COSTA RICA VOLCANO & RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
An exciting, activity-filled Costa Rica vacation based at our volcano rainforest resort
from $3190pp/dbl
8
days
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
Custom Departures
Please call for details
*Custom group departures available year round upon request.
Costa Rica - Private & Group Expeditions: Available year round for custom groups of 8 + participants.
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ACTIVITIES
A Kosher X tour includes much more than a hotel and food. We take care of every aspect of your vacation including all glatt kosher meals under strict supervision, on-site synagogue for daily Minyanim, airport transfers, 7-days of guided touring
What better way to experience the exciting eco-wonderland of Costa Rica. Just sit back and relax and let us take care of all of the details.
Activities include white water rafting, hiking, jungle and wildlife tours, river cruises, rainforest canopy / bridge adventures, volcano tours and just plain relaxing.
Adventures are moderate and appropriate for all age groups.
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*Optional, less adventurous tours are always available each day for those guests looking for a more moderate tour experience.
LATEST TOUR REVIEW
"I LOVED the week in Costa Rica! All of your planning regarding places to see, the traveling, hikes, and adventures, meals, Shabbat arrangements, and so much more played a huge, major role in how much I enjoyed the trip. It was so evident throughout the week (and in phone conversations and emails prior to the trip) how you and all your staff, including the local Costa Ricans working with you, so deeply and genuinely cared about making sure every aspect of the trip went smoothly and was Five Star quality. Your staff was always mentschlich, upbeat, and helpful, and all of that, along with everything I mention above, was very special. I, and I think everyone in the group (which was also wonderful), deeply appreciated all this and also had a fabulous time on this memorable vacation.
So, my heartfelt THANKS, KUDOS, BRAVO & BRAVA, and Y’SHAR KOCHECHEM! May you all go m’chayil el chayil in the wonderful, awesome, highly enjoyable vacations you make possible!"
Meir M – Great Neck, NY - Costa Rica Volcano & Rainforest Adventure
SAMPLE COSTA RICA OCEAN EXTENSION
Private Extension Available For 2 or More Guests
Optional Beach Extension: Is a 2 to 4 day beach resort extension to the Manuel Antonio region, Sunday to Thursday. This is a non-guided extension and includes transfers and our fresh frozen kosher meals. Sample reccommended adventures are listed below and may be purchased from the hotel. For groups of 10 or more our fresh kosher food option will be made available plus organized touring.
DAY 1 SUNDAY SAN JOSE//MANUEL ANTONIO
Morning departure to the beautiful beach area of Manuel Antonio National Park located on the Pacific coast. On the way, we experience the famous Crocodile Safari Boat Tour. We continue to the resort travelling along coffee plantations and then the coast enjoying stunning scenic views.
Overnight at Hotel San Bada
DAY 2 MONDAY OCEAN WILDLIFE VIEWING CATAMARAN
Free morning to relax at the resort; afternoon sunset catamaran boat ride where you will have the opportunity to see dolphins, many type of water birds and maybe whales plus enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Overnight Hotel San Bada
DAY 3 TUESDAY MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK VISIT
Morning guided tour and hike of Manuel Antonio National Park where you will visit pristine beaches with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation. Our guide will talk about this region and will help us to spot the diverse wildlife that live in the park. Free afternoon to relax at the beach or to enjoy the pool.
Overnight at Hotel San Bada
DAY 4 WEDNESDAY LAST DAY AT THE BEACH & EVENING MANGROVE TOUR
Free day to explore the area on your own with optional adventures or just relaxing.
At 5pm we departure on an amazing mangrove night tour searching out Cost Rica’s nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at Hotel San Bada
DAY JULY 09 BACK TO THE USA
You will be transferred to the Juan SantamarÃa International Airport approximately two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Please make you flight arrangements as close to mid day or after.
COST: FROM $400 PER DAY PER PERSON + ADVENTURES. *final price is based on number of participants
Lecture Series: “The Jews of Costa Rica”
Kosher Expeditions has developed a special lecture series with historian Dr Aaron Arguedas, will lecture us on “The Jews of Costa Rica”. Divided into “Colonial Period 1560-1821”, “Independence to First World War” and “Modern Jewry in Costa Rica 1920s-2005”.
Dining & Kashrut
Meals: Unique to Kosher X is our ability to prepare delicious Glatt kosher cuisine in exotic destinations off the beaten path under strict supervision. Our master chefs specialize in nutritious well balanced and beautifully prepared and presented meals. We take full advantage of our natural surroundings; in Costa Rica our menus are reflective of the local cuisine including using a large variety of the areas world renowned fresh fruits and vegetables.
Kashrut & Supervision: All food and standards for the program will be Glatt Kosher. Supervision will be under the auspices of the local Centro Israelita & Rabbi Yitzchok Prober - Chief Rabbi of Costa Rica - supported by certified masgichim from the United States. For more information on supervision and standards of kashrut please feel free to contact us.
Airfare: Please note airfare is not included in the price of your tour. Airlines that service Costa Rica are American Airlines, Delta, United, USAir, LACSA and TACA, Frontier, Spirit Airlines and Jet Blue. Please feel free to contact Kosher Expeditions for help with airline information and ticketing. Discount group fares are available through Kosher X for groups of 10 or more participants departing and returning together from the same city. Please contact Kosher X for additional information.