GUATEMALA WELLNESS RETREAT
6-DAY GUATEMALA YOGA RETREAT
RENEW YOUR SPIRIT WHILE IMMERSED IN NATURE AND LOCAL CULTURE
Trip Highlights
Stay in a jungle eco lodge
Take part in a Mayan fire ceremony
Learn about cacao, permaculture & regenerative agriculture
Practice daily yoga with options for kayaking, hiking and paddle boarding
Explore local Guatemalan villages
Perched on a volcanic crater lake surrounded by sweeping conical peaks, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and its stunning vistas of are sure to take your breath away. Our gorgeous retreat center is the perfect sanctuary from which to base our inward and outward explorations. During the 6-day retreat, you’ll have daily yoga classes and facilitated workshops, offering the opportunity to connect within while exploring the unique culture around you. An expansive yoga deck opens onto breathtaking views of the lake and common areas. A library and onsite sauna give you space to connect and realign the mind and body. You’ll also enjoy farm-to-table meals made with organic and locally grown food. Limited road access means that much of the lake's small villages are only accessible by boat, creating a peaceful haven where connection thrives, and life moves at a slow pace. With prevalent Mayan communities in the region, strong indigenous traditions still prevail, and throughout the itinerary you are introduced to local healing and spiritual wellness traditions that complement the local spirit of sustainability and abundance.
Book our 6-day Guatemala Retreat starting at $2495 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
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STARTING AT $2495
November 11-16, 2024 with Leti Alvarez
July 7-12, 2025 with Michele Fajkus
6-day Guatemala retreat with an experienced Retreat Leader
4-16 people
Trip Inclusions
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5 nights at an idyllic and sustainably-built retreat center
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Airport transfer to/from La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Vehicle transit to/from included activities
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Daily yoga and meditation
Yoga props like bolsters, cork yoga mats & handmade yoga blocks
Onsite sauna
Opportunity to hike, visit local villages & natural pools
Cacao and chocolate-making workshop
Organic farm tour and waterfall hike
Mayan Fire Ceremony
Sound healing session
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Three meals a day, plus coffee/tea, two snacks, and dessert
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Engagement session with our community partner + donation to their organization
Special gift from our March 2024 & November 2024 trip sponsor Baja Basics
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
Dedicated Traverse host throughout trip
Small group experience, max 16 people
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Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock-climbing, hiking, acro-yoga & more
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International airfare
Alcohol, unless specified
Tips to your local guide, Traverse host, drivers, etc.
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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After your flight arrival (no later than 1 pm), transportation will be provided from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to your lodgings perched among the lush surrounds of stunning Lake Atitlan. Enjoy the scenic drive (~3.5 hours) as you travel across Guatemala’s unique mountainous landscape. You’ll then take a 20-minute boat ride to the private dock of our retreat center.
As you arrive to our retreat accommodations, you’ll have the opportunity to settle in and relax. The naturally built retreat center that you’ll call home for the week is centered on permaculture and regenerative living concepts and comes complete with spacious rooms, private bathrooms, hot water, wifi, and balconies with beautiful views of the lake and volcanoes.
Gathering together this evening we’ll enjoy a soothing yoga session to unwind from a day of travels. Following that, enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner full of fresh, organic ingredients with Guatemalan flavors, while connecting with one another to introduce intentions for the journey ahead.
Meals: D
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To begin our first full day together we’ll embark on a ceremonial journey led by a Mayan Shaman. The ancient Mayan Fire Ceremony will help us explore the energy of the our time together according to the Maya calendar. Our Shaman will walk us through this beautiful and sacred ritual full of color, fragrant incenses, and flowers. During the ritual guests are invited to make offerings and give thanks to the fire, while also setting intentions for our week together.
Following the ceremony, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast together. Then it’s time to explore your surroundings with a fascinating tour of the organic gardens at a nearby farm as well as a beautiful hike to a secret waterfall. During this walking tour you’ll also learn about our Community Partner, WellKind.
After returning you’ll dive in to a tasty late lunch and enjoy some afternoon downtime to relax and connect with your environment. Perhaps a dip in the refreshing lake waters is in order! In the evening you’ll gather for an uplifting yoga session followed by another delicious dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Notes: If you opt to do the waterfall hike, know that it can be a bit challenging depending on recent rains – be sure to wear good hiking shoes with solid traction, and plan to hike for a little less than an hour.
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Begin your morning with refreshing yoga class, allowing you to connect within. After a delicious breakfast you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an immersive experience learning about cacao at the home of a leader in a local cacao women’s collective. Upon arrival you’ll enjoy a welcome drink and begin to learn about this unique project that prioritizes local empowerment and regenerative practices, while also gaining an in-depth look into the cacao making process and history. You’ll discover a variety of uses and benefits of cacao, such as its deep connection to many aspects of Mesoamerican history, its cosmetic and medicinal potential, and its link to permaculture and reforestation. Finally you’ll enjoy drinking the cacao and sharing a delicious traditional Guatemalan lunch.
After your cacao experience you will have free time. Options include exploring the villages of San Marcos or Tzununá. Your Retreat Leader will provide some options. As dusk descends, it’s time to gather up for another yoga session and come together for a thoughtfully prepared dinner before settling in for a restful evening.
Meals: B, L, D
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Another day in paradise begins with a yoga flow and delicious breakfast. We’ve left the rest of the day open for you to enjoy myriad options in the area, including hikes, water activities, and visits to local villages. Bustling San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz and Panajachel are all unique options to explore. You can also enjoy the onsite sauna at our retreat center. We’ll reconvene in the evening for our yoga session and another nourishing dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
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After renewing your mind and body with another morning yoga session and freshly prepared breakfast, you’ll some free time.
This afternoon we’ll have our finaw yoga flow together, followed by a special Sound Healing ceremony. Our Farewell Dinner tonight will be an opportunity to reflect on your experiences and what to bring forth into your life back home following this transformative week together.
Meals: B, L, D
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Today we say farewell to our beautiful retreat surroundings. The group will depart together for the 4-hour drive to Guatemala City, arriving at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) approximately 3 hours before the first flight. Plan your departure flight no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Everyone will be taken to the airport first, and if you’d like to stay longer in Guatemala City the driver can take you to an alternate destination in the city for an extra fee (please be sure to arrange in advance).
Meals: B
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You'll be paired with a roommate of the same gender unless you request your own room.
$2495 per person - double occupancy
+$395 - ‘My own room' option - private room with private bathroom
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Organized on site: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock-climbing, hiking, acro-yoga & more
FAQS
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Since this retreat is held several hours away from Guatemala’s main international airport, our transfer is with the whole group at once on arrival and departure day. So for this trip, most people do not add on extra days because that means you’d need to book a private transfer to and from the Lake Atitlán area. However, if you would like to do this we can certainly provide a custom quote for the add-on.
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While of course you're welcome to participate, you're welcome to hold back from the yoga sessions and just enjoy the cultural and adventure aspects of the trip - or sleep in if that’s what you need!
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Yes, absolutely! We take in any dietary restrictions prior to departure. You’ll have a wide selection of tasty garden to table cuisine throughout your stay. Our partners cater to visitors who eat gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions.
About your hosts
Michelle Fajkus is a writer, lifelong learner, yoga teacher, retreat leader, and creator of Yoga Freedom. She has been joyfully teaching yoga since 2002 and leading retreats since 2010. A left-handed Texan Gemini with Libra rising, she lives with her family on magical Lake Atitlan in Guatemala and works as a freelance writer, editor, translator, interpreter and yoga instructor.
Leti Alvarez began her yoga journey years ago and has remained deeply committed to living her yoga. She offers empowering, inspiring flows that encourage students to explore and connect with their deeper authentic self. Leti meets students exactly where they are and encourages them to embrace their own unique experiences. Leti loves yoga for all its transformative powers – physical and spiritual - and emphatically knows yoga is her “health insurance.” Leti has led other Traverse retreats in Mexico, Morocco and Guatemala.
ABOUT YOUR BRAND SPONSORS
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Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $200,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.
