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Basherte Costa Rican Adventure Itinerary
Land Cost: $1797.00
Day 1: Sunday, July 27
Everyone arrives by mid-day or the night before. As soon as we are all gathered, we depart for the southern Caribbean coast. We drive through the lush Braullio Carrillo National Park and past acres of banana plantations and through the port city of Limon on our way. That evening we will have dinner as a group at our hotel and get to know one another.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 2: Monday, July 28
Our first full day in the rainforest has us flying through the canopy of a thrilling zipline ride. Follow 17 cables through the treetops far above the forest floor while looking out for the sloth, monkeys, colorful birds and flowers that share the forest. After this exhilarating experience, stop at the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve for a delicious native lunch served in typical style with many ingredients harvested from the understory gardens. Meet with a native guide who shares with us the culture and customs of the Bribri People and learn of the many ways that the BriBri utilize and protect the resources of this secondary rainforest. After a visit to their Green Iguana Conservation project, where we can get up close and personal with these lovely creatures, the afternoon is spent relaxing on the beach or exploring the town of Puerto Viejo.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 3: Tuesday, July 29
Another big day of adventure starts with a visit to Manzanillo, a picturesque village located on the southernmost part of the Caribbean. A local guide will take us through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge where the path travels from the beach into the jungle. Our guide will show us the wonders of his ‘backyard’ while explaining the medicinal and edible uses of many of the trees, fruits and plants along the way. The long version of this hike (boating in is also an option) takes us to the Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living, our 80 acre organic farm and education center. Punta Mona is an exercise in sustainable living, as most food is harvested from our extensive organic gardens with more than 150 varieties of fruit trees. Our energy comes from solar panels and the buildings are built with wood from nearby fallen trees. Enjoy the optional sea kayaking and river mudbaths or relax on the beautiful, secluded beaches. We return to town by boat and hope to catch a glimpse of the three species of dolphins living offshore.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 4: Wednesday, July 30
Early in the morning, we go to the banks of the nearby Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting on class III and IV rapids. This scenic and famous river runs through lush jungle and majestic gorges; beautiful waterfalls cascade into the river alongside the rafts. After an exhilarating day on the river, we head to mighty Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano.
Overnight: La Fortuna
Day 5: Thursday, July 31
In the morning, we bike around part of Lake Arenal, with splendid views of the volcano. We end our ride in time for lunch at Toad Hall- a special roadside café and gift shop specializing in indigenous crafts from around Central America. Then drive back to La Fortuna and take a short walk to a breathtaking waterfall, dip in the cool waters of the pool below and marvel at the rainforest gushing around us. In the evening we bathe in the delightful hot springs and hope to catch a view of the lava-streaked volcano.
Overnight: La Fortuna
Day 6: Friday, August 1
In the morning, go cave exploring at Las Cavernas Venado, which were formed during the Miocene period, 15 or 20 million years ago. See limestone rocks, stalactites, stalagmites and corals, and the stone formations created by the underground river that formed most of the caves. In the afternoon we make our way to Tierras Enamoradas (Lands in Love) an Israeli owned and operated ‘kibbutz-hotel’ in the cloud forest. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool or hiking through the surrounding lush forest. Then prepare for a very unique Shabbat experience together.
Overnight: Lands in Love
Day 7: Saturday, August 2
Enjoy the beautiful cloud forest surroundings as we join together for music, prayer, conversation, and shared meals. Optional activities today include jungle river treks in the surrounding forest. After havdallah under the stars, enjoy a special final banquet and dance party.
Overnight: Lands in Love
Day 8: Sunday, August 3
In the morning, rise up and catch your flight. Board the plane filled with memories of your Costa Rican Adventure that will surely last a lifetime.
~OR~
JOIN US FOR THE OPTIONAL 3-DAY CLOUD FOREST EXTENSION! STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!
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Jewish Singles Group
Meeting the Locals!
Monteverde at Dusk |
Q. Where do participants come from?
A. Most travelers are from North America,
but past participants have come from Europe, Israel and Latin America. Geographic
diversity is one of the features that make
the groups such a continued success.
Q. Who joins this group?
A. Participants range in age from mid-twenties
to mid-forties, with the majority of people in their thirties. This trip is perfect
for anyone who is looking for an active adventure in Costa Rica while traveling
in a community setting. Travelers should be in reasonably good shape, and should
anticipate a moderately challenging outdoor
experience.
Q. Can I keep kosher and observe
Shabbat?
A. No major activities are planned on Shabbat,
and travel plans to accommodate Shabbat observance is easy to arrange. Unfortunately,
Kosher food is not available, but vegetarian
options are plentiful and delicious.
Q. How do I get to Costa Rica?
A. You will
need to book your flights to arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) by 12:00 pm
on the first day of the tour. Most people plan to arrive the day or two beforehand.
If you do this, we would be happy to make a reservation for you at the Hotel
Don Carlos (www.doncarloshotel.com) with the rest of the early arrivals. The
cost is not included in the price of the tour. You can depart anytime on the
last day of the tour or the extension. Regardless of when you arrive, we will
pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Q. What is the cost?
A. The all-inclusive
land package cost is $1797. This includes all accommodations, meals, ground transportation,
activities, and guides. It does not include alcoholic beverages, tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and the
$26 airport departure tax.
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