Meet Paola Salem and Explore Jewish life in Latin America: Argentina, Costa Rica, Brazil and more!

As we welcome the spring season, Mayever is ramping up customized-trip planning for schools, camps, organizations, and families traveling the world. Today, I'm excited to highlight three often overlooked Mayever destinations—Argentina, Costa Rica, and Brazil— that are not only teeming with Jewish life and history, but are central to the Jewish Diaspora in Latin America.

What's more, traveling to Latin America with Mayever means being led by the incomparable Paola Salem. A dedicated partner of ours with longtime connections across Ibero-America and beyond, Paola founded Judaic Tourism, a project whose mission is to strengthen Jewish identity through the preservation and appreciation of Jewish heritage, transforming Jewish places into interesting travel destinations and connecting travelers with history, culture, and Jewish life in Latin-American cities. You can learn more about Paola here.

Here is a snapshot of what Mayever, in partnership with Paola, can show you in Argentina, Costa Rica, and Brazil, plus some brief history. And if you are interested in a Latin America experience or vacation, or simply have questions, Mayever would love to connect with you.

ARGENTINA

With more than 230,000 Jews, Argentina represents one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Latin America, with roots dating back to the late 19th century when immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe found refuge in this South American nation. Buenos Aires' Once district serves as the cultural heart of Argentine Jewish life, featuring synagogues, kosher restaurants, and cultural institutions that reflect the community's unique blend of Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. Throughout the country, Jewish Argentines have made significant contributions to literature, science, and the arts, while maintaining their cultural identity through organizations like AMIA (Argentine Israelite Mutual Association, the Jewish Community Centre) and schools that preserve Jewish heritage. Argentina, and in particular, Buenos Aires, is not defined by Hezbollah's devastating 1994 AMIA bombing, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds. Argentina's Jewish community continues to thrive, embracing both their Argentine nationality and Jewish traditions in a distinctive cultural synthesis.

COSTA RICA

Jewish life in Costa Rica began in earnest during the early 20th century when immigrants from Eastern Europe and later refugees from Nazi persecution found sanctuary in this Central American nation. Mayever loves taking clients to explore the Costa Rican Jewish community; one that has grown and flourished over the decades, centered primarily around San José, where four different synagogues serve as vibrant hubs for religious and cultural activities. Today, approximately 3,000 Jews contribute to Costa Rica's diverse cultural landscape, maintaining their traditions while fully participating in the country's social and economic life. Mayever explores this heritage, in part, through guided synagogue tours, the Jewish Museum of Costa Rica, and so much more.

BRAZIL

Jewish life in Brazil dates back to the colonial period and has expanded into large communities, particularly in São Paulo (the largest community) and Rio de Janeiro. Today, Brazil's Jewish population of about 120,000 maintains a rich cultural presence with synagogues, schools, and cultural centers, while contributing significantly to the country's business, arts, and intellectual spheres. In February 2020, a public square in Rio's Leblon neighborhood was named for the Lubavitcher Rebbe. And in Recife, a city in northeastern Brazil, the first synagogue in the Americas, the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, was established in 1636 by Sephardic Jews. 

GO BEYOND
In addition to Argentina, Costa Rica, and Brazil, Mayever and our global partners are leading experiences all across Latin America to the locations listed below!