Join Kosher X Tours for an exciting, activity-filled Costa Rica vacation based at our volcano rainforest resort overlooking the spectacular world famous Arenal Volcano.  From the resort  view spectacular volcanic eruptions as fire and lava spill over its upper slopes, here the natural beauty of the rainforest mergers with the magnificence of one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

 

From our volcano resort, experience the wonders of Costa Rica as we hike, cruise and explore through lush, mountainous primary rainforest, national parks and private reserves were wildlife freely roams.   Guided daily adventures with our naturalists from our base will allow us to explore everything Costa Rica has to offer; from its awe inspiring volcanoes & hot springs, to rain & cloud forests, to wildlife & bird watching, to pristine waterfalls and rivers including a memorable Shabbat spent with the local community of San Jose.

 

Day 1 (Sun): Welcome to Costa Rica!

Upon arriving at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, you will be met by a Kosher Expeditions representative and taken to your hotel. Guide will meet you at 6:00pm in the hotel lobby for transfer to dinner and orientation

Overnight: Hotel San Jose

 

Day 2 (Mon): San José / Arenal – Waterfall Garden Adventure

Early morning:  Depart your hotel to the local synagogue for davening.  Afterwards you will be picked up and brought back to the hotel for breakfast and checkout.

 

Late Morning:  Waterfall Garden Rain & Cloud Forest Adventure

When you think about Costa Rica, you probably imagine lush tropical rain forest, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, snakes, frogs and jaguars. At The Waterfall Gardens, you are guaranteed to see all that and more. During your guided tour you will experience five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with 40 species of birds, toucan feeding, marmoset monkeys,  insect exhibit, butterfly observatory and butterfly gardens, butterfly laboratory, two-toed sloths, Capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand feeding in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), Jaguar, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundi, margays, casita de la paz with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit, bromeliad exhibit.  All of these offered at one place makes making it one of the best eco-parks in Costa Rica.

 

Later afternoon arrive at the volcano resort for check-in, free time and dinner

Overnight: Volcano Eco-Resort

 

 

Day 3 (Tue): Arenal: Hanging Bridges, Canopy Tour, Evening Volcano Watch

Early Morning:  *(optional) Guided bird watching and wildlife walk.  Rise early (best time of day for wildlife & bird watching) as your naturalist guide takes you along the many trails of your eco-resort searching out the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.

 

Late Morning: Hanging Bridges Tour: This activity will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest.  You will be able to walk right into the forest, thanks to the imposing hanging bridges and the beautiful trails that are safe and easy to walk on. Each of the 12 bridges offers spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano.

 

Afternoon: Rainforest Canopy Tour: This is a once in a lifetime experience!  It consists of sliding on a secure cable between 12 platforms and towers in the canopy of the tropical forest.  A system of platforms allows visitors to appreciate nature from the top of ancient tropical trees.  In order to get into position for the start of your canopy tour you will ride the Sky Trek; a rainforest gondola excursions up the mountain side through the ancient primary forests.  As you ride above the forest search out the spectacular local wildlife in the tops of the trees.  Those participants who many not want to partake on the canopy tour have the option instead of a guided walk through the primary forest trails with your naturalist guide at the mountain top, then return by Sky Trek back down the mountain.  On the canopy tour there is no repelling or climbing involved, a guide will be waiting to receive you at each platform.  From the top of the rainforest experience spectacular views and get up-close and personal with Cost Rica’s unique wildlife including:  sloths, monkeys and hundreds of species of birds.

 

Evening: Volcano Watch: Guides will take you up close to the eruption side of the volcano for spectacular night time views of Arenal and its eruptions.

Overnight: Volcano Eco-Resort

 

Day 4 (Wed):  Cano Negro Tour Rainforest River Cruise & Wildlife Safari

Early Morning:  *(optional) Guided bird watching and wildlife walk.  Rise early (best time of day for wildlife & bird watching) as your naturalist guide takes you along the many trails of your eco-resort searching out the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.

 

Cano Negro Tour Rainforest River Cruise & Wildlife Safari: Often nicknamed the everglades of Costa Rica, the Cano Negro Natural Wildlife Refuge is one of the best spots for seeing wildlife in the entire country.  Situated on a stretch of wetlands along the Nicaraguan border, the 38 square mile Cano Negro reserve follows the Rio Frio for a couple of miles eventually emptying out into a grassy marshland. The reserve boasts one of the highest diversities of wildlife in the Americas and is of special interest to birders.  Upon arrival in Los Chiles, the group departs the bus for a boat to travel up and down the Rio Frio. This river travels the length of the refuge and is full of fish; including the large snook, silver-gold tarpon and garfish. The fish in the river attract a huge number of birds including anhinga, roseate spoonbills, storks, ducks, kingfishers, herons and cormorants. You can also see many species of mammals along the banks including white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, two and three toed sloth, pumas, jaguars and bats, reptiles include caimans, iguanas and turtles.

 

Evening: Movie night & Lecture series: “The Jews of Costa Rica & Central America” with historian Dr. Aaron Arguedas.

Overnight: Volcano Eco-Resort

 

Day 5 (Thurs): Whitewater Adventure (or Safari Float) & Volcano National Park Hike, Volcano Hot Springs & Spa

Early Morning:  *(optional) Guided bird watching and wildlife walk.  Rise early (best time of day for wildlife & bird watching) as your naturalist guide takes you along the many trails of your eco-resort searching out the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.

 

Morning: White water rafting on the Balsa San Carlos.  Costa Rica is world renowned for the quality of its white water. Abundant rain, warm water, and a variety of rivers and eco-systems make this small democratic nation a paddler’s paradise.  Experience the excitement and adrenalin of white water rafting on this half day adventure on the Balsa San Carlos River with rapids graded 2/3. You guides explain the safety procedures and safety equipment before embarking down the river. Enjoy 2 exhilarating hours of white water action on this beautiful tropical river.  This River is a great option for families and beginners.

 

Afternoon: Guided Volcano National Park hike:   Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal contains a great wealth of geologic and biological complexity and will present us with the closest views of the volcano and its current eruption activity. Our naturalists will guide us along trails passing through young secondary forest and old lava fields from previous large eruptions.

 

Evening: *Optional tour to hot springs spa.  At this luxury spa & luxury resort, soak in natural pools heated by the Arenal Volcano (open until 10:00pm).

Overnight: Volcano Eco-Resort

 

Day 6 - Friday: Morning at leisure/ Return to San Jose, Shabbat with the Jewish Community

Early Morning:  *(optional) Guided bird watching and wildlife walk.  Rise early (best time of day for wildlife & bird watching) as your naturalist guide takes you along the many trails of your eco-resort searching out the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.

 

Late Morning: Depart to San Jose stopping off for shopping and lunch at a local crafts and souvenir center, return to San Jose for Shabbat with the local Jewish community.

 

Early Evening:  Guide will pick you up for Shabbat dinner and walk to the local synagogue for Shabbat services (hotel is walking distance of the synagogue).

Overnight: Hotel San Jose

 

Day 7 - Saturday / Shabbat: San Jose

Morning: Guide will pick you up for your walk to services at the local synagogue

Afternoon: Shabbat lunch after services with the local community.

 

Evening: Farwell dinner

Overnight: Hotel San Jose

 

Day 8 - Sunday: Depart or Beach Extension

Transfer to airport for your departure home or begin beach extension