For those of you who have traveled overseas to do herping (say Costa Rica, Amazon, etc), what all is required?
It really only requires that you get there. The experience you have while you are there, depends on lots of variables, but there is no substitute for experience and research.
Of course, no matter how much research you do for a trip, you always come back saying "Next time, I think I will not do.....and do ......instead." It is part of traveling.
How much does it typically cost to travel and what kinds of things should I be prepared for?
Well, how much does it cost to travel where you live? It obviously varies. Some people can get by on $25 a day or less by riding buses, sleeping in a tent, eating sandwiches, and backpacking around (in countries where this is safe). Others require more comfortable lodging with power to charge camera batteries, a roof to keep out rain, an occasional shower, etc. I don't like to go on herping trips where I can't get myself around (i.e. drive). This quickly adds up and very quickly you are looking at $100/day or more.
If you hire guides, the prices can get VERY high, but you may see more.
Of course, this is all added after you pay to get to the country and any internal flights necessary to get to herping areas.
It wont be for several years, but I would like to get some info because I would like to plan a trip to Venezuela and perhaps swing by the Amazon.
Venezuela is in an interesting political area right now. I am not sure you can predict how far into the future Americans will be travelling freely within Venezuela.
I would love to find a Green Anacona (although my main purpose would be for some caiman species). Just thought I would get some info from the individuals who have done it.
I have never been to South America (the only continent other than Antarctica that is still on my to-do list), but I can add a few other comments.
Don't focus the success of the trip on finding one species, like a Green Anaconda. It isn't that you couldn't find one, but you don't want to overlook all the other great parts of the trip obsessing about one target species (we've all done it).
Finding an anaconda is probably something that is best done with an experienced guide. That could be expensive.
Have contingency plans. What if you are trying to go to park X to see my target species and it is closed or freezing cold when you get there? What will you do then? Always have a backup plan. You will have limited time and knowing what you can do when your "plan A" doesn't work out really can really make the difference between a good trip and a bad one.
The time of year you go greatly influences your success in tropical areas. Some species are easier to find in the wet season, some in the dry. Generally the peak of the wet and dry aren't as good as the beginning of those seasons.
Going to an area of tropical rainforest during the wet season can be an eye-opening experience. It can rain non-stop for days on end. Think about how fun that kind of trip can be! Yeah, you can herp in the rain, but it isn't fun for day after day.
One last thing. Have reasonable expectations. Don't be deceived by species lists or photos in books. Without experience, herping in tropical rainforest areas is tough. The old adage is that one snake a day is a good average. There are a few places and a few species that are easier to find, but herping is a lot harder than it looks.
There aren't critter hanging off every vine. There are simply too many places to hide in a rainforest!
An experienced guide can really make a difference here, but to me it is a lot better to go out and find it yourself. You don't get the same thrill from someone pointing to something and saying "look, this is a ______".
I always look at my first trip to an area as my scouting trip. During that trip I make mistakes so that next time I know what to do differently. The beauty of this is that I am never disappointed if I don't achieve all my goals in the first trip. I just sit back and soak it in.
I am not trying to discourage you in any way. There is nothing more exciting than walking out into patch of rainforest at night and searching the leaves for herps. It is exhilarating. Just do some research and be prepared for the unpredictable changes in plans that are always necessary.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas
