Global Journeys Inc.

Itinerary

The Costa Rican Rainforest: Retreat and Renewal

This itinerary is not set in stone; it is merely to give you a general idea of what we will be doing. So, please remember to allow for changes that will better suit your needs and interests and allow for flexibility on internal dates and times.

Everything we offer is optional, so if you prefer to do something different than we offer, we will do our best to meet your wishes.

Day One You arrive in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Foreign travelers are warmly welcomed, so going through customs is quite simple and efficient. We will be waiting for you as you exit the airport doors and we’ll take you to a hotel near the airport. After checking in you may take a refreshing dip in the pool, drink some freshly squeezed fruit juices, enjoy your favorite cocktail and eat your first Costa Rican meal. If you so desire, we’ll take you on a short walk to visit the local neighborhood or you may choose to sit back and relax.

Day Two  Some of you flying Frontier will arrive on day 2. After arrival or following breakfast ,  you are on your way to one of the most splendid areas in Costa Rica. We drive you through San Jose so you can get the flavor of this bustling, exciting city and for the remainder of the morning you are be on a scenic rainforest road, which climbs to the highest elevation in this region. This is a beautiful picturesque drive that will take you through cloud forests, charming villages, and dazzling natural beauty.  We stop for lunch at a restaurant with scrumptious meals and spectacular vistas. A short drive after lunch, takes you to our destination. Once there, you check into a splendid eco-lodge nestled in the rain forest with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

The eco-lodge is your home base for the remainder of the trip.  You take excursions and explore your personal renewal possibilities from there. Upon arrival you may unpack, get comfortable and enjoy the spectacular setting. You may take hikes through the primal rain forest, go to a secluded beach and practice surfing, play in the welcoming waves, or just sip on some fresh juice, relax and enjoy the view. After dinner we have our introductory session on “Personal Empowerment and Enrichment.”

Day Three  Begin this  day with an early morning awakening exercise created to support you in taking charge of your day and declaring clear intentions for yourself. Then, move into a “Body Awareness” yoga-session intended to support you in connecting and celebrating your physical body. After breakfast, take some time for yourself as you re-read and review the “Voice of Knowledge” book.

The afternoon is open for swimming, boogie boarding or hiking. After dinner you immerse yourself in a two hour discussion session on “Getting What You Deserve” based on the Voice of Knowledge.

Day Four After breakfast  continue your day by visiting an 800 acre protected reserve with over 300 bird species, more than 50 types of animals, mangroves and marvelous primary and secondary rainforest. You have a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest from the perception of a bird. In the “Flight of the Toucan” you are harnessed and connected to a safety-inspected cable by an experienced guide and you gently glide, experiencing the canopy of the forest much like a toucan would, flying from tree to tree. You get to “fly” with this secure system to eight different stations encountering a variety of trees and plants.

You have some personal time after lunch and then you gather in the kitchen for a presentation on “Healthy Food Intake”. Everyone cooks a community meal together and end the evening with a “Creating a Powerful Vision Session”.

Day Five  Meditation  and Yoga is offered in the morning, the remainder of the morning is open for hiking, swimming or ??…depending on the group and individual desires, we may go to a different beach, hike through a different section of the rain forest, do some large group fun games, individual time, etc. We will decide together what everyone would like to do and offer options for the afternoon. The evening will be focused on “Being Happy in Your Life” based on the book “The Heart of Happiness” from his Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Day Six An exciting day of horseback riding and waterfalls - This morning you meet a local family who guides you on a splendid horseback ride to some amazing waterfalls. The horseback ride is perfect for beginners and they also have spirited horses for the more advanced riders. You experience a variety of forest environments as you ride through this large “finca”. Halfway through the ride you arrive at the home of the owner where you are served a delicious home-cooked breakfast. After your meal you continue your ride and arrive at some incredible waterfalls. At the base of the falls is a refreshing lagoon in which to swim and an opportunity for the more daring to climb the falls and dive from the rock ledges. After ample time for swimming, playing and enjoying the spectacular views, ride back to the ranch house for an appetizing lunch. After a satisfying meal, ride back, returning to the eco-lodge. You then have time to play on the beach, refresh yourself in the water hole in the river or simply relax and even take a nap.

In the evening we have a session and focus on “Inventing Possibilities in Our Life” based on the movie “The Secret”

Day Seven The day dawns with another “awakening” activity followed by a session where you are invited to literally stretch your boundaries of how you see yourself and how you make decisions in your life. Then, you have a wonderful opportunity to play in the waves, do a little boogie boarding and surfing.

In the afternoon you may choose from a variety of activities including: visiting the local hamlet of Dominical. This area is well known to surfers for its continual, powerful waves. There are a few small shops and a couple of places to enjoy your favorite fresh juice or beverage. In the evening you get on opportunity to explore what being extraordinary is about in your life.

Day Eight A day of completion...After your morning meal, you have an opportunity to embrace your experience of this memorable journey through the Closing Circle. This activity allows you to complete the experience of this journey and have a chance to embrace the possibilities of what you choose to bring into your life from the lessons you have chosen to receive.

You leave the southwest coast and travel towards the central highlands to San Jose. In this bustling city, you have an opportunity to immerse yourself with the locals ("Ticos") as you visit the "market", do any last minute shopping, or simply be part of this delightful culture. This last evening together also serves as an opportunity to bring your lessons into the world.

Day Nine  A day of departure from this colorful country. You are escorted to the airport at whatever time works best for you. If you choose to extend your stay, we'll be happy to help you with those arrangements.