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YOUR WILD ESCAPE AT A GLANCE
Enter a world of wonder and discover why National Geographic Magazine calls Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula "the most biologically intense place on earth". Hike lush trails to cascading waterfalls, explore Corcovado National Park teaming with its exotic wildlife, stay in a beautiful beachfront eco-lodge, eat fresh, delicious food, enjoy photography, creative bonding activities to align body and mind and be enchanted by the intense beauty of Mother Nature. So much for you to experience and enjoy!
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INTO THE WILDS OF THE OSA
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 creative rainforest escape will begin. 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 for a full week of adventure, relaxation, and of course YOGA!
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DAILY BREAKDOWN
Below is a sample itinerary for the trip. Your escape with be filled with fun walks and activities that will introduce you to this unique and enchanting destination. Just bring your walking shoes, a willingness to explore yourself and your adventurous spirit!
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DAY 1 // SATURDAY
Bienvenido! Upon arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, you’ll be greeted by our driver from La Riviera Hotel located only minutes away from the airport. You’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, you might be interested in a fun coffee tour with Cafe Britt. Or perhaps you would prefer to wander the streets with your camera in hand, photographaphing the city's many museums, markets and scenic areas. Stop off at the National Theatre, or one of the many miradors offering stunning views of the city! Back at the hotel, you can meet up for your first group dinner tonight.
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Included meals: None
Optional Activity: 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 // SUNDAY
Bright and early in the morning after a complimentary breakfast join the rest of the group on a scenic domestic flight to the small town of Puerto Jimenez on the Osa! This flight is very much part of the whole adventure as you soar over the lush rainforest canopy, flowing rivers and mangroves and see impressive sites like the famous Whale’s Tail in Uvita! Get your camera ready to photograph Costa Rica from the sky!
Upon landing in the small town of Puerto Jimenez, you will be welcomed by Martine, your RR Escape Adventure Host. Together, we’ll make a quick stop at a local grocery store to pick up last minute items before taking our four-wheel transport through the rainforest all the way to your beautiful ecolodge OJO DEL MAR on Matapalo beach. Matapalo is a fun little oceanfront community known for its great surfing beaches an abundant wildlife!
On this short drive, Martine will start to introduce you to this local wildlife. Maybe you'll see our famous Scarlet Macaws and monkeys! There are 4 species of monkeys in Costa Rica and all 4 can only be found here on the Osa! We consider getting you to the your lodging as your first tour of the trip so get ready as your full immersion into the rainforest is about to begin!
When we arrive at Ojo Del Mar, there will be a short welcome orientation followed by a delecious lunch, and you'll have the afternoon free to unpack, check out the property, the pool, the beach and enjoy your new home away from home!
Wind-down with your first opening circle with Martine and Jessica. Here you can sign up for all the week's activities and we will do a relaxing grounding meditation together followed by our delicious welcome dinner under the moon and stars. The evenings are a great time to relax and mingle with other fun-loving souls, play a game of cards, enjoy a campfire or look at the stars.
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Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approx. transit time: 50 minute flight + 30 minute drive to the lodge
Included activity: Opening circle and grounding meditation.
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DAY 3 // MONDAY
Start your day early with a delicious hearty breakfast. The coconut pankakes are a must! Once finished, get into 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 are headed to the core of “Matapalo” 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 hot spots where you can spot wildlife in the early morning and late afternoons when the animals are feeding.
Bring a snack and enjoy some fun time at the beach before heading back to the lodge for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, enjoy free time at the beach or lounge around the property and enjoy the pool or ocean. 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!
Just before sunset, meet us on our beautiful yoga platform for a practice. Enjoy a restorative and gentle session to realign mind, body and soul.
In the evening, we will sit together for a delicious family style dinner. 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’ll take you 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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Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included activities: Morning hike to Matapalo + Sunset Yoga & Creative Dancing + Night hike for those interested.
Approx. hike time: 4 hours easy walking including beach time
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DAY 4 // TUESDAY
Join us for an optional early am bird & wildlfe tour before breakfast. It's usually pretty impressive what you can see, as this is the time when every little creature in the forest wakes up to greet the day! After a delicious hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on a fun waterfall hike! Bear in mind that you may get fully wet on our hike up the Carbonara River. This walk is for those who like a bit of adventure mixed with swimming and hiking!
The afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the beach and ocean, or just lie back with your magazine, a good book or even a personal journal to write about all the amazing things you have seen and done during your time on the Osa. You can also try one of our fun optional activities such as surfing or waterfall rappelling!
Tonight, after dinner, grab your pillows and blankets and join us in the Yoga Shala. We invite you to experience our relaxing sound bath and a deep resting meditation that will send you to bed feeling completely relaxed and ready for a good night's sleep.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Tours: Hike to waterfall + Sound bath & Deep Rest Meditation
Approx. hike time: 3 hours total including a moderate walk along a riverbed with some ups and downs and time at the waterfall.
Optional Tours & Activities: Waterfall rappelling, Surfing or get a nice massage this afternoon.
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DAY 5 // WEDNESDAY
After breakfast, you have the option of joining us on a fun adventure or staying put and enjoying a free day to yourself!
If you choose to stay behind, you can enjoy the beach and pool, and of course try any of the optional tours or massage and spa services.
If you would prefer to explore more of this amazing peninsula with us today, we invite you to visit Bosque Del Cabo, a nearby property that is home to an abundance of wildlife. Because of it’s location, size and history, Bosque Del Cabo has become a real haven for many of the local animals. It is possible to see more wildlife here than anywhere else on the Osa! Not to mention the breathtaking views of the ocean and the coastline from over 300 feet above sea level.
Hike down to discover tide pools in the volcanic rock at low tide or cross a suspension bridge in the rainforest canopy where we have a surprise for you! After a deliciou lunch here, we’ll head back to Ojo Del Mar in the afternoon, in time for you to enjoy some rest and relaxation before meeting again for our next fun group dinner tonight.
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Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Ojo Del Mar. Or lunch at Bosque Del Cabo which is à la carte and the options are varied and delicious!
Included activity: Hike to Bosque Del Cabo. This hike is subject to availability at the lodge. If not available, we will suggest an alternative activity of equal excitement.
Approx. hike time: 3 - 4 hours easy to moderate
Transportation: Included for Bosque del Cabo
Optional activities: Massage or any other optional tour you may choose today.
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DAY 6 // THURSDAY
What’s your pleasure today? You’re free to enjoy a day at the beach, hike the famous Corcovado National Park, or head to Luna Lodge with us at the end of the road in Carate!
If a free day is what you’re looking for, stay back and enjoy some peace and quiet in Matapalo.
If you have been itching to get into the famous Corcovado National Park, this is your chance! We highly recommend taking the opportunity to explore this amazing place full of animals! The park is located between the ocean and mountains, a naturally created corridor that brings together abundant wildlife. You'll realize quickly why National Geographic Magazine calls it “the most biologically intense place on earth”! The park is home to wildcats like pumas and jaguars, as well as peccaries, tapirs and all four species of monkeys! Your hike will be led by a local guide with expert knowledge of the park so you’ll be in good hands.
Or maybe you want something a little more luxurious, but still pretty wild? If so, we'll head to the small beach town of Carate, which lies at the end of the road leading to the Corcovado National Park. Here we venture into gold mining territory as we drive up the Carate River to one of the area's most beautiful lodges: Luna Lodge.
Nestled high in the jungle canopy, Luna Lodge offers a very different rainforest experience. Try a relaxing massage in the beautiful spa room, climb up to take in the incredible views of the surrounding rainforest from the stunning yoga platform or simply wander around the gardens photographing flowers, birds and more. You can also sip a margarita by the pool and enjoy the sounds of nature all around you.
If you’ve chosen to join us in Carate today, we’ll stop at the beach for a late afternoon swim and enjoy a spectacular sunset overlooking the pacific ocean. We’ll be back in time for another scrumptious dinner and our closing circle. Although this is our last night on the Osa together, many adventures are still to come!
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Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed for those in the park or 15USD if you want to have a delicious fresh lunch at Luna Lodge - highly recommended), and Dinner.
Optional activity ($): Corcovado National Park hike (min 2 people) 100USD to 120USD per person based on how many join the hike + transportation. Visit to Luna Lodge (min 4 people) at no extra cost other than for your transportation and lunch.
Approx. hike time: Corcovado hike - You must be in good physical shape to do this 6 to 8 hour hike on mostly flat but uneven terrain with some limited elevations.
Transportation: Needed for Corcovado and Luna Lodge. Price will depend on how many join the activity.
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DAY 7 // FRIDAY
Save the best for last! This is one of our favourite days on the Osa, even though it's our last. We start the day with an incredible optional boat trip on the famous Golfo Dulce, one of the world's deepest tropical fjords! This protected body of water is home to three species of dolphins, turtles and even whale sharks! Experience the authentic beauty of the Pacific and see wildlife like you've never seen it before. Don't want to do the boat tour? You can stay on land and spend the day photographing the small town of Puerto Jimenez. Or you can visit one of our favourite restaurants in town for a relaxing morning by the pool. There is also plenty of time to photograph the flower-filled grounds and views of the Golfo Dulce. We'll meet back here for lunch after the tour.
Later in the afternoon you can try your hand at ziplining! Don't feel like ziplining? No problem, join us for lunch or take some time to photograph the small and picturesque town of Puerto Jimenez. The group will reunite for the domestic flight back to San José later in the afternoon. On arrival, a shuttle will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Here you will meet for your last fun group dinner.
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Included meals: Breakfast. Lunch will be in a local restaurant that offers you varied choices and prices. Same for dinner once back in at the hotel in San Jose.
Optional activities: Boat tour + Zip line tour
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DAY 8 // SATURDAY
Enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast at the hotel and say farewell! Actually, with us it's never goodbye, it's just "see you later"! Transfer to the international airport for your flight, or enjoy more of San José if you have time to explore!
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Included meal: Breakfast
QUESTIONS?
Contact info@rrescape.com for more details about this unique retreat escape and join us in THE most impressive and prolific rainforest in all of Central America!
We look forward to having you join us!
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. For details on the optional tours and prices, contact us.
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