AMERICAS TREK

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better sense of this experience. The actual program may vary, and an itinerary will be distributed no later than two weeks before the program begins. Even after the itinerary is sent, adjustments may still be made in coordination with tour guides and the tour operator—both leading up to and during the program—based on local conditions.

DAY 1–5 | DEPARTURE FLIGHT | PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Arrive in Phoenix, Arizona for the start of the program. This program starts with our Western USA Trek program.

We’ll break the ice with some fun and engaging activities so that you get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a pizza party by the pool. To learn more about how we organize travel to and from the program, click here.

Our adventure begins in Sedona. Stop to see Snoopy Rock—named after the lovable Peanuts character—as you admire the many red sandstone rock formations that form the breathtaking backdrop. The group will spend time in Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre historic apple farm that is named for the natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek.

We’ll enjoy a full day tour and hike in Grand Canyon National Park—home to the immense Grand Canyon—which is layered with bands of red rock dating back millions of years. Then, spend a day tubing on the Salt River before we celebrate our first Shabbat together as a group in Phoenix. Everyone will spend time relaxing on Shabbat before we make our way north to Utah.

DAY 6–8 | ST. GEORGE, UTAH
St. George is home to some of the most dramatic beauty in the Western U.S. Marvel at the red rocks, pink cliffs, and endless vistas of Bryce Canyon National Park, which is home to the largest number of hoodoos on Earth. Hoodoos—irregular columns of rock—exist on every continent, but the largest concentration is located here.

After uncovering the magic that Bryce Canyon has to offer, we’ll spend some time exploring Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park. You’ll follow the paths where native people and pioneers walked and become enchanted by the unique array of plants and animals the park has to offer. Then, the group is off to Nevada!

DAY 9–10 | LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
When we arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll be mesmerized by the neon glow and razzle-dazzle of the Strip. Stop for a photo in front of the city’s Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, a landmark that has attracted visitors since it was built in 1959. We’ll continue with a tour of the Las Vegas Strip to enjoy attractions like the Bellagio fountain show, Mirage volcanic eruption, and more.

Stare in awe at the massive concrete behemoth, Hoover Dam. This magnificent landmark sits two football fields long, generates enough hydroelectricity for 1.3 million people, and is a structure worth marveling at. We’ll return to Las Vegas for one last evening—enjoying a Blue Man Group show on the Strip—before we head to California.

DAY 11–14 | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Shop and dine at the more than 70 waterfront properties of Seaport Village, the infamous complex adjacent to San Diego Bay. Tour the USS Midway, a historic aircraft carrier that offers spectacular flight deck views of the downtown skyline, San Diego Bay Bridge, and active U.S. Navy ships! The group will enjoy a surfing lesson at Mission Beach and check out Belmont Park—known for its Giant Dipper roller coaster and beachfront views.

The natural beauty of La Jolla Cove will leave you California dreamin’ as you explore its coastline. Stop to see the local seal colony that has taken over Scripps Park before we head to Old Town San Diego. This site is considered to be the “birthplace” of California and preserves the heritage of the region, with a main plaza, exhibits, museums, and living history demonstrations. We’ll enjoy a relaxing Shabbat and set sail into the sunset on a San Diego Harbor cruise.

Our final day in San Diego will be nothing short of fun and engaging! Wander through the San Diego Zoo, a 100-acre wildlife park that is home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals. After, take a walk through Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks and a staple on any visit to San Diego. We’ll stop to explore San Juan Capistrano, a city in Orange County, California located along the Orange Coast before making our way to our next destination: Los Angeles!

DAY 15–17 | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Teens will spend a day watching the magic unfold in Disneyland. With more than 60 attractions, parades, and world-renowned treats, it’s no wonder it’s “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

We’ll hike Hollywood Hills looking for the homes of your favorite celebrities and snap a picture in front of the Hollywood Sign. Take in the view of the Los Angeles skyline from Griffith Observatory, southern California’s gateway to the cosmos. Visit the Museum of Tolerance, designed to examine racism and prejudice around the world with a strong focus on the history of the Holocaust. Peruse the Original Farmers Market, a historic market in L.A. that has a range of trendy shops, restaurants, and more. Take a walking tour of downtown Los Angeles, stopping at sites like Chinatown. Hike Runyon Canyon Park, a 160-acre park in Los Angeles that sits at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Learn more about the Jewish population of Los Angeles, the largest outside of New York City and Israel. Then, enjoy a group night out at Universal CityWalk, an area shared by the entertainment and retail districts near Universal Studios Hollywood.

DAY 18–21 | SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Drive to Northern California via the Monterey Peninsula. Stop in the artsy Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beach town rich with history, fairytale cottages, and galleries. Once we arrive in San Francisco, we’ll take a night tour of the city and see all its wonders.

Tour the Jelly Belly factory, manufacturer of world-famous candy jellybeans. Stroll through Haight districtand Divisadero Street—take pictures at Alamo Square—and relax at Buena Vista Park. We’ll do a deeper dive into the Jewish history of the American West before we enjoy our final Shabbat together in California.

You’ll walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, spend free time at Fisherman’s Wharf—one of the city’s busiest tourist areas with a postcard view of the bay—and tour the historic Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a maximum-security federal prison on Alcatraz Island. Ride San Francisco’s cable cars up and down the hilly streets and check out the most crooked street in the world, Lombard Street.

DAY 22 | TRANSFER FLIGHT
We’ll make our way to the airport for our transfer flight to Costa Rica. Teens will continue to build on this awe-inspiring adventure by connecting into Stand UP Adventure Costa Rica. We'll settle in and relax at the hotel once we arrive in San José.

DAYS 23–24 | SAN JOSÉ & PUERTO VIEJO
Begin the second day with breakfast before an immersive service experience at Fundación Humanitarian. Engage in hands-on service projects like mural painting or planting, and spend the afternoon with the abuelas, who are the pioneers of a local theater in La Carpio. Afterward, we’ll travel to the Caribbean coast for a day of adventure in Cahuita National Park, where you’ll explore the white-sand beach of Playa Blanca, hike through the park’s lush rainforest, and snorkel among coral reefs and vibrant underwater wildlife.

DAY 25 | BRI BRI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Immerse yourself in the culture of the BriBri Indigenous Community, the largest indigenous population in Costa Rica. We’ll tour medicinal plant gardens, learn how to build traditional homes, and explore the sacred history of chocolate-making. Enjoy a hike to the stunning Volio Waterfall, a 50-foot cascade, and engage in service work with the community. End the day with a group dinner in Puerto Viejo.

DAY 26 | SHABBAT IN PUERTO VIEJO
Relax and recharge on Shabbat with a breakfast and a free day in Puerto Viejo. We’ll end the day with an Afro-Caribbean dance lesson and a group dinner.

DAYS 27–29 | SARAPIQUI
Kick off with a thrilling white-water rafting adventure before traveling to Sarapiqui, where you’ll spend the next few days immersed in community service. Work on projects like mural painting, revitalizing public spaces, and helping at a Costa Rican family farm—planting, harvesting, and preparing traditional meals like empanadas and tortillas. Along the way, enjoy a night hike through the rainforest and visit the Tirimbina Chocolate Tour to learn the history of chocolate.

DAYS 30–31 | LA FORTUNA
Travel to La Fortuna, where we’ll visit the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall by horseback, cooling off in the natural swimming hole. The next day, experience the thrill of zip-lining through the rainforest canopy and unwind in the Baldi Hot Springs.

DAYS 32–33 | SAN JOSÉ
Return to San José and start the day with a visit to Doka Coffee Farm to learn about Costa Rican coffee-making and enjoy a tasting session. We’ll celebrate Shabbat with services and a meal at a local synagogue. On the second day, relax with optional BBYO programming, sleep in, or take a walk through a nearby park. In the evening, join us for Havdalah and a group dinner in San José.

DAYS 34–37 | UVITA
Travel to Uvita and explore Antonio Manuel Park. Spend the day kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing through the mangroves, keeping an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and caymen. The next day, take a boat trip to the stunning Caño Island National Park for snorkeling and hiking. Then, visit the Boruca people to learn about their history and art, creating hand-carved masks and enjoying lunch with a Boruca family. We'll spend our final day shopping for souvenirs as we head back towards San José.

DAY 38 | RETURN FLIGHT
It’s never goodbye, just see you later. Head to the airport for a flight back to the U.S. Give your friends one last hug and part ways once your flight arrives at the airport. While your summer trip with us is over, the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO will arrange for a group flight, and families will have the option of joining the group flight. If the group flight is not geographically convenient for your family, you are responsible for making your teen's flight arrangements to our arrival city, and from our departure city, based on guidance that we provide in the spring. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. Learn more about flying to the program.

What if my teen is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own rules for mandatory unaccompanied minors and additional fees do apply. If your teen is 15 years or younger, then please refer to your chosen airline for information. If your chosen airline requires your teen to fly as an unaccompanied minor, please make sure that this is noted on your Domestic Travel Form, and contact us at least a month in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
On Western USA Trek, the group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and college dormitories. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space.

In Costa Rica, the group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and more rustic eco-lodges in the rainforest. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. Our accommodations are typically outside of cities and provide space for teens to relax and explore in a safe environment.

On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local tour leader, and a bus driver. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
On Western USA Trek, prepare for hot summer days in the Southwest! Daytime temperatures range from the 80s to the 100s. The good news is that the heat is mostly dry and there is very little humidity. The sun in the Southwest is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Evenings tend to get chilly quickly—frequently dipping into the 50s or 60s—so you should also prepare for cool summer nights.

In the Northwest, prepare for milder summer weather. Daytime temperatures in the region can range from the 50s–80s. Rain and wind are not uncommon in the summer.

Costa Rica is a tropical country, but the weather varies greatly region to region. In the highland areas, you can expect cooler weather with evenings dipping into the 50s–70s. Along the lowland areas, the weather is in the 80s or even 90s during the day. Finally, June and July fall within the rainy season for Costa Rica. This means that rain is common, although it is often brief, in the late afternoon or evening. No matter where we travel in Costa Rica, you can be sure that it will be humid!

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, we anticipate our Americas Trek group to be on a bus with around 35-42 teens. Some teens choose to sign up together with a friend or two and most teens choose to come on their own. Either way, our participants will have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of peers from various locations across North America which makes exploring a new place together even more exciting. On some programs, we might have multiple parties from the same area register together. In this case, we are unable to inform families when this occurs and though we are always willing to share the group dynamics of the current registrations, we typically have a good idea of the general group make up after our cancellation deadline.

What's the food like?
California cuisine is heavily influenced by Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Wraps, burritos, tacos, and sushi can be found on many menus. However, most of the food your teen will eat on this program is similar to what they’re used to at home. You’ll try delicacies like Gallo Pinto, Casado, tamal, and fresh fruit in Costa Rica. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip preparation manual.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip connects our Western USA Trek program with our Stand UP Adventure Costa Rica program. Check out these other trips that connect into one of these two Americas experiences:

• Costa Rica & Galápagos Trek

Learn more about our trip connections.