EDUCATION RETREAT | April 28-May 5, 2025

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Atitlán and the rich heritage of Mayan culture. Over the course of a week, deepen your yoga practice by exploring its ancient layers and discovering how the rituals and consistency of this timeless discipline can bring balance to our fast-paced modern lives. Savor nourishing, locally sourced cuisine, explore the serene lake, and connect with the sacred traditions of Mayan rituals and spirituality. This is more than a retreat—it’s a journey of self-discovery, connection, and cultural enrichment.

GUATEMALA

ROOTS AND RENEWAL

A Journey Through Yogic Traditions and Modern Wellness | April 28-May 5, 2025
In the heart of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán—Central America's deepest lake—is steeped in Mayan tradition and mysticism. Believed by the Mayans to be the center of the universe, its crystal-clear waters are encircled by three towering volcanoes and twelve unique villages, each alive with vibrant traditions and colorful dress. At 5,000 feet above sea level in the "land of eternal spring," the lake offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

Our retreat dives deep into both yoga and the rich heritage of this sacred land, offering dedicated yoga spaces for mindful practice alongside opportunities to explore the wisdom of ancient Mayan traditions. From holistic spa treatments to locally inspired cuisine, every detail of this eco-chic sanctuary is crafted to connect you with nature, culture, and self-discovery. Just three hours from Guatemala City Airport, this unforgettable experience awaits.

ABOUT LAKE ATITLAN

People sitting in a circle on yoga mats, meditating around a decorative mandala of flowers and candles on a wooden floor.

Lake Atitlán, located in the highlands of Guatemala, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and tranquil atmosphere make it truly special. Here’s what sets Lake Atitlán apart:

    • Surrounded by volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán), the lake offers dramatic vistas and a serene, mirror-like surface.

    • Its turquoise waters change hues with the sunlight, creating picture-perfect views at any time of day.

    • The surrounding lush hills and coffee plantations add to its allure.

    • Lake Atitlán is home to 12 Mayan villages, each with its own unique traditions, dialect, and style of dress. Villages like San Juan La Laguna are known for their art and weaving, while Santiago Atitlán has a rich spiritual heritage.

    • The people, primarily from the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Maya communities, preserve ancient traditions, including traditional farming, ceremonies, and craftsmanship.

  • The lake is a destination for yoga retreats, meditation, and spiritual healing. Many travelers seek the area for its tranquil energy and holistic experiences. Towns like San Marcos La Laguna are known as wellness havens with yoga centers, sound healing, and eco-retreats.

     

  • Often called “the place where the rainbow gets its colors,” Lake Atitlán has a magical and almost mythical atmosphere that has captivated travelers for centuries. Renowned writer Aldous Huxley famously compared it to Lake Como in Italy, calling Atitlán even more impressive.

    • Hiking: Ascend volcanoes or explore nearby trails with breathtaking lake views. Popular hikes include climbing Volcán San Pedro or Indian Nose for sunrise.

    • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the lake’s calm waters and hidden coves.

    • Diving: Discover submerged villages and volcanic formations beneath the lake’s surface.

    • Paragliding: Soar above the lake and take in the panoramic views. 

    • Panajachel: The main gateway to the lake, bustling with markets, restaurants, and shops.

    • San Marcos La Laguna: A haven for yoga and spiritual seekers.

    • Santa Cruz La Laguna: Known for its laid-back vibe and community projects.

    • San Juan La Laguna: Famous for its murals, art galleries, and traditional weaving cooperatives.

  • Lake Atitlán is committed to sustainable tourism, with many eco-lodges and initiatives to protect its environment. Visitors can support local projects like reforestation and sustainable farming.

  • Despite its world-class beauty, Lake Atitlán is relatively affordable compared to similar destinations, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

People participating in a relaxation or meditation session under a thatched-roof structure, lying on mats with blankets, surrounded by candles.
Group fitness class in a glass-walled room surrounded by trees

WHAT TO EXPECT

Two people sitting in a rustic wooden cabin, looking out large windows with a view of mountains and a sunny landscape. The cabin has two single beds and wooden beams on the ceiling, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Two people sitting in a rustic wooden cabin, looking out large windows with a view of mountains and a sunny landscape. The cabin has two single beds and wooden beams on the ceiling, creating a cozy atmosphere.

A group of people participating in a yoga or meditation session inside a spacious, wooden, thatched-roof building with natural light and greenery surrounding the space. They are seated in a circle on yoga mats.

A group of people participating in a yoga or meditation session inside a spacious, wooden, thatched-roof building with natural light and greenery surrounding the space. They are seated in a circle on yoga mats.

Person practicing yoga in a wooden studio with large windows overlooking mountains and trees.

Person practicing yoga in a wooden studio with large windows overlooking mountains and trees.

People lying on mats in a circle with a person playing a harp in the center, in a wooden-floor room with large windows.

People lying on mats in a circle with a person playing a harp in the center, in a wooden-floor room with large windows.

A group of people dining at a long wooden table on a covered outdoor patio, with meals and drinks. The setting is surrounded by greenery and the ambiance is casual and lively.

A group of people dining at a long wooden table on a covered outdoor patio, with meals and drinks. The setting is surrounded by greenery and the ambiance is casual and lively.

Person receiving a neck massage, with a focus on their relaxed face and the masseuse's hands.

Person receiving a neck massage, with a focus on their relaxed face and the masseuse's hands.

A woman playing a harp in a serene room with large windows. Several people are lying on mats, suggesting a relaxing or meditative session. The room has a natural and peaceful ambiance, with wooden floors and an outdoor view.

A woman playing a harp in a serene room with large windows. Several people are lying on mats, suggesting a relaxing or meditative session. The room has a natural and peaceful ambiance, with wooden floors and an outdoor view.

Group of people doing indoor yoga in a bamboo studio with large windows overlooking nature.

Group of people doing indoor yoga in a bamboo studio with large windows overlooking nature.

A group of people practicing yoga in a wooden studio, standing in a warrior pose on yoga mats. The space has a stone wall and natural sunlight, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Some yoga blocks and blankets are visible on the floor.

A group of people practicing yoga in a wooden studio, standing in a warrior pose on yoga mats. The space has a stone wall and natural sunlight, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Some yoga blocks and blankets are visible on the floor.

Rustic stone sauna with a wood-burning fire, surrounded by lush greenery.

Rustic stone sauna with a wood-burning fire, surrounded by lush greenery.

People lying on yoga mats in a circular wooden structure with a thatched roof, covered in blankets, surrounded by dim lighting and candles, in a peaceful setting.

People lying on yoga mats in a circular wooden structure with a thatched roof, covered in blankets, surrounded by dim lighting and candles, in a peaceful setting.

People lying on yoga mats under blankets in a tropical hut setting.

People lying on yoga mats under blankets in a tropical hut setting.

Outdoor relaxation space with wooden deck, thatched roof, and people resting on blankets around lit candles. A small pond is nearby.

Outdoor relaxation space with wooden deck, thatched roof, and people resting on blankets around lit candles. A small pond is nearby.

Group sitting around a fire pit during a ceremony indoors, with stone walls and decorative items.

Group sitting around a fire pit during a ceremony indoors, with stone walls and decorative items.

Rustic wooden porch with hammock and greenery

Rustic wooden porch with hammock and greenery

Stone pathway leading to a circular sandy area surrounded by lush greenery.

Stone pathway leading to a circular sandy area surrounded by lush greenery.

Interior of a geodesic dome with a neatly made bed, white bedding, and two green pillows, resting on a wooden floor.

Interior of a geodesic dome with a neatly made bed, white bedding, and two green pillows, resting on a wooden floor.

Outdoor structure with stone walls and thatched roofs surrounded by greenery in a forest setting.

Outdoor structure with stone walls and thatched roofs surrounded by greenery in a forest setting.

Cozy wooden bedroom with a bed, colorful pillows, a small table with a vase of flowers, and open shelves. Natural light filters through a window with patterned curtains.

Cozy wooden bedroom with a bed, colorful pillows, a small table with a vase of flowers, and open shelves. Natural light filters through a window with patterned curtains.

Wooden deck with two black chairs overlooking a lush green landscape, featuring potted plants and a stone wall.

Wooden deck with two black chairs overlooking a lush green landscape, featuring potted plants and a stone wall.

Plate with dip, bread slices, and flowers on wooden table

Plate with dip, bread slices, and flowers on wooden table

Wooden cabin in lush forest landscape with plants and trees surrounding it, featuring a peaked roof and a small balcony.

Wooden cabin in lush forest landscape with plants and trees surrounding it, featuring a peaked roof and a small balcony.

Aerial view of eco-friendly cabins with thatched and metal roofs surrounded by lush greenery and terraced gardens in a forested area.

Aerial view of eco-friendly cabins with thatched and metal roofs surrounded by lush greenery and terraced gardens in a forested area.

Outdoor seating area with wooden tables and cushioned benches on a wooden floor, surrounded by greenery and stone walls.

Outdoor seating area with wooden tables and cushioned benches on a wooden floor, surrounded by greenery and stone walls.

Shelves filled with rolled yoga mats and stacked foam blocks.

Shelves filled with rolled yoga mats and stacked foam blocks.

Outdoor stone shower with plants and natural decor

Outdoor stone shower with plants and natural decor

Outdoor pavilion with a thatched roof, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants, overlooking a forested landscape in the background.

Outdoor pavilion with a thatched roof, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants, overlooking a forested landscape in the background.

Wooden shelves with yoga mats, blankets, and woven baskets in a rustic setting.

Wooden shelves with yoga mats, blankets, and woven baskets in a rustic setting.

Thatched-roof pavilion with wooden deck, surrounded by tropical foliage, featuring bamboo supports and a small open area with shelves and items.

Thatched-roof pavilion with wooden deck, surrounded by tropical foliage, featuring bamboo supports and a small open area with shelves and items.

Rustic wooden hut surrounded by lush green foliage and moss-covered stone steps

Rustic wooden hut surrounded by lush green foliage and moss-covered stone steps

A scenic view of a mountain landscape at sunset, with bare tree branches in the foreground and a lake below.

A scenic view of a mountain landscape at sunset, with bare tree branches in the foreground and a lake below.

View of Lake Atitlan with mountains in the background and tree branches in the foreground.

View of Lake Atitlan with mountains in the background and tree branches in the foreground.

Scenic view of a mountain near a lake with lush green vegetation and orange flowers in the foreground.

Scenic view of a mountain near a lake with lush green vegetation and orange flowers in the foreground.

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:00 - 10:00 am | Morning practice

10:00 - 11:00 am | Breakfast

11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Daily Excursion

2:00 - 3:30 pm | Lunch

3:00 - 5:00 pm | Evening Practice

5:00 - 6:00 pm | Dinner

6:00 - 9:00 pm | FREE TIME  

HOW TO BOOK

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM

Select the room you'd like to book for this escape from the options below.

Rustic bedroom with two beds, wooden walls, stone floor, and two lamps on wooden nightstands.

Bungalow

The Bungalows are the perfect shared space for deep communal transformation. Looking out over the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes, these shared cabañas have terraces and hammocks to allow you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Cozy wooden cabin bedroom with a single bed, colorful pillows, and a small shelf with a vase of flowers. The room features a window with red-patterned curtains.

Private Forest Cabin

If you’re wanting privacy, the Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within.

Cozy bedroom with wooden beams, large windows offering a view of lush greenery and mountains, decorated with colorful pillows on a white comforter, and a small vase with flowers on a wooden shelf.

Sunrise Suite

With stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes, private rooms Sunrise Suites 1 & 2 are located under the Sol Shala. They are the perfect space to watch the sunrise from your terrace and take in the stillness and tranquility of the forest in the early morning. 

MEET YOUR TEACHERS

Smiling woman in a red tank top with long blonde hair standing outdoors.
Man performing yoga pose on wooden floor outdoors

Emilie Perz

Will Duprey

FAQs

What yoga styles are taught on retreat?

We offer two yoga classes a day on our yoga retreats: a morning Vinyasa flow class which is quite active and invigorating, and an inquisitive afternoon Heath class. Each class includes meditation and reflection.

Can I share a room with someone else?

We’d be happy to arrange this, although most people joining us on their own seem to like their own room. We normally put people in a shared room if they’re traveling together and request it specifically – friends, siblings, couples etc. However, if we do get requests from two people traveling on their own who would like to share, we can put you two in a shared room. Please contact us if this is your preference.

When should I arrive, and when should I plan to leave?

Plan to arrive at some point on the first day of the retreat (the first date mentioned in the dates listed on our website). Check in is 4 pm. We’ll have a group dinner that evening to meet everyone, and yoga classes will start the next morning. The last class will be in the morning on the last day of the retreat, and people will leave at some point on the next day depending on flights. Check-out is usually around 12noon.

What's not included?

Flights, taxi cabs, tips for tour excursions, housekeeping, chefs, and spa employees are not included. We also do not provide toiletries, espresso (though coffee is offered) and drinking water on site. These items can be paid for upfront to our butlers.

What’s the average size of a group?

There are normally 10-15 people on each yoga retreat. This can vary slightly by retreat and by date, but we tend to limit the number to 16 people.

Are yoga mats provided?

YES! All yoga mats and props will be provided at the retreat. However, feel free to bring your own if desired.

Are the yoga retreat destinations safe?

All our destinations are extremely safe, we are careful to pick locations that don’t present any threat, we would never organize a yoga retreat in a place we felt would present any danger. We constantly monitor the situation in all the countries we visit to make sure there is no danger

Where do I fly into?

Morning travel recommended. If you would like an escort service to Kawoq Forest once you arrive in the town of San Marcos, please arrange to take an 8-9am collective shuttle (Q100) from Antigua (or you can request a 9-10am private shuttle for Q800) in order to arrive with plenty of time. We are able to arrange an escort service up to Kawoq Forest from Circles Cafe 7 days a week.

What type of food will there be on retreat? I have a specific dietary need, will there be options?

This retreat offers two vegetarian meals daily (brunch and dinner) as well as an afternoon mid-day snack.

Delicious food is one of the highlights of our yoga retreats, and we make sure that all dietary needs and allergies are taken into consideration, as well as a gluten-free section.

Are flights included?

We have not included flights into the package since we have people joining from all over the world.

What is the Cancelation Policy?

If you, or any member of your party, cancel your travel arrangements at any time after deposit you will not be given a refund. Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements 100% of the payments will be forfeited.