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TRIP DETAILS
REACHING THE CLOUDS IN COSTA RICA
Embark on an art journey to the majestic Chirripo Mountain, the second-highest peak in Central America. This region boasts the best climate on Earth, with sunny warm days and cool refreshing nights. You will be staying at Rio Chirripo lodge, a stunning property surrounded by flowing rivers and green mountain tops. Immerse yourself in the beauty of your new surroundings, pushing your limits on daily walks and activities, or simply allowing the area's natural splendor to awaken your senses and spark your creativity. With the guidance of your fab art instructor, Gail Sibley, you'll capture the unique character of this enchanting tropical mountain getaway in pastels and sketches.
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DAY 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, our driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in a peaceful town on the outskirts of the city, conveniently close to the airport for a smooth arrival and departure. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or exploring San José and the nearby town of Alajuela, just a short taxi ride away. If time allows, consider a coffee tour or take a leisurely stroll with your camera or sketch pad to capture the city’s museums, markets, and scenic spots. Don’t miss the National Theatre, the Gold Museum, or the vibrant local markets. In the evening, join the group for your first dinner, a perfect opportunity to meet everyone before heading to Rio Chirripó Lodge tomorrow!
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Included meals: None
Recommended optional activities: Cafe Britt tour. Contact www.coffetour.com for details. Want to visit San José? Grab a taxi or Uber to get there. Want to explore closer to the hotel? Visit Alajuela which also has wonderful churches and markets. The staff at reception will be happy to help you coordinate your extra time in town
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DAY 2 - Scenic Journey to Rio Chirripó Lodge
Begin your day with an early morning private transfer to Rio Chirripó Lodge, taking in a scenic 4-hour drive with leisurely stops through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Once you arrive, enjoy a delicious lunch before unpacking and exploring the lodge, where you'll be enveloped by majestic mountains and vibrant, lush gardens.
Dive into your creative journey with your art instructor, Gail, during your first atelier session amidst this breathtaking scenery. In the evening, gather for a family-style dinner in the main dining room, which offers panoramic mountain views. Rio Chirripó takes pride in its organic ingredients, often sourced from their own garden or local farms. Delight in their locally made cheeses, fresh breads, and a variety of greens. At Rio Chirripó, the food is as much a part of the adventure as the scenery!
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Included meals: Breakfast in San José, lunch and dinner at Rio Chirripo Lodge
Included activity: Your first Atelier with Gail, your fab art instructor.
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DAY 3 - Creative day at Rio Chirripo
After a delicious breakfast, dive into the stunning environment around Rio Chirripó Lodge. Join Gail for two ateliers today. The first session will guide you in exploring the grounds, selecting your subject, and creating a thumbnail sketch. Capture as many photos of your subject as you'll need for reference later.
After a delightful lunch and some well-deserved relaxation, reconvene with Gail and the group for a more in-depth plein air painting workshop. Depending on how long you immerse yourself in this creative process, you might also have time to enjoy the pool and the lodge's grounds before we come together for a scrumptious dinner under the moon and stars.
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Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: Guided plein air atelier wtih Gail in the morning and afternoon.
Optional activities ($): Massages and spa treatments.
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DAY 4 - Discover the Secret Gardens
After a delicious breakfast, join Gail at the Secret Gardens to explore a stunning variety of plants and flowers. Enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable botanical collection, then have ample time to wander the grounds at your own pace. Choose from numerous flowers and vistas to paint or photograph. Feel free to return to the gardens whenever you wish, as they are conveniently close to the lodge.
After a delicious lunch and a little downtime, continue your creative journey with a sit-down atelier led by Gail, where you can further refine your skills. Together, you'll then explore the local grounds for more subjects to capture with your camera, sketchbook, or pastels. Gail will also be available for personalized guidance and support.
You can then enjoy some leisure time by the pool or join us in our beautiful yoga room for an optional relaxing yoga session, followed by a lovely dinner.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Included Activities: Morning visit to the Secret Gardens and plein-air atelier with Gail, mid-afternoon sit-down atelier with Gail, and optional sunset yoga session.
Distance to Activity: 20-minute walk to and from the Gardens (with a slight incline going up and mostly downhill on the return) + 1 hour exploring the grounds on uneven terrain. Enjoy free time for plein-air painting and photography. Taxi transfers are available for an additional fee.
Optional Activities ($): Massages and spa treatments.
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DAY 5 - Be creative all day at Rio Chirripo
After breakfast, join Gail for another engaging atelier designed to help you refine a few key pieces that you can develop further at home. Gail will guide you through a series of techniques to enhance your skills and will be available for any questions you may have.
You’ll have the rest of the day to work on your pieces, rest, or simply enjoy your time at Rio. Consider taking a relaxing massage or a refreshing dip in the pool or hot tubs.
After lunch, return to Gail for additional insights into pastel painting. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time before we gather for another delicious dinner under the moon and stars.
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Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: Guided plein air atelier wtih Gail in the morning and afternoon.
Optional activities ($): Massages and spa treatments.
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DAY 6 - Discover Cloudbridge Reserve
Join us on a guided walk of the Cloudbridge Reserve, home to many species of birds including the famous resplendent Quetzal. Here Gail will encourage you to sketch and photograph your heart away within this incredible natural setting. Or, if you prefer, enjoy some free time at the lodge by the pool or continue exploring the grounds with your pastels at hand. You can also book a massage with our in-house massage therapist.
Mid afternoon, join Gail again for another delightful atelier. This evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner together followed by some relaxing time by the fire in the lounge or maybe a warm dip in the hot tub under the moon and stars.
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Approx. walk time: 2 hours on the property or you can enjoy the waterfall and meditation garden.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: Cloudbridge walk + Second Art Atelier with Gail mid afternoon.
Optional spa treatment: Many options available including massages and facials.
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DAY 7 - Free Time or Beach Bliss: Your Day, Your Choice!
Today, you have the option to either relax and paint at the lodge or embark on an adventure to Ballena National Park. Famous for its Whale's Tail beach, which appears at low tide, this park offers a stunning, coconut tree-lined beach where you might spot colorful Scarlet Macaws or playful monkeys. Feel free to bring your art supplies and capture the beauty of the landscape.
For those who choose to stay at the lodge, Gail will be available for feedback and support. If you're interested, you can visit the nearby butterfly dome in the afternoon for a few dollars and experience a magical world of butterflies, flowers, and tropical plants.
In the evening, we'll reconvene for another delicious meal and gather around the fire pit by the river for a relaxing time under the night sky.
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Included Meals:
For those staying at the lodge: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For those going on the beach tour: Breakfast and dinner included; lunch is an additional cost.
Optional Activities ($):
Beach day: Minimum 4 participants, $150 USD per participant (price decreases with additional participants).
For those staying at the lodge: Visit the butterfly dome and enjoy spa services.
Distance to Beach:
Approximately 90 minutes each way. Expect winding roads on the journey to the coast.
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DAY 8 - Fruitful Creations and Tropical Treats: A Day of Art, Spa, and Pizza
After a delightful breakfast, join us for another engaging atelier with Gail, featuring an array of beautiful Costa Rican fruits and a fun chocolate tasting. Capture the exotic textures and colors of these tropical fruits in your paintings as you explore various techniques guided by Gail. Savor the flavors of the fruits and chocolates throughout the session.
Post-lunch, you can relax, swim, continue painting, photograph the landscape, or explore further.
At 3 pm, join us for an interactive spa treatment by the river, where you'll experience locally grown products that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
As sunset approaches, gather with Gail and the group for a closing-circle critique. Bring your work from the week to receive comprehensive feedback from Gail.
We’ll end the day with our favorite make-your-own pizza dinner, prepared in our beautiful lounge with a clay oven and cozy seating perfect for mingling.
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Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and pizza dinner (gluten free options available)
Included activities: AM Art Atelier with Gail + Exotic fruit and Chocolate tasting + River Spa treatment + Closing circle critique
Optional spa treatment ($): Many options available including massages and facials.
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DAY 9 - Farwell to Rio Chirripó
Before heading back to San José, enjoy a productive morning working on your paintings, with Gail available for feedback and assistance. Savor a hearty brunch as you continue your creative pursuits.
Depending on the group’s preference, we may allow extra time before departure or arrive early in San José to explore the city.
No matter what, we’ll wrap up the day with a final group dinner at our favorite hotel restaurant, providing one last chance to enjoy great company and delicious food. Tomorrow, as everyone departs at different times, this is a perfect opportunity for one last memorable evening together.
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Included meals: Brunch at Rio Chirripo
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DAY 10 - Farewell and See You Later!
Start your day with a complimentary delicious breakfast at the hotel. As we say our farewells, remember—it's never goodbye, just "see you later!"
Transfer to the International Airport or, if time allows, continue exploring the vibrant city of San José before your flight. Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
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Included meal: Breakfast
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QUESTIONS?
Do not hesitate to contact us at info@rrescape.com with any of your questions. Join our small group of intrepid artists at THE most impressive and serene spot in all of Costa Rica.
If you have a Q, we have an A.
NOTE that the schedule and all of the activities listed above are subject to change and some optional tours are only available with a minimum number of participants.
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MEET GAIL
Gail’s subjects include figures, still life, and plein-air scenes of urban and rural life, created locally or while travelling internationally. Viewers and collectors marvel at the vibrant colours and light in Gail’s work which breath special life into perceptions of every day scenes. More here.
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