Costa Rica's Monteverde PCAL Event

Written by Heather Brooks, ACCT Program Manager, and Niels Damman, The Alliance Collaborative Board Chair

In the lush green heart of Central America lies a country known for its biodiversity, sustainability efforts, and jaw-dropping landscapes - Costa Rica. But this year, Costa Rica's Monteverde region has added another feather to its already illustrious cap by hosting the inaugural Programa de Capacitacion Aire Libre (PCAL) (eng: Training Program Aire Libre) educational event for the zip line industry.

Perched high above the ground, amidst the mists and the verdant treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this gathering wasn't just a typical regional industry meet-up. This week-long intense-learning event, organized by Aire Libre International and Higueron and sponsored by Koala Equipment and Vertical Axcess, focused on providing in-depth educational opportunities to professionals of challenge courses and zip lines in Latin America based on ACCT Standards. This event combined the thrill of making new connections with rigorous educational sessions, providing attendees with a truly unique and immersive experience.

Why Monteverde?

With a reputation for being the birthplace of the modern canopy tour, Monteverde was an obvious choice. Three courses within a short driving distance volunteered to host the trainings at their site (thanks to Sky Adventures, 100% Aventura, and Selvatura Park). As the training courses rotated around the parks, trainees got to experience various operations and constructions, allowing them to fully comprehend the nuances between courses. The hands-on portions enriched the training event. The cherry on top?: the tree in front of the main lodge is credited to be where the commercial zip line tour industry began.

Highlights of the Event

The event was a holistic blend of learning and fun.  Dr. Luis Acevedo and the PCAL staff strive to support the development and growth of not only those attending this event but also the Latin American Adventure industry. They ensured the education provided by instructors focused on ACCT standards, industry best practices, and the fundamentals for assessment, documentation, and risk management. This gathering of professionals created what we expect to be life-long connections, where we can rely on each other for support, knowledge exchange, and banter.

A collaborative event:

The 5-day In-House Challenge Course Inspector Bootcamp, hosted by The Alliance Collaborative, focused on understanding the ANSI/ ACCT 03-2019 Design, Performance, and Inspection Standard, and how it applies in the field. This bootcamp was held in collaboration with the 4-day ACCT Inspector Certification Program so trainees could dual-enroll and sit for the ACCT Inspector Certification Exam. 

The 5-day In-House Challenge Course Instructor Bootcamp, also hosted by The Alliance Collaborative, focused on the ANSI/ASSP Z490.1 Training Standard. Trainees learned about the various aspects of the standard, and conducted mock-trainings to receive feedback from their peers and trainers for future improvement. Both Alliance bootcamps had theoretical as well as practical portions. The 2-day Risk Management and Adventure Course Operation course was hosted by Aire Libre, and focused on the components of risk management for course operations highlighted by international standards and industry practices.

Cultural Immersion: During the event, Costa Rica was in full swing on their independence celebrations.  Local artisans,  performers, and many schools gathered for parades and the lighting of homemade torches representing the vibrant culture and traditions of Costa Rica. This gave participants and those of us joining from other countries a well-rounded experience.

A Bright Future Ahead

The event's resounding success signals a promising future for the Latin America and Caribbean zip line industry not only in Monteverde but beyond its borders. The focus on education, safety, and growth in the industry will forever resonate with those in attendance and will continue to generate a thrust for more in the coming years.

Furthermore, the choice of Monteverde as the event venue speaks volumes about the direction this industry wants to take. Bringing everyone back to our roots, literally, reminding us where we starting, and showing the way to the inspiring future we have before us.

A Trip to Remember

Whether you're a zip line operator, owner, inspector, or trainer looking to upscale your business or a professional seeking an opportunity to help educate the next generation, PCAL, with its blend of courses and culture, is the place to be. And as the curtain falls on the inaugural event, one thing is clear - the future of this event is not just about the ride, but also about the journey and the impact it leaves behind.