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YOUR OCEAN TO MOUNTAIN YOGA ESCAPE
Embark on this 10 day journey, to discover two of Costa Rica's most enchanting destinations, the lush rainforest of the Osa Peninsula followed by the serene setting of the Talamanca Mountain range. Surround yourself with verdant tropical forest teeming with abundant wildlife and then lush mountain views featuring the best and most comfortable climate on Earth. Enjoy delicious foods from exotic fruits to traditional Costa Rican fare. Push your limits on our daily hikes and activities and let us introduce you to the beauty of these two distinct environments in Costa Rica.
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INTO THE WILDS OF THE OSA PENINSULA
Your journey begins in the south portion of the country, almost Panama. The pristine rainforests and rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared "the most biologically intense place on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula has become the premier eco-tourism destination in the country. The Osa Peninsula is a secluded nature wonderland, playing home to many of the country’s rare and endangered animal and bird species, including squirrel monkeys, jaguars, and other forest cats. With a large chunk of the Peninsula forming the Corcovado National Park, this area has the single largest expanse of a lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and is one of the tallest rainforests in the world. The area hosts more than 375 bird species, a fourth of Costa Rica's tree species and more than 5000 vascular plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
It is here, in the most lush and verdant part of the country that your exciting rainforest escape begins. Encounter all four species of monkeys, tropical birds like toucans and macaws and be surrounded by the largest concentration of wildcats in all of the country! Come and fully immerse yourself in this wild and pristine setting full of animals and beautiful scenery.
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DAY 1 - Arrival in San José. First night in a charming little hotel close to the airport. You can meet up for your first group dinner tonight. Arrive early and you can explore more of Costa Rica's capital city. Visit many markets, museums, coffee plantations and more.
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Included meals: None
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DAY 2 - After breakfast, head to the domestic terminal to catch your scenic flight to the Osa Peninsula. Enjoy the many vistas as you descend south towards the coastline. On arrival, the group will set off on a fun dolphin boat tour to cruise de Golfo Dulce in search of wild dolphins! The Golfo Dulce is one of the deepest tropical fjords in the world and is home to three species of dolphins, turtles and even whale-sharks! You’ll see wildlife like you’ve never seen before, and experience the authentic beauty of the Pacific Ocean. We offer you the option to stop at a local refuge only accessible by boat where you can interact with monkeys and enjoy some of the local wildlife up close. Also, you’ll be supporting a good cause as the refuge is there to release injured wildlife or to give a home to those that cannot be released. Don’t want to do the boat tour? You can stay on firm land and take advantage of this day to discover the small town of Puerto Jimenez or head to one of our favourite restaurants outside of town for a relaxing morning on the beach. We’ll all meet up again for lunch after the tour.
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After this fun dolphin adventure and lunch in one of our favorite little restaurants in town, we'll make a quick stop at a local grocery store to purchase snacks and anything else you'll need for your next few days by the ocean. Puerto Jimenez is the last little town you'll see before heading down the road towards Corcovado National Park. We should arrive in the beach town of Carate and head up the mountain to Luna Lodge mid to late afternoon. Luna Lodge will be your home away from home on this first leg of the journey. Time to unpack and explore your surroundings before our first group circle to discuss the next few days on the Osa. We finish the day with our first group dinner under the moon and stars. Luna Lodge is known for their delicious creative cooking and use of local ingredients.
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Included meals: Breakfast in San José, lunch in a local restaurant in Puerto Jimenez and dinner at Luna Lodge.
Included activity: Dolphin boat tour on the Golfo Dulce + Opening circle & Yoga with your teacher at sunset on our stunning yoga platform overlooking the rainforest.
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DAY 3- Start your morning with a relaxing meditation or yoga session with your teacher followed by a hearty breakfast. Once finished, put on your hiking shoes and we'll take a trek through the neighbourhood to discover and photograph all of the indigenous fruits, flowers, and of course local wildlife! Today we head to Carate where many of the monkeys can easily be found hanging around, sleeping and playing. We will be showing you around the neighbourhood pointing out all of the local hotspots where you can spot wildlife in the early morning and late afternoons when the animals are feeding.
Next we head to one of the most stunning beaches in all of Costa Rica for a much deserved rest. Bring a snack and enjoy the beauty of this stunning view.
After the morning hike we’ll head back to the lodge for a delicious lunch and for some chill time this afternoon. Enjoy free time at the beach or lounge around the property and enjoy the pool. In the late afternoon, those of you who wish to continue exploring can hike in the area to spot more wildlife. The animals are always more active early am or late in the afternoon! Want a massage? Our in-house massage therapist will be happy to offer you a few choices.
At around 4:30pm meet us on our beautiful yoga platform for an optional relaxing sunset practice. Enjoy a restorative and gentle session to realign mind, body and soul.
In the evening, we have a wonderful and delicious dinner waiting for you after happy hour! Perhaps you’ll be interested in checking out what the chef is making? Enter the open-air kitchen to learn about Costa Rican fare and other local dishes!
After dinner, if you still have enough energy, we can head again on a short night hike in and around the property to spot the night action! It’s a whole different perspective from day to night here on the Osa!
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Approx. hike time: 4 hours, mostly flat but uneven terrain.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: AM yoga + Hike to Matapalo + Sunset Yoga + Night Hike
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DAY 4- Start your am early with a quick tea or coffee and head on an optional bird viewing tour at dawn or join us a little later in the yoga room for another restorative yoga practice. After you've seen all of these stunning tropical birds or stretched your mind body and soul, enjoy a delicious hearty breakfast followed by our first waterfall hike!. This hike is for anyone that likes a little adventure mixed with swimming and hiking!
Your afternoon is open to lounge around, enjoy the beach and ocean or simply lay around with a good book. You can also try one of our many optional tours from surfing, to waterfall rappelling, to tree climbing to even horseback riding! We'll meet once again in the yoga shala for another invigorating session with your teacher at sunset.
Tomorrow we head to the mountains so make sure to pack your bags this afternoon!
After a delicious dinner and a tranquil evening tonight, we invite you to experience our restful sound bathing activity which will surely send you to bed feeling fully relaxed and ready for a good night sleep.
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Approx. hike time: 4 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: AM Yoga + Hike to waterfall + Sunset Yoga + Sound Bathing Meditation
Optional tours: Early Am bird watching + many other optional tours that can be booked directly at the lodge. Prices will be given to you at the lodge and some depend on group size and if transportation is needed.
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REACHING THE CLOUDS IN COSTA RICA
Your journey now takes you into the heart of the Talamanca Mountains, home to the famous Chirripo Mountain, the second highest peak in all of Central America. You will be staying at Rio Chirripo lodge, a stunning property surrounded by flowing rivers and green mountain tops. Enjoy views of rolling hills and lush colourful gardens as you explore the beauty of your new surroundings.
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DAY 5 - Early morning private transport to Rio Chirripó lodge, a scenic 4-hour drive through beautiful mountains and scenery. Depending on the journey by road today, we will decide if lunch will be had on route or at the lodge. Once we arrive at Rio Chirripo, unpack and explore the grounds. You'll be surrounded by mountains and lush gardens in and around the property. Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class at sunset in our beautiful and fully equipped yoga room. We'll then enjoy a delicious family style dinner together in the main dinning room overlooking the mountains. Rio Chirripo offers organic ingredients mostly from their own garden or from local farms. Try their locally made cheeses and breads, as well as greens of all kinds. Food at Rio Chirripo is very much part of the adventure.
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Included meals: Breakfast at Luna Lodge and dinner at Rio Chirripo Lodge. Note that if we cannot make it on time for lunch at Rio, each participant will be responsible for purchasing their own snacks or something to eat on route.
Included activity: Sunset Yoga
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DAY 6 - After another wonderful yoga session followed by a delicious breakfast, join us to the Secret Gardens where you can experience a wide variety of plants and flowers. We'll follow a short guided tour of this incredible botanical collection and then head back for lunch and some free time to enjoy the pool, one of two hot tubs and of course the cool flowing Chirripo river.
Enjoy the afternoon to relax, have a massage, enjoy the pool and hot tubs around the property or simply read a book and rest.
We'll meet up later for another lovely yoga session at sunset followed by dinner and a fun bonfire under the moon and stars.
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Approx. walk time to activity: 20 minutes to and from the Gardens (hike up and down hill required) + 1 hour touring the grounds on uneven terrain.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: AM yoga + Visit of the Secret Gardens + Sunset Yoga
Optional spa treatment: Many options available including massages and facials.
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DAY 7 - Wake up to another delightful yoga and meditation session with your teacher overlooking the rolling hills and lush gardens. After breakfast we invite you on a fun adventure! Join a guided hike of the Cloudbridge Reserve or enjoy some free time at the lodge to enjoy the pool and gardens. The Cloudbridge Reserve is home to many species of birds including the resplendent Quetzal. Free afternoon to rest, swim, or continue exploring. You can also book a massage with our in-house massage therapist. Late afternoon, join us again in the yoga room for a relaxing practice. This evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner together followed by some chill 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. hike time: 1 - 2 hours to enjoy the waterfall and meditation garden.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: AM Yoga + Cloudbridge Hike & Waterfall + Sunset yoga
Optional spa treatment: Many options available including massages and facials.
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DAY 8 - After yoga and breakfast, we'll go for a nice walk in the neighbourhood and stop at the butterfly dome! Free afternoon to rest, swim, continue photographing the landscape and of course continue exploring if you're up to it. Meet us at 3pm for our a surprise interactive spa treatment by the river! We'll introduce you to locally grown products that will leave your skin feeling soft and new. Next enjoy one more sunset practice in our beautiful yoga room. We finish the day with our favourite make-your-own pizza dinner all prepared in our beautiful pizza lounge that features a clay pizza oven and seating perfect for mingling.
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Approx. walk time to activity: 20 minutes (hike up and downhill required)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included activities: AM yoga practice + Visit of the butterfly dome + River Spa treatment + Sunset Yoga Practice
Optional spa treatment: Many options available including massages and facials.
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DAY 9 - This morning your teacher will lead a closing circle and practice before you return to San José. After a hearty brunch we head back to the Capital City. We may be able to give you some additional time by the pool before having to depart or maybe the group will prefer to arrive early in San José allowing for more time to explore the city. No matter what the group chooses, tonight we encourage everyone to meet up at the hotel's restaurant for one last group dinner. Tomorrow, all will be departing at various times so it's a great opportunity for one last fun night together. Plus this restaurant is one of our favourites!
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Included meals: Brunch at Rio Chirripo
Included activities: AM yoga practice and closing circle. We can arrange for a tour of Cafe Britt on route to your next hotel if we have enough interest!
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DAY 10 - Enjoy a complimentary yummy breakfast at the hotel and say your farewells! With us, it’s never goodbye, just "see you later!" Transfer to the International Airport or you can continue enjoying more of San José if you have time before your flight!
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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 this small group of intrepid yogis to THE most impressive and prolific rainforest in all of Central America followed by the most peaceful and serene setting located at the foot of the famous Chirripo Mountain.
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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