Finca Rio Perla waterfall. Photo by Matt Miller
The 8-night Costa Rica Caribbean Experience for Young Jewish Professionals next spring (the week of Memorial Day, 2012) offers a diverse adventure that combines the Caribbean Highlands of Costa Rica with its breathtaking tropical beaches. It begins with a whitewater rafting trip to the Caribbean Lowlands with their tropical beaches, unique flora and fauna, active nightlife, and indigenous culture; it continues with a visit to Tortuguero National Park, with its majestic jungle canals and the late-night ritual of endangered turtle nesting on its beach; and it ends in the highlands, with their lush mountainous rainforest, waterfalls, freshwater pools and serenity - spending Shabbat while based at a cool Jewish owned eco-farm on the slopes of Volcan Turrialba.
This complete tour package provides a diverse and exciting adventure brimming with activities (including chill time), all in a short but long week, and all in the beautiful and peaceful paradise called Costa Rica. It offers a mosaic for all your senses, focusing on the contrast between the highlands and the lowlands-coast. So come and spend an amazing week in the Costa Rican Caribbean!
We take the environment seriously, and plan our trips in accordance with the guidelines of eco-tourism: minimizing environmental damage through low impact travel, supporting local environmental projects and indigenous communities, and learning about the culture and natural environment of the places visited.
This complete tour package provides a diverse and exciting adventure brimming with activities (including chill time), all in a short but long week, and all in the beautiful and peaceful paradise called Costa Rica. It offers a mosaic for all your senses, focusing on the contrast between the highlands and the lowlands-coast. So come and spend an amazing week in the Costa Rican Caribbean!
We take the environment seriously, and plan our trips in accordance with the guidelines of eco-tourism: minimizing environmental damage through low impact travel, supporting local environmental projects and indigenous communities, and learning about the culture and natural environment of the places visited.
EVERYTHING listed below is included in our trip. These adventures are paid for already – including a swim in the pool above – just imagine that! You may, but you do not need to spend another dollar on an adventure – it’s all priced into our packaged tour.
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Trip Itinerary
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Friday, May 25
Welcome to Costa Rica! Shabbat Option: arrive today and visit San Jose and spend Shabbat with the local Jewish Community.
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 The Shaarei Zion synagogue in San Jose |
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Saturday, May 26
Participate in synagogue morning services, followed by a communal lunch with the community. Explore Downtown San Jose: Plaza De La Cultura, the National Theater and the National Museum.
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 The Poas Volcano Crater Lake |
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Sunday, May 27
Today we will be heading south to the coast, and on the way go on a rafting adventure on the mighty Pacuare River, known as one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids (Class III-IV). Late afternoon: we will arrive at Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast--one of the most happening places in Costa Rica--a place where the international crowd blends with the local Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, with its pristine coastline acting as a backdrop! After dinner, enjoy live Reggae music with moijtos, daiquiris or fresh Pina Colada! |
 Rafting adventure on the Pacuare River |
Monday, May 28 Punta Uva beach
Today we have a free morning on the amazing Caribbean beach. Options include:
Afternoon : we will visit the Indigenous BriBri Tribal Area and learn about the history of the native people of Costa Rica, medicinal plants, as well as the history and production of chocolate – including tasting! Late afternoon: enjoy a sunset swim along the magnificent Punta Uva beach, thought by many as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica! Later, we will participate in a kosher style Caribbean cooking lesson: using fruits and veggies typical to Coastal Talamanca, you’ll learn to cook in the traditional Caribbean way from some of the local matriarchs and enjoy a great meal afterwords. Night : explore the town– all while taking in the special and laid back ambiance of Puerto Viejo. We may hit one of the bars, clubs, or live music venues that dot the town… |
 Traditional chocolate making at the BriBri reservation 
Tour participant with young
howler monkey at the Jungle Rescue Center
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Tuesday, May 29
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Hiking the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
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Wednesday, May 30
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 Zipline adventure in the Talamanca Mountains! |
The Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
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Thursday, May 31 - Early morning: Join a canal boat tour of Tortuguero National Park- experience the awakening jungle up close! - After breakfast, hike Tortuguero Hill, the highest point on the Caribbean side of the country (approximately 119 meters), and learn about the unique flora of the jungle from an experience naturalist. On a clear day a view of Tortuguero and the surrounding areas can rally capture you! - Afternoon visit the local village - a chance to interact, shop, and experience this secluded Tico community. During this time you can also head to the beach and enjoy the Caribbean sands at sunset! |
 Tortuguero National Park |
Friday, June 1 Fresh Challah is baked on the farm!
Time to get on a boat for a last trip though the canals to the village of Pavona, from where we will head up to Finca Rio Perla, A Jewish owned eco-farm up in the Caribbean Highlands. This is where we will spend Shabbat, and our last two nights in Costa Rica. After eating a delicious vegetarian lunch, today’s activities will include:
- Farm tour and orientation - Horseback ride , followed by macadamia picking, fresh sugarcane tasting, a view of the big waterfall (over 100 ft!), and a hike to another waterfall where we will take a swim in the cool water and enjoy the rainforest around us. - Tilapia fishing (tonight’s dinner- depending on fish availability) - Festive Shabbat meal - After dinner: Social activity and games - or just feel the serenity while lounging on the hammocks! |
 Horseback riding on Finca Rio Perla 
Lunch at Finca Rio Perla
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Saturday, June 2
Good morning Finca Rio Perla! Today is Shabbat, and a day of rest – and depending on what you are up to or your level of Shabbat observance, you can chill during the day, explore the area and/or partake in some farm activities:
Later in the day....
Sunday, June 3 Time to say goodbye! We will leave Finca Rio Perla by 7:30 am, in time to make our flights back home. ***Please note that the time and location of an activity might change due to unexpected circumstances, such as inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. |
 Finca Rio Perla Activities 
Hot pepper in the farm's organic garden
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Dates
The Caribbean Experience trip will take place from Saturday, May 26th to Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 (8 nights in total; 9 nights for those wishing to arrive on Friday). We will be meeting at and leaving the San Jose (the capital) international airport (SJO).
We ask that you plan to be on a flight that will land in San Jose by 4 pm on May 26th. If you decide to arrive a day earlier, please arrive by 3 pm on Friday so we can prepare for Shabbat. Your flight home should be no earlier than noon on Sunday, June 3rd.
If you observe the Sabbath you have an option of arriving on Friday and spending the weekend in San Jose, attending services in the Jewish community – or arriving Sunday and joining the group in Puerto Viejo.
If you want to arrive a day or two earlier, or choose to leave later, please let us know how we can help you experience more of this magnificent country. We can arrange for a pick-up or drop-off in another part of San Jose at the beginning or end of the trip. Day trips from San Jose include the nearby volcanoes of Poas and Irazu. If you are interested in this option, please let us know!
Accommodations
Guides
For your Caribbean Experience we will provide you with an experienced driver/guide that will escort you for the length of your trip. In various activities, we use the best local specialty guides with years of expertise in introducing tourists to the natural beauty of Costa Rica. We work mostly with local guides as well as with tourism non-profit organizations such as ATEC, which make sure that the local indigenous communities benefit from tourism revenues while protecting the environment and the traditional way of life.
Transportation
We provide all transfers during the week using an air conditioned van or minibus, driven by a bilingual driver / guide.
Packing list
Before departing, you will receive a comprehensive list of suggested things to bring on the Caribbean Experience.
Cost of trip
The cost per person is $1520. If you are interested in arriving on Friday, May 25th, and would like to participate in Shabbat activities, you will have to add $75 to the cost.
The Caribbean Experience trip will take place from Saturday, May 26th to Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 (8 nights in total; 9 nights for those wishing to arrive on Friday). We will be meeting at and leaving the San Jose (the capital) international airport (SJO).
We ask that you plan to be on a flight that will land in San Jose by 4 pm on May 26th. If you decide to arrive a day earlier, please arrive by 3 pm on Friday so we can prepare for Shabbat. Your flight home should be no earlier than noon on Sunday, June 3rd.
If you observe the Sabbath you have an option of arriving on Friday and spending the weekend in San Jose, attending services in the Jewish community – or arriving Sunday and joining the group in Puerto Viejo.
If you want to arrive a day or two earlier, or choose to leave later, please let us know how we can help you experience more of this magnificent country. We can arrange for a pick-up or drop-off in another part of San Jose at the beginning or end of the trip. Day trips from San Jose include the nearby volcanoes of Poas and Irazu. If you are interested in this option, please let us know!
Accommodations
- In San Jose, you will stay in a comfortable hotel which is walking distance from the Synagogue and a short ride from downtown, such as the La Sabana.
- On the Finca Rio Perla farm, guests will stay in rustic but comfortable rooms, with shared bathrooms and toilets.
- For our time in Turtuguero, we will be staying in the tranquil Evergreen Lodge, set in the rainforest right outside the National Park.
- On the southern Caribbean coast we will be staying in a comfortable mid-level hotel, such as the elegant Banana Azul, or the Shawandha. We will be pairing up to share the rooms, though you might choose to be in a single room for an extra fee.
Guides
For your Caribbean Experience we will provide you with an experienced driver/guide that will escort you for the length of your trip. In various activities, we use the best local specialty guides with years of expertise in introducing tourists to the natural beauty of Costa Rica. We work mostly with local guides as well as with tourism non-profit organizations such as ATEC, which make sure that the local indigenous communities benefit from tourism revenues while protecting the environment and the traditional way of life.
Transportation
We provide all transfers during the week using an air conditioned van or minibus, driven by a bilingual driver / guide.
Packing list
Before departing, you will receive a comprehensive list of suggested things to bring on the Caribbean Experience.
Cost of trip
The cost per person is $1520. If you are interested in arriving on Friday, May 25th, and would like to participate in Shabbat activities, you will have to add $75 to the cost.
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Great! How do I sign up?
To reserve your spot on the trip, click on the link to the right to make your full payment via the Google Checkout system. After securing your spot, please fill out our tour registration form. The trip have a maximum of 16 participants. We currently have a limited number of spots left - so if you are interested, hurry and register! If you cancel your attendance, we will reimburse you the sum of $1370, with $150 kept as cancellation fee. For general questions about the trip, please write us at: [email protected] Please forward this info to any friends who might be interested in joining us - ask us about our special registration price for groups of two or more that register together! If you have a discount code, you will be asked to provide it before submitting a payment via Google Checkout. |
Full payment for May-June 2012 trip
Includes everything shown below--all accommodations, tons of activities, and 17 meals.
$
1,520.00
Friday May 25, 2012, early arrival
An extra fee of $75 is required for arriving a day earlier to San Jose, including night at hotel and visit to Jewish Community.
$
75.00
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The cost of the trip includes:
Please note that if you do not wish to partake in the rafting, canopy tour, and zipline, you may opt out and we will reduce the cost of your trip accordingly.
The cost does not include:
Our tours are organized by the Costa Rica Caribbean Experience, a destination of Greener Travel Company, LLC. The company was founded by Ami Greener, an experienced and enthusiastic environmentalist who has been captivated by the unique beauty of Costa Rica. By forming personal relationships with local providers in Costa Rica (hotel owners, activity outfitters and the staff of Finca Rio-Perla, the amazing farm that we visit), we are able to offer a tailored experience to individuals traveling alone, couples, and group tours which a member of our staff or local Costa Rican associates will guide.
Although the dates for this trip are set, if you want to join and cannot take the whole week off from work, we could accommodate you for part of the trip, and price it differently as well.
If you cannot make it on these dates, but would like to plan a visit alone, with a small group of friends or as romantic getaway with a significant other - we can help you plan a trip with some of these amazing adventures – we regularly send couples, families and small groups of friends on a tailored Caribbean Experience!
For further information and questions, please contact us at:
The Costa Rica Caribbean Experience
[email protected]
US: +1-202-599-0655
- Transportation and transfers to and from all locations in Costa Rica by a bilingual guide/driver.
- Full accompaniment by a Costa Rica Caribbean Experience staff person.
- 8 nights of accommodations on the Finca Rio Perla farm, in San Jose, in Hotel Monte Real in Arenal, and in a hotel in Puerto Viejo. Price is for accommodations of 2 per room. Single occupancy rooms are available for an additional nightly fee.
- All activities and all meals during our 2 nights at the Finca Rio-Perla eco-farm.
- Canal Tour, nature hike and tour of village in Tortuguero
- Meals included in trip: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners!
- One day of amazing whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River (including breakfast/lunch)
- Gandoca –Manzanillo Wildlife Hike
- Caribbean cooking class
- BriBri Cacao Tour (history of local indigenous people and organic chocolate making)
- Jungle Canopy Tour/ Zipline Adventure
- Welcome night dinner in San Jose
- Dinner at Pita Bonita in Puerto Viejo
Please note that if you do not wish to partake in the rafting, canopy tour, and zipline, you may opt out and we will reduce the cost of your trip accordingly.
The cost does not include:
- Airfare
- Costa Rica departure tax of $28
- Traveler's insurance (we will be able to arrange this for you if needed)
- Some meals on the Caribbean coast and in San Jose
- Optional late night turtle nesting tour in Tortuguero
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Our tours are organized by the Costa Rica Caribbean Experience, a destination of Greener Travel Company, LLC. The company was founded by Ami Greener, an experienced and enthusiastic environmentalist who has been captivated by the unique beauty of Costa Rica. By forming personal relationships with local providers in Costa Rica (hotel owners, activity outfitters and the staff of Finca Rio-Perla, the amazing farm that we visit), we are able to offer a tailored experience to individuals traveling alone, couples, and group tours which a member of our staff or local Costa Rican associates will guide.
Although the dates for this trip are set, if you want to join and cannot take the whole week off from work, we could accommodate you for part of the trip, and price it differently as well.
If you cannot make it on these dates, but would like to plan a visit alone, with a small group of friends or as romantic getaway with a significant other - we can help you plan a trip with some of these amazing adventures – we regularly send couples, families and small groups of friends on a tailored Caribbean Experience!
For further information and questions, please contact us at:
The Costa Rica Caribbean Experience
[email protected]
US: +1-202-599-0655
