**  SOLD OUT ** (Please contact us re future retreats ?)  Immerse yourself in the beauty and the cultural heritage of Guatemala. We are thrilled to be returning for our sixth retreat on the magnificent Lake Atitlán. This retreat also highlights the colorful Giant Kite Festival and the happy Día de los Muertos celebrations - two festive experiences of indigenous and Guatemala culture.

[[  June 2018: We were saddened by the suffering caused by the eruption of Volcán de Fuego. If you would like to contribute to helping people put their lives back together, one of the organizations recommended by our friends in Guatemala is Yo Me Uno, who are administered by UNICEF and who are collecting funds for those in need.  We are looking forward to returning to Guatemala in October, to contribute in our own way, through our yoga retreat. ]]

Guatemala Yoga Retreat - join Julie Murphy and Karen Pagano to celebrate the light within!

Become curious about taking your yoga beyond your mat, as you reconnect with the magic of life. Reveal an energized, more balanced you, as you rediscover the beauty of life and see yourself reflected in it.

Discover new sources of vitality and return home feeling vibrantly alive.

** WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE **

•  A full Yin Yoga Immersion, creating space within the connective tissues of the body and the mind

•  Yoga Nidra Awakening, setting your life on a vibrant course through the power of intention

•  Conscious Breath (Pranayama) to stoke your life force and burn away what no longer serves you 

•  Playful exploration, philosophical discussion, and embracing the universal heart within as you claim your rightful happiness

In between yoga time, let stress dissolve as you hike, swim, kayak, enjoy a spa treatment…or simply gaze at the ever-changing colors of the lake.

** ABOUT OUR ECO-RESORT ON THE LAKE**

Our retreat hideaway is safe and secluded, with no vehicles or traffic, at 5,100' above sea level in the highlands of Guatemala. We have chosen Lomas de Tzununá, with the most dramatically beautiful views we’ve seen on any of our many Lake Atitlán visits. Maria and Thiérry describe it as “A View with a Room” - and they’re right!

This family-run wellness resort is secluded and intimate, dedicated to providing the perfect sanctuary for a peaceful getaway. Thierry and Maria are also committed to the local community, working to improve literacy rates and increase opportunity for learning and earning.

All rooms have private bathrooms, and private balconies with spectacular views of the lake. 

If you’re reserving a double room, please confirm details of your roommate when making your reservation. We may be able to pair you up with a roommate — please ask us! 

** ABOUT OUR CULTURAL EXCURSIONS  **

Sumpango Giant Kite Festival: Experience a taste of Guatemalan culture as we visit this famous annual festival. Here, we’ll see giant kites made of cloth and paper that the local communities have been working on for months. This age-old practice has its roots in ancient Mayan culture, with intricate patterns and designs of religious and folklore themes. The kites convey  inspirational  messages of unity, love, faith, respect for traditions, and respect for Mother Earth.

Día de los Muertos Celebration: All Saints Day, also known as Day of the Dead, is the perfect mix of indigenous and Guatemala culture coming together. It is a day when Guatemalans remember and celebrate their deceased loved ones — but it’s far from a sad occasion. The festivities unfold in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy, demonstrating love and respect for passed family. We will enjoy this celebration with a local guide who will explain the traditions and meanings of the local festivities.

** PAYMENT DETAILS **

To secure your spot, please pay in full, as there are only 9 rooms available and this retreat fills up quickly. Payments can be made via bank transfer or by credit card on this WeTravel website..

All payments are non-refundable after March 31, 2018. In the event that you cannot attend the retreat and know of someone who can take your place, you may transfer the full amount of your fees paid to the third party, without penalty or additional fees, when the third party registers with us. 

** RETREAT TESTIMONIALS ** 

“Thanks a million, best time ever. Looking forward to our new adventure. But first, let me savor this one. Namasté.” – Céline C.  

“It was an amazing experience that I cannot explain to anyone. I feel so at peace. I can’t stop thinking about this trip and all the memories and all the special people. Namaste.” — Jojo F.

“What an adventure, many happy memories and life changes. Julie and Karen, thanks to you for creating such an amazing experience. Each of you is remarkable and together you are magic. Namaste’.” — Ruth M.

See more about our retreats here.

Awaken and celebrate the light within, beneath the watch of majestic volcanoes. We are excited to co-create this sacred journey with you!

All prices are per person and include: 

• 6 nights accommodation (4 on Lake Atitlán, 2 in the city of Antigua)

• Meals: all breakfasts, 4 dinners, 3 lunches 

• Daily yoga and meditation on the lake, with two different teachers

• All group transportation at set times (Guatemala City airport, the city of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, group excursions)

• 2 Cultural group excursions:

Annual Giant Kite Festival

Day of the Dead Celebrations

• Airfare

• Additional excursions, treatments or meals not listed

** Travel Arrangements **

Your group shuttle will meet you at Guatemala City airport. To be on our group transfers, please choose flights that arrive in Guatemala City no later than 12 noon on Wednesday, October 31 and depart no earlier than 12 noon on Tuesday, November 6. 

If you travel outside of these times you will need to make your own way, and we can arrange a private shuttle for you, at an additional cost.  Some people choose  to come earlier and/or leave later to do more exploring.

The group transfers we provide are:

10/31:  Guatemala City airport to Antigua

11/1:  Antigua to the excursions and to Lake Atitlán

11/5:  Lake Atitlán to Antigua

11/6:  Antigua to Guatemala City airport

OTHER QUESTIONS:

What will the weather be like?

Highs during the day can reach 80℉, and the evenings and early mornings can be a cool 60℉. It’s best to pack layers and something warm, as well as a rain poncho/jacket.  

Do I need a travel visa?

No visa required for US citizens, just a valid passport, with minimum six months validity on arrival in Guatemala. For non-US citizens, please check with your embassy if you require a visa.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, there is access to Wi-Fi. We understand you may want to be in touch with family/friends at home, but remember, this is also your chance to unplug and immerse yourself in nature!

Anything else?

Travel can be an adventure outside of our comfort zone. And it is through these adventures that we learn and grow. Please remember things will be different to how they are at home … which is exactly why we travel … so we ask you to bring an open mind, your sense of humor and a smile in your heart!

The connection between Julie and Karen as soul sisters elevates their teaching to a place of joy and delight, plus a fair bit of laughter. Individually, here’s more about us:

Karen Pagano is considered one of the pioneers of Yin Yoga in South Florida. She fell in love with yoga over 25 years ago and completed her 200-hour certification in Seattle, WA and Bali. Karen’s joyous delivery helps students to laugh at their quirks and celebrate their victories, on and off the mat. Her favorite yoga phrase is, "Come Om to yourself”, as yoga brings us back to the happy person that is our essence. This is Karen’s foundation of teaching in Yin, Hatha and Yoga of Sound. 

Julie Murphy discovered the joy of yoga in her home country, South Africa. Many Oms later, she completed her 200-hour certification in the US and began teaching in 2007. Her 500-hour studies took her to India for a deeper understanding of yoga. Julie is also editor of Today’s Yoga magazine and is well known for her soothing voice and Yoga Nidra recordings, enjoyed by thousands on Insight Timer. She is inspired by yoga as a way for anyone to reach their full potential—in body, mind and spirit.