Costa Rica Birding Retreat
Seven days in paradise to discover the art and skill of birding.
Retreat: May 1 - 7, 2026
Plus 5-Day Optional Adventure: May 7 - 11, 2026
Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center in Samara, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
7-Day Birding Retreat in Costa Rica
(plus 5-Day Optional Adventure Add-on)
$2500 per person
Early Bird Special!
$1799 per person
( Only $500 deposit! )
CLICK THE AUDIO ICON TO TURN ON SOUND!
Want to stay longer? The 5-day Add-On Adventure is the same price as the retreat: $1,799 (early bird price)
What is the Costa Rica Birding Experience?
Spend seven days in Costa Rica, discovering the art and skill of birding, from spotting and listening to keeping field notes. With over 900 species, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities to learn.
Does this sound like you?
You’re craving time in nature & ready to step away from your computer screen and spend a week listening, watching, and learning in nature.
You’re anywhere from curious about birding to an experienced birder, and you want to deepen your skills in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
You are looking for meaningful travel, the kind that connects you with the people and world around you.
You’re ready for a mix of adventure and fun. Birding at sunrise, exploring the country, and enjoying good company along the way.
About our Event Host: Katie Triest
Katie’s love of birds began in college when a roommate taught her the call of the Red-winged Blackbird. Since then, she’s sought out birds across the globe, from Hawai’i to South Africa, and built a career around sharing that passion.
As a licensed Wild Bird Rehabilitator and former Director of Education at the Wild Bird Fund in New York City, she created hands-on programs that inspired her students to connect more deeply with nature.
Now based in Telluride, Katie continues to lead birding programs through her business The Birding Co. She’s particularly excited to bring you to Costa Rica where nearly 950 bird species have been recorded, giving you one of the richest bird-watching experiences on Earth.
Ocean Front Experience
Ocean Front
Fenix Hotel
Our guests at the Fenix Hotel enjoy stepping out of their rooms onto the white sand beach.
The property includes a small pool, hammocks and beach beds for everyone, and a quiet unpopulated beach front.
It is a WOW.
We are a 15-minute ocean stroll to the city center with 20+ restaurants. Close enough but far enough to get away from it all.
Your Room
Whether you are coming with a friend, a partner or solo, our guests enjoy an apartment-style hotel room with a main living area and full kitchen. The regular event fee for includes a shared room, with the option to upgrade to a private room for $699.
Because most of our solo attendees tend to be women, if you are man coming solo, you may need to upgrade to a private room.
All bedrooms have A/C.
What can I expect to learn?
The Daily Workshops
🪶 1. Slow Observation
Birding begins with stillness. You’ll learn how to slow down, tune in, and let the forest reveal itself—often the best sightings happen when you stop searching and start noticing.
👂 2. Listening as Seeing
In birding, your ears are as important as your eyes. You’ll practice identifying birds by their calls and songs, deepening your ability to recognize presence through sound alone.
📓 3. Awareness & Note-Taking
Observation becomes knowledge when it’s recorded. You’ll learn how to take meaningful field notes—capturing not just species names, but behavior, habitat, and patterns that tell a larger story.
🌎 4. Connection Over Collection
Birding isn’t about checklists; it’s about relationship. You’ll explore how curiosity, respect, and care for the natural world transform birdwatching into a way of belonging to place.
Your RETREAT Activities
Each day begins with morning birding, followed by a daytime adventure or free time to relax. In the afternoon, join the birding workshop to build your skills and deepen your connection to the practice. In the evenings, you can opt into community activities like dance classes, karaoke, or night swims, or simply unwind and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Margarita Party
Enjoy live music and pineapple margaritas as you watch the sunset with new friends. This is a magical night you won't want to miss. INCLUDED.
Yoga on the Beach
Enjoy yoga overlooking the beach, led by our amazing staff of yoga teachers. INCLUDED.
Hike to a Waterfall
Hike through a jungle trail to a waterfall, then cool off with a swim in the pool below. INCLUDED.
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy unlimited drinks as we chase the sunset on this magical excursion. You might see whales! OPTIONAL.
~ $80/person.
Kayak to an Island
Free activity with event purchase! Enjoy a kayak rental and tour exclusive to our group to an uninhabited island. Soak in the natural habitat, then head back for the sunset.
INCLUDED.
The 5-Day Add-On Adventure Agenda
The Optional Add-on Adventure is a 5-day tour through Costa Rica, just for participants in the retreat who want to experience more of Costa Rica. Included: Ttransportation, all breakfasts, housing, and daily activities/tours.
Please note: the Add-on Adventure Itinerary depends on time of year, weather & other circumstances. Your exact itinerary might change, but we will always keep it fun and adventure-filled!
Rio Celeste
Watch for birds as we hike through a rainforest to the turquoise Rio Celeste waterfall and its striking blue lagoon. INCLUDED.
Hanging Bridges
Stroll across hanging bridges through a cloud forest with breathtaking views. OPTIONAL.
~ $80/person
Cloud Forest Hike
Join a local birding guide for a walk through Monteverde’s world-famous cloud forest, spotting some of its most iconic species. INCLUDED.
White Water Tubing
Join us on an exhilarating adventure through lush tropical scenery, featuring stunning scenery and yes--more birds. INCLUDED.
Sloth Sanctuary
Meet adorable sloths up close and learn their stories at a serene sanctuary nestled in the rainforest.
INCLUDED.
Your Daily Retreat Itinerary
Friday
Arrive in Liberia Airport. You can rent a car at the airport (everyone speaks English) or you can coordinate a shuttle through us.
If you come in a shuttle, our favorite driver Alex will give you a mini tour of Costa Rica sights. You might see monkeys, stop at a local fruit stand, and stop to get lunch. The drive is about an hour and 45 minutes through well-paved green mountain roads.
You will probably arrive in the late afternoon/early evening, just in time to join us on the beach for dinner on the grill, under the palms. Change into your beach attire, take off your shoes, and join us in the yoga shala for a meet and greet & introductions.
Go to sleep with the sounds of the waves in your apartment on the beach.
Saturday
Start your morning with coffee by the sea, then head to the bustling local farmer’s market, a guest favorite. Browse stalls with tropical fruit, sample fresh empanadas, listen to live music, and take in the vibrant local flavor. From handmade crafts to unique souvenirs, it’s the perfect way to be introduced to Costa Rican culture.
Your first birding session begins in the afternoon with Katie as your guide. You’ll learn techniques to slow down, tune in, and really see and hear the birds around you. Expect laughter, shared discoveries, and maybe even a few moments of awe.
Evening: Explore Sámara with a photo scavenger hunt designed to help you discover your home for the week. Meet locals, find the best local haunts, and enjoy live music and free-roaming animals.
For dinner, we will walk to a beautiful ocean front restaurant to enjoy dinner and drinks while we watch the sun go down.
Sunday
Our very gentle and kind yoga instructor Ashley will lead you through a meditation, followed by a gentle morning yoga routine overlooking the ocean waves. Yoga (and all activities) are always optional.
Our morning birding excursion with Katie will include kayaking to an uninhabited island. This is a relaxing, unstrenous paddle with a partner to a close by island. You might see turtles, pelicans, sting rays in addition to birds.
For dinner, we will introduce you to our closest restaurant tucked away on a beach path--only 7 minute walk from the Fenix Hotel.
For those who enjoy night life, we will take you to local latin dance class lessons to learn Salsa or Bachata, and then join us for a bar hopping night of the best of Samara bars.
Monday
After an early birding tour this morning, you are invited to join us for yoga on the beach.
In the afternoon, strap on your hiking sandals and join us on a 30-minute hike through the jungle to a waterfall and swimming hole. Katie will point out what to watch for along the way. Prefer to keep it low key? Stay at the restaurant above the waterfall with gorgeous views and watch the weather roll by.
After dinner: Optional karaoke night at a local bar where the Sámara community comes together for lively singing in every language. Expect a mix of great voices, off-key anthems, and a big group sing-along.
Tuesday
After our morning birding, today is a rest & relax day with lots of hammock time and beach walks. Sit around the pool and chat with your new friends, sip a few Imperials, and maybe go boogie boarding.
You can book an optional massage on the beach today, and listen to the waves and feel the ocean breeze while you get a massage.
In the evening, we have an optional Dolphin and Whale watching tour scheduled. Chase the whales and the sunset in this boat tour with dancing. Drinks included.
Wednesday
After your final breakfast and morning birding excursion, head into town for a last chance to browse shops, pick up souvenirs and t-shirts, and enjoy the day with new friends.
For dinner we will celebrate our entire week together with a private Margarita party and live music provided by the lovely Zoe. This is the culmination of the retreat experience with live music and the sound of the waves under the palms.
Thursday
The 7-day retreat officially ends Thursday morning as you head back to the airport. However, many of our guests elect to join us on the optional adventure tour of Costa Rica together. Either way, you can expect that you will make travel friends for life.
Optional Add-On Adventure Itinerary
Thursday
Adventure Week is all about exploring more of what Costa Rica has to offer, and more birding opportunities. You will see the must-see's (national parks, coffee tours & sloth sanctuaries) along with a few local secrets (hot springs, thousand year-old trees, and local food favorites).
We will kick off the day in Samara with a horseback riding adventure and cross rivers to nearby beaches, strolling through lush farmland and hidden backroads to discover views along the coast.
Friday
We are jumping in the big white van and traveling to MonteVerde today! Nestled in the lush highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a world-renowned eco-destination celebrated for its breathtaking cloud forests and incredible biodiversity. Wear a jacket! The weather is much cooler up in the clouds than on the beach.
Spend your afternoon exploring the enchanting town, nestled high in the clouds, with its delightful shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants.
In the evening, you will tour the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Experience the magic of the Monteverde rainforest after dark on a guided night tour, where you’ll encounter nocturnal wildlife and the sounds of the jungle under the starry Costa Rican sky.
Saturday
Day two in Monteverde starts with with an optional Hanging Bridges Tour, walking through the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
In the afternoon, we will visit a local coffee farm and spend time with the family who runs it. Learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and dried, then try pressing sugar cane and tasting the juice, and take home freshly processed organic beans. Local coffee makes the perfect gift for friends and family.
For dinner, enjoy live music at one of the iconic tree top restaurants and enjoy the company of your new travel friends.
Sunday
We are off to Rio Celeste this morning, one of the most iconic spots in all of Costa Rica.
After a few hours of hiking, discover the mesmerizing turquoise water of Rio Celeste, a natural wonder nestled within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Complement your adventure with a visit to a Sloth Sanctuary and then relax at a nearby hot springs resort, where you'll rest after your day of hiking.
In the evening, we will head to Liberia to stay in a hotel right across the street from the airport. No need to worry about morning travel!
Monday
The event officially ends Monday morning as you fly out of Liberia Airport. You will leave with a depthy exploration of birding in Costa Rica, and travel friends for life.
Travel FAQ's
Q: What is included for the Retreat? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the retreat.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities.
All breakfasts and some dinners are included. When they aren't, we will take you on a culinary tour of our favorite restaurants in town.
Transportation to/from the airport is not included for the Retreat portion, but we are happy to coordinate a shuttle to the Fenix Hotel if you don't want to rent a car.
For the add-on adventure, transportation IS included from the Fenix Hotel, all around Costa Rica, with a drop off at the airport at the end (see below).
Q: What is included for the Add-on Adventure? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the Add-on Adventure.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities.
Breakfasts are included. For lunches & dinners, we will take you to a mix of local and well-known restaurants around the country.
All transportation from the Fenix Hotel around Costa Rica, ending at the Liberia airport is included.
Q: Can I come to just the Retreat? Just the Add-on?
Yes! You can come to just the first week: Retreat week!
Yes! You can attend both the Retreat Week and the Adventure Add-on.
Nope, you can't attend just the Adventure Add-on. This portion is not stand-alone. Everyone will already know each other. Usually about half of our Retreat guests elect to come on the Add-on Adventure.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
Q: At the retreat, how much time will be spent in workshops vs activities?
You will fly into the Liberia, Costa Rica airport.
Yes! You will need a passport.
We will have one or two workshops a day, for a few hours each day.
The rest of the day is a mix between planned activities (always optional) and rest & relaxation.
Q: Is the area safe? For solo travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for travelers. It is known as being the Swizerland of Latin America. No standing army, and the Pura Vida culture is usually very appealing to travelers.
As always when you travel, take normal precautions like walking with a buddy at night.
Q: Can I get a private room?
Yep, private rooms are available until they sell out. Just select the $699 upgrade when you check out.
If you would like a private room for the Adventure Add-on as well, you would need to upgrade for $399.
Q: What is the age group? Are kids allowed?
All adults are welcome, though most of our guests tend to be 35+. No kids or babies will be at the event.
Q: How much is airfare to Liberia Airport from the US?
$700- $1000 is normal, and we recommend checking the discount airlines directly. Southwest and Alaska have round trip flights regularly for $500.
Q: How big is Samara?
Samara is a quaint, travel-friendly beachfront town with 20+ restaurants and shops, banks, etc. It is not a party town.
Q: How far are we from town?
About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center.
Q: Can I do additional tours / excursions?
If you have dream to helicopter, zipline, or surf, we have tours for that and more. We'll have a list to choose from when you get here.
Q: Can I come early / stay after?
As long as the hotel has availability for those dates, absolutely. Contact us to book the hotel as a regular hotel guest outside of the event week. (This site is the only place to book a spot for this event.)
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Payment in full is due to book your spot. All payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event. Payments are not refundable 90 days before the event.
Q: Should I rent a car for the Retreat Week?
Yes, we recommend you rent a car, especially if you don't enjoy walking frequently. You can either rent a car at Liberia Airport to get to the retreat center, or you can take a shuttle to get to the Fenix, then rent a car in town.
If you don't want to rent a car, we can help you coordinate a shared shuttle with other guests.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! You can make a $500 down payment with the remainder due 60 days before the event.
We also accept AfterPay and Klarna (choices upon checkout). These offer monthly payment options, some without any interest.
Q: Will there be mostly solo travelers or friends & couples there?
We usually have about half solo travelers and half friends/couples. The group dynamic tends to be cohesive, so if you are coming solo, you won't be solo for long!
Q: Do I need to upgrade to a private room if I am coming with a partner or friend?
The regular retreat price is for a shared apartment. If you come solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room.
Because most of our retreat guests are women, if you are coming as a solo man, you may be required to upgrade to a private room (unless we have a second solo man coming). We will keep you updated if this is the case!
If you come with a partner or friend, you will have a choice of two Twin XL's or a king bed. You do not need to upgrade if you are coming with someone.
Q: If I have mobility issues, will I be able to do the Adventure Add-on?
Costa Rica is rugged and natural. You will need to be able to hike over rugged terrain, sometimes for extended periods. Many of our activities will include hiking and walking. If you have joint, feet, knee, or leg issues, or have difficulty walking for long periods of time over uneven terrain, we recommend attending the Retreat portion but skipping the Adventure Add-on.
