May 16 (Th): Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica – San Jose

Arrival to San Jose International Airport, airport meet-and-greet, then transfer to afternoon activity or hotel, depending on the flight arrival times.

Coffee Plantation & Culture: Embark on an extraordinary coffee adventure located in Costa Rica’s highland cloud forests. Delve into the world of coffee, from organic farming and sustainability to processing and worldwide distribution. Surrounded by the lush beauty of Costa Rica’s highland cloud forests this tour is perfect from novice to coffee enthusiast and nature lover. Time permitting, we have the option of exploring local trails with our naturalists for an intro hike to Costa Rica’s rainforests and birdwatching excursion.

Meals: L, D

Day 2 (Fr): Rainforests & Volcanos of Central Costa Rica

Morning Poás Volcano National Park: Poás volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. When the mist and cloud’s part you’ll see the sulfuric, bubbling, green rain fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by smoke and steam rising from fumaroles. Water from the lake is constantly seeping through cracks in the hot rock, evaporating and building pockets of steam.

Afternoon La Paz Waterfall Garden Nature Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is the most popular nature tour in the San Jose Area featuring five famous waterfalls and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica.

Shabbat with the Jewish community of San Jose: Includes optional Maariv services at the Centro Israelita Synagogue followed by kosher dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3 (Sa): Shabbat San Jose

Morning: Optional Shacharit services at the Centro Israelita Synagogue followed by Kiddush lunch with the Jewish community.

Afternoon education program: Centro guided museum visit with Dr. Aaron Arguedas – Jews of Costa Rica and Central America and lecture program: Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean.

Evening: Dinner and dessert meet up with the local Jewish Youth Club.

Meals B, L, D: Kiddush lunch at synagogue, D

Day 4 (Su): Arenal Volcano Adventure

Tikun Olam Reforestation Program: The project will turn grassland into a native forest with +/- 500 trees that consist of around 100 different native species. The project size is 0.5 ha (1.24 ac) & located next to a creek. A pond creation is in progress that will provide habitat for wildlife. The project will be used for educational purposes & organic food production. Student groups will be given tours & information on how organic crops/fruits are grown. Additional environmental benefits are erosion control & water management and help in the tree planting project.

Sloth Rainforest Experience & Hike: The Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center for over 20 years has been caring for wild animals and the opportunity of releasing them back to nature. On this educational and volunteer experience you have the opportunity to learn, interact, and help in this ecological mission.

Volcan Hot Spring Water Park & Spa: Experience the magical natural hot springs of the Arenal Volcano. These thermal waters are naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano and its underground rivers. The water reaches the thermal pools taking advantage of the force of gravity without the need for pumping or drilling. The minerals naturally found in the water, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, and chloride contribute to a complete relaxation of mind and body. Experience the right amount of thrill and relaxation as you enjoy extraordinary volcano views, numerous warm and cold pools, and even jungle hot spring water slides, all within the rainforest’s natural scenery.

Meals: B, L, D (box dinner so group can partake in the hots spring program – return to San Jose approximately 8:00pm)

Day 5 (Mo): Sarapiquí Rainforest Science Lab

Rainforest Reserve hike: Over 600 hectares of tropical rainforest make up our Rainforest Center and Wildlife Refuge. Located in the heart of the rainforest next to the Sarapiquí River; it has over 10 miles of trail systems where we will be able to experience a variety of wildlife (especially birds which it is famous for), flora and fauna unique to Costa Rica’s Central Rainforest.

Sustainable Agriculture: Rainforest Chocolate Program – Plantation, harvesting and cooking.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 (Tu): River & Beach Adventure

Jungle Crocodile Safari: Experience the authentic thrill of the Jungle Crocodile Safari as we journey by riverboat along the majestic Tarcoles River. Here, we will have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the incredible biodiversity that this unique ecosystem provides. Experience incredible wildlife viewing as we journey through three diverse ecosystems: river, mangrove, and estuary.

Private Beach Resort (day pass): Spend the day at a private pacific beach resort. Frolic in the waves of this beautiful white sand beach. Day includes use of private resort amenities and facilities.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 (We): Rainforest Adventure

Whitewater Rafting Adventure: Experience an adrenaline filled half-day river rafting adventure down the Sarapiquí River. Experience whitewater magic as you discover the excitement of thrilling rapids coursing through rugged canyons and verdant tropical rainforests on one of the most exotic and scenic rivers in the world. This adrenaline-pumping excursion takes you through class-II-IV rapids, past spectacular landscapes, under tumbling cascades as you adventure down beautiful river canyons exploring through stunning rainforest full of wildlife.

Rainforest Zip Line Adventure: Enjoy 9 zip lines immersed in the rainforest of Sarapiquí. Here we experience the natural wonders and wildlife of the rainforest tree-top ecosystem. The adventure ends with a 900 W cable crossing the beautiful Sarapiquí River canyon.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 (Th): San Jose departure

Morning departure to airport

Meals: B, L