Whether you’re an avid yogi or trying to understand the difference between cat and cow poses, heading on a sustainable yoga retreat in Guatemala is the perfect way to delve deeper into your practice. However, even if you’ve never been on a yoga mat, your mind and body can both benefit from experiencing slow travel while immersed in Guatemala culture.
That combination is precisely what I experienced this summer with Traverse Journeys. Not only do I appreciate their sustainable travel model, but I always come back from their trips — this was my third venture with them — with a different mindset while gaining a love for the place I’ve visited.
Here are seven reasons you should experience the Guatemala itinerary during their yoga retreat. (There’s a bonus packing list, too!)
7 Reasons to Experience a Yoga Retreat in Guatemala
Yoga time in Guatemala by Jennifer Prince
Refresh during daily yoga practice
Our yoga and wellness retreat took place for 5 days and 6 nights in a sustainably built retreat center overlooking Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. This peaceful haven was surrounded by conical peaks and lush greenery, making it the perfect place to unwind with daily yoga practices.
It’s no secret that yoga is beneficial to the body and helps clarify the mind. This is especially important while traveling. I really enjoyed the balance between relaxation and adventure on this yoga retreat in Guatemala. Morning and evening yoga practices were a great way to unwind after touring Guatemala in the day.
And of course, the yoga sessions were optional. I also truly appreciate that the yoga instructors allow you to go at your own pace. You can always adjust or skip a position if necessary or retreat to child’s pose if you need to take a breath.
Ride to local community by Jennifer Prince
Make new friends during the retreat
One thing you might not expect is that the daily yoga sessions coupled with your immersive Guatemalan experience help bond the group together quickly. Yoga breaks the ice and allows for conversation to flow more easily, and you can continue those conversations as you go through the Lake Atitlan itinerary together.
Connection is especially helpful if you enjoy solo female travel as it’s the ideal way to travel alone while meeting up with a group of new friends to experience a destination.
Fire Ceremony with the Mayans by Jennifer Prince
Reset your intentions with a Mayan fire ceremony
The Mayan fire ceremony is definitely one of the highlights of the trip, and it begins the retreat with an ancient part of Guatemalan culture. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the main thing I appreciated was that anyone from any religion — or lack thereof — could gain something from the fire ceremony. The time was led by a Mayan shaman, who laid natural items, such as corn and flowers, in a circular pit.
Everything was set on fire, and we all gave blessings as we tossed ceremonial things into the fire and the shaman talked us through the steps. Our time focused on gratefulness, self-love, and understanding, all with the premise of resetting our intentions and balancing energy. The ceremony was hands-down one of my favorite experiences on the trip.
Gain a deeper understanding of Guatemalan culture
Market place in Guatemala by Jennifer Prince
Again, one treasured thing about Traverse’s slow travel itineraries is that they immerse you into the culture. While there, we visited the gardens of Atitlan Organics, which provides organic food for the local community. We gained a deeper understanding of the women of Guatemala as we heard their personal stories, learned about cacao, and ate a home-cooked meal together.
Our guide and hotel manager also introduced us to his youth skateboarding outreach. Learning about the locals and interacting with them instead of simply being tourists is always a plus in my book.
Nancy by the Pool by Jennifer Prince
Use free time to personalize your Guatemala itinerary
The schedule on this Yoga retreat in Guatemala has built-in free time, which was a great way to experience other parts of the surrounding Lake Atitlan region. I enjoyed perusing the shops and restaurants along Hippie Highway in San Marcos (we even got massages!), which is a fun — albeit bumpy — tuk-tuk ride away from the accommodations. However, there is also time to explore other towns on the lake.
Once you board the boat in San Marcos, you can go anywhere on the lake to eat, shop, or simply roam around.
Morning Breakfast in the Eco-Lodge by Jennifer Prince
Stay and eat in an eco oasis
Most of our meals, especially breakfast and dinner, took place at our accommodation, and the food was healthy and delicious. Using fresh ingredients from Atitlan Organics, the chef made unique creations that ranged from simple — such as a beautiful salad with greens and flower petals — to the more complex.
The retreat center also had an open-air feel with gorgeous views and was constructed using resources from the local area. I definitely ate and slept well! There is even a sauna on site, which you can follow with a cold water plunge if you dare (I did!).
Lake Exploring by Jennifer Prince
Visit and play at a permaculture community
One of my favorite days involved riding the boat across the lake to explore the open-air market and enjoy a street food breakfast. That was followed by a ride to Santiago to visit the permaculture community.
There we learned about how the farm is self-sustaining. We even had time to play in their swimming pools fed by natural water sources. It was a fabulous time of laughing and bonding, followed by a delicious meal with ingredients grown on-site.
What to Pack for Your Guatemala Itinerary
I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate a bit of packing advice from those who have been there. I always try to go well-prepared, but I learn a few things about what I wish I had taken along. So, beyond everyday items (toiletries, undies, etc.), here are a few things I suggest taking along to a yoga retreat in Guatemala.
Let ready for adventure by Jennifer Prince
Hat for days when you’ll be on the boat, roaming the town, or hiking.
Sunscreen and sunglasses to take to Santiago and other times when you’ll be in the sun.
Chacos or similar shoes that can get wet yet have a study bottom, especially when hiking to the waterfall.
Backpack or small, easy-to-carry bag for day trips and water-centric days.
Refillable water bottle to save on plastic waste. If you’re concerned about water, the retreat center filters the water multiple times to be safe for drinking. Consider a water filter as well!
Quetzals (Guatemalan currency) for shopping from street vendors, riding the boats, and hiring tuk-tuks. Many don’t take credit cards (and transportation services only accept cash), so be sure to change money. Quetzals are also preferred for tipping, and you can change money at the airport or go to the ATM.
Comfortable clothes for yoga. Take whatever helps you be comfy while stretching.
Bathing suit to wear to permaculture and if you want to head into the sauna and then plunge.
Light jacket for cooler nights, potential rain, and sun protection if needed.
Boat ride with the whole crew by Jennifer Prince
Whether you enjoy solo travel or want to plan a romantic getaway (or honeymoon!) or simply go on a trip with a few close friends, Traverse Journey’s yoga retreat in Guatemala is the perfect choice. Not only will you have a sustainable travel experience, but you’ll be immersed in Guatemalan culture as you learn about the land and a bit about yourself along the way. The people-planet-purpose mantra of Traverse Journeys truly shines with their Guatemala itinerary.
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