August 18-25, 2025
A Costa Rica Kosher Adventures tour includes much more than a hotel and food. We take care of every aspect of your vacation including all Glatt Kosher meals under strict supervision of local Kashrut authorities, daily Minyanim, airport transfers, 7-days of guided touring. What better way to experience fascinating Guatemala. Just sit back and relax and let us take care of all of the details.
At the top of Central America, Guatemala is one of the most exciting countries in the region.
Some of the things we will do in Guatemala:
Some of the things we will do in Guatemala:
- Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
- Walk & bike the UNESCO listed city of Antigua
- Hike Active Volcanoes
- Relax in Lake Atilan
- Enjoy Waterfalls & Lush Rainforest Jungle
- Shop in Colorful Chichicastenango Market
Guatemala boasts a rich Mayan culture. There are gorgeous colonial towns full of charm and lush rainforests full of life. ancient ruins, lovely lakes, and rumbling volcanoes. We will spend Shabbat with the local Jewish community – a little less than 1000 Jews live in Guatemala currently, most living in Guatemala City. Jewish immigrants arrived at the beginning of the 20th century from Germany and Middle East countries, followed in the 1920s by Eastern European Jews. Many came via Cuba and considered Guatemala only a stop until they could obtain visas to the United States.
Guatemala was not favorably disposed to Jewish immigration, and it attempted to limit their arrival. In 1932, the government ordered the expulsion of all peddlers, the primary work of most Jewish immigrants to Central Americas. They went door to door & sold necessities on credit. In 1936, under the influence of the substantial German community in Guatemala, legislation was enacted to curb immigration of all people of “Asian origin” – which included Jews! We will have local historians explain the complex relationship between the Jews of Guatemala & Central America and the host countries in the region.
Dining, Kashrut & Supervision
Unique to CRKA is our ability to prepare delicious Glatt Kosher cuisine in exotic destinations, off the beaten path, under strict supervision. Our master chefs specialize in nutritious, well-balanced, beautifully presented meals, meticulously prepared in separate meat and dairy kitchens. We take full advantage of our natural surroundings; in all our tours, our menus are reflective of local cuisine, including using a large variety of the area’s fresh produce.
Sample itinerary:
Monday: Arrival day
Check in & orientation. Your tour starts with dinner at the JCC. Overnight Guatemala City.
Tuesday: Tour Antigua
Walk the picturesque cobblestone streets and see some of Guatemala’s vibrant cultural street scenes. Antigua was founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors and was the capital of Guatemala until the late 18th century. Visit one of the largest Chabad houses in South America and hear about Jewish culture of the city. We will practice our Spanish skills in a shopping market, then ride bikes in the town outskirts. Head to a kosher brewery that overlooks the active Fuego volcano and watch it erupt as the sun goes down. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Wednesday: Pacaya Volcano Tour
Pacaya Volcano is a complex volcano, consisting of an older stratovolcano, domes & flows. Pacaya has erupted at least 23 times since 1565. Take a 3-mile hike in the volcano area & enjoy its otherworldly scenery. Visit Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed interactive fantasy-filled attraction with fantastic views and world famous photo opportunities. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Thursday: Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a massive volcanic crater filled with water and ringed by steep, verdant hills and eleven charming traditional Mayan villages situated around the lakeside. Each village offers a unique perspective on Mayan culture.Start off in Panajachel and board a boat to visit a few more towns surrounding the lake. Visit a butterfly farm, go paddle boarding, kayaking, cliff jumping or swimming in the lake. Explore the culture, see the villagers in traditional outfits and visit the Chabad of San Pedro. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Friday: Guatemala City Tour
After davening and breakfast, board the bus and head to Guatemala city to tour the local area before Shabbat. Destinations may include: National Palace, Maguen David Synagogue, Mercado Central (market), Ciudad Cayala. Return to the hotel in time to prepare for Shabbat.
Shabbat services with local community, dinner and overnight
in Guatemala City.
Saturday: Shabbat with community
Spend Shabbat in Guatemala City with the local Jewish community. Lecture by local scholar on the history of Jews in the region, relations with the local governments & connection to Israel. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Sunday: Transfer to Flores,
Tikal Jungle Monuments Parks
Tour Tikal - the largest excavated site in the American continent which contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization. It is Guatemala’s most famous cultural and natural reserve and was declared a national park in 1955 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.
Tikal is 220 square miles of lush jungle surrounding the Maya Monuments. We will see the highlights of this amazing site. Box lunch at the location & return to Guatemala City for a late dinner banquet. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Monday: Departure
Departure day. For those with later flights, optional cultural & museums tours can be booked. Tour ends with breakfast.
Bienvenidos, Cuate!
Thank you for choosing Costa Rica Kosher Adventures.
* Note that August is the rainy season and due to weather the itinerary is subject to change. The itinerary is also subject to change at the discretion of the tour operator.