will be prepared with the experience, skills, conditioning, and gear to safely meet the requirements of the trip.
*This question is required.

4. Route & Features: I understand: (1) Day hikes and walks are described as moderate – as defined in the Mountaineers Hiking Activity Standards; and Mountaineers Urban Walk Standards; (2) Hikes and walks occur during what's considered the dry season in the Caribbean region, but that rain and storms may occur during this trip. Depending on the situation, these may cause changes in the planned itinerary; (3) Many activities will involve direct social and financial interactions with the Cuban people and these interactions are a principle purpose of this trip; (4) Naturalist activities are a part of the itinerary and I am expected to fully participate; (5) I am expected to stay with the Mountaineers group during all activities on the Mountaineers itinerary. *This question is required.

5. Accommodations, Meals and Self-Pay: I understand and agree: (1) For safety reasons, twin-share accommodations are provided in the trip cost and single supplement is not an option; (2) Accommodations are homestays within residences of Cuban people, cost of accommodations is not included in trip cost and I am fully responsible to pay in cash to my Cuban hosts; (3) Except those specifically included in the Trip Description and trip cost, I am fully responsible to pay in cash for all my food, drinks, sterilized water and meals to the Cuban providers; (4) The estimate of entry fees and other fees as provided in the Trip Description is just an estimate, there could variation in the amounts and I am fully responsible to pay in cash for these fees; (5) I am fully responsible to make my own arrangements with the Trip Guide, Latin American Journeys Guru, for all optional excursions and will make payment as instructed by their representative; (6) Neither The Mountaineers nor the Trip Leader are responsible to fulfill any of the payments mentioned in this section. *This question is required.

6. Food including Dietary Restrictions and Preferences: I understand that I will be traveling in a country with limited resources; hence, the variety of food available and the ability to meet dietary restrictions and preferences may be extremely limited or not available. I understand it is my own responsibility to investigate foods/menu items that are compatible with my needs. I will handle my own accommodation requests.
*This question is required.

7. Environmental Sensitivities/Allergies: I understand that I am responsible for mitigating, treating or addressing my environmental sensitivities and/or allergies in a safe and effective manner. I will promptly inform the Trip Leader how I’m being affected but will not expect the Trip Leader to find a remedy and, as needed, will work with the Trip Leader to find a solution that does not adversely impact the entire group.

8. Travel Documents and Complying with U.S. Treasure Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements: I understand and agree: (1) At my own expense, I am required to hold up-to-date travel documents, international Med-Evac insurance that works in Cuba, and obtain and pay for a visa to visit Cuba. The evacuation insurance should be sufficient to get me back to the hospital of my choice in the United States; (2) My MIA to HAV airfare includes a non-optional fee for the medical insurance required by the Cuban government and this insurance is not a substitute for the Mountaineers-required Med-Evac insurance; (2) I am traveling to Cuba under the OFAC general permit in the category, "Support for the Cuban People". This requires me to (a) record a personal diary and keep receipts to document my activities during my Cuba visit, and (b) maintain these as records that OFAC can request to audit for up to 5 years after the trip; (3) I am fully responsible for any OFAC penalties if I do not comply with the OFAC requirements.
*This question is required.

9. Teamwork: I understand that this is a group trip and that participants will look out for and support each other on the trail. Pace, daily start-end times, route and any necessary modifications of the itinerary will be driven by the needs of the group and conditions on the ground.
*This question is required.

10. Leadership: I understand that safety and well-being of participants comes first and the itinerary and route may change without prior notice based on conditions. While participant input will be valued, the Mountaineers trip leader will be the ultimate decision maker.
*This question is required.

11. Responsibility: I understand that the Mountaineers trip leaders are not guides and that I am responsible for knowing the route and where I am along the way at all times.
*This question is required.

12. Covid-19 Risk Management: I commit to follow these risk management practices: (1) I will test for and not be Covid positive at the onset of this trip; (2) I will be fully vaccinated against Covid; (3) I will practice conservative Covid behavior before and during transit to the trip, including masking and avoiding crowded indoor spaces whenever possible; (4) I will carry Covid self-tests on the trip and use them if I experience any symptoms commonly related to Covid; (5) If I test positive for Covid, I will leave the group and quarantine at my own expense for at least 5 days (Day 1 is the first full day AFTER the day symptoms started) and be symptom free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) before rejoining the group; and (6) If I have been exposed during the trip but do not test positive, I will follow CDC and WA Health Dept recommendations regarding hygienic practices following exposure to COVID, as explained here at https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/isolation-and-quarantine-covid-19/isolation-and-quarantine-calculator. *This question is required.

13. Fitness and Medical Conditions: I commit to providing a doctor’s certification of medical fitness if requested, and to disclose to the leader and outfitter in advance of the trip about any recent injuries, surgeries, allergies, medications or medical conditions that could impact me on the trip.
*This question is required.

14. Behavior: I commit to behave in a careful, safe and respectful manner to other Mountaineers, to the Cuban people and to the Latin America Journeys Guru representatives. I commit to promptly communicate to the Trip Leader about my own illness or injury (physical, emotional, mental). I commit to effectively address my injurious or disruptive behavior when notified, if any, in a manner that promotes safe and healthy interactions. I agree to conduct myself in a manner that balances the needs of my fellow group members along with my own and understand, that to the best of their ability, the Trip Leader will make decisions that promote the greatest group benefit. Before the trip, I will familiarize myself and be able to comply with the Mountaineers policies and expectations with respect to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (https://www.mountaineers.org/about/vision-leadership/board-of-
directors/committees/inclusion-equity-committee/equity-inclusion-resources)
*This question is required.

15. Trip Price, Minimum # Required: Six (6) is the required minimum number of participants, including the Trip Leader, for this trip to happen. On June 13, 2024, if the minimum final roster is not met, this trip will be canceled. After June 13th, if the trip roster has the minimum number of participants, the trip cost for 6 participants is $4,350; for 7 participants is $3,850 and for 8 participants is $3,750. *This question is required.

16.

Cancellation: I understand that I am subject to the following Cancellation Policy for this Global Adventure:
► On June 13, 2024, if the roster is less than 6 people, including the Trip Leader, this trip will be cancelled. Those already on the roster will receive a full refund without penalties or administrative fee.
► If I cancel before 5pm, Sept 11, 2024, my refund amount will depend on the ability to replace me on the roster, and if that cannot be done, then the amount will depend on non-refundable expenses incurred and commitments involved at the time I cancel so that no one else on the roster incurs an increased cost due to my cancellation. If my place is taken by a new person, the expenses incurred could also be refunded after the new person has made final payment. It is possible that my refund can not be calculated until the trip has concluded and total trip costs are determined.
► If I cancel after 5pm, Sept 11, 2024, there is no refund. The total amount is forfeited.
► In all cases, there is a $100 Mountaineers administration fee.

*This question is required.

Trip Agreement - 2024 Cuba DayHike, Naturalist Global Adventure

Participant Trip Agreement for the Cuba Global Adventure, Nov 19 - Dec 04, 2024