Join Kosher Expeditions 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 – Bio Station Tropical Rainforest Exploration
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: La Selva Bio-Station Rainforest Expedition
Discover the biodiversity of a lowland tropical rainforest at this internationally renowned research station. With its state-of-the-art laboratories, on-line geographic information system, extensive trails, and large forest reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva is one of the world’s most important sites for tropical ecosystem research. Species diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,900 species of plants, 330 species of trees, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, and hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are frequently seen. Large predators include jaguars, pumas, and bushmasters. This 2.5 hour guided naturalist walk will be our introduction to the wonders of the rainforest.
Afternoon: Pineapple Tour: This tour blends agriculture and processing into an educational experience of pineapple production. There are four stations where the visitor sees the evolution from planting, harvesting, and packaging including a dehydration process. Learn about the history of pineapples as well as taste the newest and sweetest variety grown.
Later afternoon arrive at the volcano resort for check-in, free time and dinner
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
**Sunday: Depart
Transfer to airport for your departure home.
**Beach Extension: Optional 2 to 4 day beach resort extension, Sunday to Wednesday (This is a non-guided extension and includes transfers and our fresh frozen kosher meals).
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”.
*Please note pricing and itinerary is a sample and is subject to change.
What our past participants have to say:
Tomorrow my wife and I fly back to Amsterdam. We want to thank you for the excellent arrangements. The trip was wonderful, everything went according to schedule and the guides were superb. Due to this Costa Rica lived up to all we expected. We will definitely recommend your organization to others and hope to travel with Kosher Expeditions in the future.
Michael and Cecily - Amsterdam
Wanted to tell you what a great trip we had to Costa Rica!!! The tour guide was great- warm, easy going, efficient. The chef was great- personable, accommodating and great food. All of the activities were terrific; the lodging was great. The 4 days in the rainforest was a fabulous one-of- a kind experience, just what I wanted. The place by the volcano with the hot springs was like Gan Eden. And then to move up to the creature comforts at the end of the trip in the city was nice. Thank you for putting together a great vacation!!! We rate it a 10!!!
Harriet & Alan – West Hempstead, NY
Wanted to let you know how pleased we all were with the trip. The events were well planned and evenly paced, so that we did lots of interesting things but still had a relaxing vacation. The food was excellent and all of the arrangements were thoughtfully worked out. We enjoyed meeting the other participants on the trip, and in fact their company added a lot to our experience. When an event comes off in a way that seems so effortless, one can be sure that there was plenty of effort involved in setting it up! You and your team did a great job. Thanks. We will be considering more of your trips in future years, and will be glad to recommend you to others who have not yet gone on one of your trips.
Samuel & Family - Sharon, MA
Just returned from our trip to Costa Rica! Thank you so much for putting together an incredible trip. We had "the perfect" family vacation. With every detail of our trip taken care of we could really relax. The staff was beyond excellent. The tours and pace of the trip were just right. The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. Costa Rica is an amazingly beautiful country. Thank you for sharing it with us!
A Kosher Expeditions adventure 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.
Pricing
21 + Participants
Cost per person
(double)
$2250
(triple)
$2150
*Child
$1950
*For groups of 14-20 participants please add an additional $150 per person.
Single Supplement $450
*Please add 9% for tax & fees. $50pp for gratuities will be collected at the start of the program.
*Quad occupany max: 2 adults per room plus 2 children 12 or under.
*Child pricing is based on share with 2 adults (dbl). Child is ages 3-12
*Please note pricing is subject to change.
Price includes: Lodging, full time Kosher Expeditions guides / naturalist, daily transfers to activities, all activities listed above, all Glatt kosher meals under strict suprevision. Price does not include: Airfare, and optional tours.
Airfare: Please note airfare is not included in the price of your tour. Airlines that service Costa Rica are American Airlines, Delta, Continental, 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 Expeditions for groups of 10 or more participants departing and returning together from the same city. Please contact Kosher Expeditions for additional information.
Our volcano eco-resort is an ideal place for rest and relaxation at the Arenal Volcano. The resort has been designed so that each room has a complete panoramic view of the volcano. The resort is close to many of the main attractions in the area yet maintains a silent tranquility surrounded by beautiful gardens, as well as small stream and old growth trees complete with walking trails.
All Rooms at the resort are spacious Junior Suite class rooms with volcano view and private sitting area. Rooms are equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, hot water, air dryer, telephone, coffee maker and mini fridge. Some rooms are designed for wheelchair access.
The resort has an adult and child swimming pool as well as a jacuzzi and wet bar. Laundry service is available to hotel guest. All meals, activities and davening will take place at our private conference center complete with beautiful panoramic views of the volcano.
geographic information system, extensive trails, and large forest reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva is one of the world’s most important sites for tropical ecosystem research. Species diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,900 species of plants, 330 species of trees, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, and hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are frequently seen. Large predators include jaguars, pumas, and bushmasters. This 2.5 hour guided naturalist walk will be our introduction to the wonders of the rainforest. 
the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.
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. 
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.
the local wildlife, fauna and the numerous bird species unique to Costa Rica.
eruption activity. Our naturalists will guide us along trails passing through young secondary forest and old lava fields from previous large eruptions. 
