For seven days, riding gets to come first.

Intermediate+ means you're comfortable on flow trails and confident on technical descents and features. All riding days are shuttle-assisted, with minimal climbing. Guides pace to the group and there's always a line to walk if you want it, but this isn't a learn-to-ride trip. If you're still not sure where you land, reach out, we'd rather talk it through with you than have you guess.

You should be comfortable riding blue trails consistently and at least some black terrain, including roots, steeper sections, berms, and technical features. You do not need to ride every feature.

You should be comfortable riding 3 to 4 hours a day, multiple days in a row. Riding is shuttle-assisted with minimal climbing, so the demand is mostly technical and physical on the descents, not endurance climbing. If you ride regularly and can handle a demanding weekend on the bike at home, you're ready for this.

We follow pre-ride, re-ride, free-ride, the safe riding standard. Each day we warm up on some new trails, go back to the ones we loved, then let it go on the lines we know. All riding is shuttle-assisted, so you get a nice break after each lap. There's fresh fruit and snacks on trail, and we finish riding around 1pm before it gets too hot.

We ride rain or shine, so come prepared. There's laundry where we stay, so if we get poured on and muddy, you can get cleaned up and fresh for the next day.

Fly into Liberia (LIR), in Guanacaste. Liberia has strong winter flight options from Canada, including nonstop service from several Canadian cities. For most of us out west, that means a short hop to Calgary and then straight through to Costa Rica, with no connection through the US. On Tuesday, February 2, book a flight that lands by about noon. The group shuttle leaves the airport by 1pm for the drive to Buen Camino, about three hours. Send us your flight details once you've booked. Your final night, February 8, is at a hotel near Liberia airport, and we arrange your ride to the airport, so you can book any flight home on February 9, including early-morning departures.

Plan to arrive the night before. That extra night is at your own cost, but we'll help you find a place near the airport and make sure our shuttle picks you up from there. Just let us know before you book.

A passport with at least 6 months left on it. At customs you'll need to share where you're staying and show a return flight that's already booked.

A modern trail or enduro bike is the best fit for this trip. Full suspension is strongly recommended. If you're unsure whether your current bike is suitable, send us the model and setup and we'll help you figure it out.

A helmet is required. We highly encourage knee pads and gloves, and any protection beyond that is up to you. A full-face helmet is a great way to stay safe and feel safe, but we understand it can be a lot in the heat. Carry your helmet on the plane rather than packing it in your luggage.

Bike rental isn't included in the retreat price, but it can be added if you need it. We'd encourage bringing your own bike if you're able to. When you book flights, confirm your airline's bike charge, since it varies a lot by carrier. You can pick up a bike box from most local bike shops, buy a hard-sided bike case secondhand on Marketplace, or ask around your riding network. Once you land, our support team helps build and pack bikes, so you're not doing it alone on either end.

Many women come solo, and our retreat groups often stay connected long after the trip. You'll meet everyone on a group video call about three months before departure, so by the time you land, these aren't strangers. If you're sharing a room, we pair you thoughtfully, and you can request a specific roommate if you're booking with a friend.

Costa Rica has good private medical care. This is also why comprehensive travel insurance with medical and MTB coverage is required for every guest, it's your real safety net if something happens. We'll send recommended providers when you book.

Your $500 CAD deposit holds your spot, and we'll set up a short welcome call to get to know you and confirm the retreat is the right fit. From there, you book flights that land in Liberia by about noon on February 2, set up travel insurance (we'll send recommended providers), and send us your flight details. About three months before the trip there's a group video call so you meet everyone. Your balance is due January 3, 2027, and you'll get a full packing and travel list about a month before you go.

Yes. We collect everyone's dietary needs before arrival and have it all ready and dealt with before you land.

Yes, there's wifi all around Buen Camino.

Not much. We tip the guides, and all meals are prepaid with tips handled by us. If you have a really great experience with your guides, you're welcome to add a small amount, around $5 to $10 USD. Both US dollars and Costa Rican colones are accepted in Costa Rica.

A $500 CAD deposit holds your spot. After you book, we'll have a short fit call, and if we determine the retreat isn't right for you, your deposit is refunded in full. Once fit is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable but transferable to another guest up to 14 days before the retreat. For the balance beyond your deposit: cancel 90+ days before departure and it's fully refunded (or held as full credit toward a future program). 60–89 days out: 25% refund or 50% credit. Under 60 days: no refund, 25% credit. This is why travel insurance is required.

No. You'll book your own flights into Liberia (LIR). Airport shuttles to and from Buen Camino are included once you land.