Ezra USA is proud to present the first annual 9-Day trip to Costa Rica done authentic Ezra Style!

Shalom Costa Rica

December 2012

 PRE-EGISTER NOW

There are few places in the world where nature is so exuberant or where the color and variety of the tropics can be so keenly experienced as in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world - a true Garden of Eden. Let Costa Rica mesmerize you as we explore its rainforests, rushing rivers, pristine beaches and towering volcanoes. This trip combines world-class highlights with more remote areas for an authentic adventure experience. Topographically speaking, Costa Rica can be compared to Israel in that it offers so many different landscapes within a small space. Only 23,000 square miles, Costa Rica is a mere 185 miles at its widest point. Yet it offers everything from the jungle to the beach to the rain forest to volcanoes. The government recognizes the value of this ecosystem: A full 30 percent of the country's land is parceled off into national parks and wildlife preserves. Whether you are interested in high adventure, studying with and assisting naturalists in private nature reserves, language immersion courses, or just relaxing in mountain top or beach resorts and spas then this is the place for you.

Join Shalom Costa Rica trip as we explore the natural wonders of Cost Rica and all it has to offer.

Trip Itinerary

Sun/ Day 1 Flight New York – San Jose, Costa Rica (see note # 1 below)

Those who are flying on Sunday, Nov 20 group arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport where you will be met by our reps. Costa Ricans, known affectionately as "Ticos," are open and friendly, and then be transferred to Following check-in in the casino hotel Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown. The hotel conveniently located in the heart of the city, in front of Espana Park, and only nine miles from the Juam Santamaria International Airport. It is only a short distance from tourist attractions like the National Theater, Jade Museum, Gold Museum, parks that are part of Costa Rica national heritage, and many others. There are also many nearby restaurants and night life. One of the largest shopping centers is just ten minutes away. Free evening on your own. Overnight in Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown.

Mon / Day 2 Jewish & Non Jewish Tour of San Jose

After breakfast, our travel director will pick up the group that arrived today, and will transfer them to the hotel to drop off the luggage, and both groups start our tour of Jewish & non Jewish San Jose. First stop is the Costa Rica Jewish Community Museum where a guided tour teaches us about history of Jews in Costa Rica. We continue touring around San Jose and visit the Jewish Center to learn about its activities & programs. Kosher Lunch* at the JCC’s Cafe Taam Shel Paam. After that we visit Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Plaza) and the main square of San Jose: Plaza de la Cultura (Square of Culture). Then we pass the National Museum, the Courts, Los Yoses, San Pedro Mall, Hispanidad Fountain and the Rodrigo Facio Campus of the University of Costa Rica. Our first stop will be the impressive Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the beautiful National Theater, one Costa Rica's most treasured and impressive architectural showpieces, where we will have a guided visit through these cultural gems. On the way back to the hotel we will drive around La Sabana Metropolitan Park. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit Mercado Central Market, where you will be able to buy souvenirs. Dinner at Kosher Burger King *, the only Kosher Burger King outside of Israel. Overnight in Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown.

Tue / Day 3 PAS Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, La Fortuna

After breakfast, travel past coffee and sugar plantations in order to reach the stunning Poas Volcano. Walk to the rim of the 1 mile in diameter, active crater. From the edge of the crater, we should be able to see its beautiful iridescent green color. You will then have the opportunity to explore the Waterfall Gardens. This really is a unique experience that you may never see anywhere else again. Here you will see five magnificent waterfalls, including Costa Rica’s famous, “La Paz”. You will also walk around the world’s largest enclosed butterfly observatory, 2.4 miles of paved trails with viewing platforms, hummingbird gardens. There is also a restaurant, with many stunning views to admire. You bilingual guide and driver will walk you through the park, pointing out things of interest, and then we move on to La Fortuna, at the foot of another volcano, Arenal Volcano. Overnight at Arenal Volcano Inn or similar.

Wed / Day 4 Safari float tour to the Penas Blancas River, Titoku’s Hot Springs

Today, after breakfast, enjoy Safari float tour to the Penas Blancas River. Here, you will board a boat and begin your 4 hour floating safari through rich rainforest and marshes until we reach the wildlife refuge. Along the river, you will have the opportunity to see various types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, fish, and literally thousands of birds. The refuge is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Americas. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to visit waterfalls and Titoku Hot Springs*, the newest hot springs in Arenal and part of the Arenal Kiro facilities. The hot springs are a series of cascading pools that go from hot to mild. The service is very personal and the atmosphere is very nice as well. Overnight at Arenal Volcano Inn or similar.

Thur / Day 5 Desafio Canyon, Arenal Volcano

In the morning, after the breakfast, we are heading to Desafio Canyoning tour in the morning. After that driven to the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you will walk along the old lava beds in the park. Along the beautiful hike, you'll learn about the active volcano, the tropical forest surrounding it and the abundant wildlife from an informative guide. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the tour is what you will learn about this captivating ecological paradise. Overnight at Arenal Volcano Inn or similar.

Fri / Day 6 Canopy Tour, The Fortuna & Pino Blanco waterfalls, Maleku’s Village

This morning after breakfast you will be taken to the Arenal Mundo Aventura Park to begin a zip lining adventure in the rainforest - Canopy tour. Once you are at the first cable, we start the zip line course using high quality equipment which is constantly checked and renewed to ensure its safety and good condition. The cables are located in such a way that they start from platforms at ground level ensuring that if a tree did fall it will not produce any time laps in the tour. The cables, 10 in total, span lengths of 200 meters up to the longest of 800 meters; each cable offers a different sensation and experience crossing canyons, observing waterfalls, over the tops of trees or leaving from a spectacular OBSERVATION TOWER 18 meters high. This incredible tour is the most adrenaline filled activity in Monteverde. The Fortuna and Pino Blanco waterfalls, along with the majestic Arenal Volcano accompany us on this trek. Pregnant women or persons with recent serious surgery are not allowed to do this activity for their own safety. Staying at the Arenal Mundo Aventura property, you will have the chance to visit Maleku Indigenous Village, a butterfly farm and a frog pond. By noon, we will check out at the hotel and begin our drive back to San Jose. On the way we will stop at the Hotel Lands in Love to enjoy a kosher delicious lunch*. Return to San Jose for Shabbat with the local Jewish community. Check in for 2 nights in a 4 star hotel/casino Barkelo Palma Real, located in the heart of the city of San Jose, and just minutes from downtown and museums. Free time to get dressed for Shabbat. Optional traditional services & Shabbat Candle Lighting at the Main San Jose Synagogue (few minutes walk from the hotel), followed by Friday Night Kosher Dinner with local Community members.

Sat / Day 7 Free Day in San Jose

Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today will be your own free activity. Enjoy the rest at the hotel, or explore San Jose on your own. Overnight in Hotel Barkelo Palma Real.

Sun / Day 8 Manuel Antonio National Park & Beaches – Hike to the Park

In the morning, we transfer south to Manuel Antonio National Park, the most famous of Costa Rica’s many national parks & white sand beaches in the area. En route to your Pacific-coast hotel in Manuel Antonio, your native guide will brief you on the surrounding natural wonders and fun, adventure-filled days that await you in the days ahead. The drive across the Central Mountains is filled with vistas which herald the beauty of this Central American country. Spectacular natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere attract many visitors to Manuel Antonio annually. Here you may encounter sloths, several breeds of monkeys, and many exotic birds (including the toucan, or "Froot Loops" bird!), while listening to an informative talk on the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent site. Check in Hotel Karahe or similar, which is located in front of Manuel Antonio Beach, and nearby the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. The remainder of the day at leisure to unwind at the pool or at the beach. Overnight Hotel Karahe or similar.

Mon / Day 9 Activity Day at Manuel Antonio (Optional rafting, horseback riding, scuba diving, kayaking)

The area is very established and offers a great variety of restaurants, bars and activities or just relaxing on the beach. In the morning, after the breakfast, you may choose from a list of optional activities: white water rafting, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing lessons, ocean fishing, sea kayaking, kayaking in Isla Damas Mangrove, rental scooters, canopy, mountain biking, ATV's, etc. Overnight Hotel Karahe or similar.

Tues. / Day 10 Flight San Jose – New York

In the morning, after the breakfast, we leave the tranquility of Manuel Antonio and transfer to the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose for your return flight back home.

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Please Note:

Note 1: Participants arriving on the 20th, need to add $65 USD per person from the above rate for the additional night in San Jose (in double occupancy)

Note 2: Participants arriving on the 20th, can arrange additional airport transfers with for that day. The additional cost for transfer is $50 USD (based in a service from 1-6 people).

Note 3: Participants arriving at other (than group flights) times are responsible for their own transportation to/from hotel. The Hotel Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown offers a free airport transportation (from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), and it’s a responsibility of a participant to arrange that.

*** Chicago group flight will be only if there are 10 or more people from Chicago.

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip air transportation from New York & Chicago (only for Full Package)
• 3-star Hotel accommodations for ten nights, including hotel tax and service charge.
• Breakfast each morning from hotel. (non kosher)
• Kosher Friday Night Dinner at San Jose Main Synagogue.
• Entrance fees to the Golden Museum, National Theater, the volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park etc as stated in the itinerary.
• Experienced bilingual guides.
• Round-trip airport to hotel transfers (for those arriving on group flight on Nov 21 and leaving on Nov 29)

Additional excursions and activities (are not included):

• Entrance fees at Titoku’s Hot Springs
• Additional cost to include a horseback ride tour to La Fortuna’s Waterfall on Nov. 23rd is $45 USD per person and it includes: transportation, guided hike, horseback tour and entrance fee to the waterfall
• Activities fees on Activity Day at Manuel Antonio (Nov 28, 2011)

Tour Does Not Include:

• Entry & Departure Airport Fees. ($26 per person)
• Mandatory Travel & Medical Insurance. ($55 per person)
• Cell Phone Rental & Usage (optional)
• Daily Lunches & Dinners, except on Friday Night (Nov 25, 2011)
• Visa Fees if needed (US Citizens do not need visas).
• Changes in air fares due to increase in fuel cost.
• Airport & Security Tax Surcharges.
• Hotels' Minibar, Internet and Phone charges.
• Occasional taxi rides in the evening.
• Non-scheduled Attractions
• Personal Purchases.
• Tips.

Please be aware that this trip is on a first come first serve basis.

To secure a place for yourself, send your deposit in the amount of $ 1099 (for those ordering with air) or $ 699 (for those w/o air) to our Brooklyn Office.

Ezra USA
311 Sea Breeze Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224

The payment must be either a check or cash (no credit card or PayPal payments). Please write “Costa Rica” in the memo section of the check. This deposit, less $ 99 p.p . handling charge, is refundable until September 1, 2012 (thereafter the deposits are not refundable but will be applied to the final payment for the trip due approx. 65 days before the departure day). The early bird special price of $ TBA (incl. air) is based on the double occupancy, and is subject to change after the deadline. The early bird special price “land only” option is $ TBA and is based on the double occupancy, and is subject to change after the deadline. For single occupancy $ 300 additional fee is required.