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YOUR RETREAT 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 verdant trails to cascading waterfalls, explore Corcovado National Park teaming with its exotic wildlife, stay in a beautiful eco-lodge, eat fresh, delicious food, practice yoga with Christine and Julie under the lush rainforest canopy and overlook the warm Pacific Ocean in the distance. Be enchanted by the intense beauty of Mother Nature and manifest what you want to manifest. This is the place to do it!
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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. Most days, before breakfast and before sunset, you will have the opportunity to participate in fun yoga classes and activities with Christine and Julie. We will then complement the yoga part of your escape with additional walks and activities that will introduce you to this unique and enchanting destination. Just bring your walking shoes and your appetite for adventure!
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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. Christine and Julie will be at the hotel restaurant to greet you!
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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 the small town of 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 LUNA LODGE.
On this 90 minute drive, Martine will start to introduce you to the local wildlife in the area. 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 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 Luna Lodge, there will be a short welcome orientation followed by a delicious lunch, and you'll have the afternoon free to unpack, check out the property, the pool and enjoy your new home away from home!
Wind down with your first opening circle and a beautiful sunset yoga class followed by our yummy welcome dinner under the moon and stars.
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Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approx. transit time: 50 minute flight + 90 minute drive to the lodge
Included activity: Yoga with your teacher(s). We have plenty yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets.
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DAY 3 // MONDAY
Start your day early with a quick bite at our breakfast bar, have some tea or coffee and head to your first morning yoga session. After your rejuvenating practice, enjoy a full hearty breakfast. 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 “Carate town” 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. 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: AM Yoga + Morning hike to Carate + Sunset Yoga + Night hike for those interested.
Approx. hike time: 4 hours easy walking including beach time.
NOTE: Beach transfers are included if you are participating in one of our included tours. If you'd like to go to the beach on your own, please arrange your transfer with the reception and the cost will be added to your room. It's only a few dollars return and well worth it.
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DAY 4 // TUESDAY
Start your day with an early morning session or join us for an optional early am bird tour before breakfast. After a delicious hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on a fun waterfall hike! This walk is for those who like a bit of adventure mixed with swimming and hiking! We'll also surprise you with our fun interactive spa treatment!
The afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the beach and ocean or just lie back with your magazine, journal, or a good book by the pool. You can also treat yourself to a massage, body or facial treatment at the lodge. The spa is open daily for you to enjoy!
Sunset yoga classes are on the menu each evening overlooking the rainforest and ocean in the distance.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Tours: AM yoga + Hike to waterfall + Sunset yoga Approx. hike time: 2 to 3 hours including time at the waterfall. Note that there is a moderate walk down and then back up to the lodge on uneven terrain. Optional Tours ($): Early am bird tour. Price is based on group size.
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DAY 5 // WEDNESDAY
After your invigorating daily morning yoga session and breakfast, you have the option of joining us on a fun adventure or staying put and enjoying a free day.
If you choose to stay back, you can enjoy the beach, the pool and of course try any of our local optional tours.
If you'd like to explore more of this amazing peninsula with us today, we invite you to take a fun day trip to Matapalo, a small beach community located about an hour from Luna Lodge on the way back towards Puerto Jimenez. This spot is well known for its great surf, abundant wildlife and beautiful beaches. Here you can choose to hike with us, take a surf class, try some horseback riding, or even go waterfall rappelling! Together we'll work out the best menu for the group based on everyone's preferences.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head back to Luna Lodge, in time for you to enjoy another fun group dinner tonight.
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Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Luna Lodge. Packed lunch for those going to Matapalo.
Included tour: Hiking in Matapalo with our RR Escape guides. Optional tours in Matapalo ($): Surfing lessons 65USD, Horseback riding (price varies based on time and route) Waterfall rappelling 99USD. Transportation: +/- 75USD per person return plus a small extra for those doing the waterfall rappelling. The actual cost of the transfers will be determined by the number of participants joining us in Matapalo today. Minimum 4 people required. Optional activities at Luna ($): Massages or any other optional tours that you may choose today. We highly recommend the kayaking on the nearby lagoon.
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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 simply enjoy a full day of chill time at Luna Lodge.
If a free day is what you’re looking for, stay back and enjoy some peace and quiet at the lodge. You'll have access to the pool, trails and spa treatments.
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. The entrance to the park is only a few minutes away and cost of the guide will be added to your tab.
If there is enough interest in the group for a shorter hike to the trailhead and back, you can join us on a complimentary 2 hour walk to discover an area often rich in wildlife! We can then stop on the beach for some relaxing time before heading back up for lunch. If you choose the shorter walk today, you'll also have time for a morning yoga class with your instructor(s), breakfast and then back for lunch and your afternoon class.
We’ll be back later this evening for another scrumptious dinner. Although this is our last night on the Osa together, many adventures are still to come! ____________________________________________________________
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner. Lunch will be packed for those that join the full Corcovado Day Hike.
Included tour: Short day hike to trailhead with our guides from RR Escape. You'll get some fun beach time and then back for lunch. Optional tour ($): Guided Corcovado National Park hike (min 2 people) 100USD to 120USD per person based on how many join the hike. You must be in good physical shape to do this 4 to 8 hour hike on mostly flat but uneven terrain with some limited elevations. The group will choose together how far in you will go as you must come back out on the same trail. Transportation: Included.
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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 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 zip-lining! 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.
Extra meals: Lunch will be held 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!
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. For details on the optional tours and prices, contact us for more details.
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