Morning:  Poas Volcano National Park – Poas volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica.  When the mist and clouds part, you’ll see the sulfuric acid bubbling and green rain-fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by smoke and steam. 

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

Morning:  Sky Trek Zip Line and Tram Tour – Experience the biggest, longest and best canopy tour in Costa Rica!  After being fitted with your zip gear, you will take a gondola ride with your guide through the tops of the rainforest searching out its wildlife. After reaching the observation deck you begin your adventure down to ground level, zipping along nearly two miles of cables across canyons and between the treetops.   

Afternoon:  Sloth Rainforest Experience & Rainforest Walk – The Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center has been caring for wild animals with the express intention of releasing them back into nature.  On this educational and volunteer experience, students have the opportunity to learn, interact, and help in this ecological mission. 

Hanging Bridges – the Arenal Hanging Bridges are a complex of trails and bridges through the rainforest.  Located in a private nature reserve of almost 250 hectares of tropical rain forest, it is home to an immense diversity of animal and plant species.  There are 16 bridges in total, some are hanging or suspensions bridges, some are static bridges. Our naturalists will guide you through the reserve’s rich biodiversity exploring its unique fauna and flora, exotic animals, colorful birds and tropical plant species. 

Morning:  Whitewater Rafting Adventure – Experience an adrenaline filled half-day river rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River.  Discover the excitement of thrilling rapids coursing through rugged canyons and verdant tropical rainforests. 

Afternoon: Chocolate Tour – Learn all about the origins of the cocoa bean, how it’s harvested, and how it’s cooked into our favorite food. 

Hotel check out and transfer to San Jose airport.

Shabbat Extension

Morning: Tikkun Olam Reforestation Project – 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) and 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 and 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. 

Afternoon: Hot Springs – Experience the magical natural hot springs of the Arenal Volcano. These thermal waters are naturally heated by the volcano and its underground rivers. The minerals naturally found in the water contribute to a complete relaxation of mind and body.

Morning:  Coffee Plantation Tour – Explore the inner workings of a coffee plantation, from planting to harvesting to roasting. 

Afternoon: transfer to hotel in San Jose and get ready for Shabbat with the San Jose community.  Erev Shabbat dinner will be at the El Centro Israelita Synagogue followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services. 

Morning Shacharit services at the synagogue, followed by kiddish lunch with the Jewish community. 

Afternoon education program:  Lecture with Dr. Aaron Arguedas – Jews of Costa Rica and Central America and Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean, followed by a private tour of the synagogue grounds.  Optional walking tour in the afternoon of the city.   

Departure from San Jose airport