COSTA RICA OUTDOOR ADVENTURE WITH BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL NEXT

Dates and Prices

1/4/09 – 1/11/09 (ages 20s) $1295 (waitlist only)

Overview

Created in conjunction with the Birthright Israel NEXT educational team, this trip is designed specifically for Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni and their friends.  Join old friends from your Taglit - Birthright Israel trip and meet new ones as we raft what has been described by National Geographic as one of the top 5 whitewater day trips in the world, hike around one of Central America’s most active volcanos, volunteer on a sustainable farm and spend a couple of days relaxing (and, if you’re so inclined, surfing) on Costa Rica’s legendary Nicoya coast.

Highlights

• Shooting the Pacuare River’s legendary class IV rapids.
• Nighttime hike around the active Arenal volcano.
• Community service on the sustainable farm, Rancho Margot.
• Rainforest hike.
• Three days on the beautiful beaches of Playa Samara and optional surf instruction.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica! You will be met at the airport when your flight arrives and transferred to our hotel in the stylish Barrio Amon in San Jose. Depending on what time you arrive, feel free to explore downtown San Jose. Later, once the entire group has arrived we will enjoy a group dinner in town. If you still have energy after your day of travel, check out El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte, one of our favorite bars in San Jose. But remember, we will see some big water tomorrow, so mind yourself!

Day 2 - Early wake up call as we head to the Pacuare River for an exciting day of Class IV whitewater rafting. You’ll see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides, as colorful, tropical birds fly overhead. Wildlife is abundant, with sloth, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and colorful frogs. The whitewater is insane, with 38 thrilling rapids over 18 miles of river. After our blood pressure drops a notch or two, we will head to our home for the next three nights, the beautiful Rancho Margot, a sustainable farm nestled in a valley between the rainforest and the Arenal volcano.

Day 3 - After waking up to the sounds of birds, frogs and a whole host of critters, we will indulge in a hearty farmer’s breakfast and head off for a challenging hike through the rainforest to the stunning La Catarata waterfall. Bring your bathing suit to cool off in the refreshing pools below. We will return to Rancho Margot in late evening where you can rest up, have some dinner and get ready for a spectacular nighttime hike to view (hopefully!) some lava eruptions.

Day 4 - Today is our community service day at Rancho Margot. There will be many different options at the ranch such as going with the forest rangers on patrol, working at the animal rescue clinic, or planting trees as part of the reforestation program. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Hidalgo Hot Springs, all natural hot springs heated by the Arenal volcano.  Family owned and operated, the Hidalgo Hot Springs are surrounded by stunning tropical foliage.  Dinner will be on your own tonight in the town of La Fortuna.

Day 5 - This morning we will pack our bags and head west toward the beautiful Nicoya coast and the beach town of Playa Samara.  Once we arrive, you afternoon and evening are free to explore the beaches and all the restaurants and laid-back Costa Rican nightlife that Playa Samara has to offer.

Day 6 - Today is a free day.  There are many great activities in Playa Samara, including, snorkeling, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach.  Tonight, we will all gather for a spectacular beachside Shabbat dinner.

Day 7 - Your morning is free to relax.  After a Shabbat lunch, it’s time to pack the bags as we head back to San Jose for the evening where we will have a farewell group dinner.

Day 8 - Transfer to San Jose International Airport for flight back to reality!

What’s included

• All transportation (excluding late-night activities) including airport pick-up and drop-off
• 7 nights lodging (based on double-occupancy)
• All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners
• All activities listed above

What’s not included

• Airfare (find flights to San Jose (SJO) here)
• Costa Rican Departure Tax ($26)
• Insurance
• Remaining meals