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About this trip
**Scroll down to review your day-by-day itinerary**
Join us for this 10-day/9-night immersive program that integrates permaculture, sustainable living principles, and ecovillage design; curated to provide extensive hands-on learning and insightful journeys into ecological stewardship.
Hosted by Granja Tzikin in the picturesque village of Tzununa, this experience is a deep dive into the principles of permaculture, agroforestry, water conservation, and community building, culminating in transformative knowledge and practical skills for sustainable living.
Each day brings a new area of engagement:
- Day 1 // Welcome and Orientation: Traditional Mayan fire ceremony to set intentions, followed by an orientation session and dinner with locally sourced ingredients.
- Day 2 // Grow New Eyes: Train with an organic gardening class and farm tour before ending the day with a relaxing sauna.
- Day 3 // Water Day: Learn about the global water cycle and conservation projects, engage in practical activities like tree planting, and watch a documentary on the worldwide water crisis.
- Day 4 // Regenerative Health: Explore the relationship between healthy soils and human health, composting workshop, and food fermentation session.
- Day 5 // Community Building and Herbalism: Integral theory and community building class, a tour of local projects, and an herbalism workshop at Casa Curativa before enjoying a soothing sauna in the evening.
- Day 6 // The Mycelium Network: Introduction to mushroom growing, practical sessions on cultivation, making medicinal tinctures, and an integration circle.
- Day 7 // Coffee and Agroforestry: Visit a community coffee project, Casa Miels’ bee-keeping initiative, and an evening of reflection in an integration circle.
- Day 8 // Visit to Quixaya: Travel to Quixaya to explore their food forest, relax in natural spring-fed pools, and return to Tzununa for dinner and an integration circle.
- Day 9 // Relax and Integrate: Paddleboarding on Lake Atitlan, breakfast, and a closing ceremony to reflect on the journey.
This 10-day immersive program will give you detailed manuals and eBooks summarizing your learnings, along with new practical skills to help create a fully integrated ecovillage of your own. Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors are dedicated to sharing their extensive expertise in permaculture, regenerative skills, and sustainable living.
Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of ecological resilience and community at the Ecological Community Immersion Program.
More About Your Host, Granja Tzi'kin
Granja Tz’ikin provides a serene and enriching environment where guests can delve into the principles of permaculture and organic farming. Visitors can partake in farm tours, hands-on workshops, and community events, gaining valuable insights into sustainable practices. The on-site restaurant and bar offer a delightful array of meals created from locally produced organic ingredients, ensuring that every guest leaves with both their hearts and stomachs full.
Meet the Visionaries:
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Neal Hegarty:
Neal, a dedicated permaculture educator, brings years of experience in sustainable project management to Granja Tz’ikin. His passion lies in creating harmonious communities through ecological stewardship. Neal’s expertise and enthusiasm for teaching holistic land management practices have made him an invaluable mentor to both locals and visitors. -
Adriana Villalobos:
Adriana, a visionary in integrative health and wellness, plays a pivotal role in weaving holistic health practices into the fabric of Granja Tz’ikin. Her background in herbalism and community health initiatives contributes to the farm’s mission of nurturing both the land and its people. Adriana’s guidance ensures that every guest experiences a balance of physical well-being and connection to nature. -
Jeremy Fellows:
Jeremy, an expert in agroforestry and ecological design, complements the team with his vast knowledge of integrating diverse agricultural systems. His creative approach to sustainable design and deep understanding of ecological relationships pair perfectly with the farm's goals. Jeremy’s leadership in implementing innovative farming techniques ensures that Granja Tz’ikin remains at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices.
Granja Tz’ikin stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Under the stewardship of Neal, Adriana, and Jeremy, the farm continues to grow as a model for sustainable living and community resilience. Whether your visit is to learn, relax, or immerse yourself in nature’s bounty, Granja Tz’ikin offers a transformative experience for all who visit.
What’s included
- Accommodations9 nights of accommodations in Tzununa
- Private TransportAll domestic transportation is coordinated for guests. From airport pick up to drop off, you'll enjoy private transport throughout.
- Farm-to-Table MealsBreakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Workshop FeesAll access to 8-days of workshops led by the Granja Tzikin team and educational workshops with select surrounding organizations
- Bi-lingual HostA bi-lingual host will accompany the group throughout each day to ensure any needs or questions are met
- WhatsApp Group ChatGuests will be added to a group chat using the application WhatsApp, so they're able to receive all the important information needed before and during the tour
- Preparation EmailsLeading up to your departure date, you'll receive weekly emails to help you prepare for your trip including culture points, what to pack, what to expect each day, and more.
- Welcome GiftA surprise gift of local artisan goods that you will use throughout your trip; connecting you with local communities from day-one.
What’s not included
- AirfareInternational airfare is not included
- Trip InsuranceTrip insurance is required for all guests to attend
- Alcoholic beveragesAll alcoholic beverages are paid by consumption directly by guest
Available Packages
Accommodations are shared and we will pair 2 same-sex guests in rooms at Granja Tzi'kin
*If booking with a friend, please indicate who you are booking within the notes to your organizer while filling out the "Participant Info" section
Available Add-Ons
Leading up to your 10-day workshop, arrive in Antigua 2 days early to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your stay includes a hotel stay, transportation from the airport, some dining experiences, a walking tour of the town, and your choice of two of the following excursions:
- Half-day tour to a local Women's Weaving Cooperative
- Bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshop
- Local cooking class to learn about and make a local Guatemalan dish
- A walking tour learning about the cultural significance of artwork, artisan goods, and more
- A coffee cooperative visit to learn about bean-to-cup processing and the power of working together
Join us for the opportunity to connect with the most visited colonial city in Central America, Antigua. This charming city is known for its picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and rich history.
After your 10-day workshop concludes, take an 8-hour scenic drive to tropical Lanquin. There, you'll stay along the riverfront and take in the majestic views of the Alta Verapaz region.
During this 7-day immersive experience, we learn about cacao from bean-to-bar through hands-on workshops. Guests also meet cacao farmers on their fincas, study the effectiveness of cooperative models, and enjoy excursions in nature.
Your stay includes shared accommodations at the Tuqtuquilal ecohotel, private transportation to the hotel and Guatemala City, all dining experiences, and the following excursions:
- Full cacao tour and tree planting
- Riverside fire ceremony
- Traditional Mayan cooking class
- Sugar cane demo
- Marimba concert
- Day tour at Semuc Champey
This special add-on offers a memorable glimpse into the daily lives, traditions, and sustainable practices of those living throughout Lanquin. Don't miss out on this enriching and eye-opening experience. Join us today!