Dates:November 14-20, 2026
(6 nights, 7 days)Location:Costa Rica
Price: $5,000 USD per person
Early Bird: Save 10% if booked by April 1, 2026
Group Size: 6-12 participants (minimum 6 required)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
What to Expect: Morning birding adventures, afternoon nature experiences, luxury eco-lodge accommodation, all meals included, daily rest time built into schedule
Experience Overview
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 seven incredible days, 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 something extraordinary. 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 14-20, 2026
Arrival Day: Nov 14, 2026 (arrive at San José airport by 2pm)
Departure Day: Nov 20, 2026 (San José airport drop-off by 10am)
Price: $TBD USD per person (single occupancy)
Price $TBD USD per person (double occupancy)
Early Bird Special: Book by April 1, 2026 and save 10%
Group Size: Minimum 6 participants, maximum 12
Please note: If minimum enrollment is not met by Aug 1, 2026, the retreat will be cancelled with full refunds issued.
Coming Soon
Daily Itinerary
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Afternoon:
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Our private shuttle will transport you through stunning mountain landscapes to our luxury eco-lodge in Monteverde (approximately 3.5 hours). Settle into your comfortable accommodations with breathtaking cloud forest views.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 with birds!Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodge with private balconies overlooking cloud forestMeals:
Dinner included -
Morning:
Early wake-up for sunrise birding in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is prime time for spotting the Resplendent Quetzal—one of the world's most spectacular birds. Watch for Three-wattled Bellbirds, Emerald Toucanets, and dozens of hummingbird species. Rick will help you identify calls and spot movement in the canopy.Afternoon:
Return to the lodge for a leisurely Costa Rican breakfast. Free time to rest, read on your balcony, or enjoy the lodge's amenities. Optional: Visit the on-site butterfly garden or take a nap in a forest-view hammock.Evening:
Guided nature walk through the lodge's private trails. Learn about cloud forest ecology, medicinal plants, and the interconnected ecosystems that make this region so special. Dinner featuring local ingredients and traditional flavors.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Birding adventure on lesser-known trails where resident guides know the exact spots for target species. Potential sightings include Black-faced Solitaire, Prong-billed Barbet, and if we're lucky, the elusive Bare-necked Umbrella Bird. Rick partners with local experts who know every bend in the trail.Afternoon:
Visit a local hummingbird garden where feeders attract 15+ species. Photograph these tiny jewels hovering inches from your face—Violet Sabrewings, Green-crowned Brilliants, and Magenta-throated Woodstars. Followed by free time and lunch at the lodge.Evening:
Sunset viewing from the lodge terrace with appetizers. Optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife (frogs, insects, maybe even a Kinkajou). Dinner and relaxation.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Birding along forest edges at dawn—excellent for spotting tanagers, warblers, and flycatchers taking advantage of morning insects.Afternoon:
Cultural experience: Visit a local coffee plantation to learn about sustainable farming practices and Costa Rica's famous coffee production. Tour includes coffee tasting and lunch with a local family. Learn how conservation and agriculture coexist in this unique ecosystem.Evening:
Return to lodge for free time. Sunset birding from the property if desired. Dinner featuring farm-to-table ingredients from the morning's visit.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Early birding session targeting any species we haven't seen yet. Rick adjusts each morning based on the group's interests and "must-see" birds.Afternoon:
Experience the cloud forest from above on a hanging bridges tour. Walk suspended walkways through the canopy layer—a completely different perspective revealing birds and wildlife rarely seen from the ground. Lunch follows at a local restaurant with panoramic valley views.Evening:
Free evening at the lodge. Enjoy spa services (available at additional cost), relax in your room, or join others for casual conversation. Dinner at the lodge.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Relaxed birding session—no alarm clocks, no pressure. Walk the trails at your own pace or revisit favorite spots from earlier in the week. This is your time to soak in the final morning in paradise.Afternoon:
Free time for personal reflection, journaling, last-minute photos, or simply sitting in nature. Optional: Visit the town of Monteverde for souvenir shopping or additional coffee tasting. Final group dinner with reflections on the week.Evening:
Pack, rest, prepare for early departure tomorrow.Accommodation:
Luxury eco-lodgeMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included -
Morning:
Early breakfast and checkout. Private shuttle back to San José airport, arriving by 10am for international departures. Exchange hugs, promises to stay in touch, and memories that will last a lifetime.Meals:
Breakfast included
What's Included
Accommodation: 7 nights in luxury eco-lodge (double occupancy, private balconies)
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (Nov 12 dinner through Nov 20 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, hanging bridges tour, coffee plantation visit, nature walks, night walk
Field Resources: bird checklists, site maps, and access to Rick's field library
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Coffee, tea, juice, and water at all meals
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, laundryBinoculars:
Bring your ownTips/Gratuities:
For guides, drivers, and lodge staff (suggested amounts provided before departure)Visa Fees:
If applicable for your nationalitySingle Room Supplement:
Available for additional $500 (subject to availability)
What to Bring
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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
Notebook for species lists and journaling
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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 (lodge has hot tub)
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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 (Costa Rica uses Type A & B plugs, 120V)
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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
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You won't need fancy clothes—casual and comfortable is the vibe.
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Leave expensive jewelry at home.
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We're committed to sustainability.
Physical Fitness Level
Difficulty: Easy to 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 1-2 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.
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 (though we encourage digital detox!)
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 in comfort.