Dates:November 14-22, 2026
(8 nights, 9 days)Location:Costa Rica
(Pacific Coast, Cloud & Rain Forests, Highlands)
Price: $6,495 USD per person
(based on double occupancy)
Includes:All Accommodations in 4 Star accommodations, All Food & Air Conditioned Luxury Vans.
(See full itinerary below)
Group Size: 6-12 participants
(minimum 6 required)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
(see physical fitness level below)
What to Expect: Morning birding adventures, afternoon nature experiences, luxury eco-lodge accommodation, all meals included, daily rest time built into schedule
Why is this a retreat and not a tour?
Escape to one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems where emerald green canopies meet misty mountain air. This isn't a rushed checklist tour—it's a week of discovery, rest, and connection in the heart of Costa Rica's legendary cloud forests.
Over 9 incredible days and 8 nights, you'll wake to the songs of over 400 bird species, spot the legendary Resplendent Quetzal in its natural habitat, watch hummingbirds hover at eye level, and explore trails where every turn reveals a new bird or maybe a sloth. Between birding adventures, you'll have time to breathe, rest in hammocks overlooking the forest, enjoy exceptional Costa Rican cuisine, and remember what it feels like to truly unwind.
This retreat balances birding with cultural immersion, nature walks, fantastic local food, and plenty of quiet time in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth. Come for the birds. Stay for the reset your soul desperately needs.
Dates & Booking
Retreat Dates: Nov 14 - 22, 2026
Arrival Day: Nov 14, 2026 - arrive at San José airport (SJO) by 5pm
Departure Day: Nov 22, 2026 - San José airport (SJO) leave anytime this day
Price $6,495 per person (baesd on double occupancy)
Single Supplement $1,050. Contact Rick if you are travelling solo and want to be matched with another traveller to pay the double occupancy rate.
Group Size: Minimum 6 participants, maximum 12
Daily Itinerary
-
Afternoon:
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Our private airport shuttle will transport you to our Hotel near the Airport. If you arrive before dinner, you can explore the hotel gardens are relax at the hotel pool.Evening:
Welcome dinner featuring fresh Costa Rican cuisine. Meet your fellow birders, hear Rick's overview of the week ahead, and enjoy your first taste of pura vida living. Early bedtime encouraged—tomorrow morning starts our Costa Rican Adventure.Accommodation:
Boutique Hotel near airport with restaurant on-site, gardens & pool.Meals:
Dinner included -
Morning:
Early wake-up for transportation down to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.Afternoon:
Lunch at a birding lodge where we get our first taste of Costa Rican iconic species such as Scarlet Macaw, Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-throated Magpie Jay & Cinnamon Hummingbird.Evening:
Our first Owl excursion featuring four types of Owls: Black and White Owl, Spectacled Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl & Pacific Screech Owl. The night is topped off with a Common Potoo.Accommodation:
Luxury Hotel & SpaMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Birding heaven where the ocean meets the rainforest. Esquipulas lodge is home to 350 species including King Vulture, White-crested Coquette, Shining Honeycreeper, 4 types of Manakins, & Toucans.Afternoon:
Free time to explore the hotel property and their pool & spa (add-on). The hotel is also just steps from the Pacific Ocean if you wanted a beach walk or take a dip.Evening:
Mangrove Boat Tour along the rivers & lagoons. This special trip is our chance to find the Boat-billed Heron, Cocos Booby, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher & Amazon Kingfisher.Accommodation:
Luxury Hotel & SpaMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Birding near the hotel and Manuel Antonio National Park. This area is prime 3-toed Sloth territory!Breakfast at Hotel and check-out.
This will be our longest drive (3 hours) to the Cloud Forest. We will stop for lunch at a beautiful overlook where 30 types of Hummingbirds have been seen in addition to Red-headed Barbet, Silver-throated Tanager, Speckled Tanager & Golden-hooded Tanager.
Afternoon & Evening:
Arrive in Cloud Forest, check into our Luxury Hotel & relax. Options to explore the hotel grounds and nearby river which hosts American Dipper & Torrent Tyrant.Dinner featuring farm-to-table dining at hotel restaurant
Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Very early start to track down the most beautiful bird in the world (according to Rick), the Resplendent Quetzal. This is the GEM of the trip.Afternoon:
Optional trip to the top of the Mountain (3rd highest peak in Costa Rica). This is where we can find Timberline Wren, Volcano Junco & Volcano Hummingbird. The winds are howling and the hike is steep!Options to stay back at the hotel and enjoy your hammock!
Evening:
Dinner at the lodge & nightime Owl excursion looking for the Unspotted Saw-whet Owl, Dusky Nightjar & Bare-shanked Screech Owl.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Relaxed early morning birding session, we visit a garden set up for birders & bird photographers. Fruit stations and flowering bushes attract all gorgeous hummingbirds and tanagers for close up views. The garden offers tea & coffee to chill and enjoy the morning.Breakfast back at our hotel and check-out to drive to our final destination: The Highland Ranch. Stop in Urban area to find daytime roosting American Barn Owl & Pacific Screech Owl.
Afternoon:
Free time for personal reflection, journaling, exploring the Highland Ranch.Evening:
Farm to Table Dinner at the Ranch.Accommodation:
Mid-level eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Early start to bird the trails at The Highland Ranch. This is one of the TOP HOTSPOTS in all of Costa Rica with over 528 species seen. Seeing 100 species in a day is a common occurrence here. Top targets are the Lovely Cotinga, Rufous-crested & Black-crested Coquette & Snowcap.Afternoon:
Excursion to nearby rivers to track down a Sun-bitternEvening:
Farm to Table Dinner at the Ranch.Night Tour to find nocturnal species of Toads, Tree frogs, mammals & owls.
Accommodation:
Mid-level eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Early start with checkout of The Ranch and transportation to nearby hotspot of El Copal.The lodge, trails & gardens of El Copal are famous in Costa Rican birding. This lodge has hosted some of the rarest Costa Rican birds ever seen. We will get breakfast upon arrival and have a chance to watch the birds with coffee in hand overlooking their gardens.
You have the option to stay on the veranda or walk the trails to find elusive Antpittas and soaring Black Hawk-Eagles.
Afternoon:
Drive back to San Jose and stop at gift shops and clean up any urban bird species.Evening:
Back to our airport Hotel for Dinner and Wrap up sessioin.Accommodation:
Boutique Hotel near airport with restaurant on-site, gardens & pool.Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
breakfast at Hotel and depart anytime today.
What's Included
Accommodation: 8 nights in luxury eco-lodges
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (Nov 14 dinner through Nov 22 breakfast)
Ground Transportation: Private shuttle from/to San José airport, all local transportation during retreat
Expert Guidance: Rick Szabo and local naturalist guides throughout
Park & Reserve Fees: All entrance fees to National Parks & Private Reserves
Activities: All birding excursions, Boat Trip, Owl Tours, Night Walks
Field Resources: bird checklists, site maps, and access to Rick's field library
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Coffee, tea, juice, and water at all meals
Checklists: Daily checklists of all bird species. You’ll get to bring home a souvenir checklist of the trip.
What's NOT Included
International Flights:
Airfare to/from San José, Costa Rica (SJO)Travel Insurance:
Highly recommended; participants responsible for their own coverageAlcoholic Beverages:
Available for purchase at lodge and restaurantsPersonal Expenses:
Souvenirs, additional snacks, spa services, laundryTips/Gratuities:
For guides, drivers, and lodge staff (suggested amounts provided before departure)Visa Fees:
If applicable for your nationality
What to Bring
-
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended)
Camera with zoom lens if you enjoy bird photography
Field guide to Costa Rican birds (optional—Rick has references available)
Small backpack for daily excursions
-
Waterproof rain jacket (cloud forest = occasional mist and rain)
Lightweight long pants for morning birding (2-3 pairs)
Moisture-wicking shirts (avoid cotton; choose quick-dry fabrics)
Warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings (temps can dip to 60°F/15°C)
Comfortable hiking shoes with good tread (trails can be muddy)
Sandals or comfortable shoes for evenings at the lodge
Sun hat and sunglasses
Swimsuit (Ocean & Hotels have pools)
-
Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
Insect repellent (natural formulas work well)
Reusable water bottle
Headlamp or small flashlight for night walks
Personal medications and basic first aid supplies
Power adapter not needed, Costa Rica uses the same power as North America
-
Spotting scope if you have one (not necessary but nice for distant views). Rick will bring a scope for the group to use.
Comfortable travel pillow for the shuttle ride
What NOT to Bring
-
You won't need fancy clothes—casual and comfortable is the vibe.
-
Leave expensive jewelry at home.
-
Costa Rica and Birding With Rick are committed to sustainability.
Physical Fitness Level
Difficulty: Moderate
This retreat is accessible to most fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable with:
Walking 2-4 miles per day on uneven terrain
Standing for 2-3 hours during birding sessions
Occasional uphill sections on forest trails
Humid conditions and variable weather
Good News: You set your own pace. If you need to rest during a walk, no problem. If you want to skip an optional activity, that's completely fine. This isn't a race—it's a retreat.
Birding Ability: Beginner Birders are welcome on all of Rick’s Tours. You will feel welcomed and appreciated no matter your bird experience.
Accessibility Note: Some trails have stairs and uneven surfaces. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss accommodations.
Accommodation
You'll stay at a carefully selected luxury eco-lodge nestled in the cloud forest. Expect:
Private rooms with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms
Balconies or terraces with forest views
Hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi
On-site dining with farm-to-table cuisine
Communal spaces for relaxation and socializing
Commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship
This isn't roughing it—this is nature + luxury.
Important: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 12 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 6 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Please note: If minimum enrollment is not met by Aug 1, 2026, the retreat will be cancelled with full refunds issued.