The How to Hold a Cockroach Retreat
A 7-day transformational retreat with Matthew Maxwell
January 24-31, 2027 Ayampe, Ecuador
Early bird pricing starting at $2,297
Integrate the themes of How to Hold a Cockroach into your life through reflection, connection, nature, and play!
Hi! I’m Matthew Maxwell, author of the book How to Hold a Cockroach. Join me for an intimate retreat on the coast of Ecuador, a profoundly nourishing place teaming with plant and animal life, where the ocean meets the jungle hills. The themes of the book will come alive through guided reflection, group exercises, meaningful connection, quiet, adventure, and play!
Together, we will explore how we hold ourselves, our lives, our past, our future, and the world around us, and what becomes possible when we invite deeper levels of curiosity, compassion, and hope. I am so excited to share this experience with you.
Retreat Highlights
Experiential work with Matthew Maxwell
Explore the central themes of How to Hold a Cockroach through guided reflection, interactive exercises, and group experiences designed to help you experience a life of freedom, compassion, peace, and hope.
A Small, Connected Group of Friends
This retreat is intentionally intimate, with time for real conversation, shared meals, laughter, personal reflection, and friendships that last far beyond this time together.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Nature Experiences
Spend time in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful coastal regions. Join us for activities like horseback riding, a jungle hike, surfing, and a majestic boat tour to Isla de la Plata, home to blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and other extraordinary wildlife.
Beautiful Surroundings and Excellent Food
Stay at Vistamar, a peaceful retreat center in the oceanside village of Ayampe, surrounded by ocean, jungle hills, and locally sourced wholesome foods. 
Tucked along Ecuador’s peaceful Pacific coast, Ayampe is a small beach village known for its wild natural beauty, laid-back rhythm, and grounding energy. Nestled between lush jungle and untouched coastline, it offers the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect, and be fully present. Days here move with the sound of the waves, the warmth of those who call it home, and the quiet magic of a place that still feels off the beaten path.
Our retreat will be held at Vistamar Retreat Center in the heart of Ayampe. Surrounded by tropical greenery, a nature preserve, and just a short walk from the beach, Vistamar blends rustic coastal charm with comfort, care, and intentional gathering spaces. With open-air areas, cozy accommodations, nourishing meals, and nature all around, it creates the ideal home base for rest, reflection, connection, and transformation.
The Place
Pricing
Deluxe Private Room with Private Bath: $2,997
Deluxe Shared Room with Private Bath: $2,545
Early Bird discount! Receive $250 off the above prices if you register by August 31, 2026
What You Will Walk Away With
A transformed relationship with yourself.
New ways of experiencing life.
A deeper sense of compassion, acceptance, freedom, and love.
Supportive new friendships.
Memories of amazing adventures and new experiences.
…And some How to Hold a Cockroach swag!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this retreat for?
The HTHAC Retreat is for thoughtful, growth-oriented people who feel drawn to themes of freedom, compassion, curiosity, and fun! If the story of How to Hold a Cockroach resonated with you, this is for you!
What can I expect during the retreat?
Expect a thoughtfully curated week of transformational group sessions, nature outings, contemplative practices, delicious meals, and opportunities for genuine rest and connection! The retreat is designed to be both restorative and transformational.
What is included in the retreat price?
Your retreat package includes:
7 nights of comfortable accommodations at the Vistamar All-Inclusive Retreat Center
Vistamar’s expert concierge & guides
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Daily yoga sessions facilitated by experienced local instructors in the ocean-view shala, with all equipment provided on-site
Daily guided meditation sessions and transformational group workshops led by author and life coach Matthew Maxwell
Art supplies and workshop materials
Welcome gifts
Nature excursions, including horseback riding, a boat trip to Isla de la Plata (the “Mini Galapagos”), hiking, and snorkeling
Unique activities such as sound baths, cacao ceremonies… and a few surprises!
Ground transportation to all excursions and activities
What is NOT included in the retreat price?
Airfare to/from Guayaquil, the closest major airport
Ground transportation from Guayaquil to Ayampe
Travel insurance (mandatory for all participants)
When does the retreat start and end?
Plan to arrive to Ayampe by 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 17 and to leave at 11:00 am on Sunday, January 24.
Transportation to and from the Guayaquil airport takes about 3 hours and is not included in the registration fee. We are happy to help you arrange safe, comfortable options.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel more than 45 days before the retreat, your payment will be refunded minus a $500 non-refundable cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 45 days of the retreat are non-refundable. If we are able to fill your spot, we may offer a partial refund or a credit toward a future retreat at our discretion.
Should I read the book before attending?
It wouldn’t hurt!
Will I have to hold an actual cockroach?
Nope! But there are plenty of these beautiful creatures to make friends with in this part of the world, if you want to.
What payment options do you offer?
You may pay in full at the time of registration using a debit or credit card, or you may select our installment payment option.
The installment payment option is available for registrations made on or before September 16. Under the installment plan, your first payment is due at the time of purchase, followed by two equal interest-free monthly installment payments. All payments must be completed in full before the start date of the retreat.
Ready to give yourself the gift of a lifetime?
Reserve Your Spot
Still have questions? Please reach out!
